Chronic total occlusion (CTO) removal device

Claim 2

1 . An occlusion treatment device comprising: a catheter provided with a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being provided with an opening; and a longitudinal inner component provided with a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a looped element, wherein the inner component is dimensioned to be received inside the catheter, and is slidable relative to the catheter between a retracted position and an extended position in which the looped element extends out of the catheter through the opening, wherein the effective stiffness of the device is changeable by movement of the looped element between the retracted and extended positions.

Claim 3

2 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein the distal opening is angularly offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the device.

Claim 4

3 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the catheter is curved.

Claim 5

4 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein the looped element is rotatable relative to the catheter, wherein rotation of the looped element changes an operating direction of the device.

Claim 6

5 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner component and the catheter is provided with a fluid port at the proximal end.

Claim 7

6 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein the distal end comprises one or more keys adjacent the opening.

Claim 8

7 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein the looped element is arranged to adopt a helical configuration when stowed within the catheter.

Claim 9

8 . A device according to claim 1 , wherein the looped element comprises a double loop.

Claim 10

9 . An occlusion treatment device comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having an opening, wherein the distal end of the catheter comprises a distal portion and a sheath portion, wherein the distal opening is provided in the distal portion, and wherein the distal portion is stiffer than the sheath portion; a port at the proximal end of the catheter; a longitudinal inner component having a proximal end and a distal end, having a looped element at the distal end, wherein the inner component is dimensioned to be received inside the catheter, the looped element including at least one loop; wherein the inner component is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the looped element extends out of the catheter through the opening; and wherein the effective stiffness of the devices may be increased by moving the looped element towards its retracted position, and the effective stiffness of the device may be decreased by moving the looped element towards its extended position; and wherein the looped element is rotatable relative to the catheter to change an operating direction of the device.

Claim 11

9 . An occlusion treatment device comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having an opening, wherein the distal end of the catheter comprises a distal portion and a sheath portion, wherein the distal opening is provided in the distal portion, and wherein the distal portion is stiffer than the sheath portion; a port at the proximal end of the catheter; a longitudinal inner component having a proximal end and a distal end, having a looped element at the distal end, wherein the inner component is dimensioned to be received inside the catheter, the looped element including at least one loop; wherein the inner component is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the looped element extends out of the catheter through the opening; and wherein the effective stiffness of the devices may be increased by moving the looped element towards its retracted position, and the effective stiffness of the device may be decreased by moving the looped element towards its extended position; and wherein the looped element is rotatable relative to the catheter to change an operating direction of the device.

Claim 12

10 . A method of removing an occlusion from a lumen, comprising the steps of: advancing a catheter along a lumen of a patient, wherein the catheter has a distal opening; positioning an inner component relative to the catheter, wherein the inner component has a distal end comprising a loop; at least partially extending the loop beyond the distal opening; and manipulating the catheter and the inner component to remove the occlusion.

Claim 13

10 . A method of removing an occlusion from a lumen, comprising the steps of: advancing a catheter along a lumen of a patient, wherein the catheter has a distal opening; positioning an inner component relative to the catheter, wherein the inner component has a distal end comprising a loop; at least partially extending the loop beyond the distal opening; and manipulating the catheter and the inner component to remove the occlusion.