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

Abstract

A system for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel includes an obstruction engaging element and an expandable capture element. The capture element preferably has a flexible cover and an expandable support structure. The engaging element engages the obstruction and moves the obstruction into the capture element. The capture element protects the obstruction when the obstruction is moved into the catheter.

1 . A method of removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
 providing a obstruction engaging element having a collapsed position and an expanded position, the obstruction engaging element having at least one filament, the filament being in a substantially straight configuration when collapsed;   advancing the obstruction engaging element through a patient's vascular system to an obstruction with the obstruction engaging element in the collapsed position; and   engaging the obstruction with the obstruction engaging element, the filament engaging the obstruction with a shape which extends from a proximal end toward a distal end, turns back toward the proximal end and again turns back and extends toward the distal end.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the engaging step is carried out with the filament being naturally biased into the shape.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the distal end being a free end and the obstruction engaging element consisting essentially of one filament.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the engaging step is carried out by manipulating the obstruction engaging element to form the shape.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the manipulating step is carried out with the obstruction engaging element being rotated in at least one direction to form the shape, wherein at least part of the element prolapses.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the manipulating step is carried out with the element having coils which prolapse over other coils.   
     
     
         7 . A device for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising:
 a delivery element having a lumen; and   an obstruction engaging element positioned in the lumen, the obstruction engaging element having a filament which has a collapsed position and an expanded position, the filament being in a substantially straight configuration when collapsed within the lumen of the delivery element, the filament being movable to a shape which extends from a proximal end toward a distal end, turns back toward the proximal end and again turns back and extends toward the distal end.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the filament is naturally biased into the shape.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the distal end of the filament is a free end and the obstruction engaging element has only one filament.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the obstruction engaging element forms the shape by manipulating the obstruction engaging element.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the obstruction engaging element is rotated to form the shape.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the obstruction engaging element is rotated so that coils prolapse over other coils.   
     
     
         13 . A method of removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
 providing a obstruction engaging element having a collapsed position and an expanded position, the obstruction engaging element having at least one filament which is coated with fibrin;   advancing the obstruction engaging element through a patient's vascular system to an obstruction with the obstruction engaging element in the collapsed position;   positioning the obstruction engaging element to engage the obstruction; and   removing the obstruction with the obstruction engaging element.   
     
     
         14 . A device for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising:
 a delivery element having a lumen; and   a obstruction engaging element having a collapsed position and an expanded position, the obstruction engaging element having at least one filament which is coated with fibrin, the obstruction engaging element being contained within the lumen of the delivery element.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 ,
 the obstruction engaging element is in a substantially straightened configuration when collapsed.   
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the obstruction engaging element has a filament.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the obstruction engaging element has only one filament which extends to a free end.   
     
     
         18 . A method of removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
 providing a capture element and an obstruction engaging element;   moving the obstruction with the obstruction engaging element into the capture element, wherein the capture element has an inverting portion which inverts when the obstruction is moved into the capture element; and   removing the obstruction from the patient.   
     
     
         19 - 65 . (canceled)