Patent ID: 8052640

Claim:
A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel, the method comprising the steps of: providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices, the expandable member having a proximal member end and a distal member end spaced longitudinally apart by a tubular member body, the expandable member being substantially closed at the distal member end; inserting the expandable member into the blood vessel; positioning the expandable member within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction; expanding the expandable member to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction; exerting an outward radial force on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction; passing the at least one fragment through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction; and selectively retaining the at least one fragment within the expandable member.