Patent ID: 6350271
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing clots from the vasculature of a patient, comprisinga tubular elongated catheter member having a tubular wall and an exterior surface; and at least one clot retrieval member connected to said elongated catheter member, said at least one clot retrieval member being movable between an initial compressed configuration to an expanded configuration extending outwardly from the elongated catheter member to trap and hold clots within the vessel, the elongated catheter member being adapted to be placed within a vessel of the patient when the at least one clot retrieval members is in the compressed configuration and removed from the vessel when the clot retrieval member is in the expanded configuration, whereby clots trapped by the clot retrieval member can be withdrawn from the vessel, said at least one clot retrieval member comprising a plurality of ridges and valleys defined in said tubular wall, said plurality of ridges and valleys being movable between an initial compressed configuration in which said ridges and valleys are substantially contiguous with the external surface of the elongated catheter member, and an expanded configuration wherein said ridges extend outwardly from the elongated catheter member to trap and hold clots within the vessel, the elongated catheter member being adapted to be placed within a vessel of the patient when the plurality of ridges and valleys are in the compressed configuration and removed from the vessel when the ridges and valleys are in the expanded configuration, whereby clots trapped by the ridges and valleys can be withdrawn from the vessel, and wherein said ridges and valleys are formed from a shape memory material.