Methods for removing clot material from within a body

A method of removing a clot material from within a body, the method comprising:

• advancing a catheter through a vessel of the body;
• sensing, using one or more impedance sensors on a distal end region of the catheter, that a preexisting clot material is within an extraction zone that is external and adjacent to a clot removal orifice on the distal end region of the catheter, wherein the one or more impedance sensors comprises one or more electrodes in contact with the clot removal orifice;
• and
• applying suction to draw the clot material into the catheter through the clot removal orifice after sensing the preexisting clot material within the extraction zone.

A method of removing a clot material from within a body, the method comprising:

• advancing a catheter through a vessel of the body;
• sensing, using one or more impedance sensors on a distal end region of the catheter, that a preexisting clot material is within an extraction zone extending externally 0-5 cm from a clot removal orifice on the distal end region of the catheter, wherein the one or more impedance sensors comprises one or more electrodes in contact with the clot removal orifice;
• and
• applying suction to draw the clot material into the catheter through the clot removal orifice after sensing the preexisting clot material within the extraction zone.