Patent ID: 7727254
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of removing a heart valve stenosis, comprising: inserting and then positioning a filter catheter in a vessel section downstream of a heart valve and against the direction of flow of the blood, wherein the filter catheter has at its distal end a radial filter; pushing the radial filter out of the filter catheter and radially unfolding the radial filter to fit against the vessel wall and closing a catheter lumen of the filter catheter to direct blood through the filter, the catheter lumen being closed with a valve located at a proximal end of the filter catheter; inserting and positioning a balloon catheter in the area of the heart valve through the catheter lumen and the valve of the filter catheter; and after the unfolding of the filter, inflating a balloon of the balloon catheter in an area of the heart valve to remove the heart valve stenosis, while collecting released debris and plaque with the filter; wherein the catheter lumen has a diameter of approximately 4 to 7 millimeters (mm).