Apparatus and method for removing occlusive material within blood vessels

A method for treating an occlusive region of a patient's vasculature using a tubular member comprising proximal and distal ends, and a distal portion comprising a first lumen therein, the first lumen comprising an end port at or adjacent i the distal end and a first side port located proximally to the end port, the tubular member further comprising a second lumen extending from the proximal end to a second side port located proximally to the first side port, and an expandable member between the first and second side ports, the method comprising:

• placing a guidewire through a patient's vasculature to an occlusive region to be treated;
• backloading the guidewire through the first lumen, around the expandable member, and through the second lumen;
• advancing the distal portion of the tubular member over the guidewire to the occlusive region;
• expanding the expandable member on the tubular member to at least partially isolate the occlusive region;
• advancing a treatment element into the occlusive region in cooperation with the tubular member;
• and
• treating the occlusive region.

A method for treating an occlusive region of a patient's vasculature using a tubular member comprising proximal and distal ends, a lumen therein extending from the proximal end to a side port in the distal portion, an expandable member on the distal portion between the side port and the distal end, and a loop on the distal end, the method comprising:

• placing a guidewire through a patient's vasculature to an occlusive region to be treated;
• backloading the guidewire through the loop, around the expandable member, and through the lumen;
• advancing the distal portion of the tubular member over the guidewire to the occlusive region;
• expanding the expandable member on the tubular member to at least partially isolate the occlusive region;
• removing the guidewire from the lumen;
• advancing a treatment element through the lumen into the distal portion;
• and
• treating the occlusive region using the treatment element.