METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CLEARING THROMBUS FROM A VASCULAR ACCESS SITE

摘要

The invention provides methods and systems for increasing the open cross-section of a vascular fistula that is obstructed by thrombus. Using a catheter having an imaging element and a thrombus disrupting element, the thrombus can be disrupted and removed, and the fistula evaluated with the imaging element. The imaging element is preferably an ultrasound imaging element.