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US7534249B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System and method of use for agent delivery and revascularizing of grafts and vessels
Assignee: DSM Biomedical Inc
•
Filing: 2003-09-18
•
Granted: 2009-05-19
•
Expires: 2023-09-18
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The system comprises an atherectomy catheter having a working head, e.g., a rotary impacting impeller, and a debris extraction sub-system. The atherectomy catheter is located within a guide catheter. The working head is arranged to operate on, e.g., impact, the occlusive material in the occluded vessel to open a lumen therein, whereupon some debris may be produced. The debris extraction sub-system introduces an infusate liquid at a first flow rate adjacent the working head and withdraws that liquid and some blood at a second and higher flow rate, through the guide catheter to create a differential flow adjacent the working head, whereupon the debris is withdrawn in the infusate liquid and blood for collection outside the being's body. The introduction of the infusate liquid may also be used to establish an unbalanced flow adjacent the working head to enable the atherectomy catheter to be steered hydrodynamically. A guide wire having an inflatable balloon on its distal end may be used with the atherectomy catheter to block the flow of debris distally, while enabling distal tissues to be perfused with an oxygenating liquid. At least one flow control port may be provided in the guide catheter to prevent collapse of the vessel being revascularized. A cradle is provided to fix the guide catheter and guide wire in position within the body of the being while enabling the atherectomy catheter to be advanced along the guide wire and through the guide catheter.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. Nash
- 👤 William T. Fisher
- 👤 Charles W. Dodson, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3203; A61B17/32037; A61B17/3205; A61B17/3207; A61B17/320758; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22038; A61B2017/22047; A61B2017/22048; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22065; A61B2017/22067; A61B2217/00; A61B2217/002; A61B2217/005; A61B2217/007; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/71; A61M1/77; A61M1/84; A61M1/85; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61M2025/1043; A61M2025/1095; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/05; A61M5/00; A61M5/14; A61M5/142; A61M5/14212; A61M5/14232
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 93
Claim 1
Independent Claim
219 words
An lumen opening device for treating a lumen in a blood vessel portion of a living being's vascular system, said device comprising an outer catheter, an instrument having an inner catheter, a working head, and pump means, said instrument arranged to be extended through said outer catheter to form a passageway therebetween, wherein said pump means comprises at least one helical pump with said working head of said instrument being arranged to operate on occlusive material in a blood vessel's interior portion to open a lumen therein for the freer flow of blood therethrough, whereupon some debris may be produced by the operation of said working head, said catheter comprising a distal end portion and being arranged such that the tolerances between said catheter and said helical pump allow said catheter to be flexible, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow in said lumen, whereupon at least a portion of any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn by said at least one helical pump through said passageway for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion and is prevented front flowing into any upstream blood vessel or downstream blood vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
219 words
An lumen opening device for treating a lumen in a blood vessel portion of a living being's vascular system, said device comprising an outer catheter, an instrument having an inner catheter, a working head, and pump means, said instrument arranged to be extended through said outer catheter to form a passageway therebetween, wherein said pump means comprises at least one helical pump with said working head of said instrument being arranged to operate on occlusive material in a blood vessel's interior portion to open a lumen therein for the freer flow of blood therethrough, whereupon some debris may be produced by the operation of said working head, said catheter comprising a distal end portion and being arranged such that the tolerances between said catheter and said helical pump allow said catheter to be flexible, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow in said lumen, whereupon at least a portion of any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn by said at least one helical pump through said passageway for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion and is prevented front flowing into any upstream blood vessel or downstream blood vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said at least one helical pump also serves as a helical drive cable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The intravascular device of claim 2 wherein said helical drive cable comprises a two start helical spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular device of claim 2 wherein said helical drive cable is arranged with variable pitch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said catheter comprises an introducer sheath or guide catheter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said infusate comprises therapy means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The intravascular device of claim 6 wherein said therapy means comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular device of claim 7 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular device of claim 7 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 additionally comprising a debris blocking member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular device of claim 10 wherein said debris blocking member comprises a balloon.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said infusate liquid is introduced adjacent said working head.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working bead.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular device of claim 13 wherein said working head is rotatable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular device of claim 13 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The intravascular device of claim 13 wherein said helical pump also serves as a helical drive cable.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular device of claim 15 wherein said working head does not engage occlusive material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular device of claim 1 wherein said working head comprises an occlusion opening device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular device of claim 2 wherein said working head comprises an occlusion opening device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The intravascular device of claim, 19 wherein said device comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent-delivery catheter, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting head.