Methods and apparatus for emboli removal
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorsJan Weber, Tracee Eidenschink, David Sogard, Joel WasDyke, Thomas Holman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a position exterior to the blood vessel.
Claims25
A method of removing emboli from a blood vessel, the blood vessel including a vessel wall defining an interior of the blood vessel with blood flowing therethrough, the method comprising steps of:
- providing a pocket exterior to the blood vessel but in fluid communication with the interior of the blood vessel;
- and
- diverting a portion of the blood flow such that emboli within the blood flow are carried into the pocket.
A method of removing emboli from a blood vessel comprising a lumen, the method comprising steps of:
- positioning a filter within the lumen of the blood vessel, the filter including an open end positioned upstream and a tapered end positioned downstream, the tapered end in fluid communication with a tube leading to a position exterior to the blood vessel;
- capturing emboli within the filter;
- and
- passing the captured emboli through the tube to a position exterior to the blood vessel.
An intravascular filter, comprising:
- an open end that is adapted to fit within a blood vessel;
- a tapered end;
- a valve positioned at the tapered end;
- and
- a tube in fluid communication with the tapered end.
A method of removing emboli from a blood vessel, the blood vessel including a vessel wall defining an interior of the blood vessel with blood flowing therethrough, the method comprising steps of:
- providing an external port exterior to the blood vessel but in fluid communication with the interior of the blood vessel;
- providing a one-way valve permitting flow into the external port from the blood vessel interior but not permitting flow from the external port into the blood vessel;
- and
- permitting via a temporal blood pressure increase blood flow through the one-way valve such that emboli within the blood flow are carried into the external port.
A method of removing emboli from a vein transporting blood back from a patient's leg, comprising steps of:
- positioning a filter within the vein;
- capturing emboli within the filter;
- and
- shunting the captured emboli into an artery carrying blood into the leg, so that the captured emboli will be trapped within the patient's feet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.