Patent ID: 6599304
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An intravascular tissue expanding catheter, comprising: a tubular catheter shaft defining a central axis;a housing coupled about a distal end of the catheter shaft so as to be distributed substantially uniformly about the central axis, wherein the housing is formed of a unitary piece of material having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein at least one slit in the housing forms at least one deflecting member having an actuatable distal most tip that is moveable in a substantially lateral direction away from the central axis of the catheter shaft when actuated, and a base defined by a proximal termination of the at least one slit, wherein, in an unactuated configuration, the distal most tip is disposed substantially close to the central axis; and an actuation assembly positioned along the catheter shaft, the actuation assembly including an expandable element positioned within the housing and at least one inflation conduit coupled to the expandable element, wherein the expandable element expands against the at least one deflecting member so as to cause the at least one deflecting member to disrupt an intravascular occlusion.