Transluminal thrombectomy apparatus.

摘要

The invention is an apparatus for breaking up a thrombus by introducing a rotating drive shaft (14) into the thrombus whereby the fibrin of the thrombus will be withdrawn from the thrombus onto the rotating drive shaft (14), thereby breaking up the network of the thrombus which prevents blood flow. The apparatus includes a drive shaft housing (16) which can be used to withdraw fluid from the area of the thrombus or to introduce enzymes, such as streptokinase which will further break up the thrombus or contrast agent for visualizing the vascular anatomy.