U.S. patent application number 11/408259 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for joint for operatively coupling a contoured inner compression member and an inner guide channel member for medical device delivery systems.
Invention is credited to Jeffry S. Melsheimer, Dharmendra Pal, Kathryn E. Richards.
Application Number | 20060247661 11/408259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37115940 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060247661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richards; Kathryn E. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
Joint for operatively coupling a contoured inner compression member
and an inner guide channel member for medical device delivery
systems
Abstract
Internal joints for medical device delivery systems to deploy
implantable prostheses at a selected location inside a patient's
body, and methods of making the joint, are provided. An inner guide
channel member has first and second ends, whereby the second end
has an outer diameter and outer surface. A cannulated securing body
has an inner securing section with a receiving cavity being sized
to receive the inner guide channel member second end outer diameter
and having an inner engaging surface operatively coupling to the
inner guide channel member second end outer surface. The cannulated
securing body further having a base securing section with an outer
engaging surface. An elongate inner compression member has a distal
mating end with an engaging surface having a contoured
configuration complementary to and disposed against the base
securing section outer engaging surface, wherein the base securing
section and distal mating end are operatively coupled.
Inventors: |
Richards; Kathryn E.;
(Bloomington, IN) ; Melsheimer; Jeffry S.;
(Springville, IN) ; Pal; Dharmendra; (Wilmington,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE/CHICAGO/COOK
PO BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
37115940 |
Appl. No.: |
11/408259 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60673199 |
Apr 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/108 ;
623/1.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/9517 20200501;
A61M 25/005 20130101; A61F 2/95 20130101; A61M 25/0053 20130101;
A61M 25/0045 20130101; A61M 25/0662 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/108 ;
623/001.11 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/84 20060101
A61F002/84 |
Claims
1. An internal joint for use in a medical device delivery system
for deploying an implantable prosthesis at a selected location
inside a patient's body, comprising: an inner guide channel member
having a distal first end and a proximal second end, the second end
comprising an outer diameter and an outer surface; a securing body
comprising an inner securing section and a base securing section,
the inner securing section having a first end portion and a second
end portion and defining a receiving cavity therebetween that is
sized to receive the inner guide channel member second end outer
diameter, the receiving cavity having at least one inner engaging
surface disposed about and operatively coupled to the inner guide
channel member second end outer surface, and the base securing
section comprising a curved portion and an outer engaging surface;
and an elongate inner compression member having a proximal end and
a distal mating end, the distal mating end comprising an engaging
surface and a contoured configuration complementary to the base
securing section outer engaging surface, wherein the base securing
section outer engaging surface and the distal mating end engaging
surface are abutted, and the base securing section and distal
mating end are operatively coupled.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the securing body comprises a
generally tubular cannula comprising metal.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner compression member
distal mating end contoured configuration is fluted and
complementary to the base securing section outer engaging surface
that is curved.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner compression member
distal mating end contoured configuration is flat and complementary
to the base securing section outer engaging surface that is
flat.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the securing body is generally
ring-shaped.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the securing body is generally
U-shaped.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the base securing section and
distal mating end are operatively coupled by welding or
soldering.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the base securing section and
distal mating end are operatively coupled by fusing the base
securing section outer engaging surface and the distal mating end
engaging surface.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the receiving cavity inner
engaging surface and the inner guide channel member second end
outer engaging surface are operatively coupled by a bond selected
from the group consisting of a crimp, friction fit, press fit,
wedge, glue, adhesive, resin, welding, chemical bonding materials,
and combinations thereof.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner guide channel member
first end comprises an entry port and the inner guide channel
member second end comprises an exit port, the entry port and exit
port define a guide channel therebetween.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein the inner guide channel member
further comprises an outer stent platform intermediate the first
and second ends of the inner guide channel member ends and a
proximal stent restraint.
12. The device of claim 10 wherein the inner guide channel member
further comprises a taper intermediate the first and second ends of
the inner guide channel member ends, the taper having a second
outer diameter less than said second end outer diameter.
13. A medical device delivery system for deploying an implantable
prosthesis at a selected location inside a patient's body, the
delivery system comprising: an inner guide channel member having a
distal first end and a proximal second end, the second end
comprising an outer surface, and a stent platform disposed
circumferentially about the inner guide channel member intermediate
the first and second ends; an atraumatic tip operatively coupled to
the inner guide channel member first end, the atraumatic tip
comprising a distal stent restraint; a restraining ring disposed
about and operatively coupled to the inner guide channel member
intermediate the inner guide channel member first and second ends,
the restraining ring comprising a proximal stent restraint; an
elongate inner compression member having a proximal end and a
distal mating end, the distal mating end comprising an engaging
surface and a contoured configuration; and a cannulated securing
body comprising an inner securing section disposed about and
operatively coupled to the inner guide channel member second end
and a base section having an outer engaging surface disposed
against the distal mating end engaging surface, the base securing
section and inner compression member distal mating end contoured
configuration being operatively coupled.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein cannulated securing body inner
securing section comprises a first end portion and a second end
portion defining a receiving cavity therebetween and having an
inner engaging surface.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the receiving cavity inner
engaging surface and the inner guide channel member second end
outer surface are operatively coupled by a bond selected from the
group consisting of a crimp, friction fit, press fit, wedge, glue,
adhesive, resin, welding, chemical bonding materials, and
combinations thereof.
16. The device of claim 13 wherein the base securing section of the
cannulated securing member and distal mating end of the inner
compression member are operatively coupled by a bond selected from
the group consisting of a welding, soldering, gluing, fusing, and
combinations thereof.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the inner compression member
distal mating end contoured configuration is fluted and
complementary to the base securing section outer engaging surface
that is curved.
18. The device of claim 16 wherein the inner compression member
distal mating end contoured configuration is flat and complementary
to the base securing section outer engaging surface that is
flat.
19. The device of claim 16 further comprising a shrink tubing
disposed about the bond and a portion of the cannulated securing
member.
20. The device of claim 13 wherein the inner guide channel member
first end comprises an entry port and the inner guide channel
member second end comprises an exit port, the entry port and exit
port defining a guide channel therebetween.
21. The device of claim 20 wherein the atraumatic tip further
comprises a distal first end with an entry port and a proximal
second end with an exit port and defining a guide channel, the
atraumatic tip second end comprising said distal stent restraint
and being operatively coupled to the inner guide channel member
first end such that the atraumatic tip guide channel is in fluid
communication with the guide channel of the inner guide channel
member.
22. The device of claim 20 further comprising a rapid insertion
catheter delivery system, the system comprising an elongate outer
sheath having a proximal end and a distal end defining a passageway
therebetween that slideably receives a portion of the inner
compression member, the outer sheath distal end being operatively
coupled to an outer guide channel member having first and second
ends defining a guide channel that slideably receives the inner
guide channel member, a breech position opening at or near the
outer guide channel member second end and in fluid communication
with both guide channels, and a handle operatively coupled to the
outer sheath proximal end and axially slideable relative to a
stylet operatively coupled to the inner compression member proximal
end and intended to remain outside said patient.
23. A method of making an internal joint for use in a medical
device delivery system for deploying an implantable prosthesis at a
selected location inside a patient's body, comprising the steps of:
providing an inner guide channel member having a distal first end
with an entry port and a proximal second end with an exit port, the
entry and exit ports defining a guide channel therebetween, the
second end comprising an outer diameter and an outer surface;
providing a securing body comprising an inner securing section and
a base securing section, the inner securing section having a first
end portion and a second end portion and defining a receiving
cavity therebetween that is sized to receive the inner guide
channel member second end outer diameter, the receiving cavity
having at least one inner engaging surface, and the base securing
section comprising a curved portion and an outer engaging surface;
providing an elongate inner compression member having a proximal
end and a distal mating end; forming the inner compression member
distal mating end in a form comprising an engaging surface and a
contoured configuration complementary to the base securing section
outer engaging surface; disposing the base securing section outer
engaging surface in abutting relationship to the distal mating end
engaging surface; inserting the inner guide channel member second
end within the securing body inner securing section receiving
cavity; operatively coupling the receiving cavity inner engaging
surface and the inner guide channel member second end outer
surface.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of welding
the base securing section and distal mating end.
25. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of soldering
the base securing section and distal mating end.
26. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of fusing
the base securing section outer engaging surface and the distal
mating end engaging surface.
27. The method of claim 23 wherein the operatively coupling of the
receiving cavity inner engaging surface and the inner guide channel
member second end outer surface comprises the step of forming a
bond selected from the group consisting of a crimp, friction fit,
press fit, wedge, glue, adhesive, resin, welding, chemical bonding
materials, and combinations thereof.
28. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of forming the
contoured configuration comprises the step of rolling or forging
the inner compression member distal mating end from a round to a
fluted configuration complementary to the base securing section
outer engaging surface.
29. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of forming the
contoured configuration comprises the step of rolling or forging
the inner compression member distal mating end from a round to a
flat configuration complementary to the base securing section outer
engaging surface.
34. The method of claim 27 wherein the forming the contoured
configuration comprises the step of forging the inner compression
member distal mating end from a round to a flat configuration
complementary to the base securing section outer engaging surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent document claims the benefit of the filing
date under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/673,199, filed Apr. 20, 2005, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a joint assembly
for operatively coupling an inner compression member and an inner
guide channel member used for medical device delivery systems that
deploy an implantable prosthesis such as self-expanding, balloon
expandable, or non-expanding stents, prosthetic valve devices, and
other implantable articles (individually and collectively, "stent,"
"stents," "implantable prosthesis," and "implantable prostheses")
at a selected location inside a patient's body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to medical device delivery
systems, and in particular, to a joint assembly operatively
coupling an inner compression member and an inner compression
member for use in medical devices that employ a catheter. These
medical device delivery systems have a host of uses, including, for
example, the deployment of a self-expanding implantable prosthesis
at selected locations inside a patient's body. The invention may
also be used, however, with a balloon expandable and non-expanding
implantable prosthesis. In addition to being used with a rapid
insertion delivery system, the invention may be used in an
"over-the-wire" delivery system, so both systems will be described
below.
[0004] By way of background, stents are configured to be implanted
into body vessels having a passageway in order to reinforce,
support, repair, or otherwise enhance the performance of the
passageway. The term "passageway" is understood to be any lumen,
channel, flow passage, duct, chamber, opening, bore, orifice, or
cavity for the conveyance, regulation, flow, or movement of bodily
fluids and/or gases of an animal. As an example, stents have been
used in the passageways of an aorta, artery, bile duct, blood
vessel, bronchiole, capillary, esophagus, fallopian tube, heart,
intestine, trachea, ureter, urethra, vein, and other locations in a
body (collectively, "vessel") to name a few.
[0005] One type of stent is self-expanding. For a self-expanding
stent, the stent is resiliently compressed into a collapsed first,
smaller diameter, carried by the delivery system, and due to its
construction and material properties, the stent expands to its
second, larger diameter upon deployment. In its expanded
configuration, the stent exhibits sufficient stiffness so that it
will remain substantially expanded and exert a radially outward
force in the vessel passageway on an interior surface of the
vessel. One particularly useful self-expanding stent is the
Z-stent, introduced by Cook Incorporated, due to its ease of
manufacturing, high radial force, and self-expanding properties.
Examples of the Z-stent are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,580,568;
5,035,706; 5,282,824; 5,507,771; and 5,720,776, the disclosures of
which are incorporated in their entirety. The Zilver stent,
introduced by Cook Incorporated, is another particularly useful
self-expanding stent due to its nitinol platform and use of the
Z-stent design properties. Examples of the Zilver stent are found
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,743,252 and 6,299,635, the disclosures of which
are incorporated in their entirety.
[0006] Many delivery systems employ a tubular catheter, sheath, or
other introducer (individually and collectively, "catheter") having
first and second ends and comprising a lumen for receiving the wire
guide. Optionally, these delivery systems may fit through a working
channel within an endoscope or an external accessory channel device
used with an endoscope.
[0007] Generally stated, these delivery systems may fall within two
categories. The first category of delivery systems to have been
used, and consequently the first to be discussed below, is commonly
referred to as an "over-the-wire" catheter system. The other
category of delivery systems is sometimes referred to as a "rapid
exchange" catheter system. In either system, a wire guide is used
to position the delivery system within a vessel passageway. The
typical wire guide has proximal and distal ends. A physician
inserts the distal end into the vessel passageway, advances, and
maneuvers the wire guide until the distal end reaches its desired
position within the vessel passageway.
[0008] In the "over-the-wire" catheter delivery system, a physician
places the catheter over the wire guide, with the wire guide being
received into a lumen that extends substantially through the entire
length of the catheter. In this over-the-wire type of delivery
system, the wire guide may be back-loaded or front-loaded into the
catheter. In front-loading an over-the-wire catheter delivery
system, the physician inserts the distal end of the wire guide into
the catheter's lumen at or near the catheter's proximal end. In
back-loading an over-the-wire catheter delivery system, the
physician inserts a distal portion of the catheter over the
proximal end of the wire guide. The back-loading technique is more
common when the physician has already placed the wire guide into
the patient, which is typically the case today. In either case of
back-loading or front-loading an over-the-wire catheter delivery
system, the proximal and distal portions of the catheter will
generally envelop the length of the wire guide that lies between
the catheter first and second ends. While the wire guide is held
stationary, the physician may maneuver the catheter through the
vessel passageway to a target site at which the physician is
performing or intends to perform a treatment, diagnostic, or other
medical procedure.
[0009] Unlike the over-the-wire system where the wire guide lies
within the catheter lumen and extends substantially the entire
length of the catheter, in a novel "rapid insertion" catheter
delivery system described in application Ser. No. 60/673,199, the
wire guide occupies a catheter lumen extending only through a
distal segment of the catheter. The so-called rapid insertion
system comprises a system proximal end, an elongate flexible middle
section and a system distal end that is generally tubular.
[0010] The system distal end, in general, comprises an inner guide
channel member sized to fit within an outer guide channel member
that is substantially axially slideable relative to the inner guide
channel member. The outer guide channel member and inner guide
channel member further have entry and exit ports defining channels
configured to receive a wire guide. A port includes any structure
that functions as an entry or exit aperture, cutout, gap, hole,
opening, orifice, passage, passageway, port, or portal, while a
guide channel is understood to be any aperture, bore, cavity,
chamber, channel, duct, flow passage, lumen, opening, orifice, or
passageway that facilitates the conveyance, evacuation, flow,
movement, passage, regulation, or ventilation of fluids, gases, or
a diagnostic, monitoring, scope, other instrument, or more
particularly a catheter or wire guide.
[0011] A wire guide may extend from the outer and inner member
entry ports, through the outer and inner member guide channels, and
exit the distal end at or near a breech position opening located at
or near a transition region where the guide channels and exit ports
are approximately aligned relatively coaxially to facilitate a
smooth transition of the wire guide. Furthermore, the outer guide
channel member has a slightly stepped profile, whereby the outer
guide channel member comprises a first outer diameter and a second
smaller outer diameter proximal to the first outer diameter and
located at or near the transition region.
[0012] The system distal end also has a self-expanding deployment
device mounting region (e.g., a stent mounting region) positioned
intermediate the inner guide channel member entry and exit ports
for releasably securing a stent. At the stent mounting region, a
stent is releasably positioned axially intermediate distal and
proximal restraint markers and sandwiched transversely (i.e.,
compressed) between the outside surface of the inner guide channel
member and the inside surface of an outer guide channel member.
[0013] Turning to the system proximal end of the rapid insertion
delivery system, the proximal end, in general, comprises a handle
portion. The handle portion has a handle that the physician grips
and a pusher stylet that passes through the handle. The pusher
stylet is in communication with--directly or indirectly through
intervening parts--the inner guide channel member at the distal
end. Meanwhile, the handle is in communication with--directly or
indirectly through intervening parts--the outer guide channel
member at the distal end. Holding the pusher stylet relatively
stationary (while, for example, actuating the handle) keeps the
stent mounting region of the inner guide channel member properly
positioned at the desired deployment site. At the same time,
proximally retracting the handle results in a corresponding
proximal movement of the outer guide channel member relative to the
inner guide channel member to thereby expose and, ultimately,
deploy the self-expanding stent from the stent mounting region. At
times, a physician may need to deploy a second self-expanding stent
by withdrawing the system from the proximal end of the wire guide.
The physician may then reload the catheter with additional stents,
and if that is not an option the physician may load another stent
delivery system with an additional stent, onto the wire guide.
Also, the physician may withdraw the stent delivery system
altogether and replace the delivery system with a catheter or
different medical device intended to be loaded onto the wire
guide.
[0014] The delivery system in the rapid insertion delivery system
further comprises an elongate flexible middle section delivery
device extending intermediate the system proximal end and the
system distal end. The middle section delivery device comprises an
outer sheath and an inner compression member having first and
second ends associated with the system distal end and system
proximal end, respectively.
[0015] More particularly, the outer sheath first end may be
coterminous with or, if separate from, may be associated with
(e.g., joined or connected directly or indirectly) the distal end
outer guide channel member at or near the transition region, while
the outer sheath second end is associated with the handle at the
system proximal end. The inner compression member first end is
associated with the distal end inner guide channel member at or
near the transition region, while the inner compression member
second end is associated with the pusher stylet at the proximal
end. Therefore, the outer guide channel member of the distal end
may move axially (as described above) and independently relative to
an approximately stationary inner guide channel member of the
system distal end and, thereby, deploy the stent.
[0016] A challenge in designing a delivery system in the rapid
exchange delivery system is that the handle portion is the only
interface through which the operator can control the working parts,
and the inner compression member for use with the system typically
forms the only connection to the inner guide channel member
sometimes 50.0 centimeters and often as much or more than 125
centimeters distal to the handle portion. Before the novel "rapid
insertion" catheter delivery system described in application Ser.
No. 60/673,199 and the present invention, the ways of associating
the inner compression member first end to the inner guide channel
member have typically been to use a mechanical lap joint.
[0017] A lap joint describes a technique for joining two pieces of
material by overlapping them. A lap may be a full lap or half lap.
