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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
 providing an obstruction removing element having an elongate element, the elongate element forming a plurality of expandable structures along an obstruction engaging portion, the plurality of structures being movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, the plurality of structures being formed by the elongate element with adjacent structures being formed so that adjacent structures are wound in opposite directions;   positioning the obstruction removing element in the collapsed position;   advancing the obstruction removing element into an obstruction; and   permitting the obstruction engaging element to expand after the advancing step so that the plurality of structures move toward the expanded position and engage the obstruction.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the advancing step is carried out with the obstruction removing element being positioned within a catheter.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the discrete structures each forming a loop structure.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the loop structure being circular.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the providing step is carried out with the elongate element extending to a free end, the plurality of structures being formed by sections of the elongate element.   
     
     
         6 . A device for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising:
 a delivery catheter;   an obstruction removing element contained within the delivery catheter, the element being movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, the obstruction removing element having a wire which extends to a free end, the obstruction removing element forming a plurality of structures when in the expanded position, the delivery catheter holding the element in the collapsed position, the plurality of structures being formed by the elongate element with adjacent structures being wound in opposite directions when viewed along the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the discrete structures each form a loop structure.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the discrete structures form loop structure which are circular.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the elongate element extends to a free end, the plurality of structures being formed by sections of the elongate element.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the plurality of structures are formed by a continuous length of the elongate element.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the plurality of structures are separated by substantially straight sections of the elongate element.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the plurality of structures are formed continuously one after the other by the elongate element.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the expandable structures wind 315 to 405 degrees when viewed along the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
         14 - 28 . (canceled)