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The intravascular device of claim 20 wherein said device comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent-delivery catheter, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting head.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular device of claim 22 wherein said rotary cutting head comprises an impeller.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The intravascular device of claim, 20 wherein said working head comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent-delivery catheter, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting head.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The intravascular device of claim 23 wherein said impeller is arranged to be rotated by said helical drive cable.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The intravascular device of claim 25 wherein said instrument further comprises a distal end with a shroud attached thereon.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The intravascular device of claim 26 wherein said shroud is arranged to cover said working head, and said shroud comprises an opening.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular device of claim 27 wherein said impeller projects out of said opening.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The intravascular device of claim 27 wherein any debris produced is progressively reduced in size until it is aspirated.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular device of claim 29 wherein said infusate expedites the treatment.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
216 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a portion of blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, said blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, said intravascular system comprising a lumen-opening member for introduction into the lumen of the blood vessel, debris blocking means, and pump means, said lumen-opening member being arranged to act on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded blood vessel to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, said lumen opening member comprising a working head, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the action of said lumen-opening member, said debris blocking means being arranged to be located within the occluded blood vessel distally of said lumen opening member for preventing debris from flowing distally of said debris blocking means, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate and withdrawing said liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flaw adjacent said lumen-opening member, said infusate liquid comprising therapy means, whereupon arty debris produced by the action of said lumen-opening member is withdrawn with said liquid by said differential flow for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion and is prevented from flowing into any upstream blood vessel or downstream blood vessel.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
216 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a portion of blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, said blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, said intravascular system comprising a lumen-opening member for introduction into the lumen of the blood vessel, debris blocking means, and pump means, said lumen-opening member being arranged to act on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded blood vessel to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, said lumen opening member comprising a working head, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the action of said lumen-opening member, said debris blocking means being arranged to be located within the occluded blood vessel distally of said lumen opening member for preventing debris from flowing distally of said debris blocking means, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate and withdrawing said liquid at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flaw adjacent said lumen-opening member, said infusate liquid comprising therapy means, whereupon arty debris produced by the action of said lumen-opening member is withdrawn with said liquid by said differential flow for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion and is prevented from flowing into any upstream blood vessel or downstream blood vessel.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said intravascular system comprises a catheter, said infusate liquid and the debris therein being withdrawn from the occluded blood vessel portion through said catheter.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The intravascular system, of claim 31 wherein said therapy comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 33 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 33 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said infusate liquid is introduced adjacent said working head.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 32 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 38 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 39 wherein said working head does not engage occlusive material.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 40 , wherein said working head further comprises a thrombectomy device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The intravascular system of claim 41 . wherein said therapy comprises urokinase.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said working head comprises any occlusion opening device,
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
35 words
The intravascular system of claim 44 wherein said device comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent-delivery catheter, a thrombectomy device, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting head.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said working head comprises an ultrasonic catheter.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 31 wherein said intravascular system additionally comprises a second catheter.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The intravascular system of claim 47 wherein said second catheter is arranged to deliver said infusate or irrigation liquid.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
