U.S. patent application number 14/464950 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for cannula tips, tissue attachment rings, and methods of delivering and using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to CIRCULITE, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CircuLite, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard Abraham, Jerry Brightbill, Arielle Drummond, Robert C. Farnan, Bryan P. Fritz, Sarah Kostanski, Jonathan O'Keefe, Timothy W. Robinson, Richard Wisdom.
Application Number | 20140364880 14/464950 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47753714 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140364880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farnan; Robert C. ; et
al. |
December 11, 2014 |
CANNULA TIPS, TISSUE ATTACHMENT RINGS, AND METHODS OF DELIVERING
AND USING THE SAME
Abstract
A surgical cannula system. The surgical cannula system includes
a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen
extending therebetween. A tissue attachment ring, being configured
to be coupled to a biological tissue, includes a lumen extending
therethrough. A locking mechanism has a first locking state, in
which the cannula is configured to move with respect to the tissue
attachment ring, and a second locking state, in which movement of
the cannula with respect to the tissue attachment ring is
resisted.
Inventors: |
Farnan; Robert C.; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) ; Drummond; Arielle; (Hackensack,
NJ) ; Brightbill; Jerry; (Newton, MA) ;
Robinson; Timothy W.; (Sandown, NH) ; Wisdom;
Richard; (Mattapan, MA) ; O'Keefe; Jonathan;
(North Attleboro, MA) ; Abraham; Richard;
(Reading, MA) ; Kostanski; Sarah; (Chelmsford,
MA) ; Fritz; Bryan P.; (Madison, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CircuLite, Inc. |
Teaneck |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CIRCULITE, INC.
Teaneck
NJ
|
Family ID: |
47753714 |
Appl. No.: |
14/464950 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13602747 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
8821527 |
|
|
14464950 |
|
|
|
|
61531957 |
Sep 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/1107 20130101;
A61M 1/122 20140204; A61B 2017/00243 20130101; A61B 2017/1135
20130101; A61B 2017/00252 20130101; A61M 1/12 20130101; A61B 17/32
20130101; A61B 17/11 20130101; A61M 1/1008 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/151 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/10 20060101
A61M001/10; A61M 1/12 20060101 A61M001/12; A61B 17/11 20060101
A61B017/11 |
Claims
1. A surgical cannula system comprising: a cannula having a
proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween; a
tissue attachment ring having a lumen extending therethrough, the
tissue attachment ring being configured to operably couple to a
biological tissue; and a locking mechanism operably coupled to at
least one of the cannula or the tissue attachment ring, the locking
mechanism having a first locking state and a second locking state;
wherein the cannula is configured to move with respect to the
tissue attachment ring when the locking mechanism is in the first
locking state and the locking mechanism in the second locking state
resists movement of the cannula with respect to the tissue
attachment ring.
2. The surgical cannula system of claim 1, wherein the tissue
attachment ring further comprises an inner wall defining the lumen,
the locking mechanism being operably coupled to the inner wall of
the tissue attachment ring.
3. The surgical cannula system of claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism further comprises: a first locking element operably
coupled to the tissue attachment ring; and a second locking element
operably coupled to the cannula, wherein the first and second
locking elements cooperate to allow the locking mechanism to move
between the first and second locking states.
4. The surgical cannula system of claim 3, wherein the second
locking element is operably coupled to the tip of the cannula.
5. The surgical cannula system of claim 3, wherein the locking
mechanism further includes a third locking element configured to
facilitate the cooperation between the first and second locking
elements.
6. The surgical cannula system of claim 5, wherein the second
locking element is operably coupled to the tip of the cannula; and
wherein at least a portion of the tip is configured to operably
couple to a biological tissue.
8. The surgical cannula system of claim 1, wherein the outer
surface comprises a fabric.
9. The surgical cannula system of claim 1, wherein the outer
surface comprises a sintered material.
10. The surgical cannula system of claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism is configured to be transitioned from the first locking
state to the second locking state when the cannula is directed
through the lumen of the tissue attachment ring.
11. The surgical cannula system of claim 10, wherein the tissue
attachment ring further comprises an inner wall defining the lumen
and the locking mechanism includes a biasing element operably
coupled to the inner wall of the tissue attachment ring.
12. The surgical cannula system of claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism is configured to be transitioned from the first locking
state to the second locking state after the cannula is positioned
within the lumen of the tissue attachment ring.
13. A surgical cannula system comprising: a cannula having a
proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween; a
tissue attachment ring having a lumen extending therethrough, the
tissue attachment ring configured to operably couple to a
biological tissue; and a locking mechanism operably coupled to the
tissue attachment ring, wherein the locking mechanism is configured
to secure a first position of the cannula extending through and
relative to the lumen of the tissue attachment ring; wherein the
tissue attachment ring further comprises an inner wall defining the
lumen of the tissue attachment ring and the locking mechanism
includes a first locking element operably coupled to the inner
wall.
14. The surgical cannula system of claim 13, wherein the locking
mechanism is further configured to secure a second position of the
cannula relative to the tissue attachment ring, the second position
being spaced away from the first position.
15. The surgical cannula system of claim 14, wherein the locking
mechanism is further configured to secure the cannula at a position
located between the first and second positions.
17. The surgical cannula system of claim 13, wherein the first
locking element is configured to form a friction fit with the
cannula.
18. The surgical cannula system of claim 13, wherein the locking
mechanism further comprises: a second locking element operably
coupled to an outer surface of the cannula, the second locking
element configured to cooperate with the first locking element to
secure the cannula.
19. The surgical cannula system of claim 18, wherein the locking
mechanism further includes a third locking element configured to
facilitate the cooperation between the first and second locking
elements.
20. The surgical cannula system of claim 13, wherein the tissue
attachment ring further comprises: a tissue in-growth band
configured to be positioned between the tissue attachment ring and
the biological tissue.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/602,747, filed Sep. 4, 2012 (pending), which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/531,957,
filed on Sep. 7, 2011 (expired), the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices
and methods for assisting the conduction of bodily fluids and, more
particularly, to devices and methods for securing a cannula to an
organ for moving fluid therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various devices and methods have been utilized to assist in
conducting bodily fluids. For instance, blood pumps with inflow and
outflow cannulae assist the heart in circulating blood in a patient
experiencing congestive heart failure and a transplant organ has
either not been located or the patient is not a suitable candidate
for the transplant. Accordingly, the blood pump may be fluidically
attached to a pumping chamber of the heart and then located
remotely. In some configurations, the blood pump may be positioned
subcutaneously or submuscularly in a manner similar to a pacemaker,
in what is referred to as a "pump pocket." A cannula may then
extend, percutaneously or surgically, between the heart and the
blood pump. In still another configuration, the pump is configured
to pump another bodily fluid and the cannula extends between the
pump and a fluid-filled cavity within the body, such as the bladder
or kidney for dialysis, urinary obstruction, or infection.
[0004] However, known conventional cannula designs are often
secured to the tissue surrounding the particular cavity by one or
more sutures, which limits the adjustability of the cannula
position after it has been secured. Furthermore, when a sewing ring
is used in securing the cannula to the tissue, proper placement of
the sewing ring relative to the cannula may be time consuming.
Therefore, there remains a need for a cannula design that is
capable of timely connecting the cannula to a tissue, provides for
some adjustability to accommodate the individualistic anatomical
differences of each patient, and provides adjustability after
securement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
surgical cannula system is described. The surgical cannula system
includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen
extending therebetween. A tissue attachment ring, configured to be
coupled to a biological tissue, includes a lumen extending
therethrough. The surgical cannula system includes a locking
mechanism having a first locking state, in which the cannula is
configured to move with respect to the tissue attachment ring, and
a second locking state, in which movement of the cannula with
respect to the tissue attachment ring is resisted.
[0006] The locking mechanism may further include a first locking
element that is operably coupled to the tissue attachment ring. A
second locking element may be additionally and operably coupled to
an outer surface of the cannula.
[0007] The locking mechanism may transition between the first and
second locking states when the cannula is directed through the
lumen of the tissue attachment ring or, alternatively, after the
cannula is located within the tissue attachