US Patent 7559934 Beaded basket retrieval device

A medical retrieval device, and related method, for removing material (such as calculi and stones) from the body of a patient has the ability to capture and readily release material. The retrieval device includes a basket having at least one loop with first and second ends including a plurality of bead elements. The first end of the loop is immovable and the second end of the loop is slideably movable.