Abstract: A medical elongated body is disclosed that suppresses elongation in an axial direction while maintaining high flexibility and has high torque transmission capability even in a bent state. The medical elongated body includes a tube shaped body. The tube shaped body has a slit extending in a spiral shape while meandering, the slit is formed from a pair of a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface, the first opposing surface forms a first convex portion, the first convex portion has a first wide portion having a width wider in a circumferential direction Y, the second opposing surface forms a first concave portion which surrounds and accommodates the first wide portion, the first convex portion has a first plane portion and a first side portion connected to both end portions, and in a circumferential developed view, the first side portion and the first plane portion have tangential discontinuity.

Abstract: A medical device includes a shaft; and a cage coupled to the shaft, the cage comprising elongated cutting members configured to cut material(s) inside a blood vessel lumen, the cage including a first end and a second end, wherein one or both of the first end and second end are moveable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft to change a distance between them; wherein the cage has a naturally expanded configuration with a first cross sectional dimension; wherein the cage is collapsible to form a collapsed configuration in response to an increase in the distance between the first end and the second end of the cage; and wherein the medical device further comprises a control configured to apply a radial force to expand the cage beyond its naturally expanded configuration with a second cross sectional dimension that is larger than the first cross sectional dimension.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present technology includes a device for the disruption and/or removal of obstructive material in a blood vessel. The device can comprise an elongated shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therebetween. The device can further comprise a capture structure carried by the distal portion of the elongated shaft and having a greater cross-sectional dimension than a cross-sectional dimension of the elongated shaft. The capture structure can comprise an opening at a first end portion that is fluidly coupled to the lumen of the elongated shaft, a fluid impermeable sidewall enclosing an interior region, and an opening extending through a thickness of the sidewall. A portion of the sidewall surrounding the opening can be configured to deform towards or away from the interior region such that a cross-sectional dimension of the opening increases to receive the obstructive material therethrough.

Abstract: A medical-technical instrument includes a first instrument branch, a second instrument branch, and a bearing element coupling the instrument branches in a superimposed closure. The branches contact each other in a closure portion in an operation pivot region via mutually facing contact surfaces so that the branches in the operation pivot region contact each other with their respective contact surfaces, and the branches are positionable in a cleaning position outside the operation pivot region. The bearing element is fixed at an end portion on the first instrument branch and has a head widening conically in a continuous or stepped manner. The head penetrates a continuously or stepped conical passage opening in the second instrument branch. The passage opening is an elongated hole, and the bearing element is rotatably positionable in the elongated hole and translationally fixedly received.

Abstract: An intravascular device is provided having a catheter tube and an expandable portion including a plurality of struts capable of being moved between an open and a closed position. An incising element and an abrasive surface are provided on at least one of the struts. The incising element has a sharpened edge for creating an incision in, and the abrasive surface is configured to abrade, atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel when the expandable portion is in the opened position.

Abstract: A balloon for renal nerve modulation is disclosed. The balloon may include a polymer material forming a balloon wall having an outer surface and flexible circuits comprising a base selectively adhered to the exterior surface of the balloon wall. Adhesive is selectively applied to the outer surface of the balloon, to the flexible circuit or to both such that the adhesive is selectively deposited on the at least a portion of the at least two pads or on the at least a portion of the at least two pads and to a portion of the distal spline. The portion of the at least two pads or the portion of the at least two pads and a portion of the distal spline are adhered to the outer surface of the balloon and a remainder of the flexible circuit moves freely with respect to the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A method and device handle having a slide assembly are disclosed for controlling rotational speed of a catheter assembly under various rotational loads. The method includes: driving a catheter assembly at a target rotational speed in a first direction; detecting an actual rotational speed of the catheter assembly in the first direction; comparing the target rotational speed and the actual rotational speed of the catheter assembly in the first direction; and stopping the driving of the catheter assembly in the first direction before a completion of predetermined number of rotations in the first direction when the actual rotational speed decreases a predetermined value over a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: Medical systems and methods for making and using medical systems are disclosed. Example medical systems may include an atherectomy system configured to engage and remove plaque from walls in vessels of a vascular system. The atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a rotational tip coupled to an end of the drive shaft, a drive mechanism coupled to the drive shaft to rotate the rotational tip, and control configurations to control settings of operational modules of the atherectomy system. The control configurations may be configured to change settings of multiple operational modules of the atherectomy system in response to a single actuation of an actuator to facilitate use of the atherectomy system in a vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: A medical device includes a guide unit having a guide tube with a longitudinal axis, a proximal first coupling part fixedly connected to the guide tube, and a distal pivoting head with a cylindrical surface. An actuating tube is axially movable in the guide tube and is connected to the pivoting head. The actuating tube causes a pivoting movement of the pivoting head via a proximal operating element. In the device, in order to orient a distal guide element for a rotatable surgical tool more precisely and thus angularly orient the working head of such a tool, the operating element is pivotable about the longitudinal axis and causes the pivoting movement of the pivoting head by the axial displacement of the actuating tube.

