Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A device for temporarily blocking a blood vessel of a patient during a procedure for removing an obstruction deposited on the blood vessel wall. The device includes: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and arranged to be inserted into the blood vessel via the distal end, the catheter having a peripheral wall and being provided with first and second lumens extending from the proximal end, the first lumen extending fully to the distal end of the catheter, a first opening extending from the first lumen to the peripheral wall for communication with the interior of the blood vessel in order to permit blood flow from a point upstream of the obstruction and through the first lumen to the distal end of the catheter, and a second opening extending from the secon lumen to the peripheral wall at a location between the first opening and the distal end of the catheter; and a balloon secured to the periphral wall and having an inflation opening communicating with the second opening. The balloon is configured such that upon being inflated, it expands eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter in order to urge the catheter toward the blood vessel wall. The balloon catheter may be used with embolic removal device such as ultrasonic probes and suction catheters.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim