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Abstract

A rheolytic thrombectomy catheter and method of using same to remove thrombus from a body vessel or other body cavity. The rheolytic thrombectomy catheter has a first tube with a distal open end and a second tube aligned within the first tube and having a flexible tip assembly. A tapered and flexible tip follows a guidewire within and along tortuous and difficult vasculature paths to the site of thrombus. The flexible tip assembly, includes a soft flexible tip and also includes a hard plastic shell offering structural integrity and rigid alignment between a toroidal loop and an inner body to prevent lever arm distortion and to maintain spray gap alignment for saline jet flow emanating from the toroidal loop. Saline jets dislodge, entrain, and break thrombus into pieces which are evacuated through the dual lumen tube. A construction method is also included for mounting of the toroidal loop within the hard plastic shell and attachment of the soft tapered and flexible tip with sufficient bond strength to function as intended for use.

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First Claim