Angioplasty device

? TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for performing angioplasties to compress and / or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques, thrombosis, stenosis, occlusions, clots, potentially embolic material, etc. (hereinafter "obstructions") of the veins, arteries, vessels, ducts and the like (hereinafter, "vessels"). In particular, the invention relates to a total and trap capture angioplasty device capable of being used in vessels and structures similar to vessels of both small and large diameter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Angioplasty devices may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions and perform a wide variety of procedures including, but not limited to: acquired or congenital strictures or obstructions; percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy; cerebral embolization; acquired obstruction or stenosis

or congenital of the aorta, renal, coronary, pulmonary, iliac, femoral, popliteal, peroneal, dorsal foot, subclavian, axillary, brachial, radial, ulnar, vertebral, cerebral and / or cerebellar arterial arteries or any other accessible artery or its ramifications; acquired or congenital obstruction or stenosis of the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, common iliac, internal iliac, external iliac, femoral, saphenous major, minor saphenous, posterior tibial, peroneal, popliteal artery, pulmonary, coronary, coronary sinus, innominate, brachial, cephalic, basilic, internal jugular, external jugular, cerebral, cerebellar, sinuses of the dura and / or vertebral vein or any other accessible vein or its ramifications; atheromatous lesions of any graft or its ramifications; obstructions or strictures of connections between grafts, veins, arteries, organs and ducts; hemorrhage of the vena cava; obstructions, strictures, mishaps and / or congenital or acquired aberrant intracardiac communications; obstructions, stenosis and / or congenital or acquired cardiovascular diseases; infusion of thrombolytic agents; thromboembolic phenomena; diagnostic catheterization; clot removal; extrahepatic and / or intrahepatic bile ductal obstruction (eg, stenosis, sediments or constrictions); intraductal, intracardiac and / or intravascular foreign bodies; renal dialysis; gastrointestinal obstructions and / or congenital and / or esophageal esophageal strictures; non-organized atheromas; stenosis of dialysis fistulas; broken cerebral aneurysm; venovenous and / or arteriovenous, arterio-arterial fistulas; ureteral obstructions (eg, stones, sediments or constrictions); fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal artery, carotid artery and / or blood vessels; and / or atherosclerosis of any artery, vein or its accessible ramifications. Such procedures can be performed both in humans and in other applications.

[0003] Conventional angioplasty devices generally consist of a catheter containing a balloon-like member that is inserted into a clogged vessel. The expansion of the balloon in the place of the obstruction crushes the obstruction against the inner lining of the vessel. When the balloon is retracted, the obstruction remains pressed against the vessel wall and the effective diameter of the vessel through which fluid can flow increases at the location of the obstruction. Examples of devices for angioplasties that incorporate a balloon are shown in US Pat. numbers 4,646,742; 4,636,195; 4,587,975; and 4,273,128.

[0004] Other devices have been developed for conventional angioplasties that incorporate meshes or braids, which pierce or cut certain parts or lasers as a means of removing blockages. Some examples of these devices for angioplasties are illustrated in US Pat. numbers 4,445,509; 4,572,186; 4,576,177; 4,589,412; 4,631,052; 4,641,912; and 4,650,466.

[0005] Many problems have been associated with these devices for angioplasty. Perhaps, the most important problem is the creation of particulate matter during the blockage removal procedure. Recent ex vivo studies have shown that a large number of emboli occur due to inflation and deflation of the angioplasty balloon during dilation of a stethonic lesion. See Ohki T. Carotid bilge ex vivo, (Presentation) ISES International Congress XI, February 11, 1998. These particles are released into the fluid that flows through the vessel and can lead to embolisms, clots, strokes, heart attacks, hypertension and reduced renal function, acute renal failures, livedo reticularis and gangrene of the lower extremities, pain abdominal and pancreatitis, cerebral infarction and retinal embolisms, tissue injuries, tissue death, emergency bypass surgery, death and other side effects and unwanted complications. Regardless of the type of angioplasty device used, a substantial number of particles will be generated.

[0006] Even very small particles can cause significant damage. The transverse diameter of the capillary vessels varies for different parts of the body and can comprise vessels as small as 2.0-3.5 µ for very thin capillary vessels or 3.5-5.0 µ for moderately thin capillary vessels. Therefore, particles that exceed these sizes can be housed inside the vessel. In addition, in the case of the heart, approximately 45% of the capillary vessels close at a given time so that the particles released in this organ, regardless of how small they may be, can be captured. Therefore, it is clear that distal embolization represents a fearsome threat.

[0007] A partial solution to the problems described above is described in US Patent No. 4,794,928 to Kletschka. This angioplasty device incorporates a trap / barrier to trap and remove particles that are detached from the treatment sight. This device is desirable because it can physiologically prevent important particles from escaping from the place of obstruction thereby preventing unfavorable side effects from treatment and angioplasty procedures. A problem with this design, however, is that it is difficult to provide at the same time a device for angioplasty that is small enough to be used in arteries of medium and very small sizes and / or in vessels with very serious obstructions (for example, in vessels that have 90% or more stenosis) and that have sufficient suction to extract particulate matter. The state of the art in accordance with WO-A-01/56644 is recognized in the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] Another partial solution to the problems indicated above is the use of multiple catheters. These devices require that the doctor, in the first place, release a "blocking" catheter in the region in question so that his occlusion balloon is distal to the treatment site. The doctor then loads a second "balloon" catheter over the blocking catheter and performs the angioplasty procedure. The second catheter is then removed and a third catheter is loaded in place over the blocking catheter. The third catheter can be used to aspirate blood from the treatment site. A problem that arises with this design, however, is that it does not provide the means to capture particles too large to fit in the suction lumen. Another problem is that this design requires a complex and relatively long operating procedure that can lead to neurological complications. In addition, particulate matter can also escape or be dragged from the treatment site when the catheters are turned on and when the blocking balloon is deflated. Even when combined with suction, there is a risk that particles that are too large to be removed through the suction duct are released distally due to the force of blood flow as the balloon deflates.

[0009] Another partial solution is to use a porous cap that allows blood to circulate. The cap, attached to a guide wire with rods, remains folded inside the angioplasty catheter. The cap unfolds when pushed beyond the tip of the restriction catheter. Removing the cap from inside the catheter closes the trap. These devices, however, do not perform suction and require multiple catheters. In addition, small particles pass through the porous cap.

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates the problems associated with obtaining the size of the ducts necessary to perform only the desired insertion, inflation and suction tasks. Fig. 1 is a cross section of a 1.5mm catheter 10 (five French). A standard catheter, 150 centimeters in length, may require a suction lumen 12 with a diameter of approximately 0.025 inches, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, to provide sufficient suction for its operating end to cover the remains released from a large plate atheromatous The catheter may also require an inflation / deflation lumen 14 with a diameter of about 0.015 inches to inflate the angioplasty balloon and a centered guidewire lumen 16 with a diameter of approximately 0.035 inches to position the device. As can be seen, these lumens greatly interfere with each other. An additional mechanism for opening and closing a locking / capturing device will again invade the specific space.

[0011] Clearly, an improved angioplasty device is necessary for use in severely clogged or small diameter vessels that can substantially prevent all physiologically significant particles from escaping the obstruction site thereby preventing unfavorable side effects from occurring. derived from the procedures and treatment of angioplasty. It is also necessary a device for angioplasty of small diameter that can provide capacity for capture, blockage and aspiration. In addition, an improved particle trap is necessary that can substantially prevent all physiologically significant particles from escaping the location of the obstruction and can fit and be operated by a group of small diameter catheters. Likewise, a particle trap is required in which said improved particle trap provides better maneuvering capabilities and more flexible navigation capabilities within the vessels. A method is necessary for the realization of an improved particle trap with improved maneuvering capabilities. A trap with improved capture capabilities is also necessary to collect and capture particles even if the trap is in a contracted position. A handling device is necessary that activates the particle trap and incorporates a locking mechanism to secure the particle trap either in an expanded or contracted position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention, as defined in claim 1, provides an apparatus for use in angioplasty procedures or other industrial, veterinary, medical or non-medical applications in which the removal of an obstruction from a vessel or structure Similar to a vessel, it could produce particles that, if they remained in the vessel, could cause unwanted results and complications. The present invention is especially useful for use in small diameter vessels and / or in vessels with severe obstructions since it maximizes suction for a given catheter diameter. The present invention can also substantially prevent all physiologically significant particles from escaping from the place of obstruction. Particles smaller than the width of the suction lumen are removed by aspiration in some embodiments while larger particles are captured behind a collapsible cap and removed when the catheter is removed. Some embodiments also have an arrangement to aspirate the remains generated when the angioplasty device is introduced through a stenosis.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is an angioplasty device for removing a blockage of a vessel or a vessel-like structure. An embodiment of this angioplasty device consists of a catheter for insertion into a vessel-like structure and a trap operatively connected to the catheter and a rotating part such as a fixed guidewire or a catheter that forms a longitudinal axis in which the rotation of a rotating part with respect to the catheter triggers the trap. Some embodiments of the present device for angioplasty may also comprise a flexible rod connected to the catheter and the trap. This flexible rod can expand and contract the trap by moving between a helically coiled position and a curved expanded position.

[0014] In one embodiment of the angioplasty device, the curved expanded position of the rods can form arcs that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter or guidewire. In another embodiment, the expanded position of the rods forms arcs in a spiral configuration that traces the circle of the longitudinal axis of the catheter or guidewire. Other curved expanded positions of the rods fall within the scope of this invention to the extent that the function of the trap is fulfilled.

