US6471683B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thrombectomy and tissue removal method
Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc
•
Filing: 1994-12-08
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Granted: 2002-10-29
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Expires: 2014-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A device for removing a thrombus or other tissue deposit from the cardiovascular system, natural or synthetic tubule or cavity found in the human body of a patient without the need to surgically access the location of the thrombus or other tissue deposit via a cut-down or other surgical procedure. A catheter is inserted percutaneously into the patient at a convenient location either directly or over a previously positioned guidewire or inside a guide catheter. The distal end of the catheter is advanced under fluoroscopy to the site of the thrombus or tissue deposit. Alternatively, the catheter may be positioned at the desired location by surgical procedure. An elastic balloon may be inflated to stabilize the position of the distal end of the catheter within the center of the vessel lumen. A dilatation balloon may be inflated perioperatively to dilate the underlying vessel or tubule lesion. A flexible metal or high pressure plastic tube conveys an extremely high pressure stream of sterile saline or other physiologic solution to at least one jet at the distal end of the catheter. At least one jet is directed at the opening of a large exhaust lumen or other target. The jet(s) is responsible for providing a localized negative pressure which entrains tissue into the jet from break-up of the debris. This jet(s) can also provide stagnation pressure in the exhaust lumen which drives the tissue or thrombotic debris out of the exhaust lumen. Operation of the device with tip pressure greater than 500 psi provides this device with the entrainment and exhaust characteristics which contribute to its effectiveness. The rate of exhaust of tissue debris is metered to ensure minimal local impact on the vasculature at the site of the thrombus deposit. A fluid metering means, such as a roller pump, controls the rate of exhaust such that it is in balance with the saline input or can be adjusted to be greater or less than the input. A positive displacement pump operating at steady or pulsatile flow provides the high pressure saline to the tip of the catheter.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Drasler
- 👤 Robert G. Dutcher
- 👤 Mark L. Jenson
- 👤 Joseph M. Thielen
- 👤 Emmanuil I. Protonotarios
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3203; A61B17/32037
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
272 words
A method for attracting and removing unwanted material or cavity from a body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, said at least one orifice being directed generally proximally, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice, the second passage having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice is generally directed toward the distal end of the second passage; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of the device into the body vessel or cavity and bringing said distal end of said tubular member to the location of the unwanted material; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; d. using said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member to attract the unwanted material towards said distal end of said second passage of said tubular member; e. using said at least one fluid jet to drive a flow of unwanted material along said second passage without applying suction; and, f. removing at least some of the unwanted material from the body vessel or cavity by passage into the distal end of the second passage and along said second passage toward the proximal end of the second passage.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
272 words
A method for attracting and removing unwanted material or cavity from a body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, said at least one orifice being directed generally proximally, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice, the second passage having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice is generally directed toward the distal end of the second passage; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of the device into the body vessel or cavity and bringing said distal end of said tubular member to the location of the unwanted material; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; d. using said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member to attract the unwanted material towards said distal end of said second passage of said tubular member; e. using said at least one fluid jet to drive a flow of unwanted material along said second passage without applying suction; and, f. removing at least some of the unwanted material from the body vessel or cavity by passage into the distal end of the second passage and along said second passage toward the proximal end of the second passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the step of introducing said tubular member is performed by percutaneous access.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of: using a medium selected from the group consisting of contrast medium, thrombolytic medication, diagnostic medium and medication administered through said first passage of said tubular member to facilitate treatment by providing positioning or diagnostic information about said tubular member within said body vessel or cavity or by providing therapeutic effect.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 2 , further comprising the steps of: a. connecting said second passage of said tubular member to a metering device to control the rate of flow of fluid and unwanted material in said second passage; and, b. metering the removal of unwanted material from the body vessel or cavity at a rate less than the rate which would result without metering.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
84 words
The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of: a. connecting said second passage of said tubular member to a metering device to control the rate of flow of fluid and unwanted material in said second passage; and, b. metering the removal of unwanted material from the body vessel or cavity through said second passage at a rate controlled relative to the rate of infusion of fluid via said at least one fluid jet in order to control the net volume infusion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of: using said tubular member to remove unwanted material perioperatively.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 in which introduction of said tubular member is performed by intraoperatively entering the body vessel or cavity directly.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for breaking apart and removing thrombus from a body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end a plurality of orifices in the distal end of said first passage, at least one orifice of the plurality of orifices being directed generally proximally, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice of the plurality of orifices, the second passage having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice is generally directed toward the distal end of the second passage; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of the device into the body vessel or cavity and bringing the distal end of said tubular member to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; and, d. using said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member to help drive the thrombus into the distal end of the second passage and along said second passage of said tubular member toward the proximal end of the second passage and thereby remove the thrombus from the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for breaking apart and removing thrombus from a body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end a plurality of orifices in the distal end of said first passage, at least one orifice of the plurality of orifices being directed generally proximally, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice of the plurality of orifices, the second passage having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice is generally directed toward the distal end of the second passage; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of the device into the body vessel or cavity and bringing the distal end of said tubular member to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; and, d. using said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member to help drive the thrombus into the distal end of the second passage and along said second passage of said tubular member toward the proximal end of the second passage and thereby remove the thrombus from the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: passing a guidewire, an ultrasound catheter, an angioscopic catheter, or a balloon catheter through said second passage of said tubular member in order to facilitate treatment.