182 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a blood vessel of a living being, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material therein, said intravascular system comprising a working head, a pump moans, and barrier means, said working head being arranged to operate on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded blood vessel to open a lumen therein for the freer flow of fluid therethrough, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the operation of said working bead, said barrier means being arranged for location downstream of said working head and activatable to restrict the flow of the debris downstream of said barrier means, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said liquid at a second flow rate higher than said first flow rate, thereby creating a differential flow, said infusate liquid comprising therapy means, whereupon any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn with said liquid by said pump means for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
182 words
An intravascular system for treating a lumen in a blood vessel of a living being, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material therein, said intravascular system comprising a working head, a pump moans, and barrier means, said working head being arranged to operate on the occlusive material in the interior of the occluded blood vessel to open a lumen therein for the freer flow of fluid therethrough, whereupon some debris may be produced from the occlusive material by the operation of said working bead, said barrier means being arranged for location downstream of said working head and activatable to restrict the flow of the debris downstream of said barrier means, said pump means introducing an infusate liquid at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said liquid at a second flow rate higher than said first flow rate, thereby creating a differential flow, said infusate liquid comprising therapy means, whereupon any debris produced by the operation of said working head is withdrawn with said liquid by said pump means for collection remote from the occluded vessel portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 49 wherein said barrier means comprises an expandable member.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 50 wherein said expandable member comprises a balloon.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The intravascular system of claim 49 wherein said therapy comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 52 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 52 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
48 words
The intravascular system of claim 49 wherein said system additionally comprises a flexible instrument and wherein said working head comprises a portion of said instrument, said instrument being arranged to be passed through the being's body so that said working head is located adjacent the occluded vessel portion.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The intravascular system of claim 55 wherein said barrier means forms a portion of a guide wire, said guide wire extending through said instrument.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
The intravascular system of claim 56 wherein said guide wire is arranged to provide a perfusion liquid downstream of said barrier means.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 56 wherein said barrier means comprises an expandable member.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
17 words
The intravascular system of claim 57 wherein said perfusion liquid comprises said infusate, blood, or oxygenated liquid.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
11 words
The intravascular system of claim 59 wherein said infusate is oxygenated.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The intravascular system of claim 57 wherein said perfusion liquid comprises said infusate liquid and said therapy comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, or a biologically active material.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 61 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 61 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
13 words
The intravascular system of claim 58 wherein said expandable member comprises a balloon.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intravascular system of claim 49 wherein said infusate liquid is introduced adjacent said working head.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system or claim 49 wherein said infusate liquid exits said working head.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The intravascular system of claim 66 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 67 wherein said working head does not engage occlusive material.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intravascular system of claim 68 wherein said working head further comprises a thrombectomy device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
11 words
The intravascular system of claim 49 wherein said therapy comprises urokinase.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
37 words
The intravascular system of claim 49 wherein said working head comprises a balloon angioplasty catheter, an ultrasonic catheter, a laser catheter, a stent- delivery catheter, a thrombectomy device, a rotary abrasive head, or a rotary cutting, head.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intravascular system of claim 55 wherein said working head comprises an ultrasonic catheter.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
217 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel portion being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel portion being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) extending a second catheter through said first catheter so that a working portion of said second catheter is located in the occluded blood vessel portion; (c) blocking the occluded blood vessel portion distally of said working portion of said second catheter; (d) using said second catheter to open a lumen in the occluded portion of the blood vessel for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate into said occluded blood vessel portion and withdrawing said infusate and any debris produced by the opening of the occluded portion of the blood vessel through a passageway in said first catheter, wherein said infusate comprises therapy means; and (f) providing a path for blood from the patent blood vessel portion to flow through said port into said passageway for merger with said infusate and debris.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
217 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel portion being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel portion being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) extending a second catheter through said first catheter so that a working portion of said second catheter is located in the occluded blood vessel portion; (c) blocking the occluded blood vessel portion distally of said working portion of said second catheter; (d) using said second catheter to open a lumen in the occluded portion of the blood vessel for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate into said occluded blood vessel portion and withdrawing said infusate and any debris produced by the opening of the occluded portion of the blood vessel through a passageway in said first catheter, wherein said infusate comprises therapy means; and (f) providing a path for blood from the patent blood vessel portion to flow through said port into said passageway for merger with said infusate and debris.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said therapy means comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
