Abstract: Described are ultrasound transducer modules and handheld ultrasound imagers including thermal and acoustic management features to produce high quality ultrasound images in a portable, handheld form factor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical system includes a combined laser imaging robotic surgical tool, a control console, and a laser generator/controller. The tool is mounted to a first robotic arm of a patient side cart. The tool has a wristed joint and an end effector coupled together. The end effector has a laser-emitting device to direct a laser beam onto tissue in a surgical site and an image-capturing device to capture images of the tissue in the surgical site. The control console, in communication with the tool, receives the captured images of tissue in the surgical site and displays the captured images on a display device to a user. The laser generator/controller is coupled to the tool and the control console to control the emission of the laser beam onto tissue of the surgical site.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer element according to an embodiment includes a plurality of layers including a piezoelectric element layer. At least one surface of electrodes that forms a pair of adjacent layers among the plurality of layers is made of metal including a plurality of needle-like structures, the pair of adjacent layers being made of conductive material and facing each other.

Abstract: This system for real-time localization of a millimetric or submillimetric object, such as a microrobot, in a viscoelastic medium, in particular in an organ of a subject such as a brain, a liver or a pancreas, includes: at least one bubble configured to be attached to said object, the or each bubble having a hermetic envelope filled with a gas; at least one ultrasound transducer configured to emit initial ultrasound signals and to detect deflected ultrasound signals deflected at the surface of the bubble(s); a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound transducers and configured to generate localization data of the object from localization data of the bubble(s) based on the deflected ultrasound signals detected by the ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring volumetric Doppler data, identifying a first subset of the volumetric Doppler data with turbulent characteristics, identifying a second subset of the volumetric Doppler data with non-turbulent characteristics, and generating a volume-rendered image based at least in part on the volumetric Doppler data. Generating the volume-rendered image includes rendering a turbulent flow volume based on the first subset in a first color, rendering a non-turbulent flow volume based on the second subset in two or more colors that are different than the first color. Generating the volume-rendered image includes rendering an outer perimeter of the non-turbulent flow volume with a higher opacity than a central region of the non-turbulent flow volume. The ultrasound imaging system and method includes displaying the volume-rendered image.

Abstract: A collection device for examining fecal matter to determine whether or not a patient is afflicted with parasites includes a particle accumulating plug mounted on an end of a collection tube containing a fecal specimen. The particle accumulating plug includes a conically-shaped inner wall that defines an inverted funnel within the plug. A pipetting port is formed through the inner wall at the apex of the inverted funnel to allow the tip of a pipette to enter the port and aspirate the ova or eggs, or other parasite cells, that have separated from the fecal specimen when a flotation solution is added to the tube and the tube is centrifuged. The conical shape of the inner wall of the plug directs the separated parasite ova or eggs towards the pipetting port and to accumulate within the volume of the funnel of the plug so that a desired volume of fluid containing a concentrated quantity of parasite ova or eggs may be aspirated into the pipette tip through the pipetting port of the particle accumulating plug.

Abstract: A system can facilitate pre-treatment a biofluid sample for various applications for monitoring and/or tracking a subject's health. The system includes a sample collection component that can collect the biofluid sample. The system also includes a mixing component that includes a media with a material. Upon adding the biofluid sample to the mixing component, the biofluid sample mixes with the media. The system also includes a filter component that can filter the media from the biofluid sample. After the media is filtered from the biofluid sample, the biofluid sample can be provided to an analyte analysis application.

Abstract: Reusable core needle biopsy devices having an energy storage and firing mechanism comprising one or more flexure components and a disposable biopsy needle. The energy storage and firing mechanism and the biopsy needle can move between a retracted (or tensioned) position and an extended position such that a user can retract device and then actuate it to drive the needle into the target tissue.