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: passing said tubular member through a catheter device selected from the group consisting of an ultrasound catheter, an angioscopic catheter, and a balloon catheter to facilitate treatment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: adjusting the provided pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member by a step selected from the group consisting of modifying pressure of the provided pressurized fluid supplied to said first passage, providing steady or unsteady flow of the provided pressurized fluid in said first passage, adjusting the positioning of the tubular member relative to the thrombus, and moving the tubular member in various directions relative to the thrombus, so as to increase the removal of thrombus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the device further includes at least one positioning balloon attached to the distal end of the tubular member, and wherein said at least one positioning balloon defines a positioning means, and further comprising the steps of: a. introducing the at least one positioning balloon into the body vessel or cavity; and, b. using said positioning means to position said distal portion of said tubular member in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the positioning balloon is used as an isolation means and further comprising the step of: using medium selected from the group consisting of diagnostic medium and medication in the body vessel or cavity while said isolation means enhances the diagnostic or treatment effect of said medium.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the positioning balloon is used as an isolation means and further comprising the step of: using said isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of the at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the thrombus more effectively.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: using medium selected from the group consisting of contrast medium and thrombolytic medication administered through said second passage of said tubular member to facilitate treatment.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: using medium selected from the group consisting of contrast medium and thrombolytic medication administered through a catheter device to facilitate treatment.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the device further includes isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in a body vessel or cavity, said isolation means being attached to the tubular member and further comprising the steps of: a. introducing said isolation means into the body vessel or cavity; and, b. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the device further includes dilation means attached to the tubular member and further comprising the steps of: a. introducing said dilation means into the body vessel or cavity; and, b. using said dilation means to provide dilation of the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing a separate positioning means, separate from the device; and, b. using said positioning means to position said distal portion of said tubular member in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, wherein said isolation means is a separate device from the device which includes the tubular member; b. introducing said isolation means into the body vessel or cavity; and, c. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising the step of: using said isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of said at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the thrombus more effectively.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising the step of: using medium selected from the group consisting of contrast medium and thrombolytic medication in the body vessel or cavity while said isolation means enhances the effect of the medium.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 17 , further comprising the step of: using a catheter device selected from the group consisting of an angioplasty catheter, an angioscopic catheter, and a pressure monitoring catheter in the body vessel or cavity while said isolation means enhances the effect of the catheter device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: a. providing means, wherein said dilation means is separate from the device which includes the tubular member; b. introducing said dilation means into the body vessel or cavity; and, c. using said dilation means to provide dilation of the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, wherein said isolation means comprises proximal isolation means located proximal to said at least one fluid jet and distal isolation means located distal to said at least one fluid jet; and, b. using said proximal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said proximal isolation means in the body vessel or cavity and using said distal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said distal isolation means in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 25 , further comprising the step of: using said proximal isolation means and said distal isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of said at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the thrombus more effectively.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, wherein said isolation means comprises proximal isolation means attached to the device and located proximal to said at least one fluid jet and distal isolation means separate from the device and located distal to said at least one fluid jet; and, b. using said proximal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said proximal isolation means in the body vessel or cavity and using said distal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said distal isolation means in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 27 , further comprising the step of: using said proximal isolation means and said distal isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of said at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the thrombus more effectively.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of: a. providing isolation means, wherein said isolation means comprises proximal isolation means separate from the device and located proximal to said at least one fluid jet and distal isolation means attached to the device and located distal to said at least one fluid jet; and, b. using said proximal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said proximal isolation means in the body vessel or cavity and using said distal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said distal isolation means in the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 29 , further comprising the step of: using said proximal isolation means and said distal isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of said at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the thrombus more effectively.