Abstract: An endoluminal access device including an outer sheath defining a lumen and a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes an expandable portion configured to be transitioned between a collapsed configuration having a first diameter and an expanded configuration having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The expandable portion includes a first arm defining a first lumen and an aperture in communication with the first lumen. The expandable portion is configured to expand outwardly from a central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion transitions to the expanded configuration and to deflect inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion is transitioned to the collapsed configuration. The endoluminal access device further includes an endoluminal tool deliverable from the first lumen of the first arm and outwardly from the aperture of the first arm.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for delivering fluid. The medical devices include one or more needles for delivering fluid. The methods may include expanding an expandable member such as an inflatable member to expand an expandable scaffold outward toward a lumen wall.

Abstract: Atrial appendage occlusion devices and methods of using the same that employ the application of light having a desired wavelength range. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a telescoping catheter assembly coupled with an adhesive delivery device and a suction source, and comprise at least one optical fiber disposed therein. The catheter assembly is configured to isolate an atrial appendage cavity, deliver suction and adhesive thereto, and, using the optical fiber(s), cure the adhesive present within the cavity all without withdrawing any components of the catheter assembly from the body. Methods for using such device in the treatment of atrial appendage occlusion are also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for delivering fluid. The medical devices include one or more needles for delivering fluid. The methods may include expanding an expandable member such as an inflatable member to expand an expandable scaffold outward toward a lumen wall.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a body having a lumen extending between a leading end and a trailing end and having a collapsed condition with a first lateral cross-section, the first lateral cross-section being flower-shaped, the body being configured to transition from the collapsed condition to an expanded condition with a second lateral cross-section when an apparatus is passed through the lumen, the second lateral cross-section having a maximum dimension larger than a maximum dimension of the first lateral cross-section.

Abstract: A purpose is to enable partial replacement of an indwelling urethral catheter. A unit for a balloon catheter according to the present invention includes a urethral catheter tube (13) provided with a first urethral catheterization passage (14), a branch tube (11) provided with a first passage (12) adapted to allow passage of a liquid used to inflate or deflate a balloon (54), and a connecting tube (30) configured to be connected at one end to the first urethral catheterization passage (14) or the first passage (12).

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon coupled to a shaft. The shaft includes a proximal perfusion portion disposed proximal of the balloon and a distal perfusion portion disposed distal of the balloon. The proximal and distal perfusion portions each are formed by a respective plurality of wire members woven together to form a respective proximal and distal braided shafts. The plurality of wire members are woven together such that a plurality of perfusion openings are formed between the wire members. The plurality of perfusion openings extend from an outer surface of the respective proximal or distal braided shaft to a lumen of the respective proximal or distal braided shaft. A perfusion lumen extends between the proximal perfusion portion and the distal perfusion portion.

Abstract: A method for sealing and flushing a delivery member includes sealing one or more lumens and flushing air from the one or more lumens. An interventional device delivery system includes a handle assembly and a delivery member. The handle assembly includes a catheter holder with a passageway therethrough. A flush block is associated with the catheter holder and has a flush port and a flush chamber. The delivery member is associated with the handle assembly and includes a plurality of catheters. At least one of the catheters has a proximal end disposed within the passageway in the catheter holder and is in fluid communication with the flush chamber.

Abstract: An stent delivery system may include a delivery device and a tubular body having a lumen sized to slidably fit about an outer diameter of the delivery device and a drainage stent having an anchoring mechanism, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage an external portion of the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device. A method of delivering a stent may include inserting a tubular body into the port of an endoscope, inserting a stent delivery device and a stent having an anchoring mechanism into the tubular body, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage and retain the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device, advancing the drainage stent distally through the tubular body, sliding the tubular body proximally, and engaging an external portion of the tubular body with the constraining member.