[0015] In one embodiment, the middle section begins to close first to create a narrowing in the contracted trap. In this embodiment, the narrowing creates a hitch point to improve the abilities of the trap.

[0016] In another embodiment, one end of the trap is less resistant to closure than the other end so that by contracting the device from the trap, the less resistant part will be closed first. In this embodiment, the less resistant part will close tightly while the other part will form a small pocket. The overall profile of the contracted trap forms a cocoon-like structure that takes the form of a tear.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is a trap for selectively blocking a vessel or a vessel-like structure. An embodiment consists of a rotating part, such as a guidewire or a fixed catheter, that drives a flexible rod between a curved expanded position and a helically threaded position and a membrane operatively connected to the flexible rod. These embodiments may further comprise a first ring that fixedly connects the rotating part to a flexible rod and a second ring that also fixedly connects the flexible rod to a catheter. In addition, the proximal part of the flexible rods can be inserted into the catheter wall instead of the second ring or in addition to said second ring.

[0018] Another aspect is the methods of adapting a particle trap to eliminate an obstruction of a vessel-shaped structure. An embodiment comprises the actions of operatively connecting a plurality of flexible rods to an outer surface of a catheter when the catheter includes a rotating part; operatively connect the plurality of flexible rods to the rotating part; and operatively connect a membrane to a plurality of flexible rods.

[0019] Another aspect is a method of forming flexible rods for use in particle trapping. In one embodiment, a shape memory alloy is used to form the rods in the expanded position in steady state. In another embodiment a polymer or plastic material is used to form the rods in an expanded position in a stationary state. The rods can be formed by fixedly securing each end of the rod to a stationary device and molding the rods on a molded device with the desired profile for the expanded position in steady state. The shape memory alloy will then be treated so as to form the profile of the molded device for its expanded steady state position. In one embodiment, heat treatment is used to treat the metal to form the expanded profile. In one embodiment, the expanded spiral configuration is formed using a molded device in the desired profile in which a part of the molded device rotates to form a spirally threaded position of the expanded rod. The rods are then treated to form the spirally threaded position.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a device for removing an obstruction of a vessel-like structure. An embodiment comprises a catheter for insertion into a vessel-like structure by counting the catheter with a catheter wall and a movable part and a trap operatively connected to the catheter wall and the movable part. The relative movement between the catheter wall and the moving part triggers the trap. This relative movement can be a relative rotation or a relative translation.

[0021] In one embodiment, the angioplasty device comprises a handle attached to the angioplasty device that the user manipulates to operate the trap. The handle comprises a selector wheel and a propeller configuration that allows the user to operate the trap from the contracted position to the expanded position. In one embodiment, the handle comprises a closure to close the trap in the desired position depending on the specific steps of the procedure. In these embodiments, the handle provides the relative rotational or longitudinal movements or both to actuate the trap.

[0022] Another aspect is a group of catheters for insertion into a vessel-like structure. The catheter group in this embodiment defines a balloon adapted to compress an obstruction against the vessel-like structure; a trap adapted to selectively block the vessel-like structure; an inflation lumen in operational communication with the globe; and a suction lumen in operative communication with the trap. This group of catheters has a diameter of less than twenty French and some embodiments have a diameter of less than five French.

[0023] Another aspect is a type of angioplasty procedure. An embodiment of this procedure comprises the actions of inserting a catheter into the vessel-like structure, the catheter includes a trap and an actuator; position the trap in the direction in which the current flows from the obstruction; move the actuator in a first direction thus opening the trap; and move the actuator in the second direction thus closing the trap. This procedure may further comprise the action of removing the obstruction of the vessel-like structure thus producing at least one particle. This particle can be removed from the vessel-like structure using a suction lumen, the trap or a combination of both.

[0024] Three additional aspects are the modular trap for the angioplasty device, the guide wire for use in medical devices and the angioplasty device with a valve. An embodiment of the modular trap consists of a trap adapted to selectively block a vessel-like structure; and a coupling device that couples the trap to the angioplasty device. An embodiment of the guidewire comprises a wall of the guidewire defining a proximal opening, a distal opening and an annular runner that fluidly connects the proximal opening to the distal opening. An embodiment of the device for angioplasty with a valve comprises a first lumen and a valve adapted to selectively block the first lumen.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for insertion into a vessel-like structure on a guidewire. An embodiment comprises a catheter for insertion into a vessel-like structure by counting the catheter with a wall and a moving part as well as a trap operatively connected to the catheter wall and to the moving part in which the relative movement between the wall of the vessel catheter and the moving part triggers the trap. The catheter in this embodiment includes a guide wire lumen adapted to slidably receive the guide wire.

[0026] The present description also includes a method for performing an angioplasty device suitable for procedure on the wire. An embodiment comprises forming a catheter with a first wall and a second wall by operatively connecting a plurality of flexible rods to the first wall, operatively connecting the plurality of flexible rods to the second wall and operatively connecting a membrane to the plurality of flexible rods. The first wall of this embodiment defines a guide wire lumen and cooperates with the second wall to define a fluid communication lumen.

[0027] One or more of these embodiments can be used to remove an obstruction of a vessel-like structure by inserting the guidewire into the vessel-like structure; the insertion of a catheter into a vessel-like structure on the guidewire including the catheter a trap and an actuator; trap positioning in the same direction of the current from the obstruction; move the actuator in a first direction thus opening the trap; and the movement of the actuator in a second direction thus closing the trap.

[0028] A feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can provide a device for angioplasty with a small diameter that can trap and extract substantially all physiologically significant particles. Another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can provide aspiration, blocking and capture capacity in a single catheter. And another additional feature and advantage is that the present invention maximizes the amount of suction per unit size thereby providing the physician with more suction in vessels larger than those currently available. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings.

[0029] Although multiple embodiments are shown, other embodiments of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the detailed description that shows and describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. As will be noted, the invention is subject to modifications in several obvious aspects, all of them without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description should be considered exemplary and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 (prior art) is a sectional view illustrating the limits of the dimensions of a conventional 1.5mm (five French) catheter.

[0031] Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the angioplasty device of the present invention. [0032] Figures 3A-3C are schematic views of different embodiments of the trap. [0033] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 taken along the line AA. [0034] Figure 5 is a side view of the distal end of the embodiment reproduced in Figure 2. [0035] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the embodiment reproduced in Figure 5 taken along the line

DC.

[0036] Figure 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment with a plurality of rods in one position helically screwed with parts of the rods removed to show the inner wall of the catheter. [0037] Figure 7B is a schematic side view of an embodiment having a plurality of rods in

Expanded position curved.

[0038] Figure 7C is a schematic side view of an embodiment with a plurality of rods in position Curvedly expanded with the arches forming a spiral configuration. [0039] Figure 7D is a schematic side view of an embodiment with the outline of the device. [0040] Figure 7E is a schematic side view of an embodiment with a plurality of rods in position

contracted in which the contracted trap has formed a narrowing.

[0041] Figure 7F is a schematic side view of an embodiment with a plurality of rods in position contracted in which the contracted part has formed a cocoon. [0042] Figure 7G is a schematic side view of an embodiment with a plurality of rods in position

contracted in which the contracted trap has formed a cocoon. [0043] Figure 8 is a sectional view of a reinforcement taken along the line BB. [0044] Figures 9A and 9B are sectional views and a schematic side view of an embodiment with a system

of extension in helix.

[0045] Figure 10 is a detailed schematic view of an embodiment with an extension system of the flexible membrane [0046] Figure 11A is a schematic side view of an embodiment capable of providing suction during

insertion.

[0047] Figures 11B and 11C are schematic side views of two discs for use with the embodiment in the Figure 11A [0048] Figures 12A and 12B are sectional views of an alternative valve embodiment. [0049] Figure 13 is a schematic side view of an embodiment with separate catheters for the trap and the

operative part

[0050] Figure 14 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a group of catheters with trap for use in the antegrade address. [0051] Figure 15 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a group of catheters with trap configured for

its use in the retrograde direction.

[0052] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of a group of trap catheters with a suction lumen increased. [0053] Figure 15B is a sectional view of a group of trap catheters with a guidewire with a

solid part and a suction lumen. [0054] Figure 16 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a group of catheters with trap configured for its use in the antegrade direction in which the trap is operated by a relative movement between the wall internal of a catheter and an outer wall of the catheter.

[0055] Figure 17 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a group of catheters with trap configured for use in the retrograde direction in which the trap is operated by a relative movement between an inner wall of the catheter and an outer wall of the same.

[0056] Figure 18A is a sectional view of an embodiment of an angioplasty device configured for use in the retrograde direction in which the trap is actuated by relative movement between an internal wall of the catheter and an external wall thereof.

[0057] Figure 18B is a sectional view of an embodiment of an angioplasty device configured for use in the antegrade direction in which the trap is actuated by relative movement between an inner wall of the catheter and an outer wall thereof.

[0058] Figure 19 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a device for angioplasty with a coupling device.

[0059] Figure 20 is a sectional view of a coupling device of Figure 19.

[0060] Figure 21 is a sectional view of a trap driven by relative translation showing the trap in a curved expanded position.

[0061] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the trap in Figure 21 showing the trap in a contracted position.

[0062] Figure 23A is a sectional view of an embodiment of a modular trap.

[0063] Figures 23B, 24A, and 24B are sectional views of alternative modular trap embodiments.