Abstract: A cerumen removal apparatus for removing cerumen from an ear canal. The apparatus includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end interconnected by a main longitudinal axis; said distal end including a hollow collector head having at least one spiral vane or ridge projecting radially inward from an inner surface thereof and enclosing a lumen ending with an opening opened to said lumen for amassing said cerumen in said lumen via said opening; wherein said at least one spiral vane or ridge is adapted to guide the cerumen in a proximal direction into said hollow collector head when said hollow collector head rotates in the ear canal.

Abstract: A thrombectomy device includes a handle at a proximal end portion of the device, a first arm connected to the handle, and a second arm extending to a distal end portion of the device. The device may also include a cage at the distal end portion of the device, the cage being adjustable between a contracted orientation and an expanded orientation, the cage including a cutting element disposed between a proximal end portion of the cage and a distal end of the cage, the cutting element including one or more of a round wire, a flat wire, or a blade configured to remove matter from a body lumen when the cage is in the expanded orientation, and a macerator extending within the first arm and the second arm, the macerator including a helical element.

Abstract: A thrombosis macerating and aspiration device for macerating and aspirating blood clots and blockages in a blood vessel is disclosed. In some embodiments, the macerating element of the device rotates and creates a partial vacuum to assist in the aspiration of the blood clot of blockage. The macerating element may have a variety of different designs and shapes and in some embodiments, the macerating element is expandable.

Abstract: Telescoping, self-driving, and laterally-pushing atherectomy devices are provided, each having a flexible sheath, a cutter with helical flutes, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly can have a flexible driveshaft that is rotatably translational with the lumen of the flexible sheath, a positive displacement pump that begins pumping at the distal end of the drive shaft adjacent to the helical flutes at the proximal end of the cutter, and the flexible drive shaft can be longer than the flexible sheath to enable a reversible telescoping of the drive assembly from the lumen of the flexible sheath. The positive displacement pump can be a screw pump having a drive screw portion extending beyond the flexible sheath, exposed for contact with a vascular lumen for the self-driving. And, the devices can have a reversibly-expandable, lateral pushing member at the distal end of the flexible sheath for the lateral pushing.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed that can help prevent an object existing in a body lumen from clogging a lumen of an elongated member. The medical device including an elongated member having a lumen extending in an axial direction; an insertion member inserted in the lumen of the elongated member on a distal side of the lumen; and a breaking member fixed on an inner surface of the elongated member such that a gap is formed between the insertion member and the breaking member in the lumen of the elongated member on the distal side, and wherein the breaking member exerts a shearing force to the object by rotating relative to the insertion member while the object is between the insertion member and the breaking member.

Abstract: An atherectomy system includes a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate an atherectomy burr and a controller that is adapted to operate the drive mechanism in a first operating mode in which the atherectomy burr is operated at a speed reference and with a predetermined torque limit. The controller is adapted to determine when the atherectomy burr becomes stuck while in the first operating mode and is further adapted to, when the atherectomy burr becomes stuck, operate the drive mechanism in a second operating mode that is different from the first operating mode.

Abstract: A medical device for crushing an object in a body lumen, the medical device including: an elongated shaft portion rotatably driven; a crushing unit provided with bendable wire rods and rotatable together with the shaft portion; and a sliding unit fixed to each of end portion of the wire rods on at least one of a distal side of and a proximal side of the wire rods and is interlocked with the shaft portion so as to be slidable in an axial direction of the shaft portion. The shaft portion is provided with contact portions that come into contact with the sliding unit during rotation and limit relative rotation of the shaft portion and the sliding unit. After the sliding unit is attached to the contact portions, the sliding unit rotates in the same direction as the shaft portion along with the rotation of the shaft portion.