Abstract: Micro-catheters and embolic agents offer better results in endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations. Using said micro-catheters and embolic agents generally requires the creating of a plug at the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters which regularly results in suboptimal results. The present invention teaches how to create and use a device which creates a plug downstream of the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters and thereby ameliorates the suboptimal outcomes associated with creating a plug at the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter is disclosed for deploying in an artery or vein, comprising various means for disrupting, mechanically and/or chemo-mechanically, a fibrous sheath forming naturally outside of the catheter; optionally the disrupted fibrin sheath and/or thrombus is captured.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp is provided that includes a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a central longitudinal axis. A balloon is attached to the shaft such that a material can flow through the shaft and into the balloon to inflate the balloon. A flow controller controls the flow of the material through the shaft and into the balloon. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An stent delivery system may include a delivery device and a tubular body having a lumen sized to slidably fit about an outer diameter of the delivery device and a drainage stent having an anchoring mechanism, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage an external portion of the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device. A method of delivering a stent may include inserting a tubular body into the port of an endoscope, inserting a stent delivery device and a stent having an anchoring mechanism into the tubular body, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage and retain the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device, advancing the drainage stent distally through the tubular body, sliding the tubular body proximally, and engaging an external portion of the tubular body with the constraining member.

Abstract: A lacrimal duct tube includes: a pair of tubular members that each have at one end an opening communicating with a lumen and have in a wall a hole for guiding a lacrimal duct tube operative instrument to the lumen; and a connection member that connects the other ends of the tubular members. Surfaces of the tubular members include a hydrophilic-coated portion and a non-coated portion without the hydrophilic coating. It is preferred that the lumen in the vicinity of the opening includes an engagement portion for engagement with a tip of the lacrimal duct tube operative instrument, and the non-coated portion is formed without overlapping with the surface of the tubular member at the position of the engagement portion. The lacrimal duct tube can be used favorably for various lacrimal duct obstruction treatments. In the case of using a sheath such as in sheath guided endoscopic probing, the lacrimal duct tube can be easily inserted into the sheath and be firmly fixed to the sheath.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the housing tube, and a cable disposed within the housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A pre-assembled kit for administering ischemic postconditioning comprising a catheter and a handle having a fluid circuit to control and modulate flow of inflation fluid to and from a balloon wherein the catheter is free from additional assembly and preparation procedures such that it is ready-to-use within a variety of vessel sizes.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to method and apparatus for crossing an obstruction in a tubular member, and more particularly to a medical device method for crossing of a chronic occlusion in a subintimal or interstitial space of an artery.

Abstract: Medical systems and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the medical systems include an inner tubular member defining an aperture and an outer tubular member at least partially surrounding the inner tubular member. The inner and outer tubular members can be arranged such that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having multiple tubular members, an adaptor member connected thereto and a balloon for dilation of constricted blood vessel, wherein the peeling strength of the balloon surfaces when adheres to each other is 0.06 N or more and the modulus of the balloon in the axial direction is 100 N/mm2 or more, and wherein the coated resin composition contains a hydrophilic resin that is lubricating when wet. Furthermore, the outer surface of the balloon is made of a polyamide elastomer resin composition having a durometer hardness of 55 D or less. Thus, there can be provided a balloon catheter excelling in handling property, for which keeping the balloon highly penetrable through the stricture site as the accordion phenomenon of the balloon is prevented, and simultaneously preserving the other properties of the balloon (flexibility of balloon, wrapping dimension, and dilation/shrinkage response etc.).

Abstract: A catheter configured for delivering an agent to a patient's vessel wall is described. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon substantially covered by a expandable cage such that when the inflatable balloon is inflated the expandable cage substantially surrounds an outer surface of the inflated balloon. The inflatable balloon is configured to be deployed within a lumen against a lumen wall and separated from the lumen wall by the expandable cage in an expanded state, and is adapted to provide an agent delivery to a treatment site, and the expandable cage is further collapsible and is removable from said lumen.

Abstract: An introducer assembly (10) includes a balloon catheter (12) for deploying a medical device (19) in a body lumen or for dilating a body lumen at a range of diameters from a minimum deployment diameter to a maximum deployment diameter. The balloon catheter includes an outer balloon (42) and an inner balloon (40) located within the outer balloon (42). The outer balloon (42) has an unstretched diameter equivalent to the minimum deployment diameter and the inner balloon (40) has an unstretched diameter equivalent to the maximum deployment diameter. The outer balloon (42) is made of an elastic material able to stretch from the minimum deployment diameter to the maximum deployment diameter, while the inner balloon (40) is preferably of an non-compliant material.