[0064] Figure 25 is a sectional view of an embodiment with a hollow guide wire.

[0065] Figure 26 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment with a hollow guide wire.

[0066] Figure 27 is a sectional view of an embodiment in which a plurality of rods connect a coupling device to a catheter for angioplasty.

[0067] Figure 28 is a sectional view of the angioplasty device of Figure 5.

[0068] Figure 29 is a detailed sectional view of an alternative proximal end embodiment.

[0069] Figure 30 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a modular trap with a guide wire lumen.

[0070] Figure 31 is a sectional view of the contour of a device for forming the expanded rods.

[0071] Figure 32 is a view of the handle assembly.

[0072] Figure 33A-E are sectional views of a trap and the outline of a device for forming expanded rods from a tube.

[0073] Figure 34A-C are sectional views of a trap formed of a tube with rods that vary in thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the angioplasty device 20 of the present invention. This angioplasty device 20 consists of a flexible catheter 26 which has a proximal end 22, a distal end 24 and a generally circular cross-section. The proximal end 22 of the catheter 26 is connected to a housing with ramifications 28 containing a suction port 30, an inflation port 32 and a guide wire port 34. The distal end 24 of the catheter 26 is connected to an angioplasty balloon 36 and a trap / barrier 38. As will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4, the flexible catheter 26 contains an inflation / deflation lumen 40, a vacuum / suction lumen 42 and a flexible guide wire 44.

[0075] In use, the distal end 24 of the angioplasty device 20 can be inserted into a vessel at any point relative to the treatment site that is consistent with the desired treatment protocol. The balloon 36 is then aligned with the obstruction using the methods known in the state of the art as a radiopaque contrast solution, so that the trap 38 is placed in a position that goes with the current from the location of the obstruction with the opening of the trap 38 located so that the fluid will flow from it and under the cap / membrane.

[0076] After positioning, the trap 38 can be expanded so that it forms a seal against the inner lining of the vessel. This seal will prevent physiologically significant particles from leaving the treatment site. A fluid, air or other means of expansion can then be injected into the device 20 through the inflation port 32 and can be released through the lumen 40 to the balloon 36. The balloon 36 can then be expanded to perform its function. Alternatively, the balloon 36 and the trap 38 can expand simultaneously or the balloon can expand before the trap 38. As balloon 36 expands, the obstruction is crushed against the inside diameter of the vessel which increases the area through which it can Flow the fluid. The crushing of the obstruction, however, creates particles that can be released on either side of the globe 36.

[0077] When the vessel is living tissue (eg, a duct, artery, animal or human vein) the balloon can be inflated to a pressure ranging from about 304-1520 kPa (three to fifteen atmospheres), or more, Depending on the application. The appropriate pressure will depend on the treatment protocol, the type of organism to be treated, the type of vessel being treated and the material from which the balloon is constructed. The expansion pressures suitable for a given situation are known to those skilled in the art.

[0078] The balloon 36 may be partially retracted so that a pressure differential between the vessel and the suction lumen 42 can pull the resulting particles into the trap 38. The particles may be extracted through the catheter 26 or deposited in the trap 38 so that, when the trap 38 is retracted, the particles are trapped inside.

[0079] The trap 38 in this embodiment can take any final shape as long as a tight seal is achieved with the inner lining of the vessel to be treated and as long as the shape facilitates the capture of the particles. Figs. 3A-3C show the three possible embodiments of the trap 38. Specifically, Fig. 3A shows a trap with a generally conical shape 38, Fig. 3B shows a trap with a shape more or less like an "egg" 38 and Fig. 3C shows a trap with a more or less oval shape 38. There are other shapes and configurations for the trap 38 that also fall within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the trap 38 and the balloon 36 may be positioned relative to each other in any configuration that allows the trap 38 to achieve a tight seal with the inner liner of the vessel and trap the particles when it expands. This includes, but is not limited to, configurations in which the relative locations of balloon 36 and trap 38 are reversed. In contrast to the "antegrade" embodiments reproduced in Figs. 2 and 3A-3C, these "retrograde" embodiments would allow the introduction of the device for angioplasty from a point "in the direction of the current" from the treatment site.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the balloon 36 in this embodiment serves as an operative part and can be replaced by any means known in the art or that is subsequently developed in the state of the art to eliminate or compress an obstruction. Thus, as has been used throughout this specification and in the claims, the terms "balloon" and "operative part" encompass any means to remove or compress an obstruction including, without limitation, balloons, meshes, rotors of cutting, lasers, treatment agents and the means represented by US patents no. 4,646,742, 4,636,195, 4,587,975, 4,273,128, 4,650,466, 4,572,186, 4,631,052, 4,589,412, 4,445,509, 4,641,912 and 4,576,177. Each type of operative part will have its unique control mechanism that, in the case of the globe, fills it or, in the case of the laser or cutting rotor, turns it on. Furthermore, even if the balloon and its associated filling or expansion system are used through the exemplary description of an operative part and its associated control means, it is understood that any available operative part and its control means could be replaced in many of the embodiments described herein. Thus, references to "expansion" and "retraction" of the balloon should be understood, by deduction, which refer to the activation and deactivation of any operative part incorporated into a device for a given angioplasty 20.

[0081] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of catheter 26 in Fig. 2 taken along the line AA. Catheter 26 includes an outer wall 46, inflation / deflation lumen 40, an inner wall 48, suction lumen 42 and guide wire 44.

[0082] The inner wall 48 and the outer wall 46 can be made from any relatively flexible material. When used in medical applications it is desirable, however, that the chosen material is approved for use in medical devices, is compatible with standard sterilization procedures and is capable of withstanding the inflation pressure of the balloon 36 without undue expansion in the radial direction. . A suitable material can be nylon. However, other wall materials are within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the inner wall 48 and the outer wall 46 consist of the same material. These embodiments may be desirable because in general they are easier to manufacture. However, embodiments in which the inner wall 48 is made of a material other than that of the outer wall 46 falls within the scope of this invention. In addition, the inner wall 48 can be reinforced in some embodiments with a stent, rod, coil or similar metal or plastic member either in some sections or throughout its length. These reinforcements may also be embedded in the catheter wall.

[0083] The relative sizes and positions of the outer wall 46, the inflation / deflation lumen 40, the inner wall 48, the suction lumen 42 and the guide wire 44 are arbitrary. However, it is desirable to perform the inflation / deflation lumen 40 and the suction lumen 42 as large as possible so that they can provide greater suction to the distal end 24 and facilitate inflation and deflation of the balloon for angioplasty (when this is the operative part). That is, the maximum vacuum that can be applied through the suction port 30 is limited by the wall materials. This maximum available vacuum is reduced by frictional losses between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24. Since the frictional losses in a closed channel are inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel, increasing the cross-sectional area will increase the available vacuum at the end distal 24.

[0084] One method of increasing the cross-sectional areas of the inflation / deflation lumen 40 and the suction lumen 42 is to make the outer wall 46, the inflation / deflation lumen 40, the inner wall 48, the suction lumen 42 and the guide wire 44 substantially coaxial. Coaxial arrangements can increase the available cross-sectional area because for a circle

Thus, a lumen located near the outside of catheter 26 will have a greater fluid area than a lumen located near the inside of catheter 26, even if both lumens consume the same amount of distance between the walls. It was discovered that the increased flow area resulting from the coaxial arrangement can exceed its increased surface area.

[0085] Embodiments with coaxial lumens may be especially convenient if the inner wall 48 helps to form both the inflation / deflation lumen 40 and the suction lumen 42. These embodiments are convenient because the catheter 26 only needs an internal structure to define two lumens Despite these advantages, however, catheters having two or more inner walls also fall within the scope of the present invention. These embodiments may be convenient because they can define additional lumens and may allow one suction lumen 42 to physically move relative to the other inflation / deflation lumen 40.

[0086] Therefore, in one embodiment of the five French 26 catheter with the coaxial configuration shown in Fig. 4, the outer wall 46 has an outer diameter of 0.066 inches (1 inches = 25.4mm) and an inner diameter of 0.056 inches; the inner wall 48 has an outer diameter 0.0455 inches and an inner diameter of 0.0355 inches; and guide wire 44 has an outside diameter of 0.012 inches. This provides a suction lumen 42 with a transverse area of ​​approximately 0.0008 square inches. This embodiment is especially convenient for use in carotid artery procedures because it provides sufficient suction to remove the blockage before complications occur and because it is small enough to fit in the artery. Smaller diameter catheters 26 (for example, between 0.6-1.5mm (two and five French) can be used with smaller suction lumens 42 for use in less vital organs where the occlusion periods are less critical and in shorter catheters in which friction losses are less important. Catheters of larger diameter 26 (for example, between 1.5-12mm (five and forty French)) with larger suction lumens 42 may be suitable for use in larger arteries, such as the aorta or iliac arteries, to accommodate at a greater blood flow and in longer catheters.

[0087] Figs. 5 and 28 are much more detailed views of the distal end 24 of the embodiment of Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 28 show that the lumen of inflation / deflation lumen 40 (see also Fig. 4) ends in an opening 66 located within the balloon 36. This opening 66 allows air, saline solution or other means of inflation to fill the balloon 36 and tilt it radially outward and against the obstruction. Similarly, suction lumen 42 (see also Fig. 4) ends in a single opening 68 and / or a plurality of pores 69 that are spaced along its perimeter. These openings 68 and / or pores 69 are used to remove smaller particles from the treatment site and to aspirate them into the trap 38. The embodiments in which the inflation / deflation lumen 40 ends immediately at the proximal end of the balloon 36 may be especially convenient because the profile of the balloon 36 is minimized in its contracted configuration.

