US6905505B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method of use for agent delivery and revascularizing of grafts and vessels
Assignee: DSM Biomedical Inc
•
Filing: 2002-04-12
•
Granted: 2005-06-14
•
Expires: 2022-04-12
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The system comprises an atherectomy catheter having a working head, e.g., a rotary impacting impeller, and a debris extraction sub-system. The atherectomy catheter is located within a guide catheter. The working head is arranged to operate on, e.g., impact, the occlusive material in the occluded vessel to open a lumen therein, whereupon some debris may be produced. The debris extraction sub-system introduces an infusate liquid at a first flow rate adjacent the working head and withdraws that liquid and some blood at a second and higher flow rate, through the guide catheter to create a differential flow adjacent the working head, whereupon the debris is withdrawn in the infusate liquid and blood for collection outside the being's body. The introduction of the infusate liquid may also be used to establish an unbalanced flow adjacent the working head to enable the atherectomy catheter to be steered hydrodynamically. A guide wire having an inflatable balloon on its distal end may be used with the atherectomy catheter to block the flow of debris distally, while enabling distal tissues to be perfused with an oxygenating liquid. At least one flow control port may be provided in the guide catheter to prevent collapse of the vessel being revascularized. A cradle is provided to fix the guide catheter and guide wire in position within the body of the being while enabling the atherectomy catheter to be advanced along the guide wire and through the guide catheter.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. Nash
- 👤 William T. Fisher
- 👤 Charles W. Dodson, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3203; A61B17/32037; A61B17/3205; A61B17/3207; A61B17/320758; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22038; A61B2017/22047; A61B2017/22048; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22065; A61B2017/22067; A61B2217/00; A61B2217/002; A61B2217/005; A61B2217/007; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/71; A61M1/77; A61M1/84; A61M1/85; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61M2025/1043; A61M2025/1095; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/05; A61M5/00; A61M5/14; A61M5/142; A61M5/14212; A61M5/14232
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 95
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
An intravascular system for treating a living being via the being's vascular system, said intravascular system comprising a catheter, an instrument having a working head, debris extraction means, an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into the being's vascular system, said catheter comprising a distal end portion, said instrument being arranged to be extended through said catheter to form a passageway therebetween, said working head of said instrument being arranged to be located in a portion of a vessel to operate therein, whereupon some debris may be produced by the operation of said working head, said debris extraction means being arranged for introducing said infusate liquid and said at least one material into the being's vascular system and creating a differential flow in said lumen, whereupon any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn by said differential flow through said passageway for collection remote from the vessel portion and is prevented from flowing into any upstream vessel or downstream vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
An intravascular system for treating a living being via the being's vascular system, said intravascular system comprising a catheter, an instrument having a working head, debris extraction means, an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into the being's vascular system, said catheter comprising a distal end portion, said instrument being arranged to be extended through said catheter to form a passageway therebetween, said working head of said instrument being arranged to be located in a portion of a vessel to operate therein, whereupon some debris may be produced by the operation of said working head, said debris extraction means being arranged for introducing said infusate liquid and said at least one material into the being's vascular system and creating a differential flow in said lumen, whereupon any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn by said differential flow through said passageway for collection remote from the vessel portion and is prevented from flowing into any upstream vessel or downstream vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said catheter comprises an introducer sheath or guide catheter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said at least one material comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 3 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 3 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 additionally comprising hydrodynamic steering means for steering said instrument.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The intravascular system of claim 6 wherein said hydrodynamic steering means comprises a portion of said instrument and is located adjacent the working head, said instrument having a central longitudinal axis and being arranged to be rotated about its central longitudinal axis to bring said hydrodynamic steering means to a desired orientation with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the blood vessel in which said instrument is located.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The intravascular system of claim 7 wherein said hydrodynamic steering means produces an unbalance flow of fluid with respect to said instrument to propel said distal end of said instrument laterally of the central longitudinal axis of the blood vessel in which it is located.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 additionally comprising a debris blocking member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 9 wherein said debris blocking member comprises a balloon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
The intravascular system of claim 10 additionally comprising at least one blood entrance port, said debris extraction system being operative to introduce said infusate liquid adjacent said working head and to cause debris and said infusate liquid to flow proximally through said passageway for extraction, said blood entrance port of said catheter being in communication with said passageway and with the patent blood vessel portion, whereupon blood from said patent blood vessel portion may enter for merger with said liquid and the debris.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The intravascular system of claim 11 wherein said blood entrance port comprises at least one opening in said catheter located proximally of said distal end portion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The intravascular system of claim 11 wherein said catheter includes an open distal end and wherein said open distal end forms said blood entrance port.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The intravascular system of claim 11 wherein said system is configured so that the pressure within the area contiguous with said working head is sufficient to prevent collapse of the vessel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said infusate liquid is introduced adjacent said working head.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular system of claim 16 wherein said working head is rotatable.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 17 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 18 wherein said working head does not engage occlusive material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said working head comprises a portion of an occlusion opening device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
The intravascular system of claim 21 wherein said occlusion opening device is selected from the group consisting of a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a stent delivery catheter, a device including a rotary abrasive head, and a device including a rotary cutting head.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 1 wherein said system additionally comprises a separate catheter.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 23 wherein said separate catheter is arranged to deliver a stent.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The intravascular system of claim 23 wherein said separate catheter is arranged to deliver said infusate liquid or an irrigation liquid.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