In a full lap, no material is removed from either of the members to
be joined, resulting in a joint which is the combined thickness of
the two members. Unfortunately, the full lap joint increases the
profile of the distal end. In a half lap joint, material is removed
from each of the members so that the resulting joint is the
thickness of the thickest member. Thus, half lap joints require
that each member be cut to a complementary surface, which is an
arduous task in view of the already small thickness of the inner
compression member and thin walls of the inner guide channel
member.
[0018] The present invention solves these and other problems by
forming the inner compression member distal mating end to modify it
from a round configuration to a low profile.
[0019] Another problem with the mechanical lap joint is that it
requires some form of mechanical fastener to be effective. A
fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes
two or more members together. Like a band clamp and the like, the
fastener typically disposes about the two members that have joined,
and therefore requires a friction fit to hold the two members in a
non-displaceable arrangement. Moreover, the fastener adds to the
profile of the two members and the fastener, and thereby confounds
the goal of minimizing the profile of the distal end.
[0020] The present invention solves these and other problems by
providing a securing body having a receiving cavity for the inner
guide channel member and a base section for the contoured inner
compression member distal mating end.
[0021] Another drawback to the fastener in a mechanical lap joint
connection is the propensity to lose the friction fit between the
members. Accordingly, a glued joint is often employed as an
alternative to a mechanical lap joint. While glue, adhesives, and
the like (collectively, "glue") offer advantages over a mechanical
joint, one must choose the right glue to join dissimilar materials.
In any event, lap joints and glued joints may vary in strength and
integrity depending on the type of materials being joined and
whether the materials have incongruous mating surfaces. In
addition, the point attachments that are typically formed by these
joints could cause joint failure due to inadequate stress
distribution, and may detach when a torque-load is applied.
[0022] The present invention solves these and other problems by
joining the inner guide channel member within the receiving cavity
of the securing body while operatively coupling the inner
compression member to the securing body base section with welding,
fusing, soldering, brazing, cementing, and the like.
[0023] Therefore, it would be desirable to have an internal joint
for a medical device delivery system for self-expanding devices
such as stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other implantable
articles inside a patient's body as taught herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention relates a joint assembly for medical
device delivery systems. In one embodiment, an inner guide channel
member has first and second ends, the second end having an outer
diameter and outer surface. An elongate inner compression member
has a proximal end and distal mating end with a contoured engaging
surface. A securing body includes an inner securing section with a
receiving cavity for disposing about and operatively coupling to
the inner guide channel member second end outer surface, and a base
securing section with an outer engaging surface disposed against
the inner compression member distal mating end engaging surface,
the base section and distal mating end being operatively
coupled.
[0025] In another embodiment, the invention provides a medical
device delivery system for deploying an implantable prosthesis at a
selected location inside a patient's body. The delivery system
includes a cannulated securing body with an inner securing section
and a base securing section. An elongate inner compression member
has a distal mating end operatively coupled to the cannulated
securing body base securing section. An inner guide channel member
has a first end operatively coupled to an atraumatic tip and a
second end operatively coupled to the cannulated securing body
inner securing section. A stent platform and a restraining ring
thereto are disposed circumferentially intermediate the inner guide
channel member first and second ends.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a
method of making an internal joint for use in a medical device
delivery system. An inner guide channel member is provided with
first and second ends defining a guide channel, the second end
having an outer diameter and an outer surface. A securing body is
provided with an inner securing section having a receiving cavity
sized to receive the inner guide channel member second end outer
diameter, and having a base securing section having an outer
engaging surface. An elongate inner compression member is provided
with a distal mating end, which is formed to an engaging surface
having a contoured configuration complementary to the base securing
section outer engaging surface and operatively coupled against the
base securing section outer engaging surface. The inner guide
channel member second end is inserted within the securing body
inner securing section receiving cavity and operatively coupled to
the inner securing section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view, broken away, of a medical device
system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view, broken away, of a proximal
end of a medical device according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 2A shows longitudinally sectioned exploded side views
of a handle first connector and a handle second connector according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 2B shows a longitudinally sectioned side view of
operatively coupled first and second connectors according to FIG.
2A.
[0031] FIG. 2C shows a longitudinally sectioned side view of a
handle first connector and a handle second connector according to
FIG. 2B operatively coupling a strain relief member and/or an outer
sheath according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a longitudinally sectioned view along a partial
length of an embodiment of a catheter used for an outer sheath of a
middle section and/or for an outer guide channel member of a distal
end of a medical device according to the invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a longitudinally sectioned view, broken away, of a
distal end of medical device delivery system according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically represent cross sectional
views of melt bonding according to one embodiment of the invention,
where FIG. 4A shows components before melt bonding while FIG. 4B
shows the components after melt bonding.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a longitudinally sectioned view, broken away, of
an alternative embodiment of a distal end of a medical device
delivery system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a longitudinally sectioned view of an embodiment
of a distal end according to the invention, shown having a portion
of a wire guide.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a longitudinally sectioned view, broken away, of
another embodiment of a distal end of a medical device delivery
system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show cross sectional views of FIG. 7
taken along the lines 7A-7A, 7B-7B, and 7C-7C, respectively.
[0039] FIGS. 8A and 8B show perspective schematic views of a
securing body according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIGS. 9A and 9B show perspective schematic views of a
securing body according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
[0041] FIG. 10 shows a schematic side view of an inner compression
member according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0042] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H show cross
sectional views of FIG. 10 taken along the lines 10A-10A, 10B-10B,
10C-10C, 10D-10D, 10E-10E, 10F-10F, 10G-10G, 10H-10H,
respectively.
[0043] FIGS. 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, and 10M show perspective schematic
views of alternative embodiments of an inner compression member
distal mating end according to the invention.
[0044] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinally sectioned schematic view of
an inner compression member distal mating end operatively coupled
to a base section of a securing body according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0045] FIGS. 11A and 11B show cross sectional views of FIG. 11
taken along the lines 11A-11A and 11B-11B, respectively.
[0046] FIG. 12 shows a longitudinally sectioned view of an inner
guide channel member assembly according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0047] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show cross sectional views of FIG.
12 taken along the lines 12A-12A, 12B-12B, and 12C-12C,
respectively.
[0048] FIG. 13 shows a perspective schematic view of a shrink
tubing according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 14 shows a longitudinally sectioned view of an inner
guide channel member assembly having a securing body that
operatively couples to the inner guide channel member and the inner
compression member according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0050] FIG. 14A shows a cross sectional view of FIG. 14 taken along
the line 14A-14A.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method of
manufacturing an internal joint for use in a medical device
delivery system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0052] The present invention relates to medical devices, and in
particular to an inner guide channel member assembly and to a joint
assembly comprising a securing body operatively coupled to the
inner guide channel member and an inner compression member joint
assembly an inner compression member and also operatively coupling
a low-profiled inner compression member for use in rapid insertion
medical device delivery systems (e.g., "rapid insertion" catheters)
configured for deploying expandable metallic, polymeric, and
plastic devices or non-expanding metallic, polymeric, and plastic
devices, which devices may include, by way of example and not by
way of limitation, stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other
implantable articles at selected locations inside a patient's body.
For conciseness and ease of description of the embodiments of the
invention, the term "stent" and its variations shall refer
individually and collectively (without limiting the invention) to
all self-expanding, balloon-expandable, or non-expanding devices
used with the invention, such as stents, prosthetic valve devices,
and other implantable articles inside a patient's body.
[0053] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, the following provides a detailed
description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated by the
drawings as well as the language used herein to describe the
aspects of the invention. The description is not intended to limit
the invention in any manner, but rather serves to enable those
skilled in the art to make and use the invention. As used herein
the terms comprise(s), include(s), having, has, with, contain(s)
and the variants thereof are intended to be open ended transitional
phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of
additional steps or structure.
[0054] In FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a delivery system
10 having a host of uses, including for the rapid insertion of
self-expanding stents, is provided. The delivery system 10
comprises a system proximal end 12, a middle section delivery
device 14, and a system distal end 13 shown in a partially
deploying position.
System Proximal End 12
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end 12
remains outside of the patient's body. The proximal end 12
comprises a handle 30 and an optional pusher stylet 20.
[0056] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic representation of the handle 30
and the optional pusher stylet 20 shown more particularly in FIG.
2. In general, a handle 30 retracts an outer guide channel member
(discussed below) of the distal end 13 of the delivery system 10 to
deploy a stent, as will be explained later. The handle 30 may
comprise any mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic
handle configured in communication with--directly or indirectly
through intervening parts--the distal end's outer guide channel
member. Communication would include, by way of illustration and not
by way of limitation, a handle 30 that uses or is otherwise
associated with, directly or indirectly, an elongated mechanical
wire, rod, shaft, cable, sheath, pneumatic tube, or hydraulic
pistons, cylinders and/or flow paths configured for moving the
outer guide channel member proximally in order to deploy a
stent.
[0057] FIG. 2 provides a schematic view, broken away, of a delivery
system 10 for rapid insertion of self-expanding stents, but could
be used with other implantable prostheses described above. The
delivery system 10 shown in FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the
proximal end 12, middle section delivery device 14, and distal end
13 shown in a partially deploying position. The middle section
delivery device 14 extends distally from the proximal end 12, and a
distal end 13 extends to a position that is distal the middle
section delivery device 14. More particularly, FIG. 2 shows an
exploded view of the proximal end 12 of the delivery system 10
according to one embodiment of the invention, with an emphasis on
the handle 30 and the optional stylet 20. Features of one
embodiment of a handle 30 and pusher stylet 20 are discussed
below.
[0058] The handle 30 comprises any tubular structure having a
distal aperture 30'' and a proximal aperture 30', the apertures
defining a chamber 31 therebetween. In general, the handle 30 is a
component, instrument, mechanism, tool, device, apparatus, or
machine configured for directly or indirectly retracting an outer
guide channel member (discussed below) of the distal end 13 of the
device to expose and, ultimately, to deploy a stent self-expanding
implantable prostheses such as stents, prosthetic valve devices,
and other implantable articles (hereafter, "stent" or "stents") at
a selected location inside a patient's body.
[0059] The handle 30 is axially slideable relative to an elongate
(long) inner compression member 41 that comprises a proximal end 40
and a middle section 40'. As discussed more fully below, the inner
compression member 41 helps to keep the stent from moving
proximally with proximal movement of the handle 30, which handle
movement causes the outer guide channel member to withdraw
proximally over the stent in order to expose and thereby to deploy
the stent. Thus, the inner compression member helps to "push" the
stent or stent carrying inner guide channel member in order to
counter the urge for the stent or stent carrying member to prolapse
proximally with the withdrawing of the outer guide channel member.
As will be understood, "pushing" on the inner compression member
will keep the stent carrying inner guide channel member (and
therefore the stent) from translating as a result of an outer
sheath or outer guide channel member being pulled over the stent;
thereby "pushing" holds the stent in place at the desired
deployment site within the patient's body. In one embodiment, the
handle 30 is a unidirectional handle that is axially slideable
relative to the inner compression member 41 and/or the optional
pusher stylet 20 in order to deploy a stent. In one embodiment, the
inner compression member 41 is secured to a pusher stylet 20.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of a pusher stylet 20
comprises a proximal end 20', a distal end 20'', and a cannula 23
intermediate the proximal and distal ends 20', 20'', respectively,
and a receptacle 22. The cannula 23, as should be understood,
comprises any suitable hollow plastic or metal tube. As a hollow
tube, the cannula 23 optionally allows the inner compression member
41 to pass proximally through the cannula 23 and to the proximal
end 20' so that the inner compression member proximal end 40 (such
as a proximal end that is flared) may secure to a plug 21 that fits
within the receptacle 22, wherein FIG. 2 shows the proximal end
20', plug 21, and an optional securing material 28 are shown in an
exploded view relative to the receptacle 22 into which they may be
secured. Furthermore, the cannula 23 assists with keeping that
portion of the inner compression member substantially straight.
[0061] The stylet 20 is optional, because in an alternative
embodiment the physician may hold the inner compression member
proximal end 40' directly in order to "push" (e.g., hold
substantially stationary) the stent carrying inner guide channel
member (and therefore the stent). This controls the stent carrying
inner guide channel member and stent from translating as a result
of an outer sheath or outer guide channel member being pulled over
the stent, so that the stent remains at the desired deployment site
within the patient's body. Alternatively, the stylet 20 is any
stationary handle secured to the inner compression member 41 for
achieving the "pushing" (e.g., hold substantially stationary) of
the stent or stent carrying inner guide channel member while the
outer sheath or outer guide channel member are moved
proximally.
[0062] The stylet distal end 20'' is housed within the handle
chamber 31 and is flared or otherwise flanged sufficiently to be
larger than the handle proximal aperture 30' so as not to pull out
of the chamber 31. In one embodiment, the stylet distal end 20'' is
secured to the distal portion of the stylet cannula 23, while in
another embodiment the stylet distal end 20'' is formed integral
with the distal portion of the stylet cannula 23. Consequently, the
stylet distal end 20'' functions as a proximal stop that prevents
the stylet cannula 23 from backing all the way out the handle while
being axially slideable within the handle chamber 31. Thus, the
stylet 20 will not slide off the handle 30, if so desired. The
stylet distal end 20'' may also, in one embodiment, function as a
distal stop against a restraint 33 formed in the handle chamber 31
intermediate the handle proximal and distal apertures 30', 30'',
respectively, where intermediate should be understood to be any
position between, and not necessarily equidistant to, the handle
apertures 30', 30''. As a result of the stylet distal end 20'', the
handle 30 may slide axially the distance separating the handle
restraint 33 and the stylet distal end 20'', which has a maximum
distance of when the stylet distal end 20'' is abutting the handle
proximal aperture 30'.
[0063] A threaded tapered plug 21 and threaded tapered receptacle
22 optionally secure the inner compression member proximal end 40.
In one embodiment, the inner compression member proximal end 40 is
flared. Securing material 28, such as glue, adhesives, resins,
welding, soldering, brazing, chemical bonding materials or
combinations thereof and the like (collectively and individually,
"glue") may be used to keep the threaded tapered plug 21 from
backing out of the threaded tapered receptacle 22. A portion of the
cannula 23 and stylet distal end 20'' are received within the
handle chamber 31 distal to the handle proximal aperture 30' as
previously explained.
[0064] By optionally placing the inner compression member proximal
end 40 in mechanical communication with the plug 21 and receptacle
22, the gripping and "pushing" (e.g., hold substantially
stationary) on the stylet 20 (e.g., the receptacle 22) thereby
helps to keep the inner compression member 41 from moving away from
the distal end 13 and, accordingly, counters the tendency for a
stent or stent carrying member to move proximally during withdrawal
of the outer guide channel member as will be explained below. Of
course, the inner compression member may be secured elsewhere by
the stylet 20, such as at or near the stylet distal end 20'' or
intermediate the stylet proximal and distal ends 20', 20'',
respectively, and the stylet distal end 20'' may extend to a
position at or near the distal end aperture 30'' of the handle
30.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows a middle section 40' that extends distally from
the proximal end 40 of the inner compression member 41. In one
embodiment, the middle section 40' passes through the handle 30
(and may pass through the cannula 23 and/or bushings housed within
the handle chamber 31 or other portions of the proximal end 12). In
one embodiment, the middle section 40' is elongate (at least 50.0
cm or longer as described below) and extends to a distance distally
of the handle 30 and to a position at or near the medical system
delivery device distal end 13. It should be understood that, by
describing the middle section 40' as passing through the handle 30,
the middle section 40' does not necessarily need to pass proximally
through the entire length of the handle 30, such as in an
embodiment (by way of example and not by way of limitation) where
the proximal end 40' of the inner compression member 41 is secured
to a distal portion of the cannula 23 and/or the stylet distal end
20'' extending within the handle chamber 31 to a position at or
near the handle restraint 33.
[0066] In addition to holding a threaded tapered plug 21 and
optionally the proximal end 40 of the inner compression member 41,
the threaded tapered receptacle 22 may secure the proximal portion
of the optional cannula 23. Glue 28' may be used at or near an
interface of the cannula 23 and distal aperture of the threaded
tapered receptacle 22. The glue 28' serves many functions, such as
to keep dust from settling within the threaded tapered receptacle
22, to make the cannula 23 easier to clean, and to give aesthetics
and a smooth feel to the device.
[0067] The handle 30 slidably receives the distal portion of the
cannula 23 within the handle aperture 30' and handle chamber 31. As
a result, the handle 30 is slidable relative to the stylet 20
(e.g., slidable relative to the threaded tapered plug 21, threaded
tapered receptacle 22, and the cannula 23). In use, the physician
grips the handle 30 in one hand and grips the stylet 20 (e.g., the
receptacle 22) in the other hand. The physician holds the stylet 20
relatively stationary, which prevents the inner compression member
and inner guide channel member and its stent carrying portion from
moving proximally, and then withdraws the handle 30 proximally
relative to the stationary stylet 20 and inner compression member
41. As a result, the physician is thereby retracting an outer guide
channel member (discussed below) of the distal end 13 of the
delivery system 10 to expose and, ultimately, to deploy a stent
locatable at the distal end 13 of the delivery system 10. The
handle 30 is in communication with--directly or indirectly through
intervening parts--the outer guide channel member at the distal end
13.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, some of those optional parts may include
the following: a first bushing 36 having an optional first bushing
flange 35; a second bushing 36' having an optional second bushing
flange 35'; an intermediate seal 37 intermediate the first and
second bushing flanges 35, 35', respectively; a second seal 37'
intermediate the second bushing flange 35' and a check flow body
38; and a detachable cap 39, such a Luer cap by way of example but
not by way of limitation. In one embodiment, one or both of the
intermediate seal 37 and the second seal 37' is from a class such
as an O-ring. In another embodiment, one or both of the
intermediate seal 37 and the second seal 37' is a cylinder or disk
with a center aperture, and may be made from material that
comprises an O-ring. The bushings 36, 36' are hollow plastic or
metal tubes that take up space within the handle 30 so that the
inner compression member has less room to buckle. Fully assembled
in one embodiment, the first bushing 36 is inserted within the
cannula 23 and the first bushing flange 35 is distal to and
abutting the handle restraint 33, which is sized to interfere with
the bushing flange 35 to prevent the bushing flange 35 from moving
proximal to the handle restraint 33. The second bushing flange 35'
is distal to and optionally abutting the bushing flange 35 so to
prevent it from moving proximal the first bushing flange 35, and
the second bushing 36' is inserted within an opening 139 of the
check flow body 38. The intermediate seal 37 and the second seal
37' help to prevent fluids that could be used with the device
(discussed below) from entering the handle chamber 31, which
directs fluids distally, which fluids may be conveyed through an
outer sheath 50 of the middle section delivery device 14 and distal
end 13. In one embodiment, the handle restraint 33 is from a class
such as a counterbore wherein the restraint 33 comprises, by way of
example only and not by way of limitation, a flat-bottomed
cylindrical enlargement of the handle chamber 31 sized for
receiving a first bushing flange 35, an intermediate seal 37, a
second bushing flange 35', and/or a check flow body proximal mating
end 38'' intermediate the restraint 33 and the handle distal
aperture 30''.