[0088] Figs. 5 and 28 also show that the trap 38 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of flexible rods 49 in a curved expanded position. In one embodiment, these rods 49 are fixedly attached to the guide wire 44 by an inner stainless steel ring 50 and an outer stainless steel ring 52 and on the outer surface of the inner wall 48 by a stainless steel ring 54. A membrane flexible 56 with an open end 58 and a closed end 60 is attached to the distal part of the rods 49. Fig. 29 shows an alternative embodiment in which the branched housing 28 of Figs. 5 and 28 and the guidewire passes through a washer seal 130 at the proximal end of the catheter and an integral suction port in direct and fluid communication with the suction lumen.

[0089] The plurality of flexible rods 49 and flexible membrane 56 combine to form trap 38. In some embodiments, flexible rods 49 are longer than the distance between rings 50, 52 and ring 54. This causes flexible rods 49 function as a flat leaf semi-elliptic spring when they are in their curved expanded position.

[0090] The open end 58 of the flexible membrane 56 is fixed to the flexible rod 49 near the maximum axial extension area. However, the membrane 56 could also be fixed proximally or distally to the maximum extension point. The closed end 60 of the flexible membrane 56 is fixed to one of the rings 50 and 52. The flexible rods 49 are preferably radially spaced around the catheter 26 so that they can evenly tilt the membrane 56 radially and outwardly in contact with an inner wall of the vessel or the vessel-like structure.

[0091] In other embodiments, the rods 49 surround the guidewire or catheter and form a spiral configuration when they are in an expanded position as seen in Fig. 7C. Flexible spiral rods 49 may be formed such that the steady state position is the spiral shaped position of the trap. In these embodiments, the expanded steady-state position of the rods 49 forms a side profile that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In one embodiment, the profile 560, shown in Fig. 7D is asymmetric with a first end 561 having a greater radius of curvature 564 than a second end 562 with a smaller radius of curvature 565. In one embodiment, the greater radius of curvature is 0.625 inches 1 inch = 25.4mm while the smallest radius of curvature is 0.250 inches. In this embodiment, the ratio of greater radius of curvature to lesser radius of curvature is 2.5: 1. Another embodiment may have different radii of curvature and different proportions. In a symmetrical profile the radii of curvature are equal.

[0092] In the embodiment reproduced in Fig. 7C, the flexible membrane 56 is fixed to the distal end of the trap 38 and to the guide wire 44 by a distal connection, which in this embodiment are the rings 50, 52. The flexible membrane 56 has an opening 58 in the area of ​​the spiral-shaped rods 49 of a maximum radial extension. The opening allows the membrane to collect particles.

[0093] In this embodiment shown in Fig. 7C, the rings 50 and 52 fixedly fasten the distal end of the flexible rods 49 to the guide wire 44. In another embodiment, only one ring is used to secure the distal end of the rods. flexible 49 to the guide wire 44. Similarly, the ring 54 fixedly attaches the proximal end of the flexible rods 49 to the outer surface of the inner wall of the catheter 48.

[0094] The rotation of the guidewire 44 relative to the wall of the catheter 48 will cause the rods 49 to move between the helically threaded (or "braided") position seen in Fig. 7A and the curvedly expanded position that is shown in Fig. 7B. The rotation of the guide wire 44 causes the distal end of the rods 49 to rotate relative to the proximal end. This, in turn, forces the rods 49 to wrap the inner wall 48 of the catheter 26. Continuous rotation of the guide wire 44 will continue to pull the rods radially inward until it is adjacent to the inner wall 48 of the catheter 26.

[0095] In the embodiments with spiral-shaped rods, shown in Fig. 7C, the expanded position comprises rods 49 that surround a central longitudinal axis 561 of the device to form a spiral-shaped configuration. The rotation of the guide wire 44 relative to the inner wall 48 of the catheter 26 will cause the rods 49 to move between a helically threaded (or "braided") position shown in Fig. 7A and a helically expanded position shown in Fig. 7C in which the expanded rods form a spiral configuration. To contract the trap 38 after deployment, the guide wire 44 moves relative to the inner wall 48 of the catheter 26 to actuate the trap 38.

[0096] In some embodiments, the rods 49 have uniform physical characteristics so that when the torsional force is applied to the rods, the middle section of the trap 38 tends to close around the catheter 26 forming a narrowing 43 in the contracted trap 38. Narrowing 43 creates a hitch point to trap more particles. When the trap is closed by applying both a rotational movement and a longitudinal movement, the formation of the narrowing 43 will not occur as long as a sufficient extension of the trap 38 is made. In one embodiment, to further facilitate narrowing 43, the middle section of the rods 49 is formed to have less resistance to closure using one of the techniques summarized herein.

[0097] In one embodiment, Fig. 7F a first end of the trap 38 is constructed to be less resistant to closure than the second end of the trap 38 so that when the trap 38 contracts, the first end will close in first place. When the first section is closed in the first place, that part 601 of the rods contracts strongly towards the guide wire 44 while for the second section, that part 603 tends not to contract completely. The profile of the contracted trap 38 forms a cocoon-shaped structure 45 whose end has a protrusion 603 that gradually narrows to tighten against the guidewire 44. This embodiment improves the capture skills since the protuberance 603 creates a pocket to hold particles that were not removed by suction. Having this protuberance 603 is convenient because this section does not squeeze which could cause the particles to push out of the membrane. This embodiment also improves the capture skills because section 601 against the guidewire creates a pinch so that the particles remain inside the trap until the device 20 is removed from the lumen.

[0098] Fig. 7G also reproduces a cocoon-shaped structure 45 with a protrusion 603 that gradually narrows to tighten against the guidewire 44. This embodiment corresponds to Fig. 7C with a flexible membrane 56 located in the distal part of the trap 38. The protuberance 603 consists of a flexible membrane 56 in the contracted position. The narrowing part 601 of the contracted trap comprises the opening 58 of the flexible membrane 56. The narrowest part 601 lies strongly against the guide wire 44 to trap particles within the flexible membrane 56. The bulge 603 prevents the particles from being pushed from the flexible membrane 56 during the contraction of the trap 38.

[0099] To construct one end of the trap 38 less resistant than another end, in an embodiment in which the profile 560 of the trap 38 is asymmetrical, the end of the trap 38 with the largest radius of curvature will be closed first when rotate to the contracted position because it requires more force to close the end with the smaller radius of curvature. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7D, the greater radius of curvature 564 for the first end 561 will cause the first end 561 to close first when the trap is contracted. The second end 562 with a smaller radius of curvature 565 will close after the first end 561 begins to close.

[0100] In one embodiment, the cocoon 45 is formed during the contraction of the trap 38 because a part of the rods 49 between the membrane 56 and the ring 54 located proximally is thinner than the part of the rods 49 under the membrane 56 Thinner rods require less force to contract and therefore close in the first place. In another embodiment, the cocoon 43 is formed because the part of the rods 49 between the membrane 56 and the proximally located ring 54 is more elastic than the part of the rods 49 under the membrane 56. In this embodiment, a more elastic rods 49 It can be made from a different material with a different elasticity. The end of the trap 38 with a greater radius of curvature, the thinner rods or the more elastic material will be closed first. In another embodiment, a first part of the rods 49 is constructed with a cross section that has a first moment of inertia and a second part of the rods 49 is constructed with a cross section that has a second moment of inertia. In this embodiment, the section with the least moment of inertia will be closed first. In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the membrane 56 covers the part of the rods 49 with a greater resistance to closure. In one embodiment, the membrane 56 covers the part of the rods 49 that has the highest resistance to closure and partially covers the part of the rods 49 that has less resistance to the closure to improve the ability of the membrane 56 to trap embolic particles.

[0101] The membrane 56 can also be fixed to the rods 49. The rods 49 can be uniformly spaced apart from each other to create maximum support for the membrane 56 forming the trap 38. The spiral configuration can improve the ability to maneuver within the vessel since the gaps between the rods 49 allow a partial movement from side to side and up and down without deforming the rod 49. Therefore, spiral rods 49 are adapted to be expanded in a curved part of the lumen.

[0102] In one embodiment, the guide wire 44 rotates and extends longitudinally to cause rotation and translation of the distal section of the trap 38 to prevent the membrane 56 from folding on itself in the contracted position.

[0103] Rotating the guide wire 44 in the opposite direction will cause the rods 49 to unscrew, which will allow the rods 49 to move back to the curved expanded position of Fig. 7B. This, in turn, expands the trap 38. In other embodiments, the rotation of the guide wire 44 in the opposite direction will cause the rods 49 to return to their expanded position allowing the rods 49 to form the spiral configuration shown in Fig. . 7C, expanding trap 38.

[0104] To operate the trap 38 using rotational or longitudinal movements or both movements, some embodiments of the present invention are equipped with a handle 320 as shown in Fig. 32. The handle 320 comprises a main body 324 and a cover 325 , a threaded configuration 330 and, in some embodiment, a closure device 340.

[0105] In one embodiment, the main body 324 and the cover 325 generally consist of a cylindrical shape to comfortably fit the user's hand during the procedure and are hollow to accommodate the helix configuration 330 and the device closure 340. Furthermore, the cover 325 comprises openings 326 where a selector wheel 333 and a sliding closure 341 are accessible for the user to operate the device.

