An angioplasty device and particle trap for use in removal of a particle
from a small diameter vessel or vessel-like structure is disclosed. One
embodiment includes a catheter for insertion into a vessel-like
structure, the catheter having a catheter wall and a movable member, a
trap operably connected to the catheter wall and to the movable member,
wherein relative motion between the catheter wall and the movable member
actuates the trap. In one embodiment, the expanded trap is formed from
struts in a spiral-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the
contracted trap forms a waist to creates a pinch-point to trap particles.
In one embodiment, the contracted trap forms a cocoon-like structure to
further trap particles. In one embodiment, the angioplasty device
includes a handle to actuate the trap from a contracted position to an
expanded position and return to a contracted position. The handle
provides rotational or longitudinal or both types of movement to actuate
the trap.