Methods and Devices for Removal of a Medical Agent from a Physiological Efferent Fluid Collection Site

Abstract

Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological site, e.g., a physiological efferent fluid collection site, are provided. Aspects of the invention include fluid removal (e.g., aspiration) devices having a fluid removal element and a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of the fluid removal element. The flow modulator is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into the fluid removal element. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A system for selectively removing an agent from a physiological efferent fluid collection site, said system comprising:
 (a) an aspiration element;   (b) a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of said aspiration element and that is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into said aspiration element;   (c) an aspiration mechanism operatively connected to said aspiration element;   (d) an actuation controller element for controlling actuation of said aspiration mechanism.   
     
     
         30 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said flow modulator comprises an expandable frame of two or more longitudinal elements. 
     
     
         31 . The system according to  claim 30 , wherein said flow modulator further comprises an impermeable membrane positioned between said two or more longitudinal elements. 
     
     
         32 . The system according to  claim 31 , wherein said impermeable membrane is configured to produce an asymmetric fluid barrier upon expansion of said expandable frame. 
     
     
         33 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said aspiration element and flow modulator are configured so that fluid flows past said aspiration element when said aspiration element is not activated. 
     
     
         34 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein said flow modulator comprises a flow outlet positioned downstream of said flow modulator. 
     
     
         35 . The system according to  claim 34 , wherein said flow outlet is configured to allow bidirectional fluid flow. 
     
     
         36 . The system according to  claim 34 , wherein said flow outlet is configured to allow unidirectional fluid flow. 
     
     
         37 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said system further comprises a hemodynamic sensor. 
     
     
         38 . The system according to  claim 37 , wherein said sensor is coupled to said flow modulator. 
     
     
         39 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said system further comprises a detector for at least predicting the presence of said agent in said physiological efferent fluid collection site. 
     
     
         40 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein said detector comprises a detection element that is introduced into said efferent fluid collection site through said aspiration element. 
     
     
         41 . The system according to  claim 40 , wherein said system further comprises a positioning mechanism for positioning said detection element in said efferent fluid collection site. 
     
     
         42 . The system according to  claim 41 , wherein said positioning mechanism is operatively coupled to said flow modulator. 
     
     
         43 . The system according to  claim 41 , wherein said positioning mechanism is operatively coupled to said aspiration element. 
     
     
         44 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein said detector is a fiber optic detector. 
     
     
         45 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said aspiration element is present in an elongated tubular structure. 
     
     
         46 . The system according to  claim 45 , wherein said elongated tubular structure is a catheter device. 
     
     
         47 . An aspiration device for selectively removing an agent from a physiological efferent fluid collection site, said device comprising:
 (a) an aspiration element; and   (b) a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of said aspiration element and that is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into said aspiration lumen.   
     
     
         48 - 56 . (canceled) 
     
     
         57 . A kit for selectively removing an agent from a physiological efferent fluid collection site, said kit comprising:
 (a) an aspiration device for selectively removing an agent from a physiological efferent fluid collection site, said device comprising:
 (i) an aspiration element; and 
 (ii) a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of said aspiration element and that is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into said aspiration lumen; and 
   ructions for practicing the method of claim  1 .   
     
     
         58 - 60 . (canceled)