[0069] The handle 30 and check flow body 38 operatively couple with
the handle distal aperture 30'' receiving a check flow body
proximal mating end 38'' and being secured together by any suitable
means, including but not limited to a crimp, friction fit, press
fit, wedge, threading engagement, glue, adhesives, resins, welding
(laser, spot, etc.), soldering, brazing, adhesives, chemical
bonding materials, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the
handle 30 comprises a coupling member 32 and the check flow body
proximal mating end 38'' comprises a coupling member 32', the
coupling members 32, 32' being complementary to hold the handle 30
and check flow body proximal mating end 38'' together. In one
embodiment, the coupling members 32, 32' may form complementary
threads. If it is desired to achieve quicker assembly for
manufacturing purposes, then the coupling members 32, 32' may be an
array of circumferential ridges that form an interference fit when
pressed together. If a one-time snap fit is desired, then the
coupling members 32, 32' may be circumferential ridges in the form
of barbs. In another embodiment, the handle 30 and check flow body
proximal mating end 38'' may be put together and taken apart for
servicing, in which case the coupling members 32, 32' may be
circumferential ridges in the form of knuckle threads (e.g.,
circumferential ridges forming complementary undulating waves). The
operatively coupled handle 30 and check flow body proximal mating
end 38'' according to these embodiments may be fixed such that they
do not rotate relative to each other, or may rotate while
preventing undesired axial separation.
[0070] During use, the detachable cap 39 may be detached or opened
and the device flushed with saline to remove air in order to help
keep air out of the patient. The intermediate seal 37 and the
second seal 37' ensure that any flushed fluid moves distally in the
device and does not back up into the handle 30, such as between the
handle restraint 33 and the first bushing 36, into the handle
chamber 31, or out the handle proximal aperture 30'. The detachable
cap 39 (such as a Luer cap) keeps saline from backing out of the
check flow body 38, air from flowing into the check flow body 38,
and blood from rushing out during periods of high blood pressure
inside the patient.
[0071] The medical device delivery systems 10 may be used to deploy
an implantable prosthesis that is a balloon expandable or
self-expanding stent, prosthetic valve device, or other implantable
articles provided on the distal end of a delivery system. In
operation, a physician inserts the distal end and at least a
portion of the middle section delivery device into a vessel
passageway, and advances them through the vessel passageway to the
desired location adjacent the target site within the vessel
passageway of a patient. In a subsequent step, the physician moves
the handle proximally, which withdraws the outer sheath and/or the
outer guide channel member and releasably exposes the stent for
deployment. In another step, the physician inflates the expandable
member, such as a balloon, positioned under the stent inner surface
to plastically deform the stent into a substantially permanent
expanded condition. The physician may inflate the expandable member
by injecting fluid such as saline from a syringe into the inner
compression member 41, via pusher stylet 20, through a Luer fitting
at the proximal end 20'. Therefore, the fluid is directed distally
to the expandable member, filling the expandable member chamber and
expanding the stent. The physician then deflates the balloon and
removes the catheter or delivery device from the patient's
body.
[0072] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the handle 30 further
comprises a check flow body distal mating end 38' and a connector
cap 39' (optionally detachable) secured to the check flow body
distal mating end 38', and a strain relief 29. In one embodiment,
the connector cap 39' is from a class of fasteners such as nuts,
and in one embodiment is a flare nut. The connector cap 39'
functions to hold (or assist in holding in combination with the
check flow body distal mating end 38') a flared proximal portion of
an outer sheath 50 and/or a flared strain relief 29 disposed about
(and optionally extending proximally from) that held portion of the
outer sheath 50. The strain relief member 29 provides a kink
resistant point where the outer sheath 50 connects to the connector
cap 39' and/or the check flow body distal mating end 38'.
[0073] The check flow body distal mating end 38' and connector cap
39' may be operatively coupled mechanically, chemically, and/or
chemical-mechanically. In one embodiment, the connector cap 39' is
crimped, friction fitted, press fitted, and/or wedged into
engagement onto the check flow body distal mating end 38'. In
another embodiment for example, the check flow body distal mating
end 38' and connector cap 39' are operatively coupled by glue,
adhesives, resins, welding (laser, spot, etc.), soldering, brazing,
adhesives, chemical bonding materials, or combinations thereof.
[0074] According to FIG. 2A, yet another embodiment of the
connector cap 39' comprises a handle first connector 130 and the
check flow body distal mating end 38' comprises a handle second
connector 132. According to FIG. 2A, the handle first and second
connectors 130, 132, respectively, function to operatively couple a
strain relief member 29 operatively coupled to the proximal end of
the outer sheath 50 (discussed below). In one embodiment, the
handle first connector 130 is from a class of fasteners such as
nuts, and in one embodiment is a flare nut. Optionally, the distal
portion of the second bushing 36' is sized (but for the second
bushing flange 35') to be received within a check flow body
proximal opening 139 in communication with the second connector
132.
[0075] FIG. 2A shows an exploded longitudinally sectioned side view
of one embodiment of a portion of the handle comprising a first
connector 130 and a second connector 132. The handle first
connector 130 further comprises a proximal end 134 and a distal end
136. An opening 138 at the proximal end 134 and an opening 140 at
the distal end 136 and define a lumen 133 therebetween. There is an
engaging surface 142 at or near the distal end 136. A threaded
first piece 146 is disposed within the lumen 133 and intermediate
the handle first connector distal end opening 140 and proximal end
opening 138. The handle second connector 132 further comprises a
proximal end 135 and a distal end 137. An opening 141 at the distal
end 137 and check flow body proximal opening 139 (e.g., FIG. 2) at
the proximal end 135 define a lumen 131 therebetween. There is an
engaging surface 143 at or near the distal end 137. A threaded
second piece 145 is disposed on the outside surface and
intermediate the handle second connector distal end opening 141 and
the check flow body proximal opening 139.
[0076] According to one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
second connector distal end 137 is received within the first
connector proximal end opening 138. The first connector 130 and
second connector 132 are operatively coupled by a threading
engagement between the first connector threaded first piece 146 and
the second connector threaded second piece 145. Alternatively, the
first connector 130 and second connector 132 are operatively
coupled mechanically, chemically, and/or chemical-mechanically. In
one embodiment for example, the first connector 130 and second
connector 132 are crimped, friction fit, press fit, and/or wedged
into engagement. In another embodiment for example, the first
connector 130 and second connector 132 are operatively coupled by
glue, adhesives, resins, welding (laser, spot, etc.), soldering,
brazing, adhesives, chemical bonding materials, or combinations
thereof.
[0077] FIG. 2B shows the second connector threaded second piece 145
operatively coupled to the first connector threaded first piece 146
such that the second connector proximal end 135 is proximal to the
first connector proximal end 134 and the second connector distal
end 137 is located at or near the first connector distal end 136.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the second connector engaging surface 143 is
spaced proximal to the first connector engaging surface 142 for
receiving and compressing a strain relief member second end portion
therebetween.
[0078] FIG. 2C shows one embodiment of an optional strain relief
member 29 comprising a tubular first end portion 118 and a flared
second end portion 117. According to FIG. 2C, the medical device
delivery system includes an elongate outer sheath 50 (FIGS. 3, 4,
5, 6, 7). Like elements from the previous drawings, embodiments,
and description from above are labeled the same. The term elongate
is used, not lexicographically but instead, to describe embodiments
according to the embodiment that measures at least about 50.0 cm or
measures within one of the ranges of lengths exceeding 50.0 cm and
as more fully discussed above.
[0079] More particularly, FIG. 2C shows that the outer sheath 50
comprises a proximal end 57 and a distal end 58. The distal end 58
comprises an opening 52 and the proximal end 57 comprises an
opening 53; the openings define a passageway 59 therebetween. In
one exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2C, the strain relief
member tubular first and second end portions 118, 117,
respectively, are disposed about and operatively coupled to the
outer sheath proximal end 157. In another embodiment, the tubular
first end portion 118 disposes about the outer sheath proximal end
157 while the flared second end portion 117 extends proximally from
outer sheath proximal end 157. In addition, the strain relief
member second end portion 117 and/or outer sheath proximal end 57
comprise an opening 123 in fluid communication with the outer
sheath passageway 59.
[0080] By way of example only and not by way of limitation, the
terms "operatively coupling," "operatively coupled," "coupling,"
"coupled," and variants thereof are not used lexicographically but
instead are used to describe embodiments of the invention having a
point, position, region, section, area, volume, or configuration at
which two or more things are mechanically, chemically, and/or
chemical-mechanically bonded, joined, adjoined, connected,
associated, united, mated, interlocked, conjoined, fastened, held
together, clamped, crimped, friction fit, pinched, press fit tight,
nested, wedged, and/or otherwise associated by a joint, a junction,
a juncture, a seam, a union, a socket, a melt bond, glue,
adhesives, resins, welding (laser, spot, etc.), soldering, brazing,
adhesives, chemical bonding materials, implanted arrangement, or
combinations thereof.
[0081] FIG. 2C shows the strain relief member second end portion
117 and/or outer sheath proximal end 57 being operatively coupled
between the first connector 130 and the second connector 132, and
the second connector lumen 131 being in fluid communication with
the outer sheath passageway 59. In one embodiment, the strain
relief member second end portion 117 and/or outer sheath proximal
end 57 comprises a first opposing surface 124 and a second opposing
surface 125. The first connector engaging surface 142 is disposed
against the first opposing surface 124 and the second connector
engaging surface 143 is disposed against the second opposing
surface 125, whereby the strain relief member second end portion
117 and/or outer sheath proximal end 57 becomes operatively coupled
between the first and second connector engaging surfaces 142, 143,
respectively. In one embodiment, the operatively coupled strain
relief member second end portion 117 and/or outer sheath proximal
end 57 is compressed (e.g., sandwiched) between the first and
second connector engaging surfaces 142, 143.
[0082] Thus, the check flow body 38 provides an optional three way
connector. The check flow body proximal mating end 38'' and handle
coupling member 32 are operatively coupled. The side port is
controlled by the detachable connector cap 39. The body distal
mating end 38' is operatively coupled to a second connector cap
39', or optionally the handle second connector 132 is received
within and operatively coupled to a handle second connector cap
130.
[0083] The foregoing description of a proximal end 12 of a medical
device delivery system 10 according to one embodiment of the
invention may be one assembly during shipping, or may include a
two-part assembly or more. Otherwise stated, the stylet 20 and
handle 30 may be sold already combined or may be combined after
purchase by inserting the stylet cannula 23 into the handle at the
hospital via the threaded tapered plug 21 and threaded tapered
receptacle 22. An optional safety lock 34 helps to ensure against
unintentional actuation by preventing distal movement of the stylet
distal end 20'' by extending inwardly within the handle chamber 30
through a slot in the handle outer wall distal to the handle
proximal aperture 30'. Consequently, the optional safety lock 34
thereby maintains the handle 30 in an undeployed position until the
physician is ready to deploy an implantable prosthesis (e.g., a
self-expanding, balloon expandable, or non-expanding stent;
prosthetic valve devices, and other implantable articles) at a
selected location inside a patient's body.
Middle Section Delivery Device 14
[0084] A delivery system 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a
middle section delivery device 14. According to the invention, the
middle section delivery device 14 is intermediate the proximal end
12 (FIGS. 1, 2) and the distal end 13 (FIGS. 1, 2) of the delivery
system 10. The term "intermediate" is intended to describe
embodiments of the invention whereby the middle section delivery
device 14 is intermediary, intervening, lying or occurring between
two extremes, or spatially in a middle position, state, or
nature--though not necessarily equidistant--between the distal tip
of the distal end 13 and the proximal tip of the proximal end 12.
Furthermore, the middle section delivery device 14 may overlap or
be partially inserted into a portion of the distal end 13 and/or
the proximal end 12. In another embodiment, a portion of the middle
section delivery device 14 (such as the sheath 50 explained below)
and the distal end outer guide channel member 80 (discussed below;
see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7) may be an elongate tubular catheter or
Flexor.RTM. sheath of integral construction.
[0085] According to the invention, a middle section delivery device
14 is a flexible, elongate (long, at least about 50.0 centimeters
("cm")) tubular assembly. In one embodiment, the middle section
delivery device 14 is from approximately 100.0 centimeters ("cm")
to approximately 125.0 cm for use when placing a distal end 13 of
the invention within a patient's body, although it may be sized
longer or shorter as needed depending on the depth of the target
site within the patient's body for delivering the stent. The term
"tubular" in describing this embodiment includes any tube-like,
cylindrical, elongated, shaft-like, rounded, oblong, or other
elongated longitudinal shaft extending between the proximal end 12
and the distal end 13 and defining a longitudinal axis. As used
herein and throughout to describe embodiments of the invention, the
term "longitudinal axis" should be considered to be an approximate
lengthwise axis, which may be straight or may at times even be
curved because the middle section delivery device 14, for instance,
is flexible and the distal end 13 also may be substantially or
partially flexible.
[0086] A middle section delivery device 14 comprises an outer
sheath 50 (e.g., FIGS. 2, 2C, 5, 6, 7). FIG. 2C shows that the
outer sheath 50 is generally tubular and comprises a proximal end
57 and a distal end 58 and defining a passageway 59 therebetween
(e.g., FIG. 2C). In one embodiment, the distal end 58 comprises an
opening 52 and the proximal end 57 comprises an opening 53, which
openings define the passageway 59. The middle section delivery
device 14 further comprises an elongate inner compression member 41
(e.g., FIGS. 2, 2C, 5, 6, 7). The outer sheath passageway 59 is
configured for slideably receiving the inner compression member 41,
a catheter, or other medical device.
[0087] FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged, longitudinally sectioned view
along a partial length of one embodiment of an outer sheath 50 for
use as the middle section delivery device 14, with the delivery
system's proximal and distal 12, 13 ends, respectively, of the
device being removed for clarity. In one embodiment, the outer
sheath 50 comprises three layers: an inner layer 44 comprising
Teflon material; a middle layer comprising a stainless steel
circumferential spiral coil 43; and an outer layer 42 comprising a
nylon, a polyether block amide ("PEBA"), and/or other melt bonding
material discussed below. The outer layer 42 and inner layer 44
optionally may comprise a lubricious material, one example of which
includes a fluorocarbon such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to
present a slideable surface to allow easier inserting and
retracting the middle section delivery device 14 for deploying a
self-expanding stent, as will be explained later.
[0088] The wall of the inner layer 44 of the outer sheath 50 has
sufficient radial rigidity to decrease any tendency of bulging,
kinking, and the like under an internal radial expansile force. In
other words, the inner layer 44 resists an inner object from
protruding or becoming embedded into the inner layer 44, which is
beneficial to the slideability of an outer sheath 50. The coil 43
may be compression fitted or wound around the inner layer 44. The
coil 43 includes a plurality of turns, and preferably includes
uniform spacings 43' between the turns of the coil 43. The coil 43
may be formed of any suitable material that will provide
appropriate structural reinforcement, such as stainless steel flat
wire or biologically compatible metals, polymers, plastics, alloys
(including super-elastic alloys), or composite materials that are
either biocompatible or capable of being made biocompatible.
[0089] Although the embodiment in FIG. 3 shows a flat ribbon shaped
wire coil 43, coils of other cross-sectional dimensions, such as
round wire, may also be used. When flat wire stainless steel is
used, the coil 43 is optionally formed from wire that is about
0.003 inches thick by about 0.012 inches wide. In one embodiment,
the turns of coil 43 are uniformly spaced 43' apart by
approximately 0.0118 inches. While FIG. 3 shows an embodiment that
uses coils 43 having uniformly spaced turns and a constant pitch,
this is not required and coils 43 may be spaced 43' by non-uniform
distances or at varying distances. In one embodiment, the ends of
coil 43 are positioned approximately 0.197 inches proximal to the
distal end 13 and approximately 0.591 inches distal to the proximal
end 12.
[0090] The outer sheath 50 for use with the middle section delivery
device 14, and the outer guide channel member 80 (FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7)
and/or the inner guide channel member 70 (FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7) for use
with the distal end 13, are available for purchase from Cook
Incorporated, of Bloomington, Ind. under the trade name of
"Flexor.RTM.." Examples of the Flexor.RTM. sheath devices,
materials, and methods of manufacturing them are found in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,700,253 and 5,380,304, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The Flexor.RTM. sheath is
particularly suited for the outer sheath 50 of the middle section
delivery device 14 and/or the outer guide channel member 80 of the
distal second end 13 due to its thin PTFE liner on the inside wall
of the inner layer 44, thin flat wire coil 43, and Nylon and/or
PEBA overcoat 42 that captures the coil 43 and PTFE liner 44 and
binds the structure together. The PTFE inner layer 44 of the
Flexor.RTM. sheath resists an expansile inner object from
protruding or becoming embedded into the inner layer 44 and,
thereby, provides a slick, smooth surface that slides (e.g., across
the surface of a stent if the Flexor.RTM. sheath is used with the
distal end 13 or across the surface of an inner compression member
41 if the Flexor.RTM. sheath is used with the middle section 14)
relatively easily when retracted to expose, release, and deploy the
stent or allow the outer sheath 50 to move relative to the inner
compression member 41, and the outer guide channel member 80 to
move relative to the inner guide channel member 70, during
deployment of the stent.
