Apparatus and methods for clot dissolution

US8535290B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Covidien LP · US

Inventors

• Michael A. Evans · Palo Alto, US
• Denise Demarais · Los Gatos, US
• Dino De Cicco · Sunnyvale, US
• Kelvin Ning · Phoenix, US
• Alexander Khairkhahan · Palo Alto, US
• Tyler Jon Strang · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 13, 2012
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 13, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/0105
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Clot disruption and dissolution are achieved using a catheter having the ability to infuse a thrombolytic agent, aspirate clot and fluid, and allow passage of a guidewire. Optionally, the catheter may also include a mechanical agitator for further disrupt clot in the presence of the thrombolytic agent. A flow resistor in the catheter provides for infusion and/or aspiration to be concentrated primarily at a clot treatment area in a blood vessel while also providing optional infusion and/or aspiration distal to the treatment area. In some embodiments, infusion, aspiration and guidewire passage occur through a common lumen. The thrombolytic agent, such as tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase, is directly released into the clot at the point where the agitator is engaging the clot. In this way, the thrombolytic activity of the agent is enhanced and the dissolution of the clot is improved.