[0106] The helix configuration 330 provides rotational or longitudinal movement or both types of movement to drive the trap 38. The helix configuration 330 comprises a luer 322, a bead 331, a selector wheel 333, a transmission screw 335 and a stationary insert 337. The luer 322 is located at the distal end of the main body 324. The luer 322 is located outside the main body 324 with a cylindrical part 323 that enters the main body 324. The luer 322 is, in general, a cylindrical device that provides a connection device 346 for connecting the inner catheter 48 to the handle 320 and keep it stationary. The connection device 346 may be a skewered section to engage the skewered section of the inner catheter. The luer 322 comprises an inner opening 321 for the guide wire 44 to enter through it and connect with the selector wheel 333.

[0107] Count 331 provides a stop for the helix configuration. The terminal 331 is, in general, a cylindrical device with an inner opening 339 for an extension 332 of the selector wheel 333 to connect the guide wire 44. The terminal 331 is sliding along the extension of the selector wheel 332. Count 331 is arranged so that the helix configuration 330 will not deploy the trap 38 beyond a predetermined maximum extension point.

[0108] The selector wheel 333 is a device with a generally cylindrical and rotary shape controlled by the user. The extension of this wheel 332 is a rigid extension of the selector wheel 333 and protrudes from the distal end of said wheel 333. The guide wire 44 is rigidly connected to the extension of the selector wheel 332 so that the rotation of the wheel 333 makes that the guide wire 44 to rotate relative to the stationary outer catheter 148, 46. The rotation of the guide wire 44 relative to the stationary inner catheter 48 drives the trap 38. The selector wheel 333 comprises openings 334 in relation to which a connecting device is used to rigidly connect the selector wheel 333 to the transmission screw 335.

[0109] Transmission screw 335 is used to provide a longitudinal movement to drive the trap

38. The transmission screw 335 comprises a skewered surface 343 and a head 344 with notches 336 for closing with a sliding closure 341. The notches 336 may have the form of a linear projection on the surface of the head 344 that would fit with an intended part of the sliding closure 341 .

[0110] The stationary insert 337 is rigidly connected to the main body 324 of the handle 320. The stationary insert 337 contains an opening 338 through which the transmission screw 335 enters. The opening 338 comprises a skewered surface for coupling the skewered surface 343 of transmission screw 335. Since the stationary insert 337 is rigidly connected to the main body 324 but the transmission screw 335 moves freely, the rotation of the selector wheel 333, which is rigidly connected to the transmission screw 335, causes longitudinal, rotational movement or both types of movement of the transmission screw 335, the selector wheel 333 and, therefore, of the guide wire 44.

[0111] In the embodiments with the handle and the helix configuration, the longitudinal movement generated by the transmission screw 335 is transmitted to the guide wire 44. When the trap 38 expands, the guide wire 44 rotates and also reduces longitudinally the distance between the connection rings 50.52 and 54. When the trap 38 contracts, the guide wire 44 rotates and also increases the distance between the connection rings 50, 52 and 54 longitudinally. The proportion of longitudinal and rotational movement is controlled by altering the spacing of the transmission screw 335.

[0112] The closing mechanism 340 comprises a sliding closure 341 that meshes slidingly with the screw head 344 to secure the screw 335 and prevent further movement. The closing mechanism 340 comprises an internal closing wheel 342 with intentional parts 346 for engaging with the projections 336 in the head of the transmission screw 344. The sliding closure 341 is slidingly connected to the main body 324 so that only the linear movement of the sliding closure 341 is allowed. Therefore, when the sliding closure 341 moves distally to engage with the projections of the screw head 336, the transmission screw 335 is also prevented from rotating. Since the transmission screw 335 is rigidly connected to the selector wheel, which, in turn, is rigidly connected to the guide wire 44 or to the internal catheter 48, 302, none of these components is allowed to move by closing from this trap mode 38.

[0113] The skewered sections 343 of the transmission screw 335 comprise a spacing so that with each rotation, the transmission screw moves in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal movement along the rotational movement is transferred to the distal end of the trap 60. The rotational movement drives the trap to its expanded or contracted position. The longitudinal movement causes the guide wire 44 to move in the longitudinal direction. The distance between the attachment points of the rods 50, 52 and 54 increases when the trap is contracted. This increase in distance helps prevent the trap 38 from folding and piling on itself in the contracted position.

[0114] In one embodiment, the guidewire 44 is a catheter or any other movable part. In this embodiment, the distal end of the rods 49 would be attached to the inner catheter and would form the movable part while the proximal end of the rods would be fixed to the outer catheter and would form the stationary part. Then, a sliding guidewire can pass through the internal catheter. It is understood that in one embodiment, to operate the trap, one end of the trap is connected to the movable part while the other end of the trap is connected to the stationary part. The handle can be used to drive the trap with a combination of guide wires and catheters as long as the function of operating the trap is fulfilled.

[0115] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the angioplasty device 20 of Fig. 5 taken along the line BB. This figure shows four optional reinforcement parts 70 that connect the inner wall 48 to the outer wall

46. These reinforcing parts 70 define a plurality of openings 72 that keep the inflation / deflation lumen 40 (see Fig. 4) fluidly connected to the balloon 36 (see Figs. 5 and 28). These reinforcing parts 70 are convenient because they provide the user with something "against what to push" when the trap 38 is operated. That is, a user expands and contracts the trap 38 (see Figs. 5 and 28) by rotating the guidewire 44 to along its longitudinal axis. The torque used to rotate the guide wire 44 is transmitted to the inner wall 48 through the rods 49, which causes the inner wall 48 to thread. The reinforcing parts 70 are coupled to the inner wall 48 and the outer wall 46. The combined torsion reinforcement (or perhaps more specifically, the combined polar moment of inertia) of the inner wall 48 and the outer wall 46 is greater than the of the inner wall 48 alone. In this embodiment, the reinforcement portions 70 may extend through the length of the catheter 26 or may only extend a short distance from the opening 66.

[0116] Figs. 9A and 9B are sectional and schematic side views of the angioplasty device 20 with a propeller extension system 80 located near the distal end of the suction lumen 42. However, the propeller extension systems 80 located in other locations as within of the housing 28 also fall within the scope of the present invention. The helix extension system 80 in this embodiment comprises a helical screw thread 82 fixed to the guide wire 44 and a pair of eccentric spindles 84 fixed to the inner wall 48. The eccentric spindles 84 engage the helical thread screw 82 without blocking the suction lumen 42, which causes guide wire 44 to move axially within suction lumen 42 when rotated. The embodiments having this propeller extension system 80 are convenient because the distance between the distal rings 50 and 52 and the proximal ring 54 (see Figs. 5 and 28) is increased, which helps the rods 49 to contract until a smooth and firm orientation against the guide wire 44.

[0117] Fig. 10 shows a flexible membrane extension system 80a that can be used in place or in conjunction with the helix extension system 80 of Figs. 9A and 9B. Fig. 10 reproduces the proximal end of the guide wire port 34, which comprises a cylindrical housing 86 in general and a cylindrical lumen 87 in general that is fluidly connected to the suction lumen 42 (see Fig. 4). The guide wire 44 passes through the lumen 87 and is connected to a disk-shaped handle 88. Fig. 10 also reproduces a flexible membrane 89 that is fixed to the housing 86 and the handle 88.

[0118] As described with reference to Figs. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7E and 7F, the user expands and contracts the trap 38 by rotating the guidewire 44 around the ZZ axis (see Fig. 10). The guide wire 44, in turn, can be rolled manually by turning the handle 88. Since the membrane 89 is fixed to both the housing 86 and the handle 88, this rotation causes the membrane 89 to thread. This twisting movement causes the membrane 89 to fold and pull the handle 88 distally towards the housing 86. The handle 88, in turn, pushes the guide wire 44 through the catheter 26.

[0119] Embodiments using the flexible membrane extension system 80a in Fig. 10 are convenient because membrane 89 inclines longitudinally proximal ring 54 relative to distal rings 50 and 52, and therefore helps to drive the trap 38 and the membrane 89 help to close seal the suction lumen 42. Preferably, the membrane 89 will consist of the materials and dimensions so that the amount of rotation necessary to operate the trap also produces the desired longitudinal movement. Other extension systems 80, such as a spring or other elastic parts located between the handle 88 and the housing 86, and other sealing systems, such as a membrane 89 completely surrounding the handle 88, a washer or a cam-style seal also enter the scope of the present invention.

[0120] With reference again to Fig. 5 and 28, the rods 49 may be made of any elastic material. It is convenient, however, that the material is approved for use in medical devices when used in medical applications with a relatively high modulus of elasticity and has a relatively good resilience. A particularly suitable class of materials are "shape memory alloys" such as Nitinol®. These materials are convenient because they can be "taught" the way they will return after they have been deformed. Manufacturers can use these features to form rods 49 that will naturally return to their curved expanded position when a user releases the guidewire 44. Instead of these advantages, however, there are other rod materials within the scope of the present invention. This includes, but is not limited to, stainless steel and polymers.