[0091] As an alternative to purchasing the outer sheath 50 for use
with the middle section 14 and the outer guide channel member 80
for use with the distal end 13 from Cook Incorporated, one may
manufacture the outer sheath and outer guide channel member from
various component parts. For instance, one may purchase a tubular
inner layer 44 comprising a lubricious material comprising a
fluorocarbon such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) from
Zeus, Inc. in Orangeburg, S.C., and dispose that inner layer 44
over a mandrel. Alternatively, a sheet of material comprising
Teflon may be positioned on a mandrel and formed into a tubular
body for the inner layer 44 by any suitable means known to one
skilled in the art.
[0092] The tubular inner layer 44 (whether formed from a sheet on a
mandrel or purchased as a tube and slid onto a mandrel) may be
slightly longer than the desired length described above for the
outer sheath 50 and/or outer guide channel member 80, and slightly
longer than the mandrel. In one embodiment, the tubular inner layer
44 may extend about 5.0 cm from each mandrel end. As explained
below, the "loose" ends of the tubular inner layer 44 help during
manufacturing of the device.
[0093] The mandrel-tubular inner layer 44 assembly is prepared for
a middle layer comprising a stainless steel circumferential spiral
coil 43 as described above and available for purchase from Cook
Incorporated or Sabin Corporation in Bloomington, Ind. As
purchased, the coil 43 comes in a long, pre-coiled configuration
and will be cut by hand or machine to the desired length either
before or after winding the coil about the inner layer 44 to the
desired length. As an alternative, one may manufacture the coil
from raw material available from Fort Wayne Medical in Fort Wayne,
Ind., and process it into a spiral coil 43 shape.
[0094] The operator may apply the spiral coil 43 about the
mandrel-tubular inner layer 44 assembly by hand or machine. If by
hand, then an end of the spiral coil 43 may be started onto the
tubular inner layer 44 by any suitable means, for example, such as
hooking and winding (e.g., wrapping) the coil 43 around the tubular
inner layer 44 in a pigtailed manner at an initial position a
desired distance (e.g., 5.0 cm or more) from a first end of the
tubular inner layer 44 and to a terminating position that is a
desired distance (e.g., 5.0 cm or more) from a second end of the
tubular inner layer 44, and then cutting the coil 43 at the
terminating position before or after hooking the coil 43 onto the
inner layer 44. If by machine, then chucks, for instance, may hold
the opposing ends of the mandrel-tubular inner layer 44 assembly
while the spiral coil 43 is threaded through an arm on a machine
and started onto the tubular inner layer 44 at the initial position
as described above. As the chucks rotate, the inner layer 44
rotates, and the arm moves axially down the length of the inner
layer 44, thereby applying the coil 43 in a spiral configuration
about the inner layer 44. The machine arm moves to a terminating
position where the machine or operator cuts the coil before or
after hooking the coil 43 onto the inner layer 44.
[0095] An operator then applies an outer layer 42 about the
coil-inner layer-mandrel assembly. The outer layer 42 may comprise
a polyether block amide, nylon, and/or a nylon natural tubing
(individually and collectively, "PEBA" and/or "nylon"). The outer
layer 42 preferably has a tubular configuration that disposes about
(e.g., enveloping, surrounding, wrapping around, covering,
overlaying, superposed over, encasing, ensheathing, and the like) a
length of the coil-inner layer-mandrel assembly.
[0096] Heat shrink tubing, available from many suppliers, including
Zeus, Inc. in Orangeburg, S.C. for instance and also Cobalt
Polymers in Cloverdale, Calif., may be disposed about the outer
layer-coil-inner layer-mandrel assembly. Heating the assembly
causes the outer layer 42 to melt. The inner surface of the outer
layer 42 thereby seeps through spaces 43' in or between middle
layer coils 43 and bonds to both the outer surface of the inner
layer 44 and the coils 43. In one embodiment, the inner surface of
the outer layer 42 forms a melt bond 47 (explained below) to the
outer surface of the inner layer 44. Upon cooling, a solid-state
bond results such that the assembly comprises the three layers
discussed above. The operator removes the shrink wrap (e.g., by
cutting) and withdraws the mandrel. The operator may cut the
Flexor.RTM. sheath to a desired length for an outer sheath 50
and/or outer guide channel member 80.
[0097] The temperature, total rise time, and dwell time for the
heat shrink-outer layer-coil-inner layer-mandrel assembly will vary
depending on many factors including, for instance, the actual melt
bonding material that the outer layer 42 comprises, and also the
diameter of the desired Flexor.RTM. sheath. For example, the baking
parameters for a 2.5 French Flexor.RTM. sheath may be approximately
380 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes, while the baking
parameters for a 4 French Flexor.RTM. sheath may be approximately
380 degrees Fahrenheit for about six minutes.
[0098] As an alternative to a Flexor.RTM. sheath, the outer sheath
50 may comprise a construction of multifilar material. Such
multifilar material or tubing may be obtained, for example, from
Asahi-Intec USA, Inc. (Newport Beach, Calif.). Materials and
methods of manufacturing a suitable multifilar tubing are described
in Published United States Patent Application 2004/0116833 (Koto et
al.) having an application Ser. No. 10/611,664 and entitled,
"Wire-Stranded Hollow Coil Body, A Medical Equipment Made Therefrom
and a Method of Making the Same," the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. Use of multifilar tubing in a
vascular catheter device, for instance, is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,589,227 (Sonderskov Klint, et al.; Assigned to Cook
Incorporated of Bloomington, Ind. and William Cook Europe of
Bjaeverskov, Denmark), which is also incorporated by reference.
[0099] In addition to the outer sheath 50, the middle section
delivery device 14 further comprises an inner compression member
41. The delivery device 14 (and, thus, the outer sheath 50 and
inner compression member 41) may be constructed to have any
diameter and length required to fulfill its intended purposes.
[0100] The outer sheath 50, for instance, may be available in a
variety of lengths, outer diameters, and inner diameters. In one
embodiment, the outer sheath 50 may have a substantially uniform
outer diameter in the range from approximately 2 French to
approximately 7 French, and in one embodiment the diameter is from
approximately 4 French to approximately 5 French in diameter.
Otherwise stated, the outer sheath 50 may range from about 0.010
inches to about 0.090 inches in diameter, and in one embodiment the
diameter is approximately 0.050 inches. Likewise, the passageway 59
may be available in a variety of diameters. In one embodiment, the
inner diameter ranges from about 0.032 inches to about 0.040
inches, and in a preferred embodiment the passageway 59 is
approximately 0.032 inches. The diameter may be more or less than
these examples, however, depending on the intended vessel
passageway for the device. For instance, a larger vessel passageway
(e.g., greater expandable inner diameter) may tolerate a bigger
device with an outer sheath 50 having a correspondingly greater
diameter. Conversely, a narrower vessel passageway may require a
thinner outer sheath 50. Likewise, the overall length may vary. In
one embodiment, the outer sheath 50 will have a length from about
50.0 cm (or about 19.685 inches) to about 125.0 cm (or about 49.213
inches), and more particularly between about 70.0 cm (or about
27.559 inches) and about 105.0 cm (or about 41.339 inches), and in
yet another embodiment the length is approximately 100.0 cm (or
about 39.370 inches).
[0101] The inner compression member 41 comprises an elongated
pusher bar, stiffening member, or stiff polymer that helps to
"push" the stent by pushing the stent carrying inner guide channel
member at or near the distal end 13 in order to counter the urge
for the stent or stent carrying member to move as a result of an
outer sheath or outer guide channel member being pulled over the
stent; thereby "pushing" holds the stent in place at the desired
deployment site within the patient's body. The inner compression
member 41 "pushes" the stent by helping to prevent or minimize the
inner guide channel member from prolapsing, recoiling, kinking,
buckling, or moving; thereby keeping the inner guide channel
member's stent platform on which the stent is disposed (discussed
later) substantially stationary, for the most part, relative to the
proximal retraction of the distal outer guide channel member
(discussed below) that exposes and, thus, deploys the stent. The
phrase "at or near" as used herein to describe an embodiment of the
invention includes a location that is at, within, or a short
distance such as about 0.1 cm to about 15.0 cm, although other
ranges may apply, for instance from about 0.5 cm to about 10.0
cm.
[0102] The overall length of the inner compression member 41 may
vary, as desired. In one embodiment the inner compression member 41
has a length from about 50.0 cm to about 175.0 cm, and more
particularly between about 75.0 cm and 150.0 cm, and in one
embodiment the length is approximately 125.0 cm to about 140.0 cm.
A portion of the inner compression member 41 (e.g., the proximal
end 40 and/or middle section 40') may be contained within the
handle 30 and the stylet 20, as explained above (FIG. 2).
[0103] Likewise, the diameter or width of the inner compression
member 41 may vary. In one embodiment, the inner compression member
41 has a diameter or width ranging from about 0.010 inches to about
0.030 inches, by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
In one embodiment, the inner compression member 41 has a diameter
or width that is approximately 0.016 inches. The diameter or width
may be more or less than these illustrative ranges. For example, a
deeper target site within a patient may require a thicker inner
compression member 41 for greater push-ability, but may tolerate
lesser flexibility. In addition, the material that the inner
compression member 41 comprises determines whether a smaller and
more flexible inner compression member 41 will give suitable
flexibility, and also determines whether a wider inner compression
member 41 may have the flexibility of a thinner inner compression
member 41 made of different material. Furthermore, the inner
compression member 41 may have a curved transverse cross-section,
such as, for example, a circular cross-section, or it may have a
polygonal cross-section, such as, for example, a rectangular
cross-section. Alternatively, the transverse cross-section of the
inner compression member may include both curved and straight
portions. According to one embodiment, the inner compression member
41 may have a nonuniform diameter or width along its length. These
various diameters, widths, and cross-sections may occur at the
inner compression member proximal end 40, the inner compression
member middle section 40', and/or the inner compression member
distal mating end 48.
[0104] It should be understood that the diameter, width, and/or
cross-section of the inner compression member 41 may taper. For
example, the inner compression member 41 may taper toward the
distal end as taught in the United States Provisional Patent
Application filed on Jan. 23, 2006 entitled, "Tapered Inner
Compression Member and Tapered Inner Guide Channel Member for
Medical Device Delivery Systems" and having an application Ser. No.
60/761,676, and the non-provisional application filed on Apr. 20,
2006 by the same title and claiming the benefit of the filing date
application Ser. No. 60/761,676 under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), the
disclosures of which are incorporated in its entirety.
[0105] Also, an inner compression member 41 may have an outer
surface comprising a lubricious PTFE material and/or an inner
surface 44 of the outer sheath 50 may comprise a lubricious PTFE
material against the inner compression member 41, in order to allow
easy retraction of the outer sheath 50, which is in communication
with a distal outer guide channel member to deploy a self-expanding
stent, as will be explained later.
[0106] Generally, the inner compression member 41 and outer sheath
50 may optionally be approximately the same in length, and the
axial length of coil 43 will be less than the length of the inner
compression member and outer sheath. In one embodiment, however,
the inner compression member 41 comprises a proximal end 40 that
extends proximal relative to the outer sheath. In yet another
embodiment, the inner compression member extends to a position that
is distal the outer sheath. In still another embodiment, the inner
compression member 41 stops short of extending all the way to the
distal tip of the delivery system 10, and may stop generally from
10 to 40 cm short of the distal tip of the delivery system 10, and
in one embodiment it stops approximately 20 to 25 cm short of the
distal tip of the delivery system 10, where the distal end of the
inner compression member 41 is operatively coupled to a proximal
portion of an inner guide channel member.
System Distal End 13
[0107] Now turning to embodiments of a distal end 13 of medical
device delivery systems according to the invention, FIGS. 4, 5, 6,
and 7 show the distal end 13 to be a relatively tubular body. Given
the configuration of vessels, vessel passageways, a working channel
of an endoscope, or an external accessory channel device used with
an endoscope to be navigated, a mostly tubular distal end with a
distal tapered, rounded, chamfered, or arrowhead shape may be
better tolerated by the patient. Further, in certain embodiments,
the distal portion of the distal end 13 may be soft, rounded, and
flexible so as to provide further protection for and care to the
patient.
[0108] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the distal end 13 of a
delivery system for the rapid insertion of self-expanding stents
(for example) comprising an inner guide channel member 70, an outer
guide channel member 80 axially slideable relative to the inner
member 70, a self-expanding deployment device mounting region 90
(e.g., a stent mounting region), and a transition region 60. As
used in connection with describing embodiments of the inner and
outer guide channel members 70, 80, respectively, the term "guide
channel" is understood to be any aperture, bore, cavity, chamber,
channel, duct, flow passage, lumen, opening, orifice, or passageway
that facilitates the conveyance, evacuation, flow, movement,
passage, regulation, or ventilation of fluids, gases, or a
diagnostic, monitoring, scope, catheter, other instrument, or more
particularly a wire guide (FIG. 6) or another component of the
distal end (e.g., an inner member 70 relative to the outer member
channel 81).
[0109] The distal end 13, according to the delivery system 10 and
shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, may be made of any suitable material
(natural, synthetic, plastic, rubber, metal, or combination
thereof) that is rigid, strong, and resilient, although it should
be understood that the material may also be pliable, elastic, and
flexible. By way of illustration only and not by way of limitation,
the distal end may comprise one or a combination of the following
materials: metals and alloys such as nickel-titanium alloy
("nitinol") or medical grade stainless steel, and/or plastic and
polymers such as polyether ether-ketone ("PEEK"),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon and/or a polyether block
amide ("PEBA"), polyimide, polyurethane, cellulose acetate,
cellulose nitrate, silicone, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"),
polyamide, polyester, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, polyether
sulfone, polycarbonate, polypropylene, high molecular weight
polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or mixtures or copolymers
thereof, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid or copolymers thereof,
polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyhydroxy-butyrate
valerate, polyhydroxy-butyrate valerate, or another polymer or
suitable material. Where it will not contact the patient (e.g., it
is contained within a sheath, working channel of an endoscope, or
an external accessory channel device used with an endoscope), the
middle section delivery device 14 and distal end 13 do not need to
be biocompatible. In contrast, where there is the possibility of
patient contact, the material may need to be biocompatible or
capable of being made biocompatible, such as by coating, chemical
treatment, or the like.
[0110] The inner and outer guide channel members 70, 80,
respectively, may be made of any suitable material described above
for use with the distal end 13. In one embodiment, the inner guide
channel member 70 and the outer guide channel member 80 comprise
PEEK material, which has the advantage of softening under heat
before burning or degrading. PEEK tubing may be purchased from many
suppliers, such as Zeus, Inc. in Orangeburg, S.C. for instance.
[0111] Beginning with the inner guide channel member 70, a
description will follow relating to features common to embodiments
of a distal end 13 of a delivery system 10 for the rapid insertion
of "stents" according to the invention. The inner guide channel
member 70 is generally tubular and comprises a first end 78 and a
second end 77 defining a wire guide channel 71 therebetween.
Optionally, the inner guide channel member 70 is configured to be
slidably nested, fitted, secured, or otherwise positioned within
the outer guide channel member 80 such that at least one of the
inner guide channel member first or second ends 78, 77,
respectively, is axially intermediate an outer guide channel member
first end 88 and an outer guide channel member second end 87.
[0112] The first end 78 of the inner guide channel member 70
further comprises a wire guide entry port 72, and the second end 77
has a wire guide exit port 73. The entry and exit ports 72, 73,
respectively, define and are in communication via the wire guide
channel 71. A port, in describing an embodiment of an inner guide
channel member 70 and an outer guide channel member 80 according to
the invention, includes any structure that functions as an entry or
exit aperture, cutout, gap, hole, opening, orifice, passage,
passageway, port, or portal. The inner guide channel member entry
port 72 is sized to receive a wire guide into the inner member
guide channel 71, and the inner guide channel member 70 is
configured so that the wire guide may exit proximally out the inner
guide channel member exit port 73. Optionally, the exit port 73 is
located at or near the transition region 60. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the inner member 70 is a cannula (or
catheter) having an entry port 72 and an exit port 73 as previously
described and defining a guide channel 71 therebetween.
[0113] The inner guide channel member 70 further comprises an outer
self-expanding deployment device mounting region 90 (e.g., an outer
stent mounting region) positioned intermediate the inner guide
channel member entry and exit ports 72, 73, respectively. The
length of the inner guide channel member 70 of any of the
embodiments of the present invention may vary generally from about
10.0 to about 40.0 cm. In one alternative embodiment, the length of
the inner guide channel member 70 is approximately 15.0 to
approximately 25.0 cm. In another embodiment, the length of the
inner guide channel member 70 is approximately 20.0 cm. Also, the
length of the inner guide channel member 70 may depend on the
intended stent, and in another embodiment the length of the inner
guide channel member 70 is approximately 15.0 cm for an 8.0 cm
stent.
[0114] The inner guide channel member 70 further comprises inner
and outer diameters. In one embodiment, both diameters are
substantially uniform over the entire length of the inner guide
channel member 70. By way of example, an internal diameter 74 might
measure approximately 0.0205 inches at or near the inner guide
channel member proximal second end 77, at or near the inner guide
channel member distal first end 78, and intermediate the first and
second ends 78, 77, respectively. Likewise, an inner guide channel
member 70 might have an outer diameter 75 that measures
approximately 0.0430 inches. Thus, the outer diameter 75 might
measure approximately 0.0430 inches at or near the inner guide
channel member proximal second end 77, at or near the inner guide
channel member distal first end 78, and intermediate the first and
second ends 78, 77.
[0115] In an alternative embodiment to an inner guide channel
member 70 having a substantially uniform outer diameter 75 along
its length from about the second end 77 to about the first end 78,
the inner guide channel member may also comprise a tapered outer
diameter 76. In one embodiment, the inner guide channel member
tapers distally to a second outer diameter 76' at or near the inner
guide channel member first end 78 or intermediate the inner guide
channel member first and second ends 78, 77, respectively. The
taper 76 has a decreased cross section, diameter, width, height,
area, volume, thickness, and/or other configuration, shape, form,
profile, structure, external outline, and/or contour relative to
the outer diameter 75. In other words, the inner guide channel
member second outer diameter 76' is smaller in cross section,
diameter, width, height, area, volume, thickness, and/or other
configuration, shape, form, profile, structure, external outline,
and/or contour than the outer diameter 75.
