Patent ID: 8585732
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A retrieval system for retrieving an embolic coil having a plurality of generally circumferential windings from a patient, comprising: an elongated flexible, non-expandable pusher having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a lumen extending therethrough; a retrieval element located at the distal end portion of the pusher, the retrieval element being made from a hypotube and including at least one orifice with a gripping member therewithin which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the gripping member projecting in a radial and outward direction from the at least one orifice of the retrieval element when the gripping member is in the extended position; said gripping member has a free end and a connected end that is connected to the retrieval element at the orifice, and a gripper at the free end; said gripping member is generally V-shaped, said gripping member having a first arm having the gripper, a second arm and a single elbow therebetween, said gripper having an axially oriented surface spaced radially outwardly from said elbow; said gripping member first arm is oriented radially inwardly in a direction away from the gripper at the free end and toward the elbow, said elbow connects the first arm to the second arm, said second arm is oriented radially outwardly in a direction away from the elbow, said second arm comprising the connected end and being connected to the retrieval element through a living hinge connection at a selected location along the orifice and only at said selected location, said gripping member being movable to cause the gripping member to move into the extended position; the hypotube retrieval element and the gripping member, which includes, in order, the living hinge connection, second arm, elbow, first arm, gripper and axially oriented surface at the free end, are integral with each other in that the gripping member is made by cutting out and bending a portion of the hypotube; a pushrod slidably located within the lumen of the pusher, said pushrod being longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position; and wherein movement of said pushrod from the first position to the second position places the pushrod into contact with the elbow portion of the generally V-shaped gripping member to cause the second arm of the gripping to bend at the living hinge connection, whereby the gripping member moves into the extended position and the gripper axially oriented surface engages and moves a winding of the embolic coil to a location spaced radially outwardly from the elbow whereby the winding of the embolic coil is spaced radially outwardly from an adjacent winding thereby snagging the embolic coil.