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 system for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, the system comprising:
 a catheter having a lumen in communication with a distal opening of the catheter, wherein the distal opening of the catheter is configured to engage an obstruction in the blood vessel when the catheter is positioned in the blood vessel with a vacuum source placed in fluid communication with the catheter lumen; and   a tubular everting element having a first end secured to a distal portion of the catheter proximal of the distal opening and a second end proximal to the first end when the everting element is in a non-everted configuration surrounding the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the everting element is configured to evert distally and thereby cover an obstruction engaged with the distal opening of the catheter.   
     
     
         2 . The obstruction removal system of  claim 1 , wherein the everting element comprises a flexible tubular structure, or a polymeric sleeve. 
     
     
         3 . The obstruction removal system of  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the everting element is distal to the first end when the everting element is in an everted configuration. 
     
     
         4 . A method for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, the method comprising:
 positioning catheter within the blood vessel so that a distal opening of the catheter is positioned adjacent the obstruction;   placing a vacuum source in fluid communication with the distal opening of the catheter to thereby cause the obstruction to engage the distal opening of the catheter; and   covering the obstruction with a tubular everting element, the everting element having a first end secured to a distal portion of the catheter proximal of the distal opening and a second end proximal to the first end when the everting element is in a non-everted configuration surrounding the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the everting element is configured to evert distally to cover the obstruction.   
     
     
         5 . The obstruction removal method of  claim 4 , wherein the everting element comprises a flexible tubular structure, or a polymeric sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The obstruction removal method of  claim 5 , wherein the second end of the everting element is distal to the first end when the everting element is in an everted configuration.