[0116] FIG. 4 further shows an optional atraumatic tip 170 coupled
to the inner guide channel member first end 78. Extending distally
from the inner guide channel member first end 78, the atraumatic
tip 170 is tapered, rounded, chamfered, or arrowhead shape to be
better tolerated by the patient. The atraumatic tip 170 comprises a
distal first end 178 with a wire guide entry port 172 and a
proximal second end 177 with a wire guide exit port 173, whereby
the entry and exit ports define an atraumatic tip guide channel
171. The ports 172, 173 and channel 171 are sized to slideably
receive a wire guide.
[0117] The atraumatic tip second end 177, as shown in FIG. 4, may
abut the outer guide channel member distal end 88 and, thereby,
extend entirely distally beyond a distal opening 89 of the outer
guide channel member first end 88. Optionally, the outer guide
channel member distal opening 89 is spaced from the atraumatic tip
170 sufficient to allow delivery system to be flushed with saline
that exits the distal end to remove air in order to help keep air
out of the patient, as explained above. In the alternative and as
shown in FIG. 5, the atraumatic tip 170 may be configured to have a
second end 177 that is beveled such that the atraumatic tip second
end 172 is partially positioned within the outer member guide
channel 81 and partially proximal to the outer guide channel member
distal opening 89. The beveled design of the atraumatic tip second
end 177 forms a proximal stop against the outer guide channel
member distal opening 89 while permitting the atraumatic tip second
end 177 to be partially slidably nested, fitted, secured, or
otherwise positioned within the outer guide channel member first
end 88 so that the outer guide channel member first end 88 overlaps
the atraumatic tip 170 to form a suitable seal that substantially
occludes passage of a wire guide between the atraumatic tip 170 and
the distal opening 89 of the outer member first end 88 (FIG. 5).
Furthermore, the atraumatic tip second end 177 comprises a stent
distal restraint 93' as explained below.
[0118] In FIG. 4, the outer guide channel member 80 also is
generally tubular and comprises a first end 88 and a second end 87.
The outer guide channel member 80 further comprises a wire guide
entry port 82 proximal to the first end 88 and a proximal wire
guide exit port 83 located at or near the second end 87. The entry
and exit ports, 82, 83, respectively, define a guide channel 81 of
the outer guide channel member 80, wherein the ports 82, 83 and
channel 81 are sized to slideably receive a wire guide. The entry
port 82 is configured to receive a wire guide into the outer member
guide channel 81, and in one embodiment, the entry port 82 is
defined by the inner guide channel member exit port 73. In that
embodiment, the wire guide moves proximally through the inner
member guide channel 71 and egresses from the inner guide channel
member exit port 73, wherein the proximal passage of the inner
guide channel member exit port 73 is designated as the outer guide
channel member wire guide entry port 82. The outer guide channel
member proximal wire guide exit port 83 is configured so that a
wire guide may egress proximally out the outer member exit port 83.
In one embodiment, the outer guide channel member distal opening 89
and exit port 83 define the guide channel 81 therebetween.
[0119] In one embodiment, the Flexor.RTM. sheath, manufactured and
sold by Cook Incorporated of Bloomington, Ind., may be adapted for
use with the distal end 13 and/or the middle section delivery
device 14. Otherwise stated, the Flexor.RTM. sheath, as shown in
FIG. 3 and described above, may be provided for the distal end 13
and/or the middle section delivery device 14. For instance, the
distal end 13 may be constructed as comprising an integral
Flexor.RTM. sheath tube with the middle section delivery device 14.
Alternatively, a Flexor.RTM. tubing may be used for either the
middle section delivery device 14 or the distal end 13, or both.
Then, the separable middle section delivery device 14 and distal
end 13 may be attached, adjoined, joined, or combined as taught in
the United States Provisional Patent Application filed on Apr. 20,
2005 entitled, "Delivery System and Devices for the Rapid Insertion
of Self-Expanding Devices" and having an application Ser. No.
60/673,199, and the non-provisional application filed on Apr. 20,
2006 by the same title and claiming the benefit of the filing date
application Ser. No. 60/673,199 under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), the
disclosures of which are incorporated in its entirety, and/or the
United States Provisional Patent Application filed on Jan. 23, 2006
entitled, "Melt-Bonded Joint for Joining Sheaths Used in Medical
Devices, and Methods of Forming the Melt-Bonded Joint" and having
an application Ser. No. 60/761,594, and the non-provisional
application filed on Apr. 20, 2006 by the same title and claiming
the benefit of the filing date application Ser. No. 60/761,594
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), the disclosures of which are
incorporated in its entirety.
[0120] The Flexor.RTM. sheath has a PTFE inner lining 44 that
provides a slick, smooth surface for sliding the outer sheath 50
and/or the outer guide channel member 80 proximally. With regard to
the distal end 13, the outer guide channel member 80 slides
relative to the inner guide channel member 70, and the outer guide
channel member inner surface 92 would be the inner layer 44
described above, thereby resulting in minimal friction to a stent
17 on the stent platform 91. The slidable inner surface 92 of the
Flexor.RTM. sheath exhibits a second benefit of minimizing damage
or misalignment to the stent. Indeed, because self-expanding stents
continuously exert an expanding force against the inside surface 92
of the outer guide channel member 80, any substantial friction or
drag between the stent and the inner surface 92 of the outer guide
channel member 80 as the outer guide channel member 80 withdraws
may damage the stent or cause the stent to be deployed slightly off
of the target site.
[0121] The thin flat wire reinforcing coil 43 of the Flexor.RTM.
sheath provides the outer guide channel member 80 with the
necessary radial strength to constrain the stent over long periods
of storage time. In contrast, where the inner surface 92 of an
outer guide channel member 80 does not comprise the Flexor.RTM.
sheath inner layer 44 or equivalent, the stent over time may tend
to become imbedded in the inner surface 92 and, as a result,
interfere with retraction of the outer guide channel member 80 at
the time of deployment. In an outer guide channel member 80 that
comprises a Flexor.RTM. sheath, in addition to the inner layer 44
and the reinforcing coil 43, the outer guide channel member 80 has
a Flexor.RTM. sheath outer layer 42. The outer layer 42 comprises
nylon and/or PEBA to provide the necessary stiffness for
pushability, retraction, and control of the outer member 80 to
facilitate proper deployment of the constrained self-expanding
stent. Therefore, the Flexor.RTM. sheath is one non-limiting
example of an embodiment of an outer sheath 50 and/or an outer
guide channel member 80.
[0122] While FIG. 4 shows an outer guide channel member 80 having
the exit port 83 proximal to the entry port 82 in one embodiment of
the outer guide channel member 80, the relative axial distances
between the entry and exit ports 82, 83, respectively, vary when
the outer guide channel member 80 is in a non-deployed state versus
a deployed state, because the outer guide channel member 80 moves
axially relative to the inner guide channel member 70. Otherwise
stated, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where the exit port 83 is
proximal to the entry port 82 in either a non-deployed stent
position or in a deployed stent position. In a non-deployed stent
position of another embodiment, however, the exit port 83 may be
substantially co-planar to or aligned with the entry port 82. In
the fully deployed stent position, the exit port 83 may likewise be
proximal, co-planar, or aligned with the entry port 82. Optionally,
the entry port 82 and exit port 83 are located at or near the
transition region 60 to be discussed below.
[0123] Furthermore, the outer guide channel member 80 has a stepped
84, 85 profile, whereby the outer guide channel member 80 comprises
a first outer diameter 84 intermediate the outer guide channel
member first and second ends 88, 87, respectively, and a second
smaller outer diameter 85 located at or near the outer guide
channel member second end 87 in the vicinity of the transition
region 60 and the breech position opening 65. The stepped 84, 85
profile includes an embodiment where the outer guide channel member
80 transitions to the distal end portion 58 of the outer sheath 50
of the middle section delivery device 14. In describing embodiments
of the invention, however, the stepped 84, 85 profile shall be
discussed in reference to the outer guide channel member 80 in
particular, but it should be understood as including a stepped 84,
85 profile in reference to the transition region 60 of the distal
end 13 relative to the middle section delivery device 14 where the
middle section delivery device 14 and distal end 13 are formed from
separate units such as, by way of example only and not by way of
limitation, separate "Flexor.RTM." sheaths where one comprises a
first outer diameter 84 and the other comprises a second smaller
outer diameter 85.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 4, the second smaller outer diameter 85 of
the outer guide channel member 80 is located proximal to the larger
first outer diameter 84 and, thereby, comprises a stepped 84, 85
profile. Having a second smaller outer diameter 85 reduces the
profile of the outer guide channel member 80 and/or the outer guide
channel member 80 transition to the middle section delivery device
14, which is advantageous in procedures involving narrow vessel
passageways, endoscope working channels, or accessory channels for
use with endoscopes. The difference in the first diameter 84 and
the second diameter 85 may vary. By way of illustration, the second
diameter 85 may be approximately one-fourth to approximately
nine-tenths that of the first diameter 84. In another embodiment,
the second diameter 85 may be about one-half that of the first
diameter 84. In another embodiment, the first diameter 84 is
roughly 5 French while the second diameter 85 is roughly 4
French.
[0125] In one embodiment of the stepped 84, 85 profile of the outer
guide channel member 80, the second smaller outer diameter 85 is
located at or near the outer guide channel member second end 87.
The second end 87 may decrease precipitously from the first outer
diameter 84 to the second smaller diameter 85. In a precipitous
step, the change from the diameters occurs over a short length
along the longitudinal axis of the distal end 13. In a further
example of a precipitous step, the plane formed by the exit port 83
may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
outer guide channel member 80. In an alternative embodiment, the
second end 87 may decrease gradually from the first outer diameter
84 to the second smaller diameter 85. In a gradual step, the change
from the two diameters occurs over a length of more than 1.0
millimeter ("mm") along the longitudinal axis of the distal end 13
at or near the transition region 60 and breech position opening 65,
and in one instance this change occurs over a length from about 1.0
mm to about 10.0 mm. In a further example of a gradual step, the
plane formed by the exit port 83 may be at an angle other than 90
degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end 13.
[0126] FIG. 4 also shows a breech position opening 65 located at or
near the second end 87 of the outer guide channel member 80
comprising the wire guide exit port 83. In other words, rather than
the exit port 83 being an aperture in a lateral sidewall of the
outer guide channel member 80 intermediate the first and second
ends 88, 87, respectively, in a breech position opening 65
embodiment the exit port 83 is at the rear, back, or proximal part
of the distal end 13 at or near the outer member second end 87 and
the stepped 84, 85 profile such that it opens in the direction of
the outer surface of the outer sheath 50.
[0127] The breech position opening 65 may be used for front-loading
and the more common procedure of back-loading a wire guide (or
catheter, for instance). In a back-loading procedure for a delivery
system having a breech position opening 65, the wire guide may pass
proximally through the guide channel 71 of the inner guide channel
member 70, proximally through the guide channel 81 of the outer
guide channel member 80, and leave the exit port 83 of the second
end 87 of the outer guide channel member 80 from a breech position
opening 65 in a rear, back, or proximal part of the distal end 13.
Conversely, in a front-loading procedure for a delivery system
having a breech position opening 65, the physician may feed the
wire guide distally into a breech position opening 65 at the rear,
back, or proximal part of the distal end 13 by entering the exit
port 83 of the second end 87 and the guide channel 81 of the outer
guide channel member 80 and through the guide channel 71 of the
inner guide channel member 70, where the wire guide may exit from
the wire guide entry port 72 of the inner guide channel member 70
and/or wire guide entry port 172 of the atraumatic tip 170.
[0128] In a distal end 13 having a breech position opening 65 that
comprises an exit port 83 located at a breech position of the
transition region 60 according to the invention, the wire guide
does not need to make any sharp turns away from the longitudinal
axis of the distal end 13 that may result in kinking of the wire
guide. The breech position opening 65--comprising an exit port 83
according to embodiments of the invention, as those shown in FIGS.
4, 5, 6, and 7 by way of example and not by way of limitation--is
located proximal to the inner guide channel member second end 77
and may be transverse or angled relative to the tubular distal end
13 longitudinal axis. In other words, the wire guide exit port 83
may be positioned at or near a breech position opening 65 of the
distal end 13, wherein the exit port 83 is located at or near the
rear, back, or proximal part of the outer guide channel member 80
and/or second end 87, rather than being positioned exclusively on
the side (e.g., outer circumferential cylinder wall) of the outer
guide channel member 80.
[0129] In FIG. 4, the breech position opening 65 comprises an exit
port 83 that is illustrated as being oblique, although other
configurations of the exit port may be utilized to aid the wire
guide in exiting the rear of the outer member. In one example, the
exit port 83 may form a plane substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the outer guide channel member second end 87.
In another example, the plane formed by the exit port 83 may be at
an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of
the distal end 13. Optionally, the oblique exit port 83 of a breech
position opening 65 has lateral walls 83a, 83b that act as guide
rails to direct a wire guide proximally toward the middle section
delivery device 14 and to run along the outside of the outer sheath
50.
[0130] The overall axial length of the exit port 83 of the breech
position opening 65 may vary. In one embodiment, the length is
approximately from about 1.0 mm to about 10.0 mm. Another
embodiment has a length of approximately 5.0 mm. The overall width
of the exit port 83 may also vary. In one example, the width of the
exit port is approximately 1 French. In yet another instance, the
width of the exit port 83 ranges from about 1 French to about 4
French. In another example, the width of the exit port 83 may be
the approximate difference between the first outer diameter 84 and
the second outer diameter 85 of the outer guide channel member
80.
[0131] At the transition region 60, the exit port 73 of the inner
guide channel member 70 is in communication with the outer guide
channel member 80 wire guide entry port 82, while the second end 77
is operatively coupled to the distal mating end 48 of the inner
guide channel member 70 as explained below. The length of the
transition region 60 may vary. For instance, the transition region
60 may be approximately from about 0.5 cm to about 10.0 cm. In
another embodiment, the transition region 60 has the approximate
length of about 5.0 cm. Furthermore, the length of the transition
region 60 is variable: from a shorter axial length when the outer
guide channel member 80 is in a non-deployed axial position; to a
greater axial length when the outer guide channel member 80
retracts proximally to deploy the stent. Likewise, the overall
length of the transition region 60 varies in the embodiment where
the exit port 83 is distal to the entry port 82 when the outer
guide channel member 80 is in a non-deployed stent position,
compared to the initial length of the transition region 60 in an
embodiment where the exit port 83 is proximal to the entry port 82
when the outer guide channel member 80 is in a non-deployed stent
position.
[0132] In one use of the transition region 60 according to an
embodiment of the invention, the outer guide channel member entry
port 82 receives a wire guide from the inner guide channel member
exit port 73 and the wire guide thereby is received in the outer
member guide channel 81. At the transition region 60, the inner
member guide channel 71 and outer member guide channel 81 are
approximately aligned relatively coaxially in one embodiment.
Approximate alignment of the guide channels 71, 81 facilitates a
smooth transition of the wire guide. Smooth transition optimally
reduces any bending of the wire guide as the wire guide moves
proximally from the inner member guide channel 71 to the outer
member guide channel 81.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 4, the distal end 13 also comprises a
self-expanding deployment device mounting region 90. This mounting
region 90 may be used for implantable prosthesis such as expandable
(self-expanding, balloon expandable, or otherwise expanding) and
nonexpanding stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other
implantable articles for placement inside a patient's body (the
implantable prostheses being referred to individually and
collectively as "stents" without limiting the invention) and
therefore may be referred to as a stent mounting region to include
the foregoing implantable prostheses.
[0134] The stent mounting region 90 comprises a stent platform 91
on an outside surface of the inner guide channel member 70 located
at or near the inner guide channel member second end 78. In
describing embodiments of the invention, the platform 91 "at or
near" the inner guide channel member second end 78 includes a
region intermediate the inner guide channel member entry port 72
and the inner guide channel member exit port 73. The platform 91
may be any stent mounting surface, including but not limited to the
outside surface of the inner guide channel member 70, a recess, or
an indentation located at or near the first end 78 of the inner
guide channel member 70. In a non-deployed state, a self-expanding
stent for example (not shown) compresses against the stent platform
91 and disposes around the outside of the inner guide channel
member 70.
[0135] The stent mounting region 90 controls the lateral movement
(e.g., transverse expansion away from the inner guide channel
member longitudinal axis) to avoid premature deployment of the
stent. In order to control the lateral movement of the stent, the
stent is sandwiched between the platform 91 on the inner surface of
the stent and the inner surface 92 of the outer guide channel
member 80 to keep the stent in a compressed state. Because the
stent is bound from above by the inner surface 92 of the outer
guide channel member 80 and bound from below by the platform 91 of
the inner guide channel member 70, the stent mounting region 90
maintains the stent in a substantially compressed state and
controls premature deployment of the stent.
[0136] In addition to controlling a stent's lateral movement, the
stent mounting region 90 restrains the axial movement of a stent to
control the stent movement away from the target site. A proximal
restraint 93 controls proximal axial movement of the stent. In one
embodiment, the proximal restraint 93 is sized to be large enough
to make sufficient contact with the loaded proximal end of the
stent without making frictional contact with the inner surface 92
of the outer guide channel member 80. In addition to helping to
stop the stent's proximal movement in the non-deployed state, this
restraint 93 assists with "pushing" the stent out of the distal end
13 by helping to prevent the inner guide channel member 70 and/or
the stent disposed on the stent mounting region 90 from migrating
proximally when the outer guide channel member 80 retracts
proximally relative to the stationary inner guide channel member 70
in order to expose and deploy the stent. Optionally, the restraint
93 may be radiopaque so as to aid in stent positioning within the
vessel passageway at or near the target site within a patient. In
one embodiment, an optional distal restraint 93' is large enough to
make sufficient contact with the loaded distal end of the stent to
control axially distal movement of the stent. Similarly, in another
embodiment the proximal second end 177 of an optional atraumatic
tip 170 controls the stent's distal axial movement. Indeed, because
the medical device delivery system may be used for deploying an
implantable prosthesis that comprises balloon expandable or
non-expanding stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other
implantable articles at a selected location inside a patient's
body, the proximal restraint 93 and distal restraint 93' control
the axial distal movement of the implantable prosthesis.
Optionally, the distal restraint 93' and/or atraumatic tip 170 may
comprise radiopaque materials so as to aid in stent positioning
within the vessel passageway at or near the target site within a
patient.