225 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a portion of vessel of a living being's vascular system, the vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, said system comprising a lumen-opening member for introduction into the lumen of the vessel, debris blocking means, pump means, an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into the being's vascular system, said lumen-opening member being arranged to act on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded vessel to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, said lumen opening member comprising a working head, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the action of said lumen-opening member, said debris blocking means being arranged to be located within the occluded vessel distally of said lumen opening member for preventing debris from flowing distally of said debris blocking means, said pump means being arranged for introducing said infusate liquid at a first flow rate and withdrawing said liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow adjacent said working head, whereupon any debris produced by the action of said lumen-opening member is withdrawn with said infusate liquid by said differential flow for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion and is prevented from flowing into any upstream vessel or downstream vessel.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
225 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a portion of vessel of a living being's vascular system, the vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, said system comprising a lumen-opening member for introduction into the lumen of the vessel, debris blocking means, pump means, an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into the being's vascular system, said lumen-opening member being arranged to act on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded vessel to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, said lumen opening member comprising a working head, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the action of said lumen-opening member, said debris blocking means being arranged to be located within the occluded vessel distally of said lumen opening member for preventing debris from flowing distally of said debris blocking means, said pump means being arranged for introducing said infusate liquid at a first flow rate and withdrawing said liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow adjacent said working head, whereupon any debris produced by the action of said lumen-opening member is withdrawn with said infusate liquid by said differential flow for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion and is prevented from flowing into any upstream vessel or downstream vessel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said system additionally comprises a catheter and wherein said infusate liquid and the debris therein is withdrawn from the occluded blood vessel portion through said catheter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said at least one material comprises at least one drug, pharmaceutical, biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 28 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 29 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said working head comprises a movable impacting member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said working head is rotatable.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said infusate liquid is introduced adjacent said working head.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 32 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 35 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 36 wherein said working head does not engage occlusive material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 37 , wherein said working head further comprises a thrombectomy device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 38 , wherein said at least one material comprises urokinase.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said working head comprises a portion of an occlusion opening device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
35 words
The intravascular system of claim 41 wherein said device comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent-delivery catheter, a thrombectomy device, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting head.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said working head comprises an ultrasonic catheter.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 26 wherein said system additionally comprises a second catheter.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 44 wherein said second catheter is arranged to deliver a stent.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
The intravascular system of claim 44 wherein said second catheter is arranged to deliver said infusate liquid or an irrigation liquid.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
194 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a blood vessel of a living being, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material therein, said system comprising a working head, a pump means, barrier means, an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into the being's vascular system, said working head being arranged to operate on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded blood vessel to open a lumen therein for the freer flow of fluid therethrough, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the operation of said working head, said barrier means being arranged for location downstream of said working head and activatable to restrict the flow of the debris downstream of said barrier means, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said liquid at a second flow rate higher than said first flow rate, thereby creating a differential flow, whereupon any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn with said liquid by said pump means for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
194 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a blood vessel of a living being, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material therein, said system comprising a working head, a pump means, barrier means, an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into the being's vascular system, said working head being arranged to operate on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded blood vessel to open a lumen therein for the freer flow of fluid therethrough, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the operation of said working head, said barrier means being arranged for location downstream of said working head and activatable to restrict the flow of the debris downstream of said barrier means, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said liquid at a second flow rate higher than said first flow rate, thereby creating a differential flow, whereupon any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn with said liquid by said pump means for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said barrier means comprises an expandable member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 48 wherein said expandable member comprises a balloon.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
34 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said at least one material comprises at least one drug, pharmaceutical, biologically active material, or microspheres carrying said at least one drug, pharmaceutical or biologically active material.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 50 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 40 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
48 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said system additionally comprises a flexible instrument and wherein said working head comprises a portion of said instrument, said instrument being arranged to be passed through the being's body so that said working head is located adjacent the occluded vessel portion.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
24 words
The intravascular system of claim 53 wherein said barrier means forms a portion of a guide wire, said guide wire extending through said instrument.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
22 words
The intravascular system of claim 54 wherein said guide wire is arranged to provide a perfusion liquid downstream of said barrier means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 54 wherein said barrier means comprises an expandable member.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The intravascular system of claim 55 wherein said perfusion liquid comprises said infusate liquid, blood, or oxygenated liquid.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular system of claim 57 wherein said infusate liquid is oxygenated.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
The intravascular system of claim 55 wherein said perfusion liquid comprises said infusate liquid and said at least one material comprises at least one drug, pharmaceutical, biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 59 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 59 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 56 wherein said expandable member comprises a balloon.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The intravascular system of claim 62 wherein said guide wire is arranged to provide a perfusion liquid downstream of said balloon.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
