Embolic basket

Abstract

An intravascular basket device for use in capturing either naturally occurring or foreign debris found in blood vessels or other regions of the body. The basket device is fabricated from a tube and includes a mid-section having at least one ring configured in an alternating V-pattern. The basket device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.

1 - 37 . (canceled)  
   
   
       38 . A medical device for treating vasculature of a patient, comprising: 
 an elongate member, the elongate member having a first end portion and a second end portion and including a portion which tapers from a first transverse dimension to a second transverse dimension; and    a filter body, the filter body attached to the second end portion of the elongate member.    
   
   
       39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the elongate member tapers in a direction from the first end portion to the second end portion.  
   
   
       40 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the elongate member includes a tapered portion, the tapered portion characterized by a gradual taper.  
   
   
       41 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the elongate member includes a tapered portion, the tapered portion characterized by a step-taper.  
   
   
       42 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the elongate member includes a tapered portion, the tapered portion characterized by a non-linear taper.  
   
   
       43 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the elongate member includes a tapered portion, the tapered portion characterized by a parabolic taper.  
   
   
       44 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the filter body includes a tab.  
   
   
       45 . The device of  claim 44 , further comprising a coil attaching the tab to the elongate member.  
   
   
       46 . The device of  claim 44 , further comprising a first coil and a second coil each attaching the tab to the elongate member.  
   
   
       47 . The device of  claim 46 , wherein the first coil is formed from 304V stainless steel.  
   
   
       48 . The device of  claim 47 , when the second coil is formed from a platinum alloy.  
   
   
       49 . The device of  claim 48 , wherein the first and second coils are positioned longitudinally adjacent each other.  
   
   
       50 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the filter body includes a distal tip portion.  
   
   
       51 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein the distal tip portion includes an inner coil and an outer coil.  
   
   
       52 . The device of  claim 51 , wherein the inner and outer coils are coaxially arranged.  
   
   
       53 . The device of  claim 52 , wherein the inner coil is formed from nitinol and the outer coil is formed from a platinum alloy.  
   
   
       54 . The device of  claim 53 , wherein the inner and outer coils have different longitudinal dimensions.  
   
   
       55 . The device of  claim 52 , wherein the distal tip portion includes a rounded terminal end formed from a soldered joint.