[0137] FIG. 4 also illustrates that the inner compression member 41
and inner guide channel member second end 77 may be operatively
coupled by any suitable means. In one embodiment, a melt bond 47
(described below) operatively couples an inner compression member
distal mating end 48 ("mating end 48") and the second end 77 of the
inner guide channel member 70. A melt bond 47 provides
surface-to-surface contact between an outer engaging surface 48' of
the mating end 48 and the inner guide channel second end 77,
thereby forming a more solid connection between the inner
compression member 41 and the inner guide channel member 70.
[0138] In one embodiment, the inner compression member outer
engaging surface 48' may form a melt bond 47 to an inner surface
101 of the inner guide channel member second end 77. Alternatively,
the inner compression member outer engaging surface 48' may form a
melt bond 47 to the outer surface 102 of the inner guide channel
second end 77. In yet another embodiment, the distal mating end 48
of a solid inner compression member 41 as shown in FIG. 4 is
implanted 49 between (and/or melt bonded 47 between) inner and
outer surfaces 101, 102, respectively, of the inner guide channel
member second end 77, as taught in United States Provisional Patent
Application filed on Jan. 23, 2006 entitled, "Internal Joint for
Medical Devices, and Methods of Making the Internal Joint," and
having an application Ser. No. 60/761,313, and the non-provisional
application filed on Apr. 20, 2006 by the same title and claiming
the benefit of the filing date application Ser. No. 60/761,313
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), the disclosures of which are
incorporated in its entirety. In still another embodiment, an
insert body operatively couples the inner compression member 41 and
the second end inner guide channel member 70, as taught in United
States Provisional Patent Application filed on Jan. 23, 2006
entitled, "Internal Cannulated Joint for Medical Delivery Systems,"
and having an application Ser. No. 60/761,565, and the
non-provisional application filed on Apr. 20, 2006 by the same
title and claiming the benefit of the filing date application Ser.
No. 60/761,565 under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), the disclosures of
which are incorporated in its entirety.
[0139] As used to describe an embodiment of the invention, melt
bonding 47 (for shorthand purposes in describing embodiments
according to the invention, melt bonding 47 includes implanting 49)
comprises any suitable means for melting, liquefying, softening,
making tacky, fusing, or making malleable, pliant, supple,
moldable, ductile, or otherwise penetrable by another component or
fused to melt bonding material comprising the other element. For
instance, melt bonding 47 involves bringing two components together
at an interface, wherein one (or preferably both) of the component
interfaces are in the melted state. Strictly speaking, true melt
bonding 47 requires that both of the components be melted at the
interface and that they may be sufficiently chemically and
physically compatible such that they fuse together upon
cooling.
[0140] The melt bonding materials comprising the two components may
be the same or substantially same materials. In the alternative,
the melt bonding materials may be different, so long as they have
substantially similar melting points at standard atmospheric
pressure such that the materials soften (or liquefy) under heat and
thereby fuse together in a solid state melt bond 47 joining the
first and second melt bonding materials of the components. If the
materials had melting points that were too different, then one
material may degrade or burn and the like before the second
material begins to melt.
[0141] Melt bonding 47 may be single layer interface whereby one
component interface/surface mates to a second component
interface/surface, or may be multi-layer interface whereby one
component is implanted 49 into a second component and then
surrounded by the second component. The chemical compatibility can
best be expressed in terms of having similar values for surface
energy and/or solubility parameter. In simple terms, similar
materials tend to have a mutual affinity and a greater propensity
to adhere to one another than do dissimilar materials. Melt bonding
includes bonding whereby one component is melted while the other
component is at or above its melting point.
[0142] Melt bonding materials may have different "melt bonding"
temperatures at which they soften and become almost tacky without
substantial degradation. Melt bonding materials are available from
vendors, including Zeus, Inc. in Orangeburg, S.C. for instance;
Cobalt Polymers in Cloverdale, Calif.; and under the trade name of
Pebax.RTM. PEBA from the Arkema Group. The melt bonding materials
may include one or a combination of a class of suitable materials
comprising nylon, nylon natural tubing, polyether block amide,
polyetheretherketone, thermoplastic,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polypropylene,
polyamide, ionomer, polycarbonate, polyphenylene oxide,
polyphenylene sulphide, acrylic, liquid crystal polymer,
polyolefin, polyethylene acrylate acid, polyvinylidene fluoride,
polyvinyl, and polyvinyl chloride.
[0143] In one embodiment, PEEK material is used for the melt
bonding material. PEEK melts at about 633.degree. F., so the
material may be heated from about 628.degree. F. to about
638.degree. F. For instance, a radiofrequency loop heater may be
used for heating the melt bonding materials. Such a machine is
available from Magnaforce, Incorporated and sold under the name and
model Heatstation 1500. Another such machine is available from
Cath-Tip, Inc. and is sold under the model and name Cath-Tip II.
There is a rise dwell and cool down time for the process. The total
rise time is approximately 20 seconds and dwell time is
approximately 10 seconds. During the dwell time the temperature is
approximately 600.degree. F. In one embodiment where nylon or PEBA
are used, heating is at about 400.degree. F., with dwell time of
about 10 seconds.
[0144] FIGS. 4A and 4B present a schematic representation of a
cross section 105 of components before and after melt bonding
according to one embodiment of the invention. The cross section 105
of FIG. 4A, for example, represents an inner component 106, a
middle component 107, and an outer component 108. While all
components are shown having interfaces in abutting physical
contact, they need only be close enough to form a melt bond
therebetween. Indeed, as previously explained in connection with
the Flexor.RTM. sheath's outer layer 42 and inner layer 44, there
may even be a middle layer comprising a coil 43 having spacings 43'
through which the melt bonding material of the outer layer 42 may
move to be into contact with the inner layer 44.
[0145] In the example represented in FIG. 4A, the middle and outer
components 107, 108, respectively, are intended to be melt bonded.
The middle component 107 comprises a first melt bonding material
109 while the outer component 108 comprises a second melt bonding
material 109', which may be the same material or may be separate
materials that have similar melting points at atmospheric
pressure.
[0146] FIG. 4B shows some of the first melt bonding material 109 of
the middle component 107 moving into some of the second melt
bonding material 109' of the outer component 108. Likewise, some of
the second melt bonding material 109' of the outer component 108
moves into some of the first melt bonding material 109 of the
middle component 107. It should be noted that both of the first and
second materials 109, 109' need not move into the other. Rather,
the first and second materials 109, 109' need only bond at an
interface, with or without mixing and the like. By way of example,
the Flexor.RTM. sheath's outer layer 42 may melt to the middle
layer coil 43 (which has not melted) and bond to the outer surface
of the inner layer 44 with or without the outer surface of the
inner layer 44 melting into the outer layer 42.
[0147] FIG. 4B further shows that the first and second melt bonding
materials 109, 109', respectively, of the middle component 107 and
the outer component 108 or other components that have been melt
bonded, upon cooling to solid state will form a melt bond 47
operatively coupling the components and/or the melt bonding
materials that comprise the components. This results in additional
strength and helps to form a more solid connection to the melt
bonded components, because a solid-state bond results from using a
suitable form of heat for melting and solidifying (e.g., fusing
and/or cross-linking bonds formed at the melt bonded material
interfaces).
[0148] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view showing an alternative
embodiment of a distal end 13 of a delivery system for the rapid
insertion of stents comprising an inner guide channel member 70, an
outer guide channel member 80 axially slideable relative to the
inner member 70, a deployment device mounting region 90 (e.g., a
stent mounting region), and a transition region 60. Like elements
from the previous drawings, embodiments, and description from above
are labeled the same. In this embodiment, the inner compression
member 41 optionally comprises a passageway 45 (e.g., hollow,
having a lumen) that facilitates the conveyance, ventilation, flow,
movement, blockage, evacuation, or regulation of medication and/or
fluids or accommodates the insertion of a diagnostic, monitoring,
scope, or other instrument.
[0149] The tubular inner compression member 41 may have a uniform
inside diameter ranging from about 0.0527 to about 0.132 inches.
The wall thickness of the tubular inner compression member 41 is
approximately 0.0015 inch. These dimensions are illustrative only,
and the inner diameter and wall thickness may be constructed to be
of any size necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the
delivery system is to be employed (i.e., limited by the vessel
passageway or working channel in which the device is to be
used).
[0150] In addition, this inner compression member 41 has an
optional distal one-way valve 61. Thus, the valve 61 may serve a
dual function. First, a one-way valve is relatively resistant to
contamination from bodily fluids entering the inner compression
member passageway 45. Second, it allows the movement of medication
and/or fluids to exit distally the inner compression member 41
passageway 45 at or near the transition region 60 and may direct
medication and/or fluids into the inner member guide channel 71
and/or the outer member guide channel 81.
[0151] Indeed, the inner compression member passageway 45 may
facilitate using the medical device delivery system for deploying
an implantable prosthesis that comprise balloon expandable stents,
prosthetic valve devices, and other implantable articles
(individually and collectively, "stent") at a selected location
inside a patient's body. The stent is disposed at the deployment
device mounting region 90 intermediate the proximal restraint 93
and distal restraint 93' to control the axial distal movement of
the implantable prosthesis.
[0152] In one embodiment for using the delivery system with a
balloon expandable implantable prosthesis, the inner compression
member distal mating end engaging surface 48' operatively couples
to the inner guide channel member outer surface 102 (or is welded
to an outer surface of a metal cannula that has the inner guide
channel member second end 77 glued within the cannula lumen), and
an inflation member (e.g., a balloon) extends distally from the
inner compression member distal mating end and is disposed over the
proximal restraint 93 and distally about the platform 91 of the
stent mounting region 90 such that the balloon is located under the
stent. The stent is positioned within the vessel passageway at or
near the target site within a patient, wherein the outer sheath 50
and outer guide channel member 80 is axially slideable relative to
the inner compression member 41 and inner guide channel member 70
upon corresponding axial slideable movement of the handle 30,
thereby exposing and, ultimately, deploying the stent from the
stent mounting region 90. The stylet 20 may be adapted to receive a
syringe for allowing inflation fluid, such as saline, to travel
from and through the proximal end 40 of the inner compression
member 41 and out the valve 61 at the distal end 48 in order to
fill the inflation chamber of the balloon. Therefore, balloon
expands under the stent and, as a result, the stent expands
radially to plastically deform the stent into a substantially
permanent expanded condition. The physician then deflates the
balloon and removes the inner guide channel member 70 and remainder
of the delivery system from the patient's body. This description of
using the delivery system for balloon expandable implantable
prosthesis is given by way of example and not by way of limitation.
Alternatively, a tubular inflation fluid carrying device is in the
outer sheath passageway 59 and extends from the system proximal end
12 to the system distal end 13 and operatively couples to an
inflation member disposed under the stent.
[0153] In one embodiment of the distal end 13 of a delivery system
illustrated in FIG. 5, an internal joint 46 comprises a melt bond
47 that operatively couples the inner guide channel member distal
mating end 48 and the second end 77 of the inner guide channel
member 70. For example, the inner compression member outer engaging
surface 48' may form a melt bond 47 to the inner surface 101 (or
alternatively to the outer surface 102) of the inner guide channel
member second end 77, as taught above.
[0154] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 also illustrates that the
exit ports 83 and 73 may have various configurations. First, these
exit ports curve, and second, compared to FIG. 4 they slope over a
longer overall axial length to aid the wire guide in exiting the
inner member and outer member, respectively. Furthermore, the exit
port 83 thereby has longer axial lateral walls 83a, 83b for acting
as guide rails to direct a wire guide proximally toward the middle
section 14 and to run along the outside of the outer sheath 50.
[0155] Moving to the atraumatic tip 170 as illustrated in FIG. 5,
this is a little less arrowhead-shaped compared to the atraumatic
tip 170 shown in FIG. 4. Instead, the atraumatic tip in FIG. 5 has
a second end 177 that comprises a right cylindrical tubular
configuration. Furthermore, the sides of the atraumatic tip second
end 177 are more uniformly parallel and do not form a proximal stop
against the outer guide channel member distal opening 89 as in a
beveled embodiment of the atraumatic tip second end 177 as
illustrated in FIG. 4. The atraumatic tip second end 177 optionally
comprises a stent distal restraint 93' for controlling distal axial
movement of the implantable prosthesis when the medical device
delivery system is used for deploying balloon expandable or
non-expanding stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other
implantable articles at a selected location inside a patient's
body.
[0156] Turning now to FIG. 6, that figure shows a partially
sectioned distal end 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the
device according to FIG. 5 with a wire guide 16 inserted therein.
In a back-loading procedure, the wire guide 16 enters the guide
channel 171 of the atraumatic tip 170 and travels proximally toward
the inner guide channel member 70. The wire guide 16 then enters
the inner member guide channel 71 and travels proximally toward the
outer guide channel member 80 via the entry port 82 and enters the
outer member guide channel 81 and out the exit port 83. The less
common front-loading procedure could be described as above but
conversely stated.
[0157] In FIG. 6, the inner and outer guide channels 71, 81,
respectively, are substantially aligned coaxially along an
approximate center longitudinal axis of the distal end 13. Because
the channels 71, 81 are substantially aligned, the wire guide 16
moves through the inner member guide channel 71 to the outer member
guide channel 81 and out the outer guide channel member exit port
83 at or near the breech position opening 65 with relatively little
kinking, bending, buckling, or bowing. It should be noted that for
the ease of showing the wire guide 16, the wire guide 16 proximal
to the exit port 83 is shown slightly offset from outer sheath 50,
though the wire guide 16 may actually run along the outside of the
outer sheath 50 or in a groove (not shown) in the outer sheath
50.
[0158] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view showing an alternative
embodiment of a distal end 13 of a delivery system for the rapid
insertion of stents comprising an inner guide channel member 70, an
outer guide channel member 80 axially slideable relative to the
inner member 70, a deployment device mounting region 90 (e.g., a
stent mounting region), and a transition region 60. Like elements
from the previous drawings, embodiments, and description from above
are labeled the same. This embodiment represents an alternative
embodiment of a joint 46 for operatively coupling the inner
compression member 41 and inner guide channel member 70 with a
cannula 95.
[0159] In one embodiment, the cannula 95 is a tubular device
comprising metal such as medical grade stainless steel or
super-elastic alloys (e.g., nitinol) to name but a few non-limiting
examples. The cannula 95 is sized for receiving the inner guide
channel second end 77 and/or the inner guide channel second end
outer diameter 75. The outer surface 102 of the inner guide channel
second end 77 is operatively coupled to an inner engaging surface
of the securing body 95 by glue, adhesives, resins, chemical
bonding materials or combinations thereof and the like
(collectively and individually, "glue").
[0160] In addition to securing the outer surface 102 of the inner
guide channel member second end 77 to an inner engaging surface of
the cannula 95, the cannula 95 also operatively couples the inner
guide channel member distal mating end 48. An outer engaging
surface 48' of the mating end 48 is in an abutting relationship
(e.g., touching, in contact directly or by intervening parts, or
adjacent) to an outer engaging surface of the cannula 95. The
mating end 48 and cannula 95 welded, soldered, brazed, or fused. In
order to minimize some of the sharp edges created by a welded,
soldered, brazed, or fused joint, tube may be disposed about the
joint 46. In one embodiment, the tube is a melt bonding tube
disposed about and melt bonded to the joint 46.
[0161] According to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, and 7C, the distal mating end
48 comprises a contoured configuration 48'' that is complementary
to an outer engaging surface 95' of the cannula 95. Thus, in an
embodiment comprising a cannula 95 that is curved or otherwise
circular in cross-section, then FIG. 7A shows that the contoured
configuration 48'' is fluted so that the outer engaging surface 48'
is capable of being in an abutting relationship (e.g., touching, in
contact directly or by intervening parts, or adjacent) relative to
a curved or circular outer engaging surface 95' of the cannula 95.
A fluted contoured configuration 48'' comprises any curved,
shoehorn shape, celery shape, semicircular shape, crescent shape,
wishbone shape, saddle shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, or
other arcuate configuration. In another embodiment, an outer
engaging surface 95' of the cannula 95 could have a flat portion,
and FIG. 7B shows that the contoured configuration 48'' is likewise
flat so that the outer engaging surface 48' is capable of being in
an abutting relationship (e.g., touching, in contact directly or by
intervening parts, or adjacent) relative to the flat portion of the
outer engaging surface of the cannula 95. Even when the outer
engaging surface 95' of the cannula 95 is curved or circular in
cross section, however, FIG. 7C shows that the inner compression
member contoured configuration 48'' could be flat, because the
soldering, brazing, or fusing may fill in the space between the
outer engaging surface 48' and a tangent that the flat
configuration 48'' forms to the curved portion of the outer surface
95' of the cannula 95. Similarly, if welding 96 is used, then the
flat configuration 48'' will form to a curved or circular outer
engaging surface 95' of the cannula 95.
Joint Assembly for Operatively Coupling an Inner Compression Member
and an Inner Guide Channel Member
[0162] The invention further comprises an internal joint assembly,
and method of making the internal joint assembly, for use in a
medical device delivery system for deploying an implantable
prosthesis (e.g., a self-expanding, balloon expandable, or
non-expanding stent; prosthetic valve devices, and other
implantable articles) at a selected location inside a patient's
body. The invention further comprises a medical device delivery
system for deploying an implantable prosthesis.
[0163] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B show alternative embodiments of a
securing body 150 according to the invention. In one embodiment,
the securing body 150 is a hollow tube, cylinder, cannula (with or
without a trocar-like end), or other coupling device having a lumen
(individually and collectively, "securing body") (FIGS. 8A, 8B) or
with a cutout portion to form a clip (FIGS. 9A, 9B). In another
embodiment, the securing body 150 comprises a cylinder that is
circular, elliptical, hyperbolic, parabolic, curved, polygonal,
rectangular, or irregular in shape or cross section. In yet another
embodiment, the securing body 150 comprises a cannula 95 (FIG. 7)
in the form of a hollow right cylindrical body that, within
manufacturing tolerance, has a constant radius "r," length "h,"
uniform inner and outer diameter, and a three-dimensional surface
according to the equation in Cartesian coordinates of:
(x.sup.2/a)+(y.sup.2/b)=1, where a=b.