Abstract: A catheter configured for delivering an agent to a patient's vessel wall is described. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon substantially covered by a expandable cage such that when the inflatable balloon is inflated the expandable cage substantially surrounds an outer surface of the inflated balloon. The inflatable balloon is configured to be deployed within a lumen against a lumen wall and separated from the lumen wall by the expandable cage in an expanded state, and is adapted to provide an agent delivery to a treatment site, and the expandable cage is further collapsible and is removable from said lumen.

Abstract: A method of treating early papillomavirus infection of an orifice of a human or animal body including any canal associated with an orifice, comprising applying a viral inactivation agent to the orifice and/or canal in an amount effective to inactivate a portion of the virus infecting the orifice or canal. Apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter and method for draining a bladder and injecting a two part biologic adhesive is provided. The catheter has a tubular body extending between proximal and distal ends. A balloon is located adjacent the distal end with a first port extending between the proximal end and the balloon providing for inflation an deflation of the balloon. A second port extends substantially between the proximal end and the distal end for drainage. A pair of ports separate from one another and from the first and second ports extend between the proximal end and the balloon. The pair of ports are each arranged in fluid communication with separate openings located between the balloon and the proximal end to provide separate fluid flow paths for the separate components of the two part biologic adhesive between the proximal end and the openings.

Abstract: A catheter system for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system provides for adjustability of the length of the treatment area and for reducing of pressure within the treatment area. The catheter system includes an inner elongated element, an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element, a blood-release element at a distal end of the inner elongated element and a supply elongated element coaxial to the outer elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end.

Abstract: An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.

Abstract: Catheter balloon assemblies (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body vessel are provided, as well as related methods of manufacturing and methods of treatment. The catheter balloon assemblies may include a concentrically disposed dual balloon assembly at the distal portion of the catheter having an inner balloon (44), a porous outer balloon (42) concentrically arrayed around the inner balloon and a catheter shaft (30) adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent to the body vessel through the apertures in the outer balloon. Radial outward expansion of the inner balloon may urge the outer balloon into contact with the wall of a body vessel, where the therapeutic agent may be delivered from the catheter shaft through apertures in the outer balloon directly to the wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is configured so that a balloon can be easily inserted into the interior of a human body without using a separate wire.

Abstract: A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes a number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems of resuscitating a patient including accessing an arterial vessel positioning a catheter into the arterial vessel advancing the catheter through the arterial vessel to position it below a vessel supplying blood to a heart and a brain expanding an expandable portion of the catheter to prevent blood from flowing past the expanded portion and infusing a substance retrograde into the artery within the arterial section between the heart and the expanded portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A tamponade catheter is disclosed for controlling bleeding from a penetrating or perforating wound in a patient comprising a catheter having an inner catheter lumen with a non-elastic inflatable balloon secured to the catheter in fluid communication with an inner catheter lumen of the catheter. A removable outer sheath overlays the inflatable balloon for inserting the inflatable balloon within the wound of the patient. A bendable flexible stiffening stylet is receivable within the inner catheter lumen of the catheter to aid in navigating the catheter into the wound of the patient. The removable outer sheath and the stylet are removable for inflating the inflatable balloon by an introduction of a fluid through the inner catheter lumen of the catheter for enabling the inflated non-elastic inflatable balloon to create pressure within the wound of the patient to control bleeding therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area and for reducing of pressure within the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element, an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element, and a blood-release element at a distal end of the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end.

Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.

Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. For example, an anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Methods are describe for treating intraluminal locations such as in a patient's lung. The device is a catheter which has an elongated shaft with an inner lumen, preferably defined by an inner tubular member, formed of heat resistant polymeric materials such as polyimide and high temperature vapor is directed through the inner lumen into the intraluminal location to treat tissue at and/or distal to the location. The outer surface of the catheter is also formed of heat resistant material. An enlarged or enlargeable member, such as a balloon, is provided on a distal portion of the catheter shaft to prevent proximal flow of the high temperature vapor upon discharge from the catheter.

