SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLOT DISSOLUTION

摘要

Clot disruption and dissolution are achieved using a catheter (12) having bo th an agitator (30) and the ability to deliver a thrombolytic agent. The cathet er (12) is introduced to a target region with a blood vessel and the agitator (30) manipulated to engage and disrupt a region of clot therein. The thrombolytic agent, such as tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase, is directly released into the clot at the point where the agitator (30) is engaging the clot. In this way, the thrombolytic activity of the agent is enhanced and th e dissolution of the clot is improved.