Patent ID: 6090115
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for removing a stent from a corporal duct of a patient which comprises the steps of:(a) advancing a stent removal system, which comprises a first catheter having distal and proximal ends and defining two or more longitudinally extending lumens, a snare means consisting of a loop member and at least one longitudinally extending pull wire, the loop member being positioned distal to the distal end of the first catheter and the at least one pull wire extending proximally through lumens in the first catheter to a point proximal to the proximal end of the first catheter, within a second catheter positioned within the corporal duct to a point proximal to the proximal end of a stent having a proximally extending member,(b) advancing the loop member of said stent removal system distally to a position distal to the proximal end of the stent,(c) causing the loop member to engage the proximally extending member of the stent,(d) pulling the at least one pull wire proximally to cause the proximal end of the stent to be adjacent the distal end of the catheter,(e) pulling the stent removal system proximally within the second catheter to cause the stent to move proximally within the second catheter at least far enough that the stent is no longer pressing against the inner wall of the corporal duct, and(f) pulling the stent removal system and the second catheter together in the proximal direction to remove them from the patient.