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for breaking apart thrombus in a body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a secod passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice, said second passage having an open distal end, and wherein said at least one fluid jet is directed toward the open distal end of said second passage; b. introducing the distal end of the first passage of the tubular member of the device into the body vessel or cavity and bringing said distal end of said first passage to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; d. using said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member to break up the thrombus; e. using said at least one fluid jet to drive a flow of thrombus along said second passage without applying suction; and, f. removing at least some of the thrombus from the body vessel or cavity by passage along said second passage of said tubular member.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for breaking apart thrombus in a body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a secod passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice, said second passage having an open distal end, and wherein said at least one fluid jet is directed toward the open distal end of said second passage; b. introducing the distal end of the first passage of the tubular member of the device into the body vessel or cavity and bringing said distal end of said first passage to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; d. using said at least one fluid jet emanating from said tubular member to break up the thrombus; e. using said at least one fluid jet to drive a flow of thrombus along said second passage without applying suction; and, f. removing at least some of the thrombus from the body vessel or cavity by passage along said second passage of said tubular member.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
344 words
A method for attracting and removing thrombus or other tissue or other material from a biological or synthetic body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. introducing into the body vessel or cavity by percutaneous access utilizing cannula, catheters, or guide wires, or by fluoroscopic imaging, to accomplish body vessel or cavity access, a device for removing thrombus or other tissue or other material, the device comprising a tubular member with a first passage and a second passage and one or more fluid jets which emanate from one or more orifices in a distal portion of said first passage, at least one of said one or more fluid jets having radial componency, and bringing said tubular member to the location of the thrombus or other tissue or other material; b. providing pressurized fluid to supply said one or more fluid jets emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; c. using said one or more fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to attract the thrombus or other tissue or other material towards said tubular member; d. removing at least some of the thrombus or other tissue or other material from the body vessel or cavity by passage along said second passage; e. adjusting the provided pressurized fluid to supply said one or more fluid jets emanating from said tubular member by a step selected from the group consisting of modifying pressure of the provided pressurized fluid supplied to said first passage, providing steady or unsteady flow of the provided pressurized fluid in said first passage, adjusting the positioning of the tubular member relative to the thrombus or other tissue or other material, and moving the tubular member in various directions relative to the thrombus or other tissue or other material so as to increase the removal of thrombus or other tissue or other material; and, f. using said at least one of said or more fluid jets with radial componency to enhance the break-up or removal of thrombus or other tissue or other material from the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
344 words
A method for attracting and removing thrombus or other tissue or other material from a biological or synthetic body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. introducing into the body vessel or cavity by percutaneous access utilizing cannula, catheters, or guide wires, or by fluoroscopic imaging, to accomplish body vessel or cavity access, a device for removing thrombus or other tissue or other material, the device comprising a tubular member with a first passage and a second passage and one or more fluid jets which emanate from one or more orifices in a distal portion of said first passage, at least one of said one or more fluid jets having radial componency, and bringing said tubular member to the location of the thrombus or other tissue or other material; b. providing pressurized fluid to supply said one or more fluid jets emanating from said tubular member via said first passage therein; c. using said one or more fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to attract the thrombus or other tissue or other material towards said tubular member; d. removing at least some of the thrombus or other tissue or other material from the body vessel or cavity by passage along said second passage; e. adjusting the provided pressurized fluid to supply said one or more fluid jets emanating from said tubular member by a step selected from the group consisting of modifying pressure of the provided pressurized fluid supplied to said first passage, providing steady or unsteady flow of the provided pressurized fluid in said first passage, adjusting the positioning of the tubular member relative to the thrombus or other tissue or other material, and moving the tubular member in various directions relative to the thrombus or other tissue or other material so as to increase the removal of thrombus or other tissue or other material; and, f. using said at least one of said or more fluid jets with radial componency to enhance the break-up or removal of thrombus or other tissue or other material from the body vessel or cavity.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 32 , further comprising the step of: using said at least one of said one or more fluid jets with radial componency to enhance the delivery of medium selected from the group consisting of contrast or other diagnostic medium and thrombolytic or other medication, thereby enhancing the treatment effect of such medium.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for breaking apart and removing thrombus from a biological body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice and having some radial componency; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of said device into the biological body vessel and bringing said distal end of the tubular member to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from the tubular member via said first passage therein; and, d. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to help drive the thrombus along said second passage of said tubular member and thereby remove the thrombus from the biological body vessel.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for breaking apart and removing thrombus from a biological body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice and having some radial componency; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of said device into the biological body vessel and bringing said distal end of the tubular member to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from the tubular member via said first passage therein; and, d. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to help drive the thrombus along said second passage of said tubular member and thereby remove the thrombus from the biological body vessel.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 34 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means for preventing passage of material past said isolation means, wherein said isolation means is a separate device from the device which includes the tubular member; b. introducing said isolation means into the biological body vessel; and, c. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the biological body vessel.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 , wherein said isolation means comprises an occlusive balloon.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 34 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, wherein said isolation means is a separate device from the device which includes the tubular member; b. introducing said isolation means into the biological body vessel; and, using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the biological body vessel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 34 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, attached to the device, wherein said isolation means comprises proximal isolation means located proximal to said at least one fluid jet and distal isolation means located distal to said at least one fluid jet; and, b. using said proximal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said proximal isolation means in the biological body vessel and using said distal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said distal isolation means in the biological body vessel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 38 , further comprising the step of: using said proximal isolation means and said distal isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of said at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the thrombus more effectively.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for breaking apart and removing thrombus from a biological body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice and having some radial componency; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of said device into the biological body vessel and bringing said distal end of the tubular member to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from the tubular member via said first passage therein; and, d. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to help drive the thrombus along said second passage of said tubular member and thereby remove the thrombus from the biological body vessel.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for breaking apart and removing thrombus from a biological body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice in the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice and having some radial componency; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of said device into the biological body vessel and bringing said distal end of the tubular member to the location of the thrombus; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from the tubular member via said first passage therein; and, d. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to help drive the thrombus along said second passage of said tubular member and thereby remove the thrombus from the biological body vessel.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
196 words
A method of breaking apart and removing unwanted material from a body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice at the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of said device into the body vessel and bringing said distal end of the tubular member to the location of the unwanted material; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from the tubular member via said first passage therein; d. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets to create a fluid recirculation having some radical componency; and, e. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to help drive the unwanted material along said second passage of said tubular member and thereby remove the unwanted material from the body vessel.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
196 words
A method of breaking apart and removing unwanted material from a body vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a device including a tubular member, said tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first passage and a second passage, said first passage having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one orifice at the distal end of said first passage, at least one fluid jet emanating from said at least one orifice; b. introducing the distal end of the tubular member of said device into the body vessel and bringing said distal end of the tubular member to the location of the unwanted material; c. providing pressurized fluid to supply said at least one fluid jet emanating from the tubular member via said first passage therein; d. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets to create a fluid recirculation having some radical componency; and, e. using at least one of said at least one fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to help drive the unwanted material along said second passage of said tubular member and thereby remove the unwanted material from the body vessel.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 41 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means near said distal end of said tubular member; and, b. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the body vessel.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 41 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, wherein said isolation means is a separate device from the device which includes the tubular member; b. introducing said isolation means into the body vessel; and, c. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the body vessel.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 41 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, attached to the device, wherein said isolation means comprises proximal isolation means located proximal to said at least one fluid jet and distal isolation means located distal to said at least one fluid jet; and, b. using said proximal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said proximal isolation means in the body vessel and using said distal isolation means to prevent passage of material past said distal isolation means in the body vessel.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 44 , further comprising the step of: using said proximal isolation means and said distal isolation means to enhance fluid recirculation in the vicinity of said at least one fluid jet, thereby breaking up the unwanted material more effectively.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 41 , further comprising the steps of: a. connecting said second passage of said tubular member to a metering device to control the rate of flow of fluid and unwanted material in said second passage; and, b. controlling the rate of flow of fluid and unwanted material in said second passage relative to the rate of infusion of fluid via said at least one fluid jet in order to control the net volume infusion.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 46 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, separate from the device, near said distal end of said tubular member; and, b. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the body vessel.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 41 , further comprising the steps of: a. connecting said second passage of said tubular member to a metering device to control the rate of flow of fluid and unwanted material in said second passage; and, b. metering the rate of flow of fluid and unwanted material in said second passage at a rate greater than the rate which would result without metering.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 48 , further comprising the steps of: a. providing isolation means, separate from the device, near said distal end of said tubular member; and, b. using said isolation means to prevent passage of material past said isolation means in the body vessel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-10-28 | 2006-04-29 | 2006-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-10-28 | 2010-04-29 | 2010-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-10-28 | 2014-04-29 | 2014-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |