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Abstract

Thrombectomy methods and apparatus for removing a thrombus from a blood vessel involving high velocity injection of a thrombolytic agent, e.g., a plasminogen activator, through multiple, closely spaced, side wall infusion holes in a high strength catheter distal end infusion segment to lyse the adjacent thrombin. The infusion catheter is formed with a catheter lumen extending from a proximal end connector assembly to a distal end valve that is normally closed but is penetrable to allow introduction of a guidewire through the catheter lumen and distal end valve and to thereby allow advancement of the infusion catheter over the guidewire, thereby allowing access of the distal infusion segment to a wide number of locations. The infusion holes extend from the catheter lumen through the catheter side wall. Thrombolytic agent is pumped in a pulsatile manner through the catheter lumen under high pressure after removal of the guidewire and closure of the distal end valve. High velocity, short duration, power lysis jets are emitted through the closely spaced, small diameter infusion holes and finely lyse the thrombin without the need to withdraw blood and fibrin. The infusion segment is preferably moved back and forth as the power lysis jets of thrombolytic agent are emitted. The catheter infusion segment is moved to orient the infusion segment with successive sections of the thrombus, and the high velocity lysing is repeated as necessary.

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First Claim