Patent attributes
A method for mechanically capturing and removing a thrombus from a blood vessel includes contacting the thrombus with an inner catheter. A self-expanding body is advanced toward the thrombus, wherein the self-expanding body has a proximal end fixed to a distal end of an elongate catheter. The self-expanding body is preferably made from nickel-titanium and includes a tapered proximal end portion and an open distal end. The self-expanding body preferably has a mesh structure. The self-expanding body is allowed to self-expand in the blood vessel. At least a portion of the thrombus is captured by the self-expanding body and the captured thrombus is then retrieved into a lumen of an aspiration catheter. Negative pressure is applied through the lumen of the aspiration catheter during retrieval of the captured thrombus. A thrombolytic drug may be delivered into the blood vessel before capturing and removing the thrombus.