Abstract: In embodiments of an obstruction removal device, system, and/or method, a removal tool is disposed at a distal end of a delivery tool and configured to at least partially separate an obstruction from an inner surface of a vasculature. An expandable member is also coupled to the delivery tool. The expandable member includes a proximal end that is free or slidably coupled to the delivery tool. The proximal end of the expandable member is configured to invert or slide toward a distal end of the expandable member, thereby causing the expandable member to surround at least a portion of the obstruction and the removal tool so that the obstruction is captured between the expandable member and the removal tool, when the delivery tool is withdrawn from the vasculature to remove the removal tool and the obstruction from the vasculature.

Abstract: Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical device includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The jaw members include tissue-contacting surfaces that define a tissue grasping area. One of the jaw members includes an electrically-insulating body, an interior electrode, and an exterior electrode. The interior electrode is positioned interiorly of outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. A portion of the interior electrode forms part of the tissue-contacting surface. The exterior electrode is positioned exteriorly of the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. At least one portion of the exterior electrode: extends along the outer back surface of the body, is disposed within the body, and is positioned adjacent the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. The interior and exterior electrodes are configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area to seal tissue.

Abstract: Rotational atherectomy devices and systems can remove or reduce stenotic lesions in blood vessels by rotating one or more abrasive elements within the vessel. The abrasive elements are attached to a distal portion of an elongate flexible drive shaft that extends from a handle assembly that includes a driver for rotating the drive shaft. In particular implementations, the handle assembly encapsulates an electric motor assembly, a pump assembly, and a controller assembly.

Abstract: A sheath comprises an elastomeric tube having a self-expanding scaffold coupled to a wall. The scaffold can expand to a diameter larger than the tube diameter to provide an enlarged distal opening. An aspiration catheter has a balloon and an aspiration port so that occlusive material can be removed from a blood vessel by drawing the balloon through the vessel while simultaneously aspirating through the port.

Abstract: Various embodiments of devices and systems comprising a driveshaft for use in high-speed rotational medical procedures; e.g., atherectomy, are disclosed. Generally, the driveshaft is configured for transferring torque and activating rotation of a tool attached thereto, e.g., an abrading head, and is covered by a polymer jacket. In certain embodiments, the polymer jacket is allowed to rotate in response to the rotation of the drive shaft such that the polymer jacket is not fixed at its proximal end. Various embodiments of the drive shaft may include proximal and/or distal stops that enable the polymer jacket to move longitudinally between the stops, in embodiments comprising proximal and distal stops, or to the distal stop in embodiments comprising only a distal stop. Various embodiments of the devices and systems described herein optionally may include a metallic inner liner within the drive shaft, in addition to or instead of a polymer jacket.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a device for retrieving a body from within a tubular structure, the device having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising: a device body at the proximal end; a conduit extending away from the device body to the distal end and sized to be receivable in the tubular structure; at least one actuator operably associated with the device body; a first strand extending at least in part through the conduit; a second strand extending at least in part through the conduit; wherein the first and second strands are affixed at the distal end of the device, and wherein the second strand is wound around the first strand along at least a distal length of the first strand; wherein the at least one actuator is operable to cause the second strand to adopt an expanded state in which the second strand defines a trawl volume to catch the body for retrieval of the body from the tubular structure.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for performing atherectomies. Generally, the atherectomy devices may comprise a handle, a cutter assembly, and a catheter or catheter assembly therebetween. The cutter assembly may include a cutter housing and a cutter comprising a first cutting element and a second cutting element, each of which may be rotated relative to the atherectomy device to cut occlusive material.

Abstract: A medical device and a treatment method are disclosed, which can effectively cut an object inside a biological lumen and can improve safety by reducing damage to a biological tissue. A medical device is disclosed for cutting the object inside the biological lumen. A structure rotated by a drive shaft has a first cutting portion, a second cutting portion located more proximal than the first cutting portion, a first non-cutting portion located between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and a second non-cutting portion located on a proximal side of the second cutting portion.

