Patent ID: 6527791
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for capturing emboli produced by a balloon angioplasty procedure, comprising:an elongate, hollow guide wire having a first flexible, coiled, outer structure; an elongate inner rod slideably disposed within said first flexible, coiled outer structure; a plurality of jointed members secured to a distal end of said first, flexible coiled outer structure; said plurality of jointed members being formed of a preselected material different than the material of said hollow guide wire; a second flexible, coiled outer structure secured to a distal end of said jointed members; said inner rod being secured to said distal end of said jointed members; said jointed members having a position of repose where they are substantially flush with said first and second coiled outer structures; each jointed member of said plurality of jointed members having a proximal joint, a distal joint that is longitudinally spaced apart from said proximal joint, and a middle joint that is substantially half-way between said proximal and distal joints; said jointed members having a deployed configuration where each middle joint is displaced radially outwardly, with respect to a longitudinal axis of said coiled outer structure, when each distal joint is displaced toward its associated proximal joint; first positive displacement means for selectively displacing each of said distal joints toward their respective proximal joints; second positive displacement means for selectively displacing each of said distal joints away from their respective proximal joints; a mesh structure of flexible and resilient construction, a first end of said mesh structure being secured to said second coiled outer structure at a location adjacent said jointed members; said jointed members being at least partially ensleeved by said mesh structure; a second end of said mesh structure being enlarged in diameter when said middle joints are displaced radially outwardly; said mesh structure allowing blood to flow therethrough; said mesh structure capturing and retaining emboli produced by a balloon angioplasty procedure when said middle joints are displaced radially outwardly; and said mesh structure returning to said position of repose when said middle joints are displaced radially inwardly.