Patent ID: 7998165

Claim:
A method for removing clots from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a clot pulling device including a first spine having a proximal end, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, a pushing member coupled to the proximal end of the first spine and extending proximally therefrom, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the first and second spines; providing a catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; advancing the catheter through a blood vessel to a location adjacent an area of interest; advancing the clot pulling device through the lumen of the catheter to a position distally of the area of interest; expanding the basket; entrapping a clot within the basket; advancing the catheter through a blood vessel to a location adjacent an area of interest includes disposing the clot pulling device in the lumen and advancing the catheter and the clot pulling device through the blood vessel; and advancing the clot pulling device through the lumen of the catheter to a position distally of the area of interest includes pushing the clot pulling device in the distal direction with the pushing member.