Patent ID: 6692504
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing clots from the vasculature of a patient, comprising:an elongated, catheter member with a tubular wall having a surface defining a plurality of clot retrieval tab members, said plurality of clot retrieval tab members being formed from a shape memory material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) above body temperature, the plurality of clot retrieval tab members being connected to said elongated catheter member, said clot retrieval tab members being movable from an initial compressed configuration to an expanded configuration extending outwardly from the elongated catheter member to trap and hold clots within the vessel, wherein said clot retrieval tab members are initially compressed axially to extend substantially contiguously with the surface of the tubular wall, the elongated catheter member being adapted to be placed within a vessel of the patient when the clot retrieval tab members are in the compressed configuration and removed from the vessel when the clot retrieval tab members are in the expanded configuration, whereby clots trapped by the clot retrieval tab members can be withdrawn from the vessel.