Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for deploying a medical device in a subject's tubular structure by advancing a catheter through a subject's tubular structure to a target location, the catheter having a tip coupled to a shaft of a T-shaped junction and the T-shaped junction having a crossbar coupled to an inflatable member; and inflating the inflatable member from an uninflated first state to an inflated second state with an inflation medium, where the inflatable member is shaped as a toroid in the inflated second state. In one embodiment the inflated member has attached to it a conical shaped membrane with a drawstring disposed through the shaft, crossbar, and inflatable member for ensnaring debris in the membrane. The orientation of the inflatable member may be perpendicular to the axis of the catheter and is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered in the tubular structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rigid connector which joins an inflation lumen to an inflatable element in a medical device. The connector comprises a shaft fluidly connected to a crossbar. Preferably one embodiment provides a stable junction through which an inflation fluid may pass and inflate an inflatable element which is not co-linear with the axis of inflation. The junction maintains a generally rigid, fixed angle in relation to the axis of the inflation lumen, which in many embodiments is perpendicular to said axis. This fixed orientation creates a robust structure which is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered during its use within tubular and non-tubular structures within the human body. Such a structure maintains a rigid orientation between the inflatable element and the catheter body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for deploying a medical device in a subject's tubular structure by advancing a catheter through a subject's tubular structure to a target location, the catheter having a tip coupled to a shaft of a T-shaped junction and the T-shaped junction having a crossbar coupled to an inflatable member; and inflating the inflatable member from an uninflated first state to an inflated second state with an inflation medium, where the inflatable member is shaped as a toroid in the inflated second state. In one embodiment the inflated member has attached to it a conical shaped membrane with a drawstring disposed through the shaft, crossbar, and inflatable member for ensnaring debris in the membrane. The orientation of the inflatable member may be perpendicular to the axis of the catheter and is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered in the tubular structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rigid connector which joins an inflation lumen to an inflatable element in a medical device. The connector comprises a shaft fluidly connected to a crossbar. Preferably one embodiment provides a stable junction through which an inflation fluid may pass and inflate an inflatable element which is not co-linear with the axis of inflation. The junction maintains a generally rigid, fixed angle in relation to the axis of the inflation lumen, which in many embodiments is perpendicular to said axis. This fixed orientation creates a robust structure which is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered during its use within tubular and non-tubular structures within the human body. Such a structure maintains a rigid orientation between the inflatable element and the catheter body.