the method of claim 74 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 73 additionally comprising the step of: (g) introducing a third catheter through said first catheter, said third catheter being arranged to carry a stent into the lumen formed in the occluded blood vessel to hold said lumen open.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 73 additionally comprising the steps of: (g) extending a third catheter through said first catheter, said third catheter being arranged for introducing said infusate into said occluded blood vessel portion.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
229 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel, said method. comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) blocking the flow of blood and debris distally of a working head; (c) providing a vessel-opening catheter having said working head and extending said vessel-opening catheter through said first catheter so that said working bead is located in the occluded blond vessel portion, said first catheter and said vessel-opening catheter defining a passageway therebetween; (d) operating said working head to open the occluded blood vessel portion for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate at a first flow rate adjacent said working bead and withdrawing said infusate at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow adjacent said working head, whereupon blocked debris is withdrawn with said infusate for passage proximally through said passageway wherein said infusate comprises therapy means; and (f) providing a path for blood within said patent blood vessel portion to flow into said passageway for merger with said infusate and debris.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
229 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living being's vascular system, the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel, said method. comprising: (a) extending a first catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion, said first catheter having a distal end portion and a port located proximally of said distal end portion; (b) blocking the flow of blood and debris distally of a working head; (c) providing a vessel-opening catheter having said working head and extending said vessel-opening catheter through said first catheter so that said working bead is located in the occluded blond vessel portion, said first catheter and said vessel-opening catheter defining a passageway therebetween; (d) operating said working head to open the occluded blood vessel portion for the freer flow of blood therethrough; (e) introducing an infusate at a first flow rate adjacent said working bead and withdrawing said infusate at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow adjacent said working head, whereupon blocked debris is withdrawn with said infusate for passage proximally through said passageway wherein said infusate comprises therapy means; and (f) providing a path for blood within said patent blood vessel portion to flow into said passageway for merger with said infusate and debris.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 79 wherein said therapy means comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 80 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 80 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
216 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living beings vascular system., the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a guide catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion; (b) extending a lumen-opening catheter having a working head through said guide catheter so that said working head is located in the lumen in the occluded blood vessel portion, said guide catheter and said lumen-opening catheter defining a fluid-flow passageway therebetween; (c) blocking the flow of blood and any debris created distally of said working head; (d) operating said working head to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, wherein, said operation comprises introducing an infusate at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said infusate at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow at said working head, whereupon debris is withdrawn with said infusate for passage proximally through said fluid-flow passageway, wherein said infusate comprises therapy means; and (e) providing a path for blood within the patent blood vessel portion to flow into said fluid-flow passageway for merger with said infusate and the debris.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
216 words
A method for treating a lumen in a portion of a blood vessel of a living beings vascular system., the blood vessel being occluded by an occlusive material, the occluded blood vessel being located distally of a patent blood vessel portion, said method comprising: (a) extending a guide catheter through said patent blood vessel portion into said occluded blood vessel portion; (b) extending a lumen-opening catheter having a working head through said guide catheter so that said working head is located in the lumen in the occluded blood vessel portion, said guide catheter and said lumen-opening catheter defining a fluid-flow passageway therebetween; (c) blocking the flow of blood and any debris created distally of said working head; (d) operating said working head to open the lumen for the freer flow of blood therethrough, wherein, said operation comprises introducing an infusate at a first flow rate at said working head and withdrawing said infusate at a second and higher flow rate to create a differential flow at said working head, whereupon debris is withdrawn with said infusate for passage proximally through said fluid-flow passageway, wherein said infusate comprises therapy means; and (e) providing a path for blood within the patent blood vessel portion to flow into said fluid-flow passageway for merger with said infusate and the debris.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 83 wherein said therapy comprises a drug, pharmaceutical, a biologically active material, or microspheres carrying chemicals.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 84 wherein said biologically active material comprises a growth factor.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 84 wherein said drug comprises heparin or urokinase.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 83 wherein said working head is arranged to introduce said infusate liquid in the form of liquid jets.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2012-05-18 | 2012-11-17 | 2013-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-05-18 | 2016-11-17 | 2017-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-05-18 | 2020-11-17 | 2021-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |