Patent ID: 6582396
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
Apparatus for removing emboli during an angioplasty or stenting procedure, the apparatus comprising:a guide wire having proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween; an inflation port coupled to the proximal end of the guide wire in communication with the guide wire lumen; an inflatable member disposed on the distal end of the guide wire in communication with the guide wire lumen; means for reducing the risk of puncturing the inflatable member disposed on the guide wire; a catheter having proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therethrough, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, the catheter adapted to be disposed in a patient's carotid artery, the guide wire and inflatable member configured to pass through the lumen; an occlusion element disposed on the distal end of the catheter and having an opening that communicates with the lumen, the occlusion element having a contracted state suitable for transluminal insertion and an expanded state wherein the occlusion element occludes antegrade flow in the artery; a venous return catheter having proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therethrough, and a blood inlet port in communication with the lumen; and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port.