U.S. patent application number 10/053143 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for delivery and retrieval manifold for a distal protection filter.
This patent application is currently assigned to SciMed Life Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Deyette, Thomas JR., Diamond, Scott A., Hart, Colin P., Houde, Eric, Van Diver, Mark H., Wadleigh, Glenn H..
Application Number | 20030135162 10/053143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21982208 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030135162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Deyette, Thomas JR. ; et
al. |
July 17, 2003 |
Delivery and retrieval manifold for a distal protection filter
Abstract
Devices and methods for delivery or retrieval of a distal
protection device. A distal protection assembly may comprise an
outer sheath, an inner shaft disposed within a lumen of the outer
sheath, a distal protection device disposed at a distal end of the
inner shaft; and a manifold coupled to a proximal end of the outer
sheath that is adapted for moving the outer sheath relative to the
inner shaft.
Inventors: |
Deyette, Thomas JR.; (Hudson
Falls, NY) ; Houde, Eric; (Saratoga Springs, NY)
; Diamond, Scott A.; (Fort Edward, NY) ; Van
Diver, Mark H.; (Argyle, NY) ; Hart, Colin P.;
(Queensbury, NY) ; Wadleigh, Glenn H.;
(Queensbury, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROMPTON, SEAGER & TUFTE, LLC
1221 NICOLLET AVENUE
SUITE 800
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55403-2420
US
|
Assignee: |
SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
21982208 |
Appl. No.: |
10/053143 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2230/0093 20130101;
A61F 2/0105 20200501; A61F 2230/0067 20130101; A61F 2230/0006
20130101; A61F 2/011 20200501; A61F 2002/018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/236 |
International
Class: |
A61M 005/315 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A distal protection assembly, comprising: an outer sheath having
a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough;
an inner shaft disposed within the lumen, the inner shaft having a
proximal end and a distal end; a distal protection device disposed
at the distal end of the inner shaft; a manifold coupled to the
proximal end of the inner shaft, the manifold including an actuator
assembly; and the actuator assembly coupled to the proximal end of
the outer sheath and capable of moving the outer sheath relative to
the inner shaft.
2. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a filter.
3. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a mesh.
4. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a strut.
5. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a rib.
6. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the actuator assembly includes a button.
7. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 6,
wherein the button is longitudinally movable.
8. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 6,
further comprising an actuator retention cover.
9. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the actuation assembly includes a gear.
10. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 9,
further comprising a proximal tubular member coupled to the outer
sheath.
11. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 10,
wherein the proximal tubular member further comprises teeth.
12. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 11,
wherein the gear is engagable with the teeth.
13. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a thumbwheel
coupled to the gear.
14. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a button coupled to
the gear.
15. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 14,
wherein pressing the button moves the outer sheath distally
relative to the inner shaft.
16. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 14,
wherein pressing the button moves the outer sheath proximally
relative to the inner shaft.
17. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 14,
wherein the button is axially rotatable.
18. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 17,
wherein axial rotation of the button results in movement of the
outer sheath relative to the inner shaft.
19. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the actuation assembly further comprises a second gear and
a second button.
20. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 19,
wherein pressing the second button moves the outer tube in a
direction that is opposite to pressing the first button.
21. A distal protection assembly, comprising: an outer sheath
having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending
therethrough, and a proximal tubular member tube coupled to the
proximal end; the proximal tubular member including teeth; an inner
shaft disposed within the lumen, the inner shaft having a proximal
end and a distal end; a distal protection device disposed at the
distal end of the inner shaft; a manifold coupled to the proximal
end of the inner shaft, the manifold including an actuator
assembly; the actuator assembly having a gear that is engagable
with the teeth; and wherein the actuator assembly is coupled to the
proximal tubular member and capable of moving the outer sheath
relative to the inner shaft.
22. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a filter.
23. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a mesh.
24. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a strut.
25. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the distal protection device comprises a rib.
26. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the actuation assembly includes a thumbwheel coupled to the
gear.
27. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a button coupled to
the gear.
28. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 27,
wherein pressing the button moves the outer sheath distally
relative to the inner shaft.
29. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 27,
wherein pressing the button moves the outer sheath proximally
relative to the inner shaft.
30. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 27,
wherein the button is axially rotatable.
31. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 30,
wherein axial rotation of the button results in movement of the
outer sheath relative to the inner shaft.
32. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the actuation assembly further comprises a second gear and
a second button.
33. The distal protection assembly in accordance with claim 32,
wherein pressing the second button moves the outer tube in a
direction that is opposite to pressing the button.
34. A method of actuating a distal protection assembly, comprising
the steps of: providing a distal protection assembly including an
outer sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen
extending therethrough; an inner shaft disposed within the lumen,
the inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a distal
protection device disposed at the distal end of the inner shaft; a
manifold coupled to the proximal end of the inner shaft, the
manifold including an actuator assembly; and the actuator assembly
coupled to the proximal end of the outer sheath and capable of
moving the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft; actuating the
actuator assembly; and wherein actuating the actuator assembly
shifts the distal protection device between a delivery position and
a retrieval position.
35. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the step of
actuating the actuator assembly further comprises collapsing the
distal protection device.
36. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the step of
actuating the actuator assembly further comprises expanding the
distal protection device.
37. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the actuator
assembly includes a gear.
38. The method in accordance with claim 37, wherein the gear is
engageable with a proximal tubular member disposed at the distal
end of the outer sheath.
39. The method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the step of
actuating the actuator assembly further comprises rotating a
thumbwheel coupled to the gear.
40. The method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the actuator
assembly further comprises a button coupled to the gear and wherein
the step of actuating the actuator assembly includes pressing the
button.
41. The method in accordance with claim 40, wherein the step of
pressing the button results in the outer sheath moving distally
relative to the inner shaft.
42. The method in accordance with claim 40, wherein the step of
pressing the button results in the outer sheath moving proximally
relative to the inner shaft.
43. The method in accordance with claim 40, wherein the actuator
assembly further comprises a second gear and a second button
coupled to the proximal tubular member and wherein the step of
actuating the actuator further comprises pressing the second
button.
44. The method in accordance with claim 43, wherein pressing the
second button moves the outer tube in a direction that is opposite
to pressing the button.
45. The method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the step of
actuating the actuator assembly includes axially rotating a button
and wherein rotating the button results in movement of the outer
sheath relative to the inner shaft.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods for treating occluded or stenoic blood vessels. More
particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods
for using and retrieving a distal protection device from the
vasculature of a patient.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Atherosclerosis and other forms of vascular disease are a
major health problem in the United States and the world. Generally,
vascular disease results in blood vessels becoming blocked or
narrowed. This blockage can result in a lack of oxygen for the
heart. It is critical that the heart muscle be well oxygenated so
that the blood pumping action of the heart is not impaired.
[0005] Occluded or stenotic blood vessels may be treated with a
number of medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal
angioplasty (PTA), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
(PTCA), and atherectomy. These treatments are relatively
non-invasive methods of treating a stenotic lesion. Angioplasty
techniques typically involve the use of a balloon catheter. The
balloon catheter is advanced over a guidewire such that the balloon
is positioned adjacent a stenotic lesion. The balloon is then
inflated and the stenosis is expanded. During an atherectomy
procedure, the stenotic lesion is typically mechanically cut away
from the blood vessel wall.
[0006] During angioplasty and atherectomy procedures, stenotic
debris is often separated from the stenosis and may be free to flow
within the lumen of the vessel. If this debris enters the
circulatory system, it could block other vascular regions including
the neural vasculature or in the lungs. During angioplasty
procedures, stenotic debris may also break loose due to
manipulation of the blood vessel. Because of this debris, a number
of devices termed distal protection devices have been developed to
filter out this debris.
[0007] Before using a distal protection device, the device will
need to be delivered to an area downstream of where treatment will
take place. It is important that the device be delivered properly
and efficiently. A need, therefore, exists for devices for delivery
of distal protection devices.
