Rheolytic thrombectomy catheter with self-inflating proximal balloon with drug infusion capabilities

摘要

A thrombectomy catheter with a self-inflating proximal balloon having drug infusion capabilities is described. A self-inflating balloon is formed from an inflatable thin walled section of a flexible catheter tube. The self-inflating balloon includes a plurality of outflow orifices located about the peripheral circumference thereof and located proximal to an inflow gap interposed between a fluid jet emanator and the self-inflating balloon. The self-inflating balloon is inflated and expanded by internal operating pressures by proximal composite flow of fluid from the fluid jet emanator and entrained fluid from the inflow gap to uniformly space and position the outflow orifices of the self-inflating balloon in close proximity to the thrombus or vessel walls of a blood vessel. The thrombectomy catheter may be used for, among other things, thrombectomies, embolectomies, thrombus or vessel dilation, and for the delivery of drugs to a thrombus or vessel site.