Embolus removal apparatus and methods

An embolus removal apparatus comprising:

• a delivery catheter defining a delivery catheter lumen;
• an embolus collection basket, coupled to a basket shaft which extends through the delivery catheter lumen, the embolus collection basket comprising porous walls that define a collection basket cavity, extending between an embolus deposit opening and a permanently closed end;
• a retrieval shaft axially extendable through the embolus collection basket, the retrieval shaft comprising a main retrieval shaft body and distal portion;
• and
• wherein the retrieval shaft is axially movable relative to the basket shaft and is not affixed to the embolus collection basket,
• wherein the basket shaft is axially movable relative to the delivery catheter,
• wherein the collection basket is configured to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state;
• wherein the retrieval shaft is movable between a first position of its distal portion distal to the collection basket cavity to a second position of its distal portion inside the collection basket cavity;
• and
• wherein the retrieval shaft is configured to apply suction force through its distal portion, so as to maintain engagement between an embolus and the distal portion of the retrieval shaft during axial translation of the distal portion.

A method for removing at least one embolus from at least one blood vessel, the method comprising:

• advancing a delivery catheter of an embolus removal apparatus towards a site of treatment which includes an embolus;
• exposing an embolus collection basket out of the delivery catheter;
• expanding the embolus collection basket distally to the delivery catheter;
• extending a retrieval shaft through the embolus collection basket and towards the embolus;
• capturing the embolus by applying suction force through the retrieval shaft configured to maintain engagement between the embolus and the distal portion of the retrieval shaft;
• guiding the retrieval shaft with the embolus towards and into a collection basket cavity of the collection basket through an embolus deposit opening;
• cinching the embolus deposit opening to a size smaller than that of the embolus;
• and
• retrieving the embolus removal apparatus.