[0121] A method of trapping and forming the rods 49 in a spiral configuration as indicated in Fig. 7C can be used when using a profile device. Fig. 31 reproduces an embodiment of a profile device

400 The method of making the spiral-shaped rods may comprise the use of a "shape memory alloy" to form the desired steady-state spiral rods 49 in the expanded position. This method involves positioning the rods 49 in parallel to the longitudinal axis ZZ of the device on a profile device 400 with a desired profile 402, for example, egg shape, oval shape. The device 400 fixedly holds the rods 49 at a first 408 and second end 406 with a clamp device for fixing the rods. In addition, the device 400 along the central part may have gaps 410 so that the rods are solidly positioned. The holes 410 keep the rods 49 evenly spaced from each other during the method of performing the trap. The device 400 may include a rotating part 404 and a stationary part 405. To form the spiral-shaped rods 49, a rotating part 404, 406 of the device rotates relative to the stationary part 405, 408. The device with the rotating part 404, 406 rotates in an embodiment 90 ° to achieve a spiral configuration . In another embodiment, both the stationary part 405, 408 and the rotating part rotate in opposite directions to achieve a spiral configuration. Other degrees of rotation fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0122] The rod is made of a material that can be configured in the expanded position so that the steady state position of the rods 49 is the expanded position of the profile device. In some embodiments, the broken profile device and the metal are adjusted so that the expanded position of the rods forms a spiral configuration. In one embodiment, the method used to adjust the material of the rods is a heat treatment that would adjust the shape memory alloy of the rods 49 in the form of the profile. In one embodiment the heat treatment is performed at a temperature of 260 ° C (500 ° F) for 10 minutes. In another embodiment, a sand bath with hot sand at 500 ° F is applied for 5 minutes. Other periods of time and temperature are included in the scope of the invention together with other methods of heat application in addition to other methods of adjusting the material, such as the use of electricity.

[0123] Once rods 49 have been established, they can be used in the realization of the angioplasty device capture device. Several numbers of rods can be used together with different profile shapes and different rotations of the rotating part 404.

[0124] Another method of trapping and forming the rods is to first form the rods not as individual metal sections, but to form the rods by cutting parallel sections of a tube. Figs. 33A-33E reproduce a tube 500 and the tube 500 with cut sections 501 forming rods 503. In this embodiment the middle section of the tube 500 is cut leaving the ends 502, 505 of the tube intact. In this embodiment the material of the tube 500 may also be a memory alloy so that it can be prepared using a heat treatment or other preparation methods. In another embodiment, as shown in Figs. 34A-34C, tear or wedge shaped cuts 507 are formed in tube 500, and this part of tube 500 is removed as shown. With these cuts 507 removed, the remaining sections of the rods 503 have a first end 508 thinner than the second end 509.

[0125] To form the profile shape, a profile device 510 is placed within the opening of the rods. This profile device 510 may have the shape of the desired profile 511, egg shape in one embodiment. The profile device 510 has a longitudinal opening 512 through it. The profile device 510 is inserted into the cutting sections 501, 507 of the tube 500. A generally rigid device is positioned through the opening 512 of the profile device 510 so that the general linear shape of the trap is formed. With the profile device 510 in position, the ends of the tube 502, 505 are held and then the rods 503 are prepared. In some embodiments, one end 505 rotates relative to a stationary end 502 to form a spiral configuration 506 of the rods 503 and then the rods 503 are prepared. In one embodiment, the rods are prepared using 500 ° F heat treatment for 10 minutes or in a hot sand bath at 260 ° C (500 ° F) for 5 minutes. Other methods of preparing the material, known in the state of the art, fall within the scope of the invention.

[0126] In the embodiment reproduced in Figs. 34A-34C, the variable width of the rods 503 in the longitudinal direction helps facilitate control of the closure of one end of the trap before the other end of the trap. The first end 508 of the trap, with a narrower part of the rods, requires less force to close and, therefore, that end will close after the end with the widest part of the rods.

[0127] In one embodiment, using the device shown in both Figs. 33A-33E as in Figs. 34A-34C, a trap is formed by joining a membrane (not shown) on a part of the rods 503, and the trap is operated using a guidewire or other moving part inserted through the lumen of the tube 500 and coupled to the distal end 505 . To actuate the trap, the broken mobile part moves longitudinally, or both, which causes the rods 503 to close starting with the first end 508.

[0128] The guide wire 44 may be any device capable of guiding the catheter 26 to the treatment site and capable of transmitting sufficient torque from the port of the wire 34 to the rods 49. The guide wire 44 of some embodiments is made of a braided stainless steel wire. These embodiments are convenient because stainless steel has excellent strength and corrosion resistance and is approved for use in medical devices. The strength of stainless steel and corrosion resistance may be especially suitable for use in catheters with a diameter of five French or less. Despite these advantages, the unbraided guide wires 44; guide wires 44 made of other materials, such as platinum or a polymer; and embodiments with a removable guide wire 44 fall within the scope of the present invention. The removable guide wire 44 in these embodiments may be operatively connected to the rods 49 by any suitable means such as mechanical or magnetic links.

[0129] The guide wire 44 in some embodiments may be narrowed along its length from a larger diameter in the branched housing 28 to a smaller diameter in the trap 38. These embodiments are convenient because they help prevent the guide wire 44 and the catheter 26 forms a loop on themselves during use. Loops are usually observed in telephone wires and occur when the cable is wound around its longitudinal axis. Despite this advantage, non-conical guide wires 44 also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0130] In some embodiments, as best shown in Fig. 6, the rods 49 are attached to the guide wire 44 by rings 50 and 52. In these embodiments, the inner ring 50 is first attached to the guide wire 44 by suitable mechanical means such as chucks, pressure fittings or clamps. The rods 49 are then aligned on the inner ring 50 and closed in place by means of mandrels, pressure fittings, clamps or other means suitable for the outer ring 52 around and on the rods 49. In some embodiments, the rods 49 are coated with a material, such as textured polyurethane that helps prevent rods 49 from slipping out of rings 50 and 52 and this helps to connect rods 49 to membrane 56 by adhesive. Ring 54 similarly embraces the proximal end of the rods 49 against the inner wall 48 of the catheter 26. The single ring 54 can be attached to the rods 49 by suitable means such as mandrels, pressure fittings or through the use of adhesives.

[0131] The rods 49 may also be embedded in the inner wall 48 of the catheter 26 or may be inserted into longitudinal notches formed in the inner wall 48 in some embodiments or, alternatively, the catheter 26 may be formed or molded around the rods 49 . These features may be suitable for angioplasty devices of smaller diameter 20 because they can reduce the diameter of the ring 54 and because they can help enclose the rods 49 within the ring 54. Inserting or embedding the rods 49 in the catheter wall can also eliminate the need for ring 54.

[0132] Although stainless steel rings 50, 52, 54 are suitable for attaching a Nitinol® 49 rod to a stainless steel guidewire 44, those skilled in the art will recognize that other means for fixing the rods 49 fall within the scope. of the present invention. This specifically includes, without restriction, the rings 50, 52, 54 made of other materials, such as mylar, which can be adhered to the coating of the rods 49 and the use of welding and / or adhesives to directly adhere the rods 49 to the wire guide 44 and / or inside wall 48. These alternative methods may be especially convenient when used with rods 49 made of materials other than Nitinol® and when the guide wire 44 is made of materials other than stainless steel. These alternative means may also be convenient for use with the embodiments shown in Figs. 14-30.

[0133] The number of rods 49 and their dimensions are arbitrary. However, in general it is more convenient to have more rods 49 because they can tilt the membrane 56 more strongly against the vessel or the vessel-like structure. It is also desirable that each rod 49 have dimensions large enough to prevent physiologically significant particles from escaping from the trap 38 but are not so large that the rods 49 prevent the capture of particles or so large that the rods 49 interfere with each other when they are in closed position. One embodiment with a suitable 1.5mm (five French) 26 catheter utilizes eight 0.006 inch x 0.003 inch 1 inch = 25.4mm Nitinol® rods.

[0134] The membrane 56 may be of any material capable of stopping physiologically significant materials from leaving the treatment site when the trap 38 expands. In some embodiments, the membrane 56 is made of a relatively strong non-elastic material. Non-elastic materials are convenient because they do not counteract the force of deflection outward and radially developed by the rods 49. In other embodiments, the membrane 56 is made of an elastic or semi-elastic material, such as polyurethane, polyester, polyvinylchloride or polystyrene. These embodiments are convenient because the elasticity can help the rods 49 to close the trap 38. Even in other embodiments, the membrane 56 is porous. These embodiments may be convenient because the pressure developed by the patient's heart will help the patient to release particles in the trap 38.

[0135] Fig. 11A shows a device for angioplasty 20 capable of providing distal suction to the device for angioplasty 20 even though it is being inserted at the treatment site. In this embodiment, the ring 50 is replaced with a disk 92 fixed to the inner wall 48 and a disk 94 fixed to the guide wire 44. These two discs 92 and 94 act as a valve capable of selectively allowing suction in part 99 of the vessel immediately in front of the device for angioplasty 20. Thus, as seen in Figs. 11B and 11C, each disk 92 and 94 has two open parts 96 and two locking parts 98. The rotation of the guide wire 44 causes the disk 94 to rotate relative to the disk 92. This relative movement causes the disks 92 and 94 to alternate between an "open" orientation in which the openings 96 of the disk 92 are aligned with the openings 96 of the disk 94 and a "closed" orientation in which the openings 96 of the disk 92 are aligned with the locking parts 98 of the disk 94. Preferably, the same rotation of the guide wire 44 used to modify the disks 92 and 94 between their open and closed orientations also expands and contracts the trap 38.

