Filter/emboli extractor for use in variable sized blood vessels

Abstract

An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter proximally until the clot or foreign material does not perfuse a critical organ.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . A method for removing a clot of unwanted material from a body vessel, comprising: 
 providing an elongate wire and a delivery catheter having a lumen through which the elongate wire extends;    positioning the distal end of the delivery catheter adjacent to the clot of unwanted material;    advancing the elongate wire through the lumen of the delivery catheter and across the clot of unwanted material;    rotating the elongate wire; and    withdrawing the elongate wire and clot of unwanted material from the body vessel.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further including: 
 moving the clot of unwanted material into the lumen of the delivery catheter prior to removal from the body vessel.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate wire pierces at least a portion of the clot of unwanted material when the elongate wire is advanced across the clot of unwanted material.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate wire includes a radially extending structure attached thereto which is adapted to contact the clot of unwanted material.  
   
   
       12 . A method for removing a clot of unwanted material from a body vessel, comprising: 
 providing an elongate wire having radially extending structure attached thereto and a delivery catheter having a lumen through which the elongate wire extends;    positioning the distal portion of the delivery catheter adjacent to the clot of unwanted material;    advancing the distal portion of the delivery catheter through the clot of unwanted material;    advancing the elongate wire through lumen of the delivery catheter to position the radially extending structure distal of the clot of unwanted material;    withdrawing the elongate wire and clot of unwanted material from the body vessel.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further including: 
 moving the clot of unwanted material into the lumen of the delivery catheter prior to removal from the body vessel.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , further including: 
 removing the distal portion of the delivery catheter from contact with the clot of unwanted material.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , further including: 
 rotating the elongate wire after the radially extending structure is positioned distal to the clot of unwanted material.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate wire includes a plurality of radially extending structures.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the radially extending structure originates from one side of the elongate wire.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the radially extending structures are affixed to the elongate wire such that rotation of the wire entangles the radially extending structures in the clot of unwanted material.  
   
   
       19 . A method for removing a clot of unwanted material from a body vessel, comprising: 
 providing an elongate wire having radially extending structure attached thereto and a delivery catheter having a lumen through which the elongate wire extends;    positioning the distal portion of the delivery catheter adjacent to the clot of unwanted material;    advancing the radially extending structure into the clot of unwanted material; and    withdrawing the elongate wire and clot of unwanted material from the body vessel.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further including: 
 moving the clot of unwanted material into the lumen of the delivery catheter prior to removal from the body vessel.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19 , further including: 
 rotating the elongate wire after the radially extending structure is in contact with the clot of unwanted material.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the elongate wire includes a plurality of radially extending structures.