[0164] The securing body 150 may be made of any suitable material
(natural, synthetic, plastic, rubber, metal, or combination
thereof) that is rigid, strong, and resilient, although it should
be understood that the material may also be pliable, elastic, and
flexible. One class of suitable materials comprises metals such as
stainless steel, nickel titanium alloy, and other alloys (including
super-elastic and/or memory shaped alloys). In one embodiment of
the securing body 150 according to the invention, the securing body
150 shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B may comprise metal that is
sufficiently rigid to provide sufficient strength to transfer
tensile and compressive forces from the inner compression member 41
to an inner guide channel member 70 (FIGS. 4-7) while the handle 30
moves the outer sheath 50 and outer guide channel member 80 axially
relative to the inner compression member 41 and the inner guide
channel member 70. Another class of suitable materials comprises
polymers, plastics, and composite materials, such as those
identified above for use with the distal end of the delivery system
and incorporated herein by reference.
[0165] The securing body 150 may be from about 0.5 mm to about 5.0
mm in length, although this length may be greater or lesser as
desired. If the securing body 150 is a substantially rigid metal
such as medical grade stainless steel, then a greater length would
make a stiff region in the distal end 13 of the medical device
delivery system, and could impede the distal end 13 from navigating
tortuous vessel passageways to a selected location inside a
patient's body for deploying the stent. If the securing body 150
comprises a super-elastic alloy, then the securing body 150 may be
greater than 5.0 mm in length. Some examples of embodiments of
super-elastic alloys include copper-zinc-aluminum,
iron-manganese-silicon, gold-cadmium, copper-aluminum, and
copper-aluminum-nickel. In one embodiment, the super-elastic alloy
is a nickel-titanium alloy ("nitinol," an acronym of Nickel
Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory, where the alloy's properties
were discovered). Nitinol is an alloy containing nearly equal
numbers of nickel and titanium atoms, and the relative amounts of
nickel and titanium can be varied by a few percent. Nitinol is
known for its flexibility.
[0166] The inner and outer diameters of the securing body 150 may
be from about 0.020 inches to about 0.080 inches, although this
length may be greater or lesser as desired. In one embodiment, the
inner diameter is approximately 0.038 inches. In one embodiment,
the outer diameter is approximately 0.044 inches. Although the
outer diameter could be greater, it is limited by the inner
diameter of the outer guide channel member 80 so as not to cause
the securing body 150 to exert pressure or friction against the
inner surface 92 of the outer guide channel member 80 and, thereby,
possibly impede proximal movement of the outer guide channel member
80. Given the range of permissible inner and outer diameters of the
securing body 150, the outer wall of the securing body 150 may have
different thicknesses, and in one embodiment is approximately 0.006
inches in thickness. A thinner wall tends to provide greater
flexibility relative to a thicker wall. Along the length of the
securing body 150, the wall has a generally uniform thickness.
[0167] The securing body 150 has an inner securing section 152 and
a base securing section 154. These securing sections 152, 154 may
be spaced apart as needed at various intervals longitudinally along
the length of the securing body 150 such that the inner securing
section 152 is located longitudinally distally (or proximally) of
the base securing section 154. Otherwise stated, when viewed end
on, the inner securing section 152 may form the front portion of
the securing body 150 while the base securing section 154 forms the
rear portion of the securing body 150 or vice versa, by way of
example and not by way of limitation.
[0168] Alternatively, the sections 152, 154 may be spaced apart
radially such that the inner securing section 152 comprises an
upper portion of the securing body 150 while the base securing
section 154 comprises a lower portion of the securing body 150. The
upper and lower portions need not be equal. For example, the inner
securing section 152 shown in FIG. 8A may comprise from about 25%
to about 95% of a cross section of the securing body 150 if there
were an imaginary plane that sectioned the inner securing section
152 from the base securing section 154.
[0169] From a further spatial perspective, the base securing
section 154 of the securing body 150, relative to the inner
securing section 152, is nearest the inner compression member
distal mating end. Otherwise stated, the base securing section 154
is intermediate the inner securing section 152 and inner
compression member distal mating end engaging surface 48'.
[0170] In one embodiment, the securing body 150 is elongated,
whereby the length is greater than the outer diameter. In another
embodiment, the securing body 150 is ring-shaped, whereby length is
substantially the same or less than the outer diameter. While in
one embodiment the base securing section 154 and the inner securing
section 152 are substantially similar in length, in yet another
embodiment the base securing section 154 could be greater in length
than the inner securing section 152, or vice versa.
[0171] As shown in FIG. 8A, the inner securing section 152 further
comprises a first end portion 156 and a second end portion 158 and
defining a receiving cavity 159 therebetween that is sized to
receive the inner guide channel second end 77 and/or the inner
guide channel second end outer diameter 75 (FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 11, 12).
The receiving cavity 159 has at least one inner engaging surface
160 disposed about and operatively coupled to the inner guide
channel member second end outer surface 102 (FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 11,
12).
[0172] In other words, the first end portion 156 and a second end
portion 158 are configured to serve as a structure that secures a
portion of the inner guide channel member within the receiving
cavity 159. The inner securing member inner engaging surface 160 is
directly abutting (e.g., touching, in contact directly or by
intervening parts, or adjacent) the inner guide channel member
second end outer surface 102. The receiving cavity inner engaging
surface 160 of the inner securing section 154 of the securing body
150 and the inner guide channel member second end outer engaging
surface 48' are operatively coupled by any suitable bond as
discussed next.
[0173] For instance, operatively coupling the inner guide channel
member within the receiving cavity 159 between the first and second
end portions 156, 158, respectively, of the inner securing section
152 (e.g., FIGS. 8A, 8B) may comprise a friction fit, press fit
tight, nesting, wedging, or any combination thereof, to name a few.
In still another embodiment, operatively coupling the inner guide
channel member within the receiving cavity 159 between the first
and second end portions 156, 158, respectively, of the inner
securing section 152 (e.g., FIGS. 9A, 9B) may comprise crimping,
clamping, pinchers, teeth, barbs, or any combination thereof, to
name a few. The inner securing section inner engaging surface 160
may also be ribbed, have a rubber coating, or other sticky layer in
order to increase friction and hold between the inner engaging
surface 160 and the inner guide channel member second end outer
surface 102.
[0174] In an alternative embodiment, the inner securing member
inner engaging surface 160 is abutting (e.g., touching, in contact
directly or by intervening parts, or adjacent) the inner guide
channel member second end outer surface 102 by the use of
intervening glue, adhesives, resins, chemical bonding materials or
combinations thereof and the like (collectively and individually,
"glue"). The engaging surface 160 may also be secured to a
periphery of the inner guide channel member second end outer
surface 102, or to a coating, sheath, tubing, or cover on the inner
guide channel member second end outer surface 102. By way of
example of one type of glue, Loctite 4061 instant adhesive may be
used to operatively couple the inner securing member inner engaging
surface 160 and the inner guide channel member second end outer
surface 102. Loctite 4061 instant adhesive is formulated to
polymerise rapidly in thin films between two surfaces to form rigid
thermoplastics. Loctite 4061 instant adhesive is a medical device
adhesive particularly suitable for a wide variety of substrates
such as rubber, plastics, and metals, ant it is available from the
Loctite Corporation.
[0175] The receiving cavity 159 of the first end portion 156 and a
second end portion 158 may form a full cylinder such as when the
inner securing section 152 comprises a cannula generally in the
shape of a hollow tube (e.g., FIGS. 8A, 8B). As an alternative, the
inner securing section 152 may comprise a partial cylinder with a
longitudinal cutout portion of the outer wall of a cannula, whereby
the receiving cavity 159 is between the first end portion 156 and
second end portion 158 (e.g., FIGS. 9A, 9B) that form the shape of
a groove, arch, curve, wishbone, saddle, or otherwise has a
U-shape, horseshoe shape, Omega-shape, and the like. Thus, the
securing body 150 may be generally U-shaped. In this alternative
embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the securing body 150
comprises a clip. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first end
portion 156 and second end portion 158 form a clip design having a
sufficiently pliable and elastic memory such that that the first
end portion 156 and second end portion 158 may spread, bend, flex,
and otherwise stretch apart or separate to receive the inner guide
channel member second end diameter 75 and then snap onto and hold
the inner guide channel member second end outer surface 102 and/or
the inner guide channel member second end diameter 75 with the
securing body inner engaging surface 160.
[0176] In the case of a generally cylindrical configuration of the
inner guide channel member second end 77, a nearly rounded or
annular cross section of the inner securing section 152 (FIGS. 8A,
8B, 9A, 9B) may be better for passing the inner guide channel
member second end 77. Thus, the cross-sectional profile of the
inner securing section 152 optionally may have circular or annular
inner and outer diameters. Other profiles may be utilized, however,
because the outer diameter of the inner securing section 152 need
not be constant. Examples of other profiles when viewing the inner
securing section 152 end-on include a profile that is tapered
(reduced circumference), rounded, oblong, rectangular, ovulate,
triangular, elliptical, hyperbolic, parabolic, curved, polygonal,
rectangular, or irregular in shape or cross section or a
combination thereof as specific but non-limiting examples of inner
securing section 152 embodiments that include a receiving cavity
159 for receiving and axially holding the inner guide channel
member second end 77.
[0177] Turning to the base securing section 154 of the securing
body 150 shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the base securing
section 154 comprises a curved portion 162 and an outer engaging
surface 164. The curved portion 162 and/or outer engaging surface
164 may extend longitudinally along the full length of the securing
body 150 or, in an alternative embodiment, may comprise a portion
that extends less than the full length of the securing body
150.
[0178] The outer engaging surface 164 may be the outer or the
bottommost boundary, periphery, or exterior of a portion of the
securing body 150. The outer engaging surface 164 may be curved
(FIGS. 8A, 9A). Thus, embodiments of the securing body 150 shown in
FIGS. 8A and 9A may have an outer engaging surface 164 comprising
cross sectional shapes that are fluted, whereby fluted comprises
any curved, shoehorn shape, celery shape, round, circular,
semicircular shape, crescent shape, wishbone shape, saddle shape,
C-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, or an arcuate configuration that
curves radially inward or curves radially outward. In other
embodiments shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B, the outer engaging surface
164 is substantially flat, whereby flat comprises having a
horizontal surface without a slope, tilt, or curvature. In still
other embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 8B and 9B, the outer
engaging surface 164 is substantially flat in a vertical plane. In
yet another class of alternative embodiments in accordance with
FIGS. 8B and 9B, the outer engaging surface 164 may have a tilt,
angle, or taper comprising an inwardly or outwardly protruding
slope relative to a longitudinal axis of the securing body 150,
such as a one-sided beveled structure or working end of a
screwdriver in the horizontal plane, vertical plane, or in between
those planes, by way of example and not be way of limitation.
[0179] In addition, the outer engaging surface 164 of FIGS. 8A, 8B,
9A, and 9B may be a smooth, even, level surface. In one embodiment,
however, mechanical or chemical etching, sandblasting,
laser-cutting, machining, milling, drilling, chemically treating,
or otherwise preparing the outer engaging surface 164 improves its
bonding properties to the outer engaging surface 48' of the inner
compression member distal mating end 48 (FIGS. 4-7, 10-11, 14-14A).
Likewise, the outer engaging surface 48' of the inner compression
member distal mating end 48 may be treated in order to improve its
bonding properties to the outer engaging surface 164 of the
securing body 150. By securing body outer engaging surface 164 and
inner compression member distal mating end outer engaging surface
48', it should be understood to include an surface (regular or
irregularly shaped, textured, or treated as described above) as
well as any coating comprising any substance, compound, molecule,
or material (whether comprising a solid, liquid, fluid, gel, gas,
or vapor) chemically bonded via covalent bonds, ionic bonds, or
intermolecular bonds (such as ion-dipole forces, dipole-dipole
forces, London dispersion forces, and/or hydrogen bonding),
adhered, or otherwise applied by the method(s) of laminating,
taping, dipping, spraying, depositing, vapor deposition, wrapping
(thermally fusing together), painting and curing, and the like.
[0180] Turning to FIG. 10, a schematic side view of an elongate
inner compression member 41 according to an embodiment of the
invention is shown, whereby like elements from the previous
drawings, embodiments, and description from above are labeled the
same. The inner compression member 41 may have the dimensions
(diameter, length) a previously described. Similarly, the inner
compression member 41 may comprise the materials as previously
described. In one embodiment, the inner compression member 41
comprises a proximal end 40, a middle section 40', and a distal
mating end 48 having an outer engaging surface 48'.
[0181] The overall length of the distal mating end 48 may vary. In
one embodiment, it is from about 1.0 mm to about 10.0 mm. In
another embodiment, the distal mating end 48 is approximately 3.0
mm. Furthermore, the distal mating end 48 optionally comprises a
decreasing height 148 (FIGS. 10, 10B) discussed below. The
decreasing height 148 may extend along the length of the distal
mating end 48 to the distal mating end outer engaging surface 48'
and/or to a contoured configuration 48'' that is described below.
In one embodiment, the decreasing height 148 occurs along a length
of about 3.0 mm, while in another embodiment the decreasing height
148 occurs over a much shorter length, such as approximately 0.5
mm. The contoured configuration 48'' and outer engaging surface 48'
may occur along the entire length of the distal mating end 48 or
the decreasing height 148. Alternatively, the distal mating end 48
has a decreasing height 148 down to the contoured configuration
48'' and outer engaging surface 48', and in one embodiment the
decreasing height 148 is about 0.5 mm in length while the contoured
configuration 48'' and outer engaging surface 48' may extend
distally from the decreasing height 148 and measure approximately
2.5 mm in length, for a distal mating end 48 that is approximately
3.0 mm in overall length.
[0182] FIGS. 10A and 10B show cross sectional views of FIG. 10
taken along the lines 10A-10A and 10B-10B, whereby the inner
compression member 41 in FIG. 10A has an approximate height (e.g.,
outer diameter or thickness) of approximately 0.024 inches and FIG.
10B shows an embodiment of a decreasing height 148 from less than
about 0.24 inches to greater than about 0.08 inches, and in one
embodiment the decreasing height 148 is approximately 0.016 inches
from top 148' to bottom 148''. The term "decreasing height" and
variations thereof describe embodiments of the invention, rather
than any lexicographic definition. For instance, the inner
compression member distal mating end 48 may gradually decrease from
top 148' to bottom 148'' over the length of the mating end 48 in a
variety of ways. In other words, the distal mating end 48 may have
a portion that becomes gradually lesser in height (FIG.
10B)--relative to the inner compression member 41 (FIG. 10A)--in
the distal direction. A decreasing height 148 may result from or be
measured in a height, thickness, cross-section, diameter, width,
and/or other configuration, shape, form, profile, structure,
external outline, and/or contour that is lesser in height from the
top 148', from the bottom 148'', or as shown in FIG. 10B from both
the top 148' and the bottom 148''. It should be understood that the
top 148' and bottom 148'' may be relative, and the inventions
includes without limitation an embodiment where top 148' and bottom
148'' are viewed end-on, a side view, or any view along the x-axis
and y-axis from 0 to 2.pi. (e.g., including the top 148' designated
from 0 radians and bottom might be .pi. radians). In one
embodiment, the top 148' is the portion facing the outer engaging
surface 164 of the base securing section 154.
[0183] While the decreasing height 148 may have a gradually smaller
cross sectional area when compared to the cross sectional area at
the inner compression member 41 (FIGS. 10, 10A) that is proximal to
the distal mating end 48, the cross sectional area need not
decrease. For example, the width might increase inversely
proportional to the decrease in height as shown in FIG. 10B,
although if desired the increased width could be cut away,
machined, trimmed, chipped, planed, and the like. Also, this is not
to say that the distal mating end 48 may only decrease in height.
Indeed, the decreasing height 148 might extend to a position at or
near the contoured configuration 48'', which might increase in
height, such as with an upward curve or other configuration that
reverses to form a fluted embodiment, a flare, or upward
protrusion. Furthermore, the distal mating end 48 may comprise more
than one portion having a decreasing height, whereby the distal
mating end 48 decreases in height from top 148' to bottom 148'',
then increases in height from top 148' to bottom 148'', only to
decrease again along the length of the distal mating end 48.
[0184] According to the invention, the inner compression member
distal mating end 48 and/or outer engaging surface 48' further
comprise a contoured configuration 48'' that is generally
complementary to the base securing section 162 and/or base securing
section outer engaging surface 164. Thus, in one embodiment, the
contoured configuration 48'' and/or outer engaging surface 48' may
have a boundary, periphery, or portion with a cross sectional shape
that is fluted, whereby fluted comprises any curved, shoehorn
shape, celery shape, semicircular shape, crescent shape, wishbone
shape, saddle shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, or other arcuate
configuration that curves radially inward or curves radially
outward. In other embodiments, the contoured configuration 48''
and/or outer engaging surface 48' may be substantially flat,
whereby flat comprises having a horizontal surface without a slope,
tilt, or curvature, alternatively having a substantially flat in a
vertical plane, or alternatively having a tilt, angle, or taper
comprising a one-sided beveled structure or working end of a
screwdriver in the horizontal plane, vertical plane, or in between
those planes, by way of example and not be way of limitation.
[0185] FIGS. 10C through 10H show, by way of example and not by way
of limitation, various embodiments of a contoured configuration
48'' and an outer engaging surface 48'. FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D,
10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H show cross sectional views of FIG. 10 taken
along the lines 10A-10A, 10B-10B, 10C-10C, 10D-10D, 10E-10E,
10F-10F, 10G-10G, 10H-10H, respectively.
[0186] In FIGS. 10C and 10G, the contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' are both fluted. While each figure shows
a contoured configuration 48'' that has decreased in height
relative to the inner compression member 41 shown in the background
with a circular cross section, the contoured configuration 48'' in
FIG. 10G has an increased width.
[0187] In FIGS. 10E and 10F, the contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' are both flat. While each figure shows a
contoured configuration 48'' that has decreased in height relative
to the inner compression member 41 shown in the background with a
circular cross section, the contoured configuration 48'' in FIG.
10F has an increased width.
[0188] In FIGS. 10D and 10H, the contoured configuration 48'' is
fluted and the outer engaging surface 48' is flat. While each
figure shows a contoured configuration 48'' that has decreased in
height relative to the inner compression member 41 shown in the
background with a circular cross section, the contoured
configuration 48'' in FIG. 10H has an increased width.
