Patent ID: 8506512

Claim:
A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel, the method comprising: maneuvering, to a site of interest, a first cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, such that the distal end of the first cannula is positioned at the site of interest to capture an undesirable material; directing a balloon catheter having a balloon at its distal end toward the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the distal end of the first cannula; providing a suction force, on the undesirable material, through the distal end of the first cannula; and manipulating the balloon, by inflating the balloon to occlude a flow of fluid in the vessel and deflating the balloon to allow a flow of fluid in the vessel in order to create a flushing action within the vessel, so as to impart a force onto the undesirable material in order to dislodge the undesirable material from the vessel for subsequent capture through the distal end of the first cannula.