[0136] In use, the user would first rotate the guide wire 44 until the disks 92 and 94 are in the open orientation. In this orientation, the openings 96 cooperate to create a fluid communication channel between the suction lumen 42 and the part 99 of the vessel immediately distal to the angioplasty device 20. This allows the user to provide suction to the angioplasty device 20 although the user I inserted it into the glass. Once the angioplasty device 20 is in place, the user will rotate the guidewire 44 until the discs are in a closed orientation. In this orientation, the blocking parts 98 cooperate to prevent fluid from flowing through the disks 92 and 94. This, in turn, creates suction within the trap 38.

[0137] Figs. 12A and 12B show an angioplasty device 20 with an embodiment of an alternative valve

120. This embodiment of the valve 120 comprises a disc-shaped buttress 121 that is rigidly fixed to the wall of the catheter 48 and a plug 122 that is rigidly fixed to the guide wire 44 at a location distal to the buttress 121. The plug 122 has a surface conical shape 124 at its distal end and a generally flat engagement surface 126 at its proximal end. The coupling surface 126 of the plug 122 can selectively plug a circular flow channel 128 that is coaxially located in the buttress 121. The valve 120 allows the user to apply suction to the part 99 of the vessel immediately in front of the angioplasty device 20 through a hole 129 in the membrane 56.

[0138] When used, the embodiment of the valve 120 is actuated by longitudinally moving the guide wire 44 in relation to the catheter wall 48. That is, pulling the guide wire 44 proximally in relation to the catheter wall 48 causes that the generally flat coupling surface 126 engages with the abutment 121, which prevents fluid from flowing through the circular flow channel 128. Pushing the guidewire 44 distally relative to the wall of the catheter 48 causes the plug 122 to disengage from the buttress 121 and the fluid flowing through the circular flow channel 128.

[0139] Other embodiments of the valve 120 capable of being operated by a longitudinal movement also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the plug 122 can rotate 180 degrees so that the conical surface 124 meshes with the buttress 121, rather than with the generally flat engagement surface 126. These embodiments may be convenient because the tapered surface 124 will automatically center the plug 122 in the flow channel 128. Also, the plug 122 may be located proximally to the buttress 121. In addition, the plug 122 may have other shapes such as a sphere or a cylinder.

[0140] Those skilled in the art will recognize that valve 120 and discs 92, 94 can be removed from these embodiments allowing the suction lumen 42 to simultaneously provide suction under trap 38 and distal to the angioplasty device.

[0141] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment in which balloon 36 and trap 38 are associated with groups of independent catheters. Thus, Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising a group of catheters with trap 100 for trap 38 and a group of catheters with balloon 102 for the balloon. In operation, the group of catheters with trap 100 is inserted into the vessel until the trap 38 is positioned distally with respect to the location of the obstruction. The group of balloon catheters 102 is then loaded onto the catheter group with trap 100 and is used to remove the obstruction. This group of balloon catheters 102 should have a centrally located lumen 104 with an inner diameter larger than the trap catheter group 100. Alternatively, the group of balloon catheters 102 or other device (such as an angioscope) can be released to the treatment area through a lumen 150 and an opening 152 in the trap catheter group 100 (see Figs. 16- 18).

[0142] Figs. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of two embodiments of groups of catheters with trap 100. Specifically, the group of catheters with trap 100 of Fig. 14 is configured to be inserted in the antegrade direction (eg, in the same direction in the fluid flowing) along a guide wire 44. Thus, the opening 58 of this membrane 38 is oriented towards its proximal end. The opening 58 of Fig. 15, on the other hand, is oriented to the distal end of the catheter because this group of catheters 100 is configured to be inserted in the retrograde direction (e.g., with the place of insertion in the direction of the current relative to the direction of the flow of the fluid) along a guide wire 44. Both groups of catheters with trap 100 can be adjusted in size and shape so that they can be inserted through the channel of the guide wire of the group of balloon catheters 102. Those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments with catheter groups with trap 100 in Figs. 14 and 15 can also be used to capture embolic debris without a group of balloon catheters 102 and release therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a treatment area.

[0143] Figs. 14 and 15 also show a seal 130 that can be used in addition to the flexible membrane extension system 80a reproduced in Fig. 10 to prevent air or other fluids from escaping from suction lumen 42. Therefore, seal 130 it can be any device, such as a washer or an elastomeric cam that prevents fluid from leaking out of the guide wire port 34 and that allows the guide wire 44 to move relative to the catheter wall 148. The embodiments use a washer or cam closure 130 which are especially convenient because the user can slide the guide wire 44 longitudinally in relation to the catheter group 102 to help drive the trap 38.

[0144] Fig. 15A is a sectional view of an embodiment of a group of trap catheters with an increased suction lumen 42. In this embodiment there is an opening 68 with fluid communication with the suction lumen together with suction pores 69 with fluid communication with the suction lumen. The diameter of the suction lumen 42 is smaller in the part below the membrane 56 than another part leading to the suction port 30. The suction pores 69 are located in both parts of the suction lumen 42. It is understood that the increased suction lumen may be the lumen that receives a guide wire 44 or other catheter and that the inflation lumen can also be provided.

[0145] Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a group of catheters with guide wire 44 with a solid part 440 and a hollow part 442 providing suction lumen 42 with pores 69. Guide wire 44 can be located within an inflation lumen 40.

[0146] Figs. 16 and 17 are sectional views of two embodiments of a group of catheters with trap 100 in which the trap is operated by relative movement between the inner wall of the catheter 48 and the outer wall of the catheter 46. Thus, the user operates the trap 38 in this embodiment by rotating the inner catheter wall 48 relative to the outer catheter wall 46, instead of rotating a fixed guidewire 44 relative to the inner catheter wall 48. These embodiments are convenient because they can be loaded onto an independent guidewire (not shown) or an angioplasty device (not shown) that has previously been inserted into the patient using lumen 150 and opening 152. In these embodiments, various forms of curved expanded rod positions may be used including, but not limited to, expanded positions in which the rods are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device or expanded positions in which the rods form a spiral configuration and surround the longitudinal axis of the device. These embodiments are also convenient because the inner wall of the catheter 48 can slide longitudinally with respect to the wall of the outer catheter 46 to help open and close the trap 38. In a group of suitably designed balloon catheters, these groups of catheters with trap they can be inserted through lumen 150 of the balloon catheter for angioplasty. As the embodiments of groups of catheters with trap 100 of Figs. 14 and 15, embodiments of trap catheters 100 of Figs. 16 and 17 can insert you in the antegrade or retrograde direction and can be used with or without a group of catheters with independent balloon 102. In one embodiment, the handle 320 (shown in FIG. 32) is used to drive the movement of the inner catheter wall 48 and keep the outer catheter wall 46 stationary and a similar longitudinal and / or rotational movement through the handle 320 (shown in FIG. 32) can be used ) to operate trap 38 as described in other embodiments.

[0147] Fig. 18A is a sectional view of an embodiment of an angioplasty device 20 for use in retrograde applications (see Fig. 1 of US Patent 4,794,928 for conceptual orientation. Embodiment comprises an independent catheter 160 for balloon 36 and for inflation / deflation lumen 40. This catheter 160 has a first wall 162, a second wall 163 and a wall at the end or plug 164. When in use, the trap 38 of this embodiment is actuated by rotational and / or longitudinal movement between the outer wall 46 and the first wall 162 of the catheter 160. In one embodiment, the handle 320 (shown in FIG. 32) provides the movement of the first wall 162 relative to the outer wall 46.

[0148] Fig. 18B is a sectional view of an embodiment of an angioplasty device 20 configured for use in the anterograde direction and for use with a guidewire previously inserted. This embodiment of the angioplasty device 20 includes an inner wall 302, an intermediate wall 304, an outer wall 306 and an end seal 307. The inner wall 302 forms a guide wire that receives a lumen 150 with a shape and size suitable for slidingly receiving a guide wire 44. The inner wall 302 and the intermediate wall 304 form a suction lumen 42, which is fluidly connected to a suction port 30 and a plurality of openings 68 and / or pores 69. The intermediate wall 304 and the outer wall 306 form an inflation / deflation lumen 40, which is fluidly connected to the balloon 36. When in use, the trap 38 is operated using a relative rotational and / or longitudinal movement between the intermediate wall 304 and the inner wall 302. In another embodiment, the handle 320 (shown in FIG. 32) provides a relative movement between intermediate wall 304 and inner wall 302.

[0149] As the embodiments in Figs. 16-17, 19 and 27, the embodiments of the angioplasty device 20 of Figs. 18A and 18B are convenient because they can be loaded onto an independent guidewire (not shown in Fig. 18A) or into the catheter (not shown) that has been previously inserted into the patient. In a typical surgical procedure on the wire, the surgeon may first insert a guide wire 44 into a vessel-like structure using a hypodermic tube or other suitable device (not shown) until the guide wire 44 extends to a desired point passing the obstruction. The surgeon then inserts the angioplasty device 20 onto the guide wire 44 until the trap 38 is located in the direction of the current from the obstruction. Thus, the surgeon slides the angioplasty device 20 down the guide wire 44 (while the guide wire 44 slides through the lumen of the guide wire 150) to the treatment site. After the angioplasty device 20 is properly positioned, the surgeon performs the angioplasty procedure as previously described. These embodiments on the wire may be convenient for use in very clogged vessels because the independent guide wire 44 is easier to manipulate through the obstruction and because many surgeons have experience in the insertion and manipulation of the independent guide wire 44 in the position adequate. Embodiments on the wire are also convenient because the lumen 150 can be used to release medications, blood or other fluids by passing the obstruction during the procedure.

[0150] Fig. 19 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an angioplasty device with a coupling device 190 with four radially spaced cavities 189. Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the coupling device 190. The coupling device 190 of this embodiment can be any device that prevents the balloon catheter 102 from rotating in relation to the catheter group with trap 100 (or moving, if used with the embodiment of the trap 38 described with reference to Figs .21 and 22). These embodiments are convenient because the trap catheter group 100 and the balloon catheter group 102 can be independently manufactured and combined as necessary. Fig. 27 reproduces an alternative embodiment in which a second group of rods 49a connects the coupling device 190 to one end 191 of the trap catheter group 100. When used, the trap catheter groups 100 of Figs. 19 and 27 can be inserted into a balloon catheter in place 102 and then removed together with the balloon catheter 102 or by itself, depending on the configuration of the coupling devices 190. The embodiments of Figs. 19 and 27 can also be inserted on a guide wire 44 (not shown) or they can have a fixed guide wire 44 extending distally therefrom.

[0151] Figs. 21 and 22 are sectional views of another embodiment of a group of catheters 100, in which the trap 38 is operated by a translation between the guide wire 44 and the wall of the catheter 148. In this embodiment, a first end 180 of the rods 49 is connected to the guide wire 44 and a second end 182 of the rods 49 is fixed to the wall of the catheter 148. Moving the guide wire 44 (for example, by moving the guide wire in the axial direction) relative to the wall of the catheter 148 moves the first end 180 away from the end 182. This, in turn, drives the rods 49 between a curvedly expanded position, as shown in Fig. 21, and a contracted position, as shown in Fig. 22. Accordingly, the rods 49 of this embodiment generally remain parallel to the guide wire 44 throughout the entire process. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this actuation mechanism could be used with the embodiments described with reference to Figs. 1-20.

[0152] Figs. 23A-24B are sectional views of two modular trap embodiments 200 with an adaptive coupling device 202, and a permanent or removable and / or insertable manifold 203. These embodiments are convenient because the user can add blocking and aspiration features to a device for conventional angioplasty 212 and because the user can customize the operating device and the trap for a specific operation. In Fig. 23A, the coupling device 202 comprises an elastic male fixing ring 204 that adheres to the wall of the modular catheter 206 and an elastic female fixing ring 208 that adheres to an outer wall 210 of a conventional angioplasty device 212. elastic fixing rings 204 and 208 are tightly coupled which fluidly connects the lumen of the modular catheter 205 to the suction lumen 42. In Fig. 24A, the coupling device 202 comprises a first ring 220 and a second ring 222. The first ring 220 has a circumferential groove 224 at its proximal end in which the rods 49 are fixed and a circumferential flange 226 projecting axially from its distal end The second ring 222, which is fixed to a conventional angioplasty device 212, has a circumferential groove 228 in which the flange 226 is adjusted by applying pressure, the fixing ring or by another system shortly before use. Alternatively, the second ring 222 could be removed and the tab 226 would be inserted directly, and held in place by the suction lumen 42 and / or an adhesive or tape. The embodiment of Fig. 24A may be especially convenient because it does not require a modular catheter wall 206.

[0153] Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 23B and 24B, the elastic fixing ring 208 (or the second ring 222) could also be attached to the inner wall 48. These embodiments may be convenient because they provide a balloon profile catheter of smaller profile. Figs. 23B and 24B also show that the elastic fixing ring 204 may have a circumferential groove 293 at its proximal end in which the rods 49 are fixed.

[0154] Fig. 30 shows an embodiment of a device for modular anterograde angioplasty 20 adapted for use in wire procedures. This embodiment of an angioplasty device 20 includes a coupling device 202, an inner wall 302, an intermediate wall 304, an outer wall 306, an end seal 307, a guide wire receiving a lumen 150, a suction lumen 42, a suction port 30, a plurality of openings 68 and / or pores 69, an inflation / deflation lumen 40, and a balloon 36. When used, the trap / barrier 38 is operated using a relative rotational and / or longitudinal movement between the intermediate wall 304 and the internal wall 302. In one embodiment, the handle 320 (shown in FIG. 32) provides the movement to actuate the trap by moving the inner wall 302 relative to the intermediate wall 304. These embodiments are convenient because the trap / barrier 38 can be fixed so that it can be separated from the balloon catheter component of the angioplasty device 20, which gives greater flexibility for the use of components of different sizes with a given angioplasty catheter while they retain the advantages of working on the wire. The trap 38 of Fig. 30 It can also be adapted to the built-in part of the suction lumen as shown in Fig. 23B.

[0155] Figs. 25 and 26 are sectional views of two embodiments that have a hollow wire 248. These embodiments are convenient because a lumen 250 defined by a hollow guide wire 248 can be used as an alternative suction lumen. The hollow guide wire 248 of these embodiments includes a single opening 253 and / or a plurality of pores 254 that are radially and axially spaced within the rods 49. The pores 254 allow the suction lumen 250 to help the suction lumen 42 remove smaller particles from the treatment site and aspirate larger particles into the trap 38. The opening 253 allows the alternative suction lumen 250 to selectively provide a suction distal to the angioplasty device 20 even though it is being introduced at the treatment site and allows the alternative suction lumen 250 to provide treatment and / or selectively diagnostic agents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that guide wire 248 can also be used in the embodiments described with reference to Figs. 2-24B and 27-30 and that the housing 28 can be modified to include two or more suction ports.

[0156] Referring again to Fig. 2, the guide wire port 34 may be any device that allows the relative rotation of the guide wire 44 with respect to the catheter 26. In some embodiments, this relative rotational and / or longitudinal movement it is provided by the handle 320 (shown in FIG. 32). In some embodiments, the guide wire port 34 may include an apparatus (not shown) that will indicate the relative position and / or torque of the guide wire with respect to the catheter 26. These embodiments may be convenient because they help ensure that the rods 49 rotate in their entire expanded position. The guide wire port 34 may include an auxiliary apparatus (not shown) that maintains the guide wire 44 in a specific orientation corresponding to the maximum expanded position. This device can reduce the number of medical personnel needed to perform the entire procedure.

[0157] The suction port 30 and the inflation port 32 can be any device that, respectively, allows the operative connection in relation to a vacuum source and a pressure source. In some embodiments, the suction port 30 and the inflation port 32 comprise a polymeric tube that is adapted to receive a syringe. The syringe can contain the fluid to be injected through the inflation / deflation lumen 40 and in the balloon

36. Another syringe can aspirate fluid and particles from the trap 38 through the suction lumen 42.

[0158] The present invention offers many advantages over known angioplasty devices. For example, it provides a device for angioplasty with full capture that can be reduced to small diameter devices. Devices for angioplasty with total capture with a size of 1.5mm (five French) and smaller can be easily performed with the present invention. The present invention can also provide a fixed guidewire to aid in irregular stenosis and a trap 38 that can be actively closed around particles that are too large to be aspirated through suction lumen 42. In addition, rods 49 can act as an additional trap during actuation. That is, as the trap 38 contracts, the rods 49 prevent smaller and smaller particles from escaping. Furthermore, the present invention is convenient because it maximizes the amount and suction rate per unit size and because it allows the user to perform multiple tasks using a simple catheter device.

[0159] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it can be carried out in other specific ways without departing from the advantages thereof. For example, lumens 42 and 150 could be used to introduce medicinal agents and radiopaque fluids or to sample a fluid before, during or at the end of a procedure. In these embodiments, the medicinal agent could be introduced into catheter 26 through a suitable port by appropriate means such as a syringe. These embodiments may be especially convenient if combined with a porous membrane 56. In addition, the stainless steel guide wire 44 could be replaced by an optical fiber. These embodiments may be convenient because they could allow the surgeon to see the place of treatment before and after the procedure. Still, other embodiments of the present invention may coat the guidewire 44 and catheter 26 with a lubricant such as polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") to reduce friction.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "angioplasty" as used throughout this specification and the claims includes, without limitation: (1) any of the medical and / or veterinary procedures and treatments described in the background section; (2) procedures and treatments similar to those described in the background section; and / or (3) any other treatment or procedure that involves the removal of a blockage of vessels or similar structures regardless of whether said structures are part or are associated with living organisms and specifically including, without limitation, the use of the present invention. to eliminate clogging of pipes, ducts, fibers or other structures in industrial or non-medical applications. Thus, the present invention could, for example, be used to eliminate an obstruction of a fluid release tube within a machine under conditions where it would not be convenient for the particles of the obstruction to be released and continued through the tube, For example, if the machine continues to operate and the particles jeopardize continued operation.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the attached figures and this description reproduced and

5 described embodiments of the present invention and features and components thereof. With regard to the means for fixing, mounting or connecting the components of the present invention to form the mechanism as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, said means were intended to cover conventional closures such as metal screws, connectors with nuts and bolts, thread connectors, elastic fixing rings, screw presses, rivets, nuts and bolts, levers, bolts and the like. The components

10 They can also be connected by welding, clamps, friction fixing, adhesives or deformation, if applicable. Unless otherwise specified, the materials for making components of the present invention were selected from suitable materials such as metal, metal alloys, fibers, polymers and the like and suitable production or manufacturing methods including casting, extrusion, molding can be used. and turning. In addition, references to front and rear, right or left, up and down and top and bottom are

fifteen used to facilitate the description, not to limit the present invention or its components in any spatial or positional orientation. Therefore, it is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive and that reference be made to the appended claims for the determination of the scope of the invention.

[0162] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the

twenty matter will recognize that changes in form and details can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.