Patent ID: 6206868
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A method for removing emboli from a vessel during treatment of a stenosis, the method comprising:providing an emboli removal catheter having proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therethrough, an occlusion element disposed on the distal end, and a suction device coupled to the lumen;providing an angioplasty catheter having a balloon;inserting the distal end of the emboli removal catheter transluminally to a position proximal to the stenosis;deploying the occlusion element to occlude antegrade flow through the vessel;actuating the suction device to induce reverse flow in the vessel;while flow is reversed in the vessel, advancing the balloon of the angioplasty catheter across the stenosis;actuating the balloon of the angioplasty catheter to dilate the stenosis; andwhen the balloon of the angioplasty catheter is deflated, actuating the suction device to induce regional reversal of flow in the vessel to remove emboli generated by actuating the balloon.