Devices and methods for removing occlusions in vessels

Abstract

Occlusion-removing devices that include an inflatable balloon for arresting blood flow and a occlusion-shearing element are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using these devices.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for removing occlusions from a vessel, comprising 
 a housing element having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, wherein one or more lumens are disposed along the longitudinal axis;    an embolism collector element;    a cutting element attached to the distal end of the drive shaft; and    an inflatable balloon.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid channel in operable communication with the cutting element.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  or  2 , further comprising a casing disposed around cutting element.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a drive shaft disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source connected to the cutting element.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the power source comprises a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) motor.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the embolism collector element is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the collector element comprises a vacuum aspirator.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the cutting element is not smooth.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting element further comprises perforations therein.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the lumen of the housing which contacts the cutting element is surface-modified.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the surface of the casing surrounding the cutting element is surface-modified.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11  or  claim 12 , wherein the surface modification comprises braiding or ribbons.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the casing extends from the distal end of the housing.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the casing comprises a cage-like structure.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable balloon is capable of centering the cutting element.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable balloon is capable of at least partially arresting blood flow around the occlusion.  
     
     
         18 . A method of removing an occlusion in a vessel, comprising 
 accessing a selected site with the device according to  claim 1;     inflating the balloon to the desired dimensions;    shearing at least a portion of the embolism with the cutting element; and    removing the sheared fragments of the embolism with the collection element.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the shearing comprises: 
 drawing a portion of the embolism into the housing and manipulating the cutting element to shear the embolism against the interior wall of the housing.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the device further comprises a casing disposed around the cutting element.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the shearing comprises extending the cutting element and surrounding casing from the distal end of the housing and manipulating the cutting element against the casing.