Methods and systems for performing thrombectomy procedures

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are provided for performing intra-lumenal medical procedures in a desired area of the body. Thrombectomy systems and methods of performing medical procedures to re-establish the intravascular flow of blood are provided for the treatment of ischemic disease states.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A thrombus removal system for use within the vasculature of a mammal comprising:
 an elongate tubular flexible member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough;   a balloon member having proximal and distal ends, a longitudinally extending portion and a radially expanding retrieval portion where said proximal end of said balloon member is secured to the distal end of said flexible member,   an elongate flexible tether member slidably positioned within the lumen of said flexible member and having proximal and distal ends wherein the distal end of said tether member is coupled to the distal end of said balloon member,   said balloon member being operable by fluid pressure between a first configuration where said balloon member is collapsed and the distal end of said balloon member is everted and positioned within the lumen of said flexible member proximal to the proximal end of said balloon member and a second configuration where said balloon member is inflated and the distal end of said balloon member extends distal to the distal end of said flexible member.   
     
     
         2 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein said retrieval portion is positioned distal to said extending portion. 
     
     
         3 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein said balloon member includes a non-compliant material. 
     
     
         4 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein said balloon member includes a compliant material. 
     
     
         5 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein said balloon member comprises a metallic thin film. 
     
     
         6 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of said extending portion is smaller than the diameter of said flexible member. 
     
     
         7 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of said extending portion is larger than the diameter of said flexible member. 
     
     
         8 . The thrombus removal system of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of said retrieval portion is larger than the diameter of said extending portion.