Clot retrieval devices

A clot retrieval device comprising:

• —
• an elongate member, a first clot engaging element and a second clot engaging element, the first clot engaging element distal of the second clot engaging element,
• the clot engaging elements being self expandable and having a sheathed delivery configuration, a deployed configuration and a fully expanded configuration;
• and
• at least one release element for biasing the clot engaging elements in the deployed configuration;
• activation of the at least one release element allowing the clot engaging elements to expand into the fully expanded configuration.

A method for retrieval of a clot comprising the steps of:

• —
• providing a clot retrieval device the clot retrieval device comprising an elongate member and a plurality of clot engaging elements at a distal end of the elongate member, the clot engaging elements having a retracted configuration, a partially expanded configuration and an expanded configuration;
• providing a biasing element for limiting the expansion of the clot engaging elements;
• advancing a microcatheter across a clot;
• advancing the elongate member with the clot engaging elements in a retracted configuration through the microcatheter so that at least some of the clot engaging elements are distal of the clot;
• retracting the microcatheter so as to unsheath at least one clot engaging element;
• activating the biasing element so as to trigger the expansion of at least one of said clot engagement elements to the expanded configuration;
• and
• retracting the clot retrieval device and the clot into a proximal retrieval element.