[0008] After an intravascular procedure has been performed, the
distal protection device will need to be removed from the
vasculature. Because the distal protection devices are typical used
in an expanded condition, it may be difficult to remove the device.
A need, therefore exists for devices suitable for retrieval of
distal protection devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention pertains to a novel distal protection
assembly for delivering or retrieving a distal protection filter. A
distal protection assembly may comprise an outer sheath, an inner
shaft disposed within a lumen of the outer sheath, a distal
protection device coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft, and a
manifold coupled to the outer sheath. The manifold may include an
actuation assembly that, when actuated, may result in movement of
the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft. This movement will
shift the filter between a delivered position and a retrieved
position.
[0010] The manifold may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, a
handle region, an opening located between the proximal end and the
distal end, and may include a rail. An actuator assembly may be
disposed at the opening. The actuator assembly may comprise a
button having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending
therethrough. The proximal end of the outer sheath is coupled to
the distal end of the button. The button may be longitudinally
movable along the rail such that movement of the button results in
a substantially similar movement of the outer sheath relative to
the inner shaft. The manifold may, thus, be actuated to shift the
distal protection device between a delivery position and a
retrieval position by longitudinal movement of the button.
[0011] Alternatively, the outer sheath may further comprise or be
coupled to a proximal tubular member. The proximal tubular member
may further comprise teeth. The actuator assembly may comprise a
gear coupled to a thumbwheel, or one or more buttons. The teeth may
engage the gear so that rotation of the thumbwheel, or pressing or
rotating a button may result in movement of the outer sheath
relative to the inner shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is plan overview of a distal protection assembly;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a distal protection device of
FIG. 1 in a retrieved position;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a distal protection device of
FIG. 1 in a delivered position;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a manifold;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the manifold of FIG. 4,
wherein the actuator retention cover is removed;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a manifold;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective of a second alternative embodiment
of a manifold;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the manifold shown in FIG.
7;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the manifold shown in FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second alternative
embodiment of the manifold shown in FIG. 7;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third alternative
embodiment of a manifold;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view through section 11A-11A; and
[0024] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the manifold of FIG. 11,
wherein the actuator assembly is removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements
throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings
illustrate example embodiments of the claimed invention.
[0026] When delivering or retrieving a distal protection filter, it
may be important to secure the position of the filter (or filter
wire) relative to a delivery or retrieval sheath. This may allow a
clinician to accurately deliver or retrieve the filter and minimize
unwanted or unplanned movement thereof. FIG. 1 is a plan overview
of a distal protection assembly 10. Distal protection assembly 10
includes an outer sheath 12 having a lumen 18, an inner shaft 20
disposed within lumen 18, a distal protection filter 26 coupled to
inner shaft 20, and a manifold 28 coupled to a proximal end 14 of
outer sheath 12. Manifold 28 may be used to actuate sheath 12
relative to shaft 20 in order to deliver or retrieve filter 26. In
this embodiment manifold 28 is shown systematically, in the
subsequently described manifold embodiments a detailed description
is provided.
[0027] Outer sheath 12 having proximal end 14, a distal end 16, and
lumen 18 extending therethrough may be comprised of materials
including, but not limited to, metals, stainless steel, nickel
alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, thermoplastics, high performance
engineering resins, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polymer,
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC),
polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether-ether
ketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),
polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polysufone, nylon, perfluoro(propyl
vinyl ether) (PFA), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), etc.
[0028] At least a portion of inner shaft 20 may be disposed within
lumen 18. Inner shaft 20 includes a proximal end 22 and a distal
end 24. Inner shaft 20 may be comprised of materials similar to
those listed above. For example, inner shaft 20 may comprise a
stainless steel or nickel-titanium alloy guidewire.
