US Patent 6852097 Mechanically active infusion catheter

A device and method to dissolve or eliminate blood clots from a patient relies upon a non-rapid moving mechanism to physically dissolve clots without damaging endothelium of the arteries and veins of a patient. In one embodiment, in addition to mechanical agitation of a clot, a thrombolytic agent is administered simultaneously with such agitation. Preferably, intermittent agitation is utilized over a prolonged period of time to effectuate clot removal.