Abstract: A hemostatic biopsy tract article includes a bioresorbable body having a microporous structure. The bioresorbable body is formed by a mixture that includes a bioabsorbable hemostatic powder, a hydrolyzed starch, hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethylcellulose. Optionally, a marker element may be coupled to the bioresorbable body, wherein the marker element is formed from a material that is imageable under at least one imaging modality.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an elongate tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen. The biopsy device further includes a cutting member disposed in an opening of the distal end of the elongate tube, the cutting member being immovable relative to the elongate tube. The cutting member comprises a blunting surface that faces outward from the elongate tube, and a hollow truncated cone having a truncated end comprising a cutting surface that maintains a fixed radial distance from the elongate tube and that faces into the elongate tube and away from the distal end of the elongate tube, wherein the cutting surface has a contiguous perimeter, and wherein the truncated end is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube such that the cutting member has a shape of a right circular hollow cone or an oblique oval hollow cone.

Abstract: A pulmonary access device comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section, a bendable shaft section, a distal shaft section, and a distal tip. The pulmonary access device further comprises an elongated sheath having a proximal sheath section, a malleable distal sheath section, and working channel. The working channel is configured for slidably receiving the elongated shaft. The pulmonary access device further comprises a handle assembly including a handle body. The handle body is affixed to a proximal end of the elongated shaft. The handle body is removably affixed to a proximal end of the elongated sheath.

Abstract: A steerable biopsy device comprises an outer sheath comprising a sheath body having a proximal sheath section and a distal sheath section. The outer sheath further comprises a distal sheath tip and a sheath lumen terminating at a distal port in the distal sheath tip. The biopsy device further comprises a biopsy needle integrated with the sheath body. The biopsy needle is slidably disposed in the sheath lumen. The biopsy needle comprises a needle shaft and a distal needle tip configured for being displaced between a stored position within the sheath lumen and a deployed position outside of the distal port of the distal sheath tip. The biopsy device further comprises an articulation control actuator configured for articulating the distal sheath section, and a needle actuator configured for distally advancing the distal needle tip from the stored position to the deployed position.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to devices and methods for closing percutaneous punctures, and more particularly to a multi-lumen tamper for such a device. A vascular closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway is disclosed, the vascular closure device including a plug configured to engage a surface of the puncture; a suture configured coupled to the plug; a locking member configured to engage the plug; and a tamper comprising a first lumen and a second lumen.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.

Abstract: A surgical protective equipment includes: a first boundary surface having a horseshoe shape in a plan view; a second boundary surface disposed face-to-face with the first boundary surface and having a horseshoe shape in a plan view; an inner surface disposed between the first boundary surface and the second boundary surface, and forming a groove by connecting an inner end of the first boundary surface and an inner end of the second boundary surface to each other; and an outer surface connecting an outer end of the first boundary surface and an outer end of the second boundary surface, wherein a surgical incision area is inserted in the groove.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first engagement member having a first end and a second end, a second engagement member having a first end and a second end, a first elastic member attached to the second end of the first engagement member, and a first alignment member having a first end, a second end and a lumen extending therethrough. Further, the tissue retraction device has a first length, the first alignment member has a second length, the first elastic member extends within the lumen of the first alignment member and the second length of the first alignment member is less than or equal to the first length of the tissue retraction device.

Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an anchoring system (1) and method of inserting an anchor (100). Suture (305) and graft (550) may be implanted with anchors (100) of some embodiments. Some anchor embodiments may include at least one side that is cut away (115) to provide a protected space, such as central portion (116), for suture (305) and graft (550) and may provide a connection mechanism, such as a connector hole (107), that may be pushed or pulled by an inserter (200) of the anchoring system (1).

Abstract: An absorbable surgical button, system and methods that relate to an absorbable surgical button, made to dissolve over time, along with related insertion or pusher tools and components, such as a button pusher tool, to facilitate sacrospinous fixation surgical procedures for vaginal prolapse through a vaginal approach or other similar surgeries, by simplifying the advancement and placement of the absorbable surgical button.

Abstract: A knotless suture anchor system is disclosed for improved anchoring in tissue. The knotless suture anchor system includes an anchor body having an exterior surface, a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior longitudinal passageway extending at least partway from the proximal end toward the distal end, a proximal opening communicating with the longitudinal passageway nearer the proximal end, and a distal opening communicating with the longitudinal passageway nearer the distal end. The knotless suture anchor system also includes an interference member insertable distally into the longitudinal passageway to secure a portion of a suture within the longitudinal passageway by compressing the portion of the suture between the interference member and the anchor body, and a frangible connection that joins a proximal member to the anchor body.

Abstract: Provided are a one-way lifting embedded thread, a lifting device and a plastic surgery method using the same. The one-way lifting embedded thread includes a pulling thread and at least one cam body sleeved on the pulling thread. Two ends of the pulling thread are a lifting end and a free end. The free end is provided with an anchor structure for securing the pulling thread. Two sides of the cam body are a large end face and a small end face. The large end face of the cam body faces the free end of the pulling thread. As for the one-way lifting embedded thread, the arrangement of the anchor structure secures the one-way lifting embedded thread to the skin tissue temporarily and prevents the lifting embedded thread from completely slipping into the skin tissue.

Abstract: A trans-soft tissue anchor implantation system in one embodiment includes a positioning wire having a tissue penetrating distal tip, a cannula for passage through the soft tissue and a suture anchor. The cannula has an axial lumen therethrough sized to accommodate at least the positioning wire, a thin-walled distal portion and a tissue engaging feature, such as an arcuate groove, on at least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula proximal of and adjacent to the distal portion. Tissue, such as a tendon, expands into the groove allowing a surgeon to manipulate the tissue with the cannula.

Abstract: This document describes devices and methods for suturing an anastomosis. For example, this document describes transurethral probe devices that can be used to suture a vesicourethral anastomosis with one continuous stitch along a helical toroidal path.

Abstract: A kit for trans-osseous rotator cuff repair comprising, a handle (101) with a hollow guide (106) and a first connector (104A), a hollow sleeve (103) that passes through the hollow guide (106) in the handle (101), a suture guider (105 and 503) to guide a surgical suture (516) through the hollow sleeve (103), an adaptable hook (107A and 107B) with a narrow slit (118) at one end and a second connector (104B) at opposite end to couple with the first connector (104A), and a pin (901) with first and second apertures (906 and 908) enabling knotless suture of a soft tendon tissue to a bone, wherein the hollow sleeve is adjustable within the hollow guide (106) and a tunnel is created within the bone by creating perpendicularly intersecting a first and a second hole (718 and 706) in that the narrow slit (118) of the adaptable hook (107A and 107B) retrieves the surgical suture (516) from the second hole (706) through the first hole (718) of the tunnel.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, a staple pusher, a knife assembly, and a locking device. The locking device is configured to prevent readvancement of the knife assembly.

Abstract: The present application relates to a surgical instrument with a pivotable effector, including an effector at a distal end, a controller at a proximal end, and an extension tube between the effector and the controller, wherein the extension tube is movably connected to a distal end of the controller; a distal end of the extension tube is pivotally connected to a proximal end of the effector; the extension tube forms a connection channel for transferring an action of the controller to the effector; the controller includes a articulation control mechanism capable of moving in at least one direction; the extension tube includes a first flexible component, and moves in at least one direction through the articulation control mechanism, and the first flexible component provides a rotation torque for the effector, and drives the effector to rotate towards at least one side relative to the distal end of the extension tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a tool assembly having an anvil and a cartridge assembly that are movable in relation to each other between an open position and a clamped position to clamp tissue between the anvil and the cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge and/or the anvil includes a tissue contact surface that is formed of or includes a compliant material to allow the tool assembly to adapt to the topography of the tissue being clamped to uniformly compress the tissue along the length of the tool assembly and minimize trauma inflicted on the tissue.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and/or fastener apparatuses comprising an end effector with a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. At least one of the jaws may comprise a channel for receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. Also, an electrically powered actuator may be for deploying the surgical fasteners and may comprise a power source and a motor. An activation mechanism may be attached to the handle to move the pair of jaws from the open to the closed position and to activate the actuator. A lockout mechanism may be configured to permit current to flow from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the closed position and to prevent current from flowing to the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the open position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling attachment configured to clamp, staple, and cut tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapling attachment comprises an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly comprises a firing system configured to cut tissue only after the tissue has been stapled.

Abstract: Surgical stapling devices have a first buttress attached to an anvil jaw member. The first buttress has a biocompatible contrast agent which elutes into tissue that is stapled, permitting intraoperative identification of cancerous cells in tissue remaining in a patient. In aspects, the surgical stapling device has a second buttress attached to a cartridge jaw member, which may also have a biocompatible contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial blood vessel comprising a shape-memory polymer, and a vascular anastomotic member formed of a shape-memory polymer. An artificial blood vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a shape-memory polymer including photo-crosslinkable functional groups, the artificial blood vessel thus provided having a fusion point suitable for in vivo transplantation. Also, provided is a vascular anastomotic member which comprises a shape-memory polymer including photo-crosslinkable functional groups, and thus has a fusion point suitable for in vivo transplantation.

Abstract: An apparatus for anastomosis of tubular structures includes two annular bodies. Each annular body has a first side, a second side, a central axis extending between the first and second sides, an inner wall defining a passageway that is open to the first and second sides for passing a tubular structure therethrough, and a plurality of spikes each extending from a base connected to the second side of the annular body to a pointed free end configured to pierce the tubular structure. The spikes are angled relative to the central axis such that for each of the spikes, the free end is positioned farther from the central axis in a radial direction than the base is to the central axis.

Abstract: An adhesion promotion device is disclosed, which is capable of reducing risk factors of an anastomotic leakage after surgery. The adhesion promotion device includes a sheet-shaped first region disposed between one joint target site and the other joint target site of biological organs to promote adhesion of a biological tissue, a second region provided inward of the first region and separated from the first region in a direction intersecting with a surface direction of the first region, and an interlock portion that interlocks the first region and the second region with each other.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a staple parameter of a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The method includes determining, by a control circuit of the surgical stapling instrument, a first stroke length for a first staple driver of the surgical stapling instrument to drive a first row of staples of a circular stapling head assembly of the surgical stapling instrument; detecting, by the control circuit, a malformed staple in the first row of staples; adjusting, by the control circuit, the staple parameter, based on the detection of the malformed staple; and determining, by the control circuit, a second stroke length for a second staple driver of the surgical stapling instrument to drive a second row of staples of the circular stapling head assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to tissue clip devices and related systems and methods. In an embodiment, a tissue clip may include a grasper including jaws at a first end, and a spring portion at a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the grasper from the first end to the second end, wherein the spring portion is configured to bias the jaws toward each other. A wedge may be slidably disposed between the jaws such that an apex of the wedge is oriented toward the spring portion. A filament may be coupled to the wedge at a first end of the filament and may extend through a channel of the spring portion of the grasper to a second end of the filament.

Abstract: An endovascular occlusion device. The endovascular occlusion device (300) has a balloon (306) and a catheter (304). The catheter (304) has a distal end (308), a proximal end, and a lumen (318) extending therebetween. The balloon (306) is positioned proximate to the distal end (308) of the catheter (304) and has a deflated state and an inflated state. The catheter (304) further includes a plurality of ports (314) proximate to a proximal end of the balloon (306). Each port (314) extends through a wall of the catheter (304) such that surface (316) of the catheter (304) is in fluid communication with the lumen (318) of the catheter (304). A flow restrictor (324) is positioned within, and is in sliding relation with, the lumen (318) of the catheter (304). Movement of the flow restrictor (324) is configured to close one or more ports (314) of the plurality so as to limit blood flow through the lumen (318) of the catheter (304).

Abstract: A device for delivering an implant (e.g., an embolic micro-coil) to a vascular disorder of a patient includes a delivery pusher, a moveable element, and first and second elongate members. The delivery pusher defines a lumen between its proximal and distal ends. The moveable element (e.g., a floating tube or a floating coil) defines a passageway therethrough and is disposed within the lumen of the delivery pusher. The first and second elongate members (e.g., core wires) are also disposed within the lumen of the delivery pusher. A portion of each elongate member passes through the passageway of the moveable element. Movement of the first elongate member in a first direction (e.g., retraction of the first elongate member from a locked to an unlocked configuration) causes a time-delayed or lost motion movement of the second elongate member in the same (i.e., first) direction, which releases the implant from the delivery pusher.

Abstract: An example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage is disclosed. The example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage includes an expandable member having a first end region, a second end region and an inflation cavity. The example medical device includes at least one fixation member having a first end and a second end coupled to the expandable member. The at least one fixation member is configured to move from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration in response to an expansion of the expandable member. Additionally, the example medical device includes a valve member extending at least partially into the inflation cavity and the expandable member is configured to expand and seal the opening of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: An embolic device for treating aneurysms or other vascular disorders may be more compliant than conventional devices, while still achieving desired porosity. In particular, the device may achieve the desired porosity only at discrete sections along the length of the device where such a porosity is required (e.g., sections that will block the neck of the aneurysm upon deployment). The remaining sections of the device can be configured to increase the device's compliance. For example, the remaining sections can be formed from less material than the sections with the desired porosity. In some instances, the sections with the desired porosity are formed from mesh-screen segments and the remaining sections are formed from coil segments. In some instances, the mesh-screen segments are configured to further enhance the device's compliance. For example, the mesh-screen segment can be formed from a layered structure that achieves greater compliance than conventional braided structures.

Abstract: This invention is an intrasacular aneurysm occlusion device with a longitudinal mesh ribbon having a series of loops or segments with distal-to-proximal variation in their sizes, shapes, or orientations. For example, loops or segments can be progressively smaller in size and/or progressively more curved as one views the series in a distal-to-proximal direction. The device may also enable a user to selectively and remotely bend, steer, or elongate the loops or segments in real time as the ribbon is being deployed into an aneurysm sac.

Abstract: The cutting device for the placement of a knee prosthesis includes a bracket and a cutting guide mounted with the ability to move on the bracket. The bracket includes a first marker for identifying it and a fixing element for fixing it to a bone. The cutting guide includes a second marker for identifying it and a slot defining a cutting plane suited to guiding a cutting tool. The invention also relates to an assistance device and to a system having the cutting device. The invention finally relates to an assistance method and to a computer program product and to a data recording medium for executing the method.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a drill assembly and method for preparing a surgical site. The drill assembly disclosed herein may be utilized for removing bone prior to positioning a graft and/or implant at a surgical site.

Abstract: An endplate processor, comprising a grip portion (1), a handle (2), and a treating head (3). The treating head (3) and the grip portion (1) are fixed at both ends of the handle (2), respectively. A semicircular groove (4) is formed on an end face of the end of the treating head (3) away from the handle (2). The semicircular groove (4) forms a bowl-shaped cavity at the tip of the treating head (3). The bowl-shaped structure is suitable for scraping an endplate (20) in the intervertebral space that is wide at the center and narrow at the periphery. Since the volume of the scraping structure is small, the endplate processor can freely move in the intervertebral space, increasing operation convenience. Since the distal end of the endplate processor is blunt due to the bowl shape, it is even harder to penetrate through the aorta deep in the contralateral annulus, increasing the surgical safety.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for locking a drill guide into a polyaxial hole while maintaining the form and function of the polyaxial hole are provided herein. In some embodiments, the drill guide includes a hollow outer body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a slot disposed proximate the proximate end, wherein the distal end is configured as a reverse collet having a plurality of prongs; an inner body having a central channel extending therethrough; and a lever coupled to the inner body through the slot, wherein the slot is shaped such that rotation of the lever results in motion along a central axis of the drill guide, and wherein a distal end of the inner body is configured to prevent radially inward deflection of the plurality of prongs when the inner body is in a lowermost position.

