Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a retrieval shuttle for removal of a stent, medical prosthesis or other foreign object from the vessel of a patient. Structurally, the present invention includes a resilient positioning catheter formed to surround a lumen. A shuttle body also formed to include a lumen is attached to the distal end of the positioning catheter. A flexible bladder formed to surround a passageway is positioned as an inner layer for the lumen of the shuttle body forming a pressurizable chamber between the shuttle body and the flexible bladder. Fluid passed through the positioning catheter pressurizes the chamber causing the flexible bladder to progressively collapse. Operationally, the present invention is advanced through the vessel of the patient to position the passageway of the flexible bladder around the stent or other object requiring removal. The chamber is then pressurized to collapse the flexible bladder around the stent, holding the stent. The retrieval shuttle, with the stent held in the passageway of the flexible bladder, is then removed from the patient.

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First Claim