[0029] Distal protection filter 26 may be disposed at distal end 24
of inner shaft 20. Filter 26 may be comprised of a polyurethane
sheet and include at least one opening that may be, for example,
formed by known laser techniques. The holes or openings are sized
to allow blood flow therethrough but restrict flow of debris or
emboli floating in the body lumen or cavity. Filter 26 may be
generally cone-shaped, and have a proximal and a distal end. The
distal end may be a narrow, "V"-shaped end and is fixedly secured
or formed to shaft 26. The proximal end has a relatively wide
opening. Alternatively, filter 26 may be cylindrical with a
relatively rounded distal end.
[0030] Filter 26 operates between a closed collapsed profile and an
open radiallyexpanded deployed profile for collecting debris in a
body lumen. Filter 26 may include a collapsible proximally-tapered
frame having a mouth and a plurality of longitudinally-extending
ribs. In an expanded profile, the mouth is opened and the ribs
extend radially outwardly to support the mouth. In an alternate
embodiment, filter 26 may comprise a number of differing objects
including, but not limited to, a filter, a basket, a filter basket,
a sheath, a capture sheath, a capturing device, one or more struts,
one or more ribs, a mesh, a net, an expandable object, a
self-expanding object, and combinations thereof. A number of
differing configurations of filter 26 may be substituted without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0031] Manifold 28 may be polymeric or, for example, be comprised
of materials similar to those listed above. Outer sheath 12 may be
coupled to manifold 28. For example, outer sheath 12 may be coupled
to an actuation assembly of manifold 28 such that outer sheath 12
is movable relative to inner shaft 20 by actuating the actuation
assembly. Examples of mechanisms for moving outer sheath 12 are
described below. Inner shaft 20 may also be coupled to manifold 28.
For example, inner shaft 20 may pass through an opening or lumen
within manifold 28. In addition, shaft 20 may be fixed relative to
manifold 28 by a collet 149 (please see FIG. 4) or other suitable
structures.
[0032] Filter 26 may be delivered or retrieved by actuating
manifold 28 to move outer sheath 12 relative to inner shaft 20.
Filter 26 is understood to be retrieved when it is collapsed and
wherein at least a portion thereof is contained within outer sheath
12. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of filter 26 in a retrieved
position. Retrieval results in distal protection filter 26 being in
a configuration suitable for removal from the vasculature.
[0033] Filter 26 is understood to be delivered when it is expanded
and wherein at least a portion of thereof is not contained within
outer sheath 12. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of filter 26 in a
delivered position. Delivery results in filter 26 being in a
configuration within the vasculature suitable for collecting
intravascular debris.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of manifold 128 according to an
embodiment of the invention. Similar to what is disclosed above,
actuation of manifold 128 may result in movement of outer sheath 12
relative to inner shaft 20. This actuation may shift filter 26
between a delivery position and a retrieval position.
[0035] Manifold 128 may comprise a proximal end 130, a distal end
132, and a handle region 134. Handle region 134 is sized
appropriately for a person's hand to hold and be able to actuate
manifold 128. Manifold 128 may further comprise an opening 136
located between proximal end 130 and distal end 132. In an
exemplary embodiment, opening 136 may further comprise a rail
138.
[0036] An actuator assembly 140 may be disposed at opening 136.
Actuator assembly 140 may comprise a button 142 having a proximal
end 144, a distal end 146, and a lumen 148 extending therethrough.
Button 142 may comprise a number of shapes including symmetric,
flat, concave, etc. Proximal end 14 of outer sheath 12 is coupled
to distal end 146 of button 142. For example, outer sheath 12 may
be secured to actuator assembly 140 by adhesive or heat bonding
techniques.
[0037] Proximal end 22 of inner shaft 20 may pass through lumen
148. In an exemplary embodiment, proximal end 22 of inner shaft 20
passes through lumen 148, through proximal end 144 of button 142,
is secured to manifold 128 proximate to proximal end 130 of
manifold 128 by a collet 149, and may extend out of proximal end
130 of manifold 128. According to this embodiment, manifold 128 may
be used as a subassembly for a number of different over-the-wire
catheters.
[0038] Button 142 may be longitudinally movable along rail 138.