Abstract: Mechanical atherectomy and/or thrombectomy devices configured to remove obstructions (e.g., plaque material) of different consistencies and/or sizes from blood vessels. The devices may include a tractor comprising a flexible tube of material that inverts as it rolls over itself while being drawn into the open distal end of a catheter in a conveyor-like motion. The flexible tube can include features that facilitate engagement with the obstruction, enhance smooth tractor motion and/or promote movement control of the device within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical atherectomy apparatus for removing particles such as plaque from an interior of a vessel having a motor housing slidable axially between a proximal position and a distal position. An axially fixed sheath extends from the outer housing and a catheter is connected to the motor housing and is positioned within the sheath. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the lumen of the catheter and is operatively connected to the motor for rotational movement, the rotatable shaft and catheter movable by movement of the motor housing between the proximal and distal positions. The rotatable shaft has an atherectomy bit extending therefrom for dislodgement of particles when rotated by the motor and dislodged particles are aspirated in the lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for cutting an object in a body lumen, including: a rotation structure which includes a cutting portion; a first shaft which is connected to a center shaft of the rotation structure and drives the rotation of the rotation structure; and a second shaft which is formed in a tubular shape surrounding the first shaft, wherein the second shaft is bendable at two positions including a first curved portion and a second curved portion located more distal than the first curved portion, and the second shaft is rotatable in a state in which a proximal side of the first curved portion and a distal side of the second curved portion of the second shaft are kept substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter for use in a vessel includes an elongate catheter body and an annular cutter. The elongate catheter body includes a fixed jog section with a pre-set curvature and a flexible section that has a greater flexibility than a remainder of the elongate catheter body. The fixed jog section and flexible section are formed of a frame including a plurality of circumferential slits therein. Also described herein is an atherectomy catheter for use in a vessel includes an elongate catheter body, an annular cutter, and an s-shaped curved portion in the elongate catheter body. The curved portion includes a frame having a longitudinal proximal spine and a longitudinal distal spine. The longitudinal proximal spine is positioned approximately 180 degrees away from the longitudinal distal spine.

Abstract: This document describes rotational atherectomy devices and systems for removing or reducing stenotic lesions in blood vessels by rotating an abrasive element within the vessel to partially or completely remove the stenotic lesion material.

Abstract: Rotational atherectomy devices and systems can remove or reduce stenotic lesions in blood vessels by rotating one or more abrasive elements within the vessel. The abrasive elements are attached to a distal portion of an elongate flexible drive shaft that extends from a handle assembly that includes a driver for rotating the drive shaft. In particular implementations, individual abrasive elements are attached to the drive shaft at differing radial angles in comparison to each other (e.g., configured in a helical array). The centers of mass of the abrasive elements can define a path that spirals around the drive shaft in a direction that is opposite to the wind direction of filars of the drive shaft, and opposite to the direction of rotation. In some embodiments, a concentric abrasive tip member is affixed to and extends distally from a distal-most end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A vascular device is provided having a catheter body and a rotatable cutter assembly located at the distal end of the catheter body. The cutter assembly has at least one helical cutting surface within a housing that is coupled by a torque shaft to a drive mechanism. A conveyor mechanism helically wound about the torque shaft conveys occlusive material conveyed into the housing by the helical cutting blade further proximally along the catheter body for discharge without supplement of a vacuum pump. The catheter body is manipulated to insert the distal end of the catheter body within a body lumen and advance the distal end of the catheter body toward the occlusive material.

Abstract: A balloon includes a plurality of radial projections formed in a working surface for use in providing a focused force during the angioplasty procedure. The plurality of radial projections may be formed in a wall of the balloon and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The projections for use in connection with such a balloon may comprise wires or wire segments, and may also comprise radiopaque materials to facilitate viewing under fluoroscopy during the procedure. Related methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device to effectively remove an object, like an intravascular thrombus, in a body lumen includes: a rotatable tubular driving shaft; a cutting part that is provided on a distal side of the driving shaft, rotates together with the driving shaft, and cuts the thrombus; and a second cutting part that is disposed near the distal side of the driving shaft, inward of the cutting part.

Abstract: Provided are medical systems, kits and methods for retrieval and/or extraction of a corpus located in a tubular organ. Further provided are systems configured for carrying out various procedures for removal of occlusive corpus from tubular organs, for example thrombectomy.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter device includes a handle assembly, an inner member which accommodates a guide wire, an outer member disposed about the inner member, and a balloon. A proximal end of the balloon is attached to a distal end of the outer member. The balloon surrounds a portion of the inner member and the distal end of the balloon is attached to a distal end of the inner member. A sheath is selectively disposed about, and adapted for movement relative to, the balloon. A clamp at the handle assembly selectively secures the outer member at a number of positions relative to the sheath to selectively expose a variable portion of the balloon for movement into an inflated state. A balloon recapture device is located at a distal end of the sheath and aids the balloon in reentering the sheath following deployment.

Abstract: A rongeur cutting system and method of operating said system. The rongeur cutting system may comprise a cutting unit that includes an outer tube and a cutting implement capable of both oscillation and longitudinal movement within the outer tube. The rongeur cutting system may also comprise a handpiece including a power source and spindle for actuating the cutting implement. The spindle is designed to allow the cutting implement to oscillate while simultaneously moving longitudinally relative to the spindle. The handpiece may further comprises an advancement and retraction assembly that selectively displaces the cutting implement so the distal end of the cutting implement can be advanced towards and retracted away from the distal end of the outer tube. The method of operating the rongeur cutting system may comprise manually operating the system to move the cutting implement longitudinally while periodically actuating the power source to simultaneously oscillate the cutting implement.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage in a patient can include a tubular member that defines a channel and is insertable into an esophagus of the patient. The system can include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube defining a length greater than a length of the tubular member and being passable through the channel of the tubular member. The catheter tube can include a distal tip that defines a cutting element to core the blockage positioned in the esophagus. The catheter assembly can further include a catheter hub fixedly secured to the catheter tube and couplable with a vacuum line such that, when suction is provided via the vacuum line, advancement of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage cores a piece from the blockage that is passed through the catheter tube.

Abstract: A device for intrabody surgery comprises a cutting arrangement rotatable by a hollow driveshaft, which is formed by a hollow front cutting region and a rear region. The front region includes multiple longitudinal drilling sections interconnected by transversely oriented cutting blade sections. The drilling sections are positioned at an angle to each other defining in combination with the cutting blades a conically shaped grid formation having a hollow internal cavity. The grid formation defines a plurality of ports between the drilling sections and the blades. A low-pressure zone is formed within the hollow internal cavity, wherein cut occlusion materials are aspired by the low-pressure zone through the plurality of ports into the hollow internal cavity for further evacuation from the cutting arrangement.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing and identifying characteristic (“crescent shaped”) regions indicative of an atherectomy plaque within a vessel, and systems and devices adapted to take advantage of this characteristic region.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system for performing a procedure including a bedside system and a remote workstation is provided. The bedside system includes a first percutaneous device and a second percutaneous device. The bedside system also includes a first actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the first percutaneous device and a second actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the second percutaneous device. The remote workstation includes a user interface and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface and to the bedside system. The control system controlling the first actuating mechanism to cause movement of the first percutaneous device to create a bore through the lesion and the second actuating mechanism to cause movement of the second percutaneous device through the bore created by the first percutaneous device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laparoscopic morcellating device and method for removing tissue from a body cavity. The morcellating device includes a containment mechanism having an aperture, a cutting mechanism designed to fit into an interior space of the containment mechanism and a retractor mechanism that is coupled to the cutting mechanism. The containment mechanism and cutting mechanism combination surrounds the tissue and the aperture of the containment mechanism is closed around the tissue. The morcellating device further includes a motor for actuating the retractor such that the cutting mechanism constricts and morcellates the tissue. The laparoscopic morcellating device further allows for torque balancing of the retractor mechanism, gas flow regulation of the body cavity, and safety feedback mechanisms that can alert the surgeon.

Abstract: A treatment method and medical device are disclosed for cutting a substance inside a body lumen. The medical device for cutting substances inside a body lumen including a rotatable tubular drive shaft; an expanding part connected to a distal side of the drive shaft; a cutting part covering the expanding part; and an elongated tube extending through the drive shaft and connected to the expanding part, wherein a distal end of the expanding part is placed distal to a distal end of the cutting part.

Abstract: A vacuum aspiration control system for use with a vacuum source and an aspiration catheter includes a connecting tube configured to connect the vacuum source with a lumen of an aspiration catheter. An on-off valve is operatively coupled to the connecting tube, and a sensing unit is configured to detect flow within the connecting tube and provide a signal representative of flow. A controller receives the signal to decide whether to open or close the valve. The controller may automatically close the valve to stop flow when flow through the connecting tube is unrestricted, or according to a predetermined timing sequence. The controller can further periodically open a closed valve to determine whether flow has entered an acceptable range. The controller can still further engage pulsed aspiration with a pressure manipulation assembly when flow is restricted or occluded.

Abstract: A medical device has a rotatable drive shaft, a rotary body whose distal end includes a cutting edge for applying a cutting force to a stenosed site, and that is disposed on a distal side of the drive shaft so as to be rotated in conjunction with rotation of the drive shaft, and a distal member disposed in the rotary body. The distal member has a support portion extending to a distal side beyond a distal end of the rotary body, and configured to be capable of supporting the rotary body with respect to a blood vessel. The support portion is configured so that a distance from the rotary body is variable in a first direction (height direction) in which the rotary body is moved close to the stenosed site.

Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes an end effector assembly having a proximal hub housing, outer and inner shafts extending therefrom, and an inner core drive assembly to rotate and reciprocate the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft. The inner core drive assembly includes a proximal receiver that receives a rotational input and rotates in response and includes a seal member disposed thereon. The rotation of the proximal receiver effects rotation of a connector and reciprocation of the connector between a proximal position and a distal position. The connector is operably coupled to the inner shaft such that the rotation and reciprocation of the connector effects the rotation and reciprocation of the inner shaft. In the proximal position, the connector and the seal member establish a seal that blocks outflow. In the distal position, the connector is displaced from the seal member to permit outflow.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a rotatable cutter head having a center longitudinal rotation axis; the rotatable cutter head comprising a mandrel and a plurality of elongated cutters disposed on the mandrel; each of the elongated cutters rotatable about a cutter rotation axis, respectively, wherein rotation of each of the elongated cutters about the cutter rotation axis changes a cutting diameter of the rotatable cutter head; each cutter rotation axis having a length which simultaneously extends both longitudinally along the center longitudinal rotation axis and circumferentially around the center longitudinal rotation axis; and each cutter rotation axis parallel with a first imaginary plane, respectively, which is at an angle with a second imaginary plane which is parallel to the center longitudinal axis, respectively.

Abstract: A dilatation device 10 includes a support 14 and at least one inflatable tube 16. The inflatable tube is wound helically around the support and also defines a series of inflatable zones 26 along its length, with successive inflatable zones spaced by an intermediate zone 28 that is more resistive to radial expansion than the inflatable zones. The inflatable tube further defines a fluid inlet 22, 24 for: introducing fluid to inflate the inflatable zones; and extracting fluid from the inflatable tube to deflate it, with each inflatable zone being in fluid communication with its successive inflatable zones via the intermediate zones. The axial critical buckling load of the inflatable zones is less than the radial critical buckling load of the inflatable zones, to cause the inflatable zones to concertina axially when the inflatable tube is depressurized, thereby causing the intermediate zones to displace towards each other.

Abstract: A medical system for trapping an object inside a body lumen of a living body and removing the object from the living body. The medical system includes a trapping portion, which includes a first engagement portion at the distal end of the trapping portion. A conveying device accommodates the trapping portion. The trapping portion is dischargeable from the conveying device. The trapping portion expands radially outward after being discharged. The medical system includes a collection device that collects the trapping portion. The collection device includes an elongated collection shaft with a second engagement portion configured to engage the first engagement portion. The second engagement portion is configured to pull the first engagement portion at the distal end of the trapping device towards the proximal end of the elongated shaft when the first and second engagement portions engage one another.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for removing a blood clot (10) from a blood vessel (12). Various uses of suction pressure and positive pressure, proximal and/or distal to the blood clot (10) assist with clot dislodgement and removal. The pressure(s) may be constant and/or cycled/pulsed to assist with clot dislodgement and/or removal. Various further devices assist with separating the clot (10) from the vessel (12).