Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing thrombus and plaque from a coronary artery which is at least partially occluded due to deposits of plaque and thrombus on the inner wall of the artery. More particularly, the invention provides a treatment method and apparatus for the same, wherein a balloon catheter and coronary thrombectomy catheter are inserted into an at least partially occluded coronary artery. The coronary thrombectomy catheter with the balloon catheter are placed upstream from the occluded area. A balloon at the distal end of the balloon catheter is inflated, expanding the distal end of the coronary thrombectomy catheter. The balloon is then deflated, the distal tip of the guide catheter retaining its expanded shape. The balloon is deflated and extended beyond the occluded portion of the artery. The balloon is then re-expanded and retracted toward the expanded distal end of the guide catheter carrying with it, residual pieces of thrombus and/or plaque which had been dislodged from the artery wall, the balloon forming a plug at the distal end of the coronary thrombectomy catheter so that the apparatus containing the thrombus and plaque may be removed from the artery. The balloon also may be used to perform an angioplasty procedure.

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First Claim