| abstract |
RECOVERY CATHETER ASSEMBLY A method for directing a fluid to a fluid recovery device comprises positioning a radially expandable and contractible recovery device (138) within a body passageway at an ostium with the recovery device (138) in a first, radially collapsed configuration; placing the recovery device (138) in a second, radially expanded configuration, the placing step carried out at least in part by the mechanical manipulation of at least one mechanical actuator element thereby mechanically expanding the proximal and distal blocking portions so that when the recovery device (138) is in the second, radially expanded configuration, the proximal and distal blocking portions having radial dimensions greater than the radial dimension of the central portion thereby at least partially defining a collection chamber (94) at the central portion; and flowing fluid from the collection chamber (94) into the recovery device (138). |