| 20100131000 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF MATERIAL FROM A BLOOD VESSEL - This invention provides a device and controllably expansive tool tip for thrombus removal. According to one embodiment, the controllably expansive thrombus removal tool tip (e.g., a screen and/or mesh) may be collapsed by pushing on an actuating handle, and then advanced into a balloon or guiding catheter until a distal end of device has reached the thrombus. The tool tip is then expanded by pulling the actuating handle backward; and the radially extended (expanded) tool tip is moved to receive and substantially surround (e.g., encompass) the thrombus. The tool tip may then be collapsed again by pushing on the actuating handle to engage (tighten around) the thrombus, and the device may be withdrawn from a patient's body through the vascular system with the thrombus engaged by the tool tip. | 05-27-2010 |
