Abstract: A device is designed to remove blockages in a lumen such as a thrombus, blood clot, or embolus. The device comprises a manipulating wire and a structure that can conduct electrical current to a lumen blockage. The electrical current is preferably in radio frequency (RF). The RF electric current in the blockage can excite the contents such as proteins of the blockage, so that cross-linking density and interfacial adsorption of the entire blockage is enhanced. The enhanced cross-linking density can result in increased fracture resistance of the blockage such that fracture of the blockage during the removal process is unlikely. The enhanced interfacial adsorption results in increased interfacial fracture resistance between the device and blockage so that the blockage can be securely captured during the removal process without using radially applied force.

Abstract: A device is designed to remove blockages in a lumen such as a thrombus, blood clot, or embolus. The device comprises a manipulating wire and a structure that can conduct electrical current to a lumen blockage. The electrical current is preferably in radio frequency (RF). The RF electric current in the blockage can excite the contents such as proteins of the blockage, so that cross-linking density and interfacial adsorption of the entire blockage is enhanced. The enhanced cross-linking density can result in increased fracture resistance of the blockage such that fracture of the blockage during the removal process is unlikely. The enhanced interfacial adsorption results in increased interfacial fracture resistance between the device and blockage so that the blockage can be securely captured during the removal process without using radially applied force.

Abstract: The claimed biocompatible device is designed to remove vessel occlusions such as a thrombus, blood clot, or embolus. The claimed devices maybe used to treat occlusions in the brain, in the vasculature, and in tissues and organs. The device is in a form of a wire or wire-like structure which can capture the occlusion with minimal contact force with the vessel wall by an application of electricity, or electrical, chemical, or microwave generated heat to enable capture of the occlusion by the device. The device, compared to conventional mechanical thrombectomy devices, captures the occlusion and reduces occlusion fragmentation without large radial force and vessel wall friction that can damage the vessel wall.