The intravascular system of claim 63 wherein said guide wire is arranged so that said perfusion liquid inflates said balloon and is also provided downstream of said balloon.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said infusate liquid is introduced adjacent said working head.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 66 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 67 wherein said working head does not engage occlusive material.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 68 wherein said working head further comprises a thrombectomy device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 69 wherein said at least one material comprises urokinase.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said working head comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent-delivery catheter, a thrombectomy device, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting head.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 53 wherein said working head comprises an ultrasonic catheter.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel portion being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel portion being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) extending a second catheter through said first catheter so that a working portion of said second catheter is located in the occluded blood vessel portion; (c) blocking the occluded blood vessel portion distally of said working portion of said second catheter; (d) using said second catheter to open a lumen in the occluded portion of the blood vessel for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion and withdrawing said infusate liquid and any debris produced by the opening of the occluded portion of the blood vessel through a passageway in said first catheter; and (f) providing a path for blood from the patent blood vessel portion to flow through said port into said passageway for merger with said infusate liquid and said debris.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel portion being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel portion being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) extending a second catheter through said first catheter so that a working portion of said second catheter is located in the occluded blood vessel portion; (c) blocking the occluded blood vessel portion distally of said working portion of said second catheter; (d) using said second catheter to open a lumen in the occluded portion of the blood vessel for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion and withdrawing said infusate liquid and any debris produced by the opening of the occluded portion of the blood vessel through a passageway in said first catheter; and (f) providing a path for blood from the patent blood vessel portion to flow through said port into said passageway for merger with said infusate liquid and said debris.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said at least one material comprises at least one drug, pharmaceutical, biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 75 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 73 additionally comprising the step of: (g) introducing a third catheter through said first catheter, said third catheter being arranged to carry a stent into the lumen formed in the occluded blood vessel to hold said lumen open.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 73 additionally comprising the steps of: (g) extending a third catheter through said first catheter, said third catheter being arranged for introducing said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said second catheter is arranged to carry a stent into the occluded blood vessel to open a lumen in the material forming the restriction.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 79 additionally comprising the step of (g) introducing a third catheter through said first catheter, said third catheter being arranged to carry a stent into the lumen formed in the occluded blood vessel to hold said lumen open.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel, said method comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) blocking the flow of blood and debris distally of a working head; (c) providing a vessel-opening catheter having said working head and extending said vessel-opening catheter through said first catheter so that said working head is located in the occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter and said vessel-opening catheter defining a passageway therebetween; (d) operating said working head to open the occluded blood vessel portion for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion at a first flow rate adjacent said working head and withdrawing said infusate liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow adjacent said working head, whereupon blocked debris is withdrawn with said infusate liquid for passage proximally through said passageway; and (f) providing a path for blood within said patent blood vessel portion to flow into said passageway for merger with said infusate and debris.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel, said method comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) blocking the flow of blood and debris distally of a working head; (c) providing a vessel-opening catheter having said working head and extending said vessel-opening catheter through said first catheter so that said working head is located in the occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter and said vessel-opening catheter defining a passageway therebetween; (d) operating said working head to open the occluded blood vessel portion for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion at a first flow rate adjacent said working head and withdrawing said infusate liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow adjacent said working head, whereupon blocked debris is withdrawn with said infusate liquid for passage proximally through said passageway; and (f) providing a path for blood within said patent blood vessel portion to flow into said passageway for merger with said infusate and debris.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 81 wherein said at least one material comprises at least one drug, pharmaceutical, biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 82 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 83 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
232 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a guide catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion; (b) extending a lumen-opening catheter having a working head through said guide catheter so that said working head is located in the lumen in the occluded blood vessel portion, said guide catheter and said lumen-opening catheter defining a fluid-flow passageway therebetween; (c) blocking the flow of blood and any debris created distally of said working head; (d) operating said working head to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, wherein said operation comprises introducing an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said infusate liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow at said working head, whereupon debris is withdrawn with said infusate liquid for passage proximally through said fluid-flow passageway; and (e) providing a path for blood within the patent blood vessel portion to flow into said fluid-flow passageway for merger with said infusate liquid and the debris.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
232 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a guide catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion; (b) extending a lumen-opening catheter having a working head through said guide catheter so that said working head is located in the lumen in the occluded blood vessel portion, said guide catheter and said lumen-opening catheter defining a fluid-flow passageway therebetween; (c) blocking the flow of blood and any debris created distally of said working head; (d) operating said working head to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, wherein said operation comprises introducing an infusate liquid and at least one material to be carried by said infusate liquid into said occluded blood vessel portion at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said infusate liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow at said working head, whereupon debris is withdrawn with said infusate liquid for passage proximally through said fluid-flow passageway; and (e) providing a path for blood within the patent blood vessel portion to flow into said fluid-flow passageway for merger with said infusate liquid and the debris.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said at least one material comprises at least one drug, pharmaceutical, biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 86 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 87 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said working head comprises liquid jets.
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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) | 2008-06-13 | 2008-12-13 | 2009-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-06-13 | 2012-12-13 | 2013-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-06-13 | 2016-12-13 | 2017-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |