Importance

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Abstract

A catheter for removing vascular obstruction(s) is disclosed. The catheter employs a configuration comprising generally coaxial, rapidly rotatable drive cable, fluid output lumens or channels, and fluid input lumens or channels. The drive cable is fixedly coupled to an elongate head so as to permit the head to be rapidly rotated by the drive cable. The head includes flats or impellers which, when rapidly rotated, generate a zone of turbulence or a vortex adjacent the vascular obstruction. The turbulence generated by the device tends to break up or dismantle the obstruction. The fluid input and output mechanisms permit fluid to be delivered to the vicinity of the obstruction and debris from the obstruction to be removed. In a preferred practice, a catheter of the invention is hollow, permitting it to be slid over a guide wire which has been steered to the site of the vascular obstruction. The distal end of the catheter, specifically the head, is steered to a location adjacent the obstruction by utilization of the guide wire. Methods for removing vascular obstructions are disclosed. Preferably, pulsatile turbulence generation is employed.

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First Claim