Abstract: An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes have an inflatable cuff for sealing the trachea so that a patient may be ventilated through a respiratory lumen of the tube. As a result of sealing the trachea outside of the tube, liquids accumulate above the cuff. If these liquids are allowed to move into the lungs, they may cause ventilator acquired pneumonia (VAP). The liquids may be removed by suction applied to a suction lumen terminating in a port above the cuff, but suctioning can cause damage to the trachea if the tube is sucked up against the tracheal wall. A tracheal catheter having a unique method of attaching the balloon cuff is provided. The cuff is to attached so that an upper part (collar) of the cuff is used to cover the distal end of a suction lumen port. This allows the port to be located closer to the cuff and so provides more thorough liquid removal and reduces the possibility that the tube may suck itself onto the tracheal wall.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, blood flow proximal to a lesion is occluded. An infusion catheter is advanced to a region distal to the lesion and an anti-reperfusion injury drug is delivered. The lesion may then be treated with a dilating device to reintroduce blood flow to the region distal to the lesion.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: Medical devices with surfaces on which viable biologic cells are magnetically attracted and retained are disclosed along with methods of magnetic coating. The medical devices can be located in a carrier liquid containing high concentrations of magnetic cells before or after implantation. The carrier liquid with magnetic cells may be contact with the medical device in vitro or in vivo. In either case, the carrier liquid may have a concentration of magnetic cells that is high enough to facilitate coating of the medical device within an acceptable period of time, e.g., several hours or less. Magnetization of medical devices before, during, and/or after implantation and apparatus for performing the same are disclosed. Degaussing of magnetic medical devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for effective removal of emboli or harmful fluids during therapeutic and diagnostic vascular procedures, such as angiography, balloon angioplasty, stent deployment, laser angioplasty, atherectomy, and intravascular ultrasonography. A catheter with an occluder mounted at its distal end creates an occlusion proximal to the lesion and provides a pathway for introducing a treatment catheter. Prior to, during or subsequent to the procedure, suction is activated to establish retrograde flow to remove emboli from the site. Additionally, a thin catheter with a distal fluid ejection nozzle may be introduced distal to the treatment site to rinse emboli from the treatment site. The suction flow and/or ejected fluid flow may be varied in a pulsatile manner to simulate regular blood flow and/or perturb settled emboli into being captured that may otherwise not be collected. The method establishes a protective environment before any devices enter the treatment site.

Abstract: An embolic protection system and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. The embolic protection system includes a guide catheter, a multi-lumen tube having a sealing surface on the distal end and an interventional device. A method of treating a blood vessel includes providing a guide catheter and a multi-lumen elongate member having proximal and distal ends, evacuation and inflation lumens extending therebetween and a sealing surface on the distal end. The elongate member is advanced through the guide catheter into a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart proximal a lesion. The sealing surface is expanded to engage the endoluminal surface of the blood vessel and stop antegrade flow. An interventional device is advanced through the evacuation lumen to treat the lesion.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A surgical drain and method for using the same. The surgical drain comprises a first end, which may be sized for placement within an organism. The first end features a plurality of segments, each labeled with an alphanumeric character. The first end may be cut at a line between two of the segments. The alphanumeric character at the terminal end of the first end after cutting is recorded prior to placing the drain within the organism. When removing the drain, the recorded alphanumeric character is compared with the character at a terminal end of the first end of the surgical drain. Thus, a treating professional can ensure that no portion of the surgical drain is left within the wound, preventing infection due to a foreign object left within the organism.

Abstract: The devices of the present disclosure are rheolytic thrombectomy catheters with a self-inflating distal balloon. A self-inflating balloon is located distal to an inflow gap or orifice and distal to a fluid jet emanator, which self-inflating balloon is inflated and expanded by the utilization of internal operating forces consisting of forwardly directed high velocity fluid jet streams and/or entrained thrombus particulate therein. The self-inflating balloon, when inflated, impinges on the wall of the blood vessel to isolate sections of the blood vessel distal and proximal to the inflated balloon in order to prevent flow of thrombus particulate, fluids and the like distal to the self-inflating balloon and to provide a stagnant nonflow region proximal to the self-inflating balloon. The devices of the present disclosure also provide for a uniform spacing of the catheter tube with respect to the thrombus and/or wall of the blood vessel.