Because outer sheath 12 is coupled to distal end 146 of button 142,
movement of button 142 results in a substantially similar movement
of outer sheath 12 relative to inner shaft 20. Movement of button
142 in the proximal direct may, for example, move outer sheath 12
proximally to shift filter 26 into a delivered position.
Analogously, distal movement of button 142 may move outer sheath 12
distally and shift filter 26 into a retrieved position. It should
be appreciated that the direction of motion required to shift the
relative position of filter 26 relative to sheath 12 may be altered
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0039] Distal end 132 of manifold 128 may further comprise an
actuator retention cover 150. Actuator retention cover 150 holds
button 142 in position and may allow for only the desired motion of
button 142. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of manifold 128 with
actuator retention cover 150 removed.
[0040] In an alternate embodiment, outer sheath 12 may be fixed
relative to manifold 128 and inner shaft 20 may be coupled to
actuator assembly 140. According to this embodiment, longitudinal
movement of button 142 would move inner shaft 20 relative to outer
sheath 12. This embodiment may be particularly important if a
specific direction of actuation (e.g., actuating button 142
proximally or distally) is preferred by a clinician.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a manifold according to an embodiment of the invention. Manifold
228 may comprise proximal end 230, distal end 232, and handle
region 234 sized appropriately for a person's hand to hold and be
able to actuate manifold 228.
[0042] Outer sheath 12 may further comprise or be coupled to a
proximal tubular member 252. Proximal tubular member 252 may
include a proximal end 254 and a distal end 256. Proximal tubular
member 252 may be slidably disposed within manifold 228. Proximal
end 254 and distal end 256 of proximal tubular member 252 may
prevent excessive movement (i.e., movement in excess of what is
required to deliver or retrieve filter 26) of outer sheath 12
relative to inner shaft 20 and manifold 228.
[0043] Proximal end 22 of inner shaft 20 may pass through proximal
tubular member 252 and may extend through proximal end 230 of
manifold 228. In an exemplary embodiment, proximal end 22 of inner
shaft 20 passes through proximal tubular member 252 and is secured
to manifold 228 proximate to proximal end 230 of manifold 228, for
example by a collet.
[0044] Proximal tubular member 252 may further comprise teeth 258
and actuator assembly 240 may comprise a gear 260 coupled to a
thumbwheel 262. Teeth 258 may engage gear 260 of actuator assembly
240. Rotation of thumbwheel 262, thus, may result in rotation of
gear 260 and movement of outer sheath 12 relative to inner shaft
20. According to this embodiment, manifold 228 may be actuated to
shift filter 26 between a delivery position and a retrieval
position by rotation of thumbwheel 262.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative
embodiment of a manifold according to an embodiment of the
invention. Similar to what is disclosed above, manifold 328 may
comprise proximal end 330, distal end 332, handle region 334, and
actuation assembly 340.
[0046] FIG. 8 is perspective view of manifold 328. Similar to what
is disclosed above, outer sheath 12 may further comprise or be
coupled to proximal tubular member 352 having proximal end 354,
distal end 356, and teeth 358. Proximal end 22 of inner shaft 20
may pass through proximal tubular member 352 and be secured to
manifold 328 proximate to proximal end 330 of manifold 328.
[0047] Actuator assembly 340 may comprise gear 360 coupled to
button 342. Teeth 358 may engage gear 360 of actuator assembly 340.
Pressing button 342 may result in rotation of gear 360 that can
ultimately result in movement of outer sheath 12 relative to inner
shaft 20. According to this embodiment, manifold 328 may be
actuated to shift filter 26 between a delivery position and a
retrieval position by pressing button 342.