Abstract: A guiding device can include a guide including a through hole for insertion of an ultrasound probe that forms a tunnel to a bone. The guide can be configured to guide movement of the ultrasound probe inserted through the through hole; an offset portion offset from an axis of the through hole. The guiding device can also include an offset portion with an abutment portion configured to abut to an outer wall of the bone, on a side on which the through hole is located, in a direction orthogonal to the axis and a bone-tunnel introduction portion provided on an opposite side to the side on which the through hole is located and being configured to be inserted into the tunnel. The bone-tunnel introduction portion can have a sectional polygon shape smaller than a polygon on an inner circumferential face of the through hole.

Abstract: Bone fusion system, devices, guides, implant and methods for using the bone fusion system, devices, guides and implant are disclosed. The fusion system includes a first alignment guide, a second alignment guide, and an implant. The first alignment guide couples to an intermediate portion of the implant and the second alignment guide couples to a distal portion of the implant. The implant includes a body portion, a first extension portion extending away from a first end of the body portion, a second extension portion extending away from a posterior of the body portion, and a third extension portion extending away from a distal end of the body portion. Finally, methods for using the bone fusion system, devices, guide and implant are disclosed.

Abstract: A guiding device includes: a guide having a tubular shape. The guide can include a first through hole for insertion of an ultrasound probe. The guide can be configured to guide movement of the ultrasound probe inserted through the first through hole. A protrusion can protrude from one end of the guide and can have a sectional shape that corresponds to a sectional shape of the distal portion of the ultrasound probe, the sectional shape of the protrusion being orthogonal to an axis of the first through hole, and the sectional shape of the distal portion of the ultrasound probe being orthogonal to the axis of the first through hole.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for an adjustable catheter system with isovolumetric suction and restoration of fluid for the removal of a thrombus and a method of use thereof. The catheter system includes an inner catheter and an outer sheath surrounding at least a portion of the inner catheter. The inner catheter may include at least three lumina extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the inner catheter, at least one infusion fenestration along the infusion segment, and a distal encapsulation balloon at the distal end. The outer sheath may include at least three lumina extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the outer sheath and a proximal encapsulation balloon at the distal end. The catheter system may further include an agitator for mechanical morcellation of the thrombus.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument (1, 134), for inserting into a body of a patient, includes a tubular shank (3, 47, 137) and at least two electrical, mechanical and/or optical leads (11, 13, 15, 19, 57, 59, 65, 67, 123, 181) which run through the shank (3, 47, 137). The shank (3, 47, 137) in a bendable shank section (9, 49) includes a plurality of slots (33, 55, 64). The slots (33, 55, 64) extend in a circumferential direction only over a part of the shank periphery. The slots (33, 44, 64) are arranged axially to one another such that the slots alternately lie on a first lateral side of the shank (3, 47, 137) and a second lateral side of the shank (3, 47, 137) which lies diametrically opposite the first.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system and method of extraction of thrombus are disclosed. The thrombectomy system comprises a delivery catheter; an aspiration catheter, comprising an aspiration funnel, configured to be movably disposed within the delivery catheter in a retracted position and at least partially outside the delivery catheter in an extended and expanded position, the funnel comprising a non-permeable covering, the funnel being configured to adapt its shape and length to a surrounding blood vessel such that the funnel reduces blood flow through the blood vessel and lengthens as it narrows to retain a thrombus within the funnel; a clot-capture element configured to capture the thrombus and to be at least partially withdrawn with the captured thrombus into the funnel; and a microcatheter adapted to carry the clot-capture element to the thrombus. The clot-capture element is movably disposed within the microcatheter in a retracted position. The microcatheter is movably disposed within the aspiration catheter.