Mechanical thrombectomy device for use in cerebral vessels

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for treating cerebral occlusions are provided, comprising a thrombectomy device having at least one deployable element. The deployable element is advanced through the occlusion in a contracted state, then self-deploys distal of the occlusion or, alternatively, may be deployed to a wide range of configurations using a physician-actuated deployment knob. The thrombectomy device then may be retracted to cause the deployable element to snare the occlusion, and/or rotated circumferentially to cause the fibrin strands of the occlusion to be wrapped around the deployable element.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A method for treating a cerebral occlusion, the method comprising: 
 providing apparatus comprising a catheter body having proximal and distal ends, a handle affixed to the proximal end, an engagement section affixed to the distal end, the engagement section comprising at least one deployable element provided in a contracted state, and an atraumatic tip affixed to a distal end of the engagement section;    advancing the deployable element through an occlusion in the contracted state;    deploying the deployable element distal of the occlusion; and    retracting the deployable element to engage the occlusion.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein deploying the deployable element comprises actuating a deployment knob.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising selectively deploying the deployable element to at least one intermediate state between the contracted state and a fully deployed state.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising: 
 providing a micro catheter having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween;    advancing the distal end of the micro catheter to a location distal of the occlusion;    advancing the deployable element through the micro catheter in the contracted state; and    self-deploying the deployable element distal of the distal end of the micro catheter.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the deployable element is retracted to snare the occlusion.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the deployable element is rotated circumferentially to engage and wrap fibrin strands of the occlusion around the deployable element.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising: 
 providing an emboli removal catheter having proximal and distal ends, a working lumen extending therebetween and an occlusive element disposed on the distal end;    positioning the distal end of the emboli removal catheter proximal of the occlusion;    deploying the occlusive element to occlude antegrade flow into a treatment vessel; and    providing retrograde flow through the working lumen to influence flow in the treatment vessel.    
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising removing emboli from the treatment vessel using the retrograde flow provided.