[0048] Button 342 includes teeth 343 that engage a second gear 361
that is coupled to gear 360. According to this embodiment, pressing
button 342 results in movement of second gear 361, which
subsequently results in movement of gear 360. Including more than
one gear allows a designer to alter the gear configurations in
order to set the desired mechanical properties of assembly 340. For
example, increasing the diameter of gear 361 relative to gear 360
may increase the mechanical advantage of assembly 340. Similarly,
altering the gear ratios of gears 360,361 may also result in an
increased mechanical advantage. A number of different
configurations of gears 360,361 may be used in this and other
similar embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
[0049] In use, it may be understood that pressing button 342 may
result in movement of outer sheath 12 in only a single direction
depending on the configuration of gear 360. For example, FIG. 8
depicts gear 360 configured such that pressing button 342 results
in distal movement of outer sheath 12 so as to shift filter 26 to
the retrieved position. Alternatively, FIG. 9 depicts an
alternative manifold 428 wherein pressing of button 442 results in
proximal movement of outer sheath 12 so as to shift filter 26 to
the delivered position.
[0050] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, manifold 428
may comprise proximal end 430, distal end 432, and handle region
434. Outer sheath 12 may further comprise or be coupled to proximal
tubular member 452 having proximal end 454, distal end 456, and
teeth 458. Proximal end 22 of inner shaft 20 may pass through
proximal tubular member 452 and be secured to manifold 428
proximate to proximal end 430 of manifold 428 in a manner similar
to those described above.
[0051] Actuator assembly 440 may comprise gear 460 coupled to
button 442. Teeth 458 may engage gear 460 of actuator assembly 440
so that pressing button 442 may result in rotation of gear 460 that
can ultimately result in movement of outer sheath 12 proximally
relative to inner shaft 20.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third alternative
embodiment of manifold 528 according to an embodiment of the
invention. Similar to what is disclosed above, manifold 528 may
comprise proximal end 530, distal end 532, and handle region
534.
[0053] Outer sheath 12 may further comprise or be coupled to
proximal tubular member 552 having proximal end 554, distal end
556, and teeth 558. Actuator assembly 540 may comprise gear 560
coupled to button 542 by a second gear 561. Teeth 558 may engage
gear 560 of actuator assembly 540 so that pressing button 542 may
result in rotation of gear 560 that can ultimately result in
movement of outer sheath 12 relative to inner shaft 20. Similar to
what is described above, button 542 includes teeth 543 that engage
a second gear 561 such that pressing button 542 results in movement
of second gear 561, which subsequently results in movement of gear
560.
[0054] Actuator assembly 540 further comprises a second button
542a. Button 542a includes teeth (not shown, but essentially the
same as teeth 543) that engage second gear 561 so that pressing
button 542a results in rotation of gear 561 and gear 560 that
ultimately results in movement of outer sheath 12 relative to inner
shaft 20 in a direction that is opposite to pressing button 542.
According to this embodiment, manifold 528 comprises the ability to
shift filter 26 to either the delivery position or the retrieval
position depending on whether button 542 or 542a is pressed.
[0055] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
manifold according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to
what is disclosed above, manifold 628 may comprise proximal end
630, distal end 632, and handle region 634.
[0056] Outer sheath 12 may further comprise or be coupled to
proximal tubular member 652 having proximal end 654, distal end
656, and teeth 658. Actuator assembly 640 may comprise gear 660
coupled to button 642 that is axially rotatable. Teeth 658 may
engage gear 660 of actuator assembly 640. Axial rotation of button
642 may result in movement of outer sheath 12 relative to inner
shaft 20. According to this embodiment, manifold 628 may be
actuated to shift filter 26 between a delivery position and a
retrieval position by rotation button 642.
[0057] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of manifold 628 taken
through line 11A-11A. According to this embodiment, proximal
tubular member 652 may further comprise a key 664 adapted to engage
a notch 666 handle region 634. Key 664 may substantially prevent
axial rotation of proximal tubular member 652 when actuator
assembly 640 is rotated. Rotation of proximal tubular member 652
may interfere with the movement of outer sheath 12 relative to
inner shaft 20.
[0058] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of manifold 628 wherein actuator
assembly 640 has been removed. FIG. 12 is provided so as to more
clearly illustrate the elements of manifold 628.
[0059] Numerous advantages of the invention covered by this
document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will
be understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects,
only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in
matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding
the scope of the invention. The invention's scope is, of course,
defined in the language in which the appended claims are
expressed.
* * * * *