Methods and apparatus for treating embolism

摘要

A method and apparatus for treating a clot in the blood vessel of a patient, and particularly the treatment of a pulmonary embolism is disclosed. The treatment includes restoring flow through the clot followed by clot removal, either partially or substantially completely. The clot treatment device is expandable into the blood vessel and may contain radial extensions that assist in restoring flow as well as in removing clot material.

主权项

1. A method of treating a pulmonary embolism that at least partially restricts blood flow through a pulmonary vessel, the method comprising:
delivering an embolectomy device at least partially through the pulmonary embolism, wherein the embolectomy device includes an expandable braided structure; deploying the braided structure within at least a portion of the pulmonary embolism, wherein deploying the braided structure includes withdrawing a delivery sheath such that the braided structure expands and forms a flow channel that restores blood flow through the pulmonary embolism and wherein, in a deployed state, the braided structure has an expandable cylindrical portion positioned between a first portion and a second portion that individually extend radially outwardly from the cylindrical portion such that a surface area to length ratio of the individual first and second portions is greater than the surface area to length ratio of the cylindrical portion; moving the embolectomy device and at least a portion of the pulmonary embolism along the pulmonary vessel; and withdrawing the embolectomy device and at least a portion of the pulmonary embolism from the pulmonary vessel.