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Catheters designed for the minimally invasive retrieval of embolized fragments in a blood vessel. Vascular retrieval catheters typically consist of tubes with end and/or side holes and long, flexible wires looped and inserted in their lumens. Two variations are typical: In one model, the loop emerges from the distal tip of the catheter while both free ends of the wire emerge from the proximal end; in another model, one end of the wire is attached to the distal end of the catheter while the free end is passed through the lumen to emerge at the proximal end. Some catheters configure snare loops at right angles to the catheter to facilitate successful retrieval. The wire is usually made of a strong, stiff alloy (e.g., nickel titanium). Snare catheters are very effective when used to entrap an embolized fragment that presents a free end.
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