VASCULAR OCCLUSION REMOVAL DEVICES AND METHODS

摘要

A catheter (10) for removing vascular obstruction(s) is disclosed. The catheter employs a configuration comprising generally coaxial, rapidly rotatable drive cable (14), fluid output lumens or channels (48 ), and fluid input lumens or channels (30). The drive cable is fixedly coupled to an elongate head (16) so as to permit the head to be rapidly rotated by the drive cable. The head includes flats or impellers (26) which, when rapidly rotated, generate a zone of turbulence or a vortex adjacent the vascular obstruction. The turbulence generated by the device tends to break up or dismant le the obstruction. The fluid input and output mechanisms permit fluid to be delivered to the vicinity of the obstruction and d ebris from the obstruction to be removed. Methods for removing vascular obstructions are disclosed. Preferably pulsatile turbulenc e generation is employed.