Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel

Abstract

Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
   
   
       29 . A method of removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
 providing an obstruction engaging element and a catheter having an interlocking structure, the obstruction engaging element being movable from a position within the catheter to a position outside the catheter;   advancing the catheter into an obstruction;   withdrawing the catheter after the advancing step so that the interlocking structure remains within the obstruction; and   moving the element so that the element becomes entangled with the obstruction and the interlocking structure.   
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the interlocking structure being a loose, flexible structure;   the withdrawing step being carried out with the loose, flexible interlocking structure being held by the obstruction so that the loose, flexible structure remains within the obstruction.   
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein:
 the advancing step is carried out with the interlocking structure being a loose, flexible structure which lies loosely against an outer wall of the catheter.   
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the flexible structure including at least one filament.   
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the filament forming at least one closed loop.   
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the interlocking structure including at least four closed loops.   
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with a plurality of closed loops having different sizes.   
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the filament having at least one radiopaque material attached thereto.   
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the radiopaque material being formed as discrete beads, tubes or coils on the filament.   
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein:
 the moving step is carried out by moving the element proximally into engagement with the obstruction after the withdrawing step.   
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the obstruction engaging element being naturally biased to an expanded position.   
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the obstruction engaging element extending through a lumen in the catheter.   
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein:
 the moving step is carried out by permitting the obstruction engaging element to expand.   
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein:
 the moving step is carried out by rotating the obstruction engaging element so that the element becomes entangled with the interlocking structure.   
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising the step of:
 exposing part of the obstruction engaging element before completing the withdrawing step.   
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein:
 the exposing step is carried out before beginning the withdrawing step.   
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the interlocking structure being a tube of material.   
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the tube having a plurality of slots therein.   
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein:
 the moving step is carried out with the element extending into the slots in the tube.   
   
   
       48 - 80 . (canceled)