Clot Retrieval

Abstract

A clot retrieval device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device utilizes augmented radiopacity to improve imaging, an internal tensioning member, a plurality of connected components useful to engage larger clots, and/or a distal end configuration designed to enhance clot retention.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A clot retrieval device comprising:
 a device body comprising a plurality of struts and having a tubular medial section and tapered proximal and distal ends; the device body adopting an elongated configuration when in a delivery catheter and a radially expanded configuration when outside of the delivery catheter;   a coil positioned within the device body; wherein the coil is adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the coil applies an outward force against the plurality of struts to help prop open the device body when the coil is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         3 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of struts define a plurality of open cells. 
     
     
         4 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil is connected to a distal region of the device body by an elongated end element. 
     
     
         5 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil is connected to a proximal region of the device body by an elongated end element. 
     
     
         6 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil is connected to a distal region and a proximal region of the device body by a pair of elongated end elements. 
     
     
         7 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 6 , wherein the pair of elongated end elements are each comprised of a wire or a tube. 
     
     
         8 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil is radiopaque. 
     
     
         9 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil is comprised of a wire. 
     
     
         10 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the medial section of the device body is not tapered. 
     
     
         11 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil is positioned only within the medial section of the device body and does not extend into the tapered proximal and distal ends of the device body when the device body is in the radially expanded configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the coil has an elongated configuration when the device body is in the collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 12 , wherein the coil has an expanded configuration when the device body is in the radially expanded configuration. 
     
     
         14 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 2 , wherein the tapered proximal and distal ends form closed ends. 
     
     
         15 . A clot retrieval device comprising:
 a device body comprising a plurality of struts and having a tubular medial section and tapered proximal and distal ends; the device body adopting an elongated configuration when in a delivery catheter and a radially expanded configuration when outside of the delivery catheter;   a spring positioned within the device body; wherein the spring is adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the spring applies an outward force against the plurality of struts to help prop open the device body when the spring is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         16 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of connected device bodies. 
     
     
         17 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 15 , wherein the spring is radiopaque. 
     
     
         18 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 15 , wherein the spring is comprised of drawn-filled tubing. 
     
     
         19 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 15 , wherein the spring is positioned only within the medial section of the device body and does not extend into the tapered proximal and distal ends of the device body when the device body is in the radially expanded configuration. 
     
     
         20 . A clot retrieval device comprising:
 a device body comprising a plurality of struts and having a tubular medial section and tapered proximal and distal ends; the device body adopting an elongated configuration when in a delivery catheter and a radially expanded configuration when outside of the delivery catheter;   an expansion means for propping open the device body, the expansion means being positioned within the device body; wherein the expansion mean is adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expansion mean applies an outward force against the plurality of struts to help prop open the device body when the expansion mean is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         21 . The clot retrieval device of  claim 20 , wherein the expansion means is comprised of a coil or a spring.