[0189] FIGS. 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, and 10M show perspective schematic
views of alternative embodiments of an inner compression member
distal mating end 48 according to the invention. FIG. 10I shows
that the distal mating end 48 has a decreasing height 148 down to a
contoured configuration 48'' and outer engaging surface 48' that
are both flat. Thus, the decreasing height 148 in FIG. 101 does not
go to the distal tip of the distal mating end 48. The contoured
configuration 48'' and outer engaging surface 48' in FIG. 10I may
be achieved by swaging, stamping, forging, or rolling between two
rollers.
[0190] FIG. 10J shows that the distal mating end 48 has a
decreasing height 148 down to a contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' that are both fluted. Thus, the
decreasing height 148 in FIG. 10J does not go to the distal tip of
the distal mating end 48. The contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' in FIG. 10J may be achieved by swaging,
stamping, milling, and the like, or by rolling between two rollers
followed by forging.
[0191] FIG. 10K shows that the distal mating end 48 has a
decreasing height 148 to its distal tip. Thus, a contoured
configuration 48'' and outer engaging surface 48' may be fluted,
flat, or sloped along the length of the decreasing height 148. The
contoured configuration 48'' and outer engaging surface 48' in FIG.
10K may be easily manufactured by grinding, machining, and the
like.
[0192] FIG. 10L shows that the distal mating end 48 has a
decreasing height 148 down to a contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' that are both flat. Thus, the decreasing
height 148 in FIG. 10I does not go to the distal tip of the distal
mating end 48. While the contoured configuration 48'' has decreased
in height relative to the inner compression member 41 shown in the
background, the contoured configuration 48'' in FIG. 10L has an
increased width. The contoured configuration 48'' and outer
engaging surface 48' in FIG. 101 may be achieved by swaging,
stamping, forging, or rolling between two rollers.
[0193] FIG. 10M shows that the distal mating end 48 has a
decreasing height 148 down to a contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' that are both fluted. Thus, the
decreasing height 148 in FIG. 10M does not go to the distal tip of
the distal mating end 48. While the contoured configuration 48''
has decreased in height relative to the inner compression member 41
shown in the background, the contoured configuration 48'' in FIG.
10M has an increased width. The contoured configuration 48'' and
outer engaging surface 48' in FIG. 10M may be achieved by swaging,
stamping, milling, and the like, or by rolling between two rollers
followed by forging.
[0194] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal cross section of a securing
body 150 operatively coupled to the distal mating end 48 of an
inner compression member comprising a contoured configuration 48''
and outer engaging surface 48'. FIGS. 11A and 11B show alternative
embodiments of cross sectional views of FIG. 11 taken along the
lines 11A-11A and 11B-11B, respectively.
[0195] FIGS. 11A and 11B show, for instance, that the inner
securing section 152 could be comprise the circumferential first
end portion 156 of FIGS. 8A and 8B; FIGS. 11A and 11B show this
using a reference numeral 156 having a dashed lead line that
extends to a first end portion shown in phantom. Also, FIGS. 11A
and 11B show that the inner securing section 152 could comprise a
first end portion 156 and a second end portion 158 of FIGS. 9A and
9B. As taught above, the inner securing portion 156 comprises a
receiving cavity 159 and having inner engaging surface 160.
[0196] FIGS. 11A and 11B also show alternative embodiments of a
base section 154 of the securing body 150, whereby FIG. 11A shows a
base securing section 154 having an outer engaging surface 164 in
accordance with FIGS. 8A and 8B, while FIG. 11B shows a base
securing section 154 having an outer engaging surface 164 in
accordance with FIGS. 9A and 9B. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inner
compression member distal mating end outer engaging surface 48'
and/or contoured configuration 48'' is complementary to the base
securing section outer engaging surface 164.
[0197] In addition, the base securing section 154 and the inner
compression member distal mating end 48 are operatively coupled. In
one embodiment, the outer engaging surface 48' of the mating end 48
is positioned in an abutting relationship (e.g., touching, in
contact directly or by intervening parts, or adjacent) to the inner
compression member distal mating end outer engaging surface 48'
and/or contoured configuration 48 and then joined at a connection
96. The connection for operatively coupling may comprise any
suitable means, including but not limiting to welding, soldering,
brazing, or fusing. Thus, in one embodiment, the base securing
section 154 and distal mating end 48 are operatively coupled by
welding. In another embodiment, the base securing section 154 and
distal mating end 48 are operatively coupled by soldering
(including brazing and other similar techniques). In still another
embodiment, the base securing section 154 and distal mating end 48
are operatively coupled by fusing the base securing section outer
engaging surface 164 and the inner compression member distal mating
end outer engaging surface 48'.
[0198] Soldering and brazing are used if a semi-permanent
connection between the distal mating end 48 and the base securing
section 154 is desired, because solder or braze metals have a lower
melting point than the metals that are joined. Thus, when
sufficient heat is applied to melt the solder or braze metal, they
form an alloy with the surfaces of the mating end 48 and the base
securing section 154 and, upon solidification, thus form a joint
that can be unfastened during manufacturing (e.g., to redo in the
event of a poor connection) by reheating without destroying the
parts that have been joined. In contrast, welding involves melting
the outer engaging surface 48' of the mating end 48 and an outer
engaging surface of the base securing section 154 at the interface,
or involves combining temperature and pressure so as to cause
localized coalescence. Consequently, in most instances higher
temperatures are involved than for soldering, and the union is
permanent.
[0199] Although FIG. 11 shows the distal most tip of the distal
mating end 48 flush with (e.g., substantially co-planar) the distal
end of the securing body 150, the distal most tip of the distal
mating end 48 may alternatively be set back approximately 0.5 mm
proximally from the distal end of the securing body 150. The set
back arrangement allows solder, weld, or fusion to form a smooth
transition and fill the space between that distal end tip and the
securing body 150. This would also minimize the profile compared to
placing more of a circumferential solder, weld, or fusion about the
joint.
[0200] Turning to FIG. 12, it shows an assembly comprising an inner
guide channel member 70, atraumatic tip 170, proximal restraint 93,
and securing body 150. The inner guide channel member has a distal
first end 78 and a proximal second end 77, the second end 77
comprising an outer surface 102 and an outer diameter 75, a stent
platform 91 disposed circumferentially about the inner guide
channel member intermediate the first and second ends 78, 77, and
entry and exit ports 72, 73, respectively, defining a guide channel
71 therebetween. In one embodiment, the outer diameter 75 is
substantially uniform over the entire length of the inner guide
channel member 70. Alternatively, the outer diameter 75 tapers 76
to a smaller second outer diameter 76' intermediate the outer guide
channel member first and second ends 78, 77.
[0201] The atraumatic tip 170 has an entry port 172 and an exit
port 173 defining an atraumatic tip guide channel 171 therebetween.
The exit port 173 comprises a first bore inner diameter 174 that is
distal to a larger second bore inner diameter 174'. The atraumatic
tip 170 is operatively coupled to the inner guide channel member
first end 78, which is received within the second bore inner
diameter 174' and stops distally at the first bore inner diameter
174. At least a first glue port 175 extends from the outside
surface of the atraumatic tip 170 to the atraumatic tip guide
channel 171 for securing to the inner guide channel member first
end 78. Optionally, a second glue port 175' extends from the
outside surface of the atraumatic tip 170 to the atraumatic tip
guide channel 171 for securing to the inner guide channel member
first end 78. Any suitable glue that is biocompatible may be used
to secure the atraumatic tip guide channel 171 and the inner guide
channel member first end 78.
[0202] The atraumatic tip 170 may vary in length and outer
diameter. In one embodiment, the atraumatic tip 170 is from about
5.0 mm to about 25.0 mm in length, while in another embodiment it
measures approximately 17.0 mm in length. In one embodiment, the
atraumatic tip 170 may be approximately 1.0 mm in outer diameter.
In one embodiment, the first bore inner diameter 174 is
approximately 0.0205 inches (or about 0.5207 mm) while the second
bore inner diameter 174' is approximately 0.0290 inches (or about
0.5207 mm). In one embodiment, the first and second glue ports 175,
175', respectively, are located approximately 8.0 mm from the entry
port 172 and approximately 8.0 mm from the exit port 173. These
lengths, diameters, and other measurements are only illustrative of
an embodiment of the atraumatic tip 170 according to the invention,
and could vary as desired.
[0203] The proximal restraint 93 is sized to be large enough to
stop the stent's proximal movement as previously explained. In one
embodiment, the proximal restraint 93 is a restraining ring having
a tubular configuration comprising an inner lumen surface 94
disposed circumferentially about the inner guide channel member 70.
The tubular configuration may comprise a cylinder that is circular,
right cylindrical, elliptical, hyperbolic, parabolic, curved,
polygonal, rectangular, or irregular in shape or cross section.
Also, the restraining ring may have a slit in its wall before or
after the inner lumen surface 94 is disposed circumferentially
about the inner guide channel member 70.
[0204] In one embodiment, the restraining ring's length is less
than its greatest outer diameter. In yet another embodiment, the
restraining ring is elongate in that its length is greater than its
outer diameter. For example, the restraining ring may have an inner
diameter of approximately 0.030 inches, an outer diameter of
approximately 0.051 inches, and a length of approximately 3.0 mm.
The restraining ring inner diameter 0.030 inches is disposed about
an inner guide channel member outer diameter that is from about
0.016 inches to about 0.024 inches, whereby glue that is used to
operatively couple the inner lumen surface 94 to the inner guide
channel member 70 will fill the differential between the
restraining ring inner diameter and the inner guide channel member
outer diameter.
[0205] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show cross sectional views of FIG.
12 taken along the lines 12A-12A, 12B-12B, and 12C-12C. FIG. 12A
shows a cross section of the proximal restraint 93 such as a
restraining ring described above, the restraining ring inner lumen
surface 94 disposed circumferentially about and glued (not shown)
to an inner guide channel member outer surface 102, leaving the
guide channel 71 of the inner guide channel member 70
unobstructed.
[0206] FIGS. 12B and 12C show cross sections of alternative
embodiments of a securing body 150 according to the invention being
disposed circumferentially about the inner guide channel member
outer surface 102 and operatively coupled as described above.
Specifically, FIG. 12B comprises an inner securing section 152
having a first end portion 156 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, while FIG.
12C comprises an inner securing section 152 having a first end
portion 156 and a second end portion 158 of FIGS. 9A and 9B shown
in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0207] FIGS. 12A and 12B show alternative embodiments of the base
securing section 154. The base securing section 154 according to
FIGS. 8A and 8B is shown using a reference numeral having a solid
lead line for the outer engaging surface 164. The base securing
section 154 according to FIGS. 9A and 9B is shown using a dashed
lead line that extends to a phantom portion that has been removed
for the outer engaging surface 164.
[0208] FIG. 13 shows an optional tube 165 comprising a first end
166 and a second end 166'. The first end 166 has a first end
opening 167 and the second end 166' has a second end opening 167'.
The first and second end openings 167, 167', respectively, define a
lumen 168 therebetween. Where the inner compression member distal
mating end 48 and the base securing section 154 are operatively
coupled by welding, soldering, brazing, or fusing, the tube 165 may
be disposed about the joint. The tubing 165 has the advantage of
minimizing some of the sharp edges created by a welded, soldered,
or fused joint.
[0209] FIG. 14 shows a joint assembly 46' comprising an inner
compression member 41 having a distal mating end 48 operatively
coupled to a securing body 150, which securing body 150 operatively
couples a second end 77 of an inner guide channel member 70. FIG.
14 also shows the inner guide channel member 70 having an
atraumatic tip 170 operatively coupled to the first end 78 of the
inner guide channel member 70, wherein a proximal restraint 93 such
as a restraining ring is circumferentially disposed distal to the
securing body 150 and proximal to the atraumatic tip 170. An outer
stent platform 91 is disposed about the inner guide channel member
70 intermediate the first and second ends 78, 77, respectively, of
the inner guide channel member 70.
[0210] The optional tube 165 disposes about the joint assembly 46'.
The lumen 168 of the tube 165 optionally is sufficiently large to
be slideable over the joint assembly (e.g., the region where the
inner securing inner securing section 152 of the securing body 150
operatively couples the inner guide channel member 70 and the base
securing section 154 the of the securing body 150 operatively
couples the outer engaging surface 48' and/or contoured
configuration 48'' of the distal mating end 48 of the inner
compression member 41). In the alternative, the tube 165 may be a
shrink tubing (inclusive of shrink material that can be wrapped
around the joint assembly 46').
[0211] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 14A, a cross section taken
along the lines 14A-14A of FIG. 14, the tube 165 comprises a shrink
tubing disposed about the joint assembly 46'. Heat shrink tubing,
available from many suppliers, including Zeus, Inc. in Orangeburg,
S.C. for instance and also Cobalt Polymers in Cloverdale, Calif.,
may be disposed about the joint assembly 46. Heating the tube 165
causes it to melt about the joint assembly 46'. Upon cooling, a
solid-state bond results between the tube 165 and the securing body
150, the inner guide channel member 70, and the inner compression
member distal mating end 48.
Method
[0212] Methods of manufacturing an internal joint for use in a
medical device delivery system for deploying an implantable
prosthesis (e.g., a self-expanding, balloon expandable, or
non-expanding stent; prosthetic valve devices, and other
implantable articles) at a selected location inside a patient's
body are also provided. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a
method 200 of manufacturing an internal joint for use in a medical
device delivery system according to the present invention.
[0213] In step 202, an inner guide channel member 70 is provided
having a distal first end 78 with an entry port 72 and a proximal
second end 77 with an exit port 73, the entry and exit ports 72,
73, respectively, defining a guide channel 71 therebetween. The
inner guide channel member second end 77 comprises an outer
diameter 75 and an outer surface 102.
[0214] In step 204, a securing body 150 is provided. The securing
body 150 comprises an inner securing section 152 and a base
securing section 154, the inner securing section 152 having a first
end portion 156 and a second end portion 158 and defining a
receiving cavity 159 therebetween. The receiving cavity 159 is
sized to receive the inner guide channel member second end outer
diameter 75 and has at least one inner engaging surface 160. The
base securing section 154 comprises a curved portion 162 and an
outer engaging surface 164.
[0215] In step 206, an elongate inner compression member 41 is
provided. The inner compression member 41 comprises a proximal end
40 and a distal mating end 48, and an optional middle section
40'.
[0216] In step 208, the inner compression member distal mating end
48 is formed comprising an engaging surface 48' and a contoured
configuration 48'' complementary to the base securing section outer
engaging surface 164. In order to create the contoured
configuration 48'', the inner compression member distal mating end
48 may be formed, sheared, casted, or molded. By way of example
only, forming can be done both hot and cold (except for stamping,
which is always done cold) in order to modify the shape and/or
physical properties of the material comprising the inner
compression member distal mating end 48. Common forming processes
include rolling the distal mating end 48 (between one or two
rollers), stretching, forging, straight bending, and stamping.
[0217] In one embodiment, forming (step 208) the contoured
configuration 48'' comprises the step of rolling the inner
compression member distal mating end 48 from a round to a fluted
configuration complementary to the base securing section outer
engaging surface 164. In another embodiment, forming (step 208) the
contoured configuration 48'' comprises the step of forging the
inner compression member distal mating end 48 from a round to a
fluted configuration complementary to the base securing section
outer engaging surface 164. In another embodiment, forming (step
208) the contoured configuration 48'' comprises the step of rolling
the inner compression member distal mating end 48 from a round to a
flat configuration complementary to the base securing section outer
engaging surface 164. In another embodiment, forming (step 208) the
contoured configuration 48'' comprises the step of forging the
inner compression member distal mating end 48 from a round to a
flat configuration complementary to the base securing section outer
engaging surface 164.
[0218] In step 210, the base securing section outer engaging
surface 164 and the distal mating end engaging surface 48' disposed
in an abutting relationship (e.g., touching, in contact directly or
by intervening parts, or adjacent).
[0219] In step 212, the inner guide channel member second end 77 is
inserted within the securing body inner securing section receiving
cavity 159. The receiving cavity inner engaging surface 160 and the
inner guide channel member second end outer surface 102 are
operatively coupled directly or indirectly by a mechanically,
chemically, and/or chemical-mechanically bond. In one embodiment,
the bond may comprise a friction fit, press fit tight, nesting,
wedging, crimping, clamping, pinchers, teeth, barbs, or any
combination thereof, to name a few. In another embodiment, the bond
may comprise glue, adhesives, resins, chemical bonding materials or
combinations thereof and the like between the base securing section
outer engaging surface 160 and the inner guide channel member
second end outer surface 102.
[0220] In step 214, the base securing section 154 and distal mating
end 48 are operatively coupled. In one embodiment, they are
operatively coupled by welding. In another embodiment, they are
operatively coupled by soldering, which includes soldering and
brazing. In another embodiment, they are operatively coupled by
fusing, which includes but is not limited to glue, adhesives,
resins, chemical bonding materials, or combinations thereof.
[0221] A method of manufacturing the internal joint need not be
performed sequentially. By way of example, the securing body 150
may be provided (step 204) before the inner compression member 41
(step 206), which may be provided before the inner guide channel
member 70 is provided (step 202). Likewise, the inner guide channel
member second end may be inserted (step 212) and operatively
coupled within the securing body inner securing section receiving
cavity 159 before the base securing section outer engaging surface
164 is disposed (step 210) in an abutting relationship relative to
the distal mating end engaging surface 48'.
[0222] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description of a
joint assembly for operatively coupling an inner compression member
and an inner guide channel member a medical device having a tapered
inner guide channel member for use with medical device delivery
systems and medical devices, and methods of forming the joint
assembly, and inner joint with a tapered inner compression member
be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be
understood that it is the following claims, including all
equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of
this invention. Terms are to be given their reasonable plain and
ordinary meaning. Also, the embodiment of any figure and features
thereof may be combined with the embodiments depicted in other
figures. Other features known in the art and not inconsistent with
the structure and function of the present invention may be added to
the embodiments.
[0223] While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of
the present invention have been shown and described, it will be
understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto
since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art,
particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, it is
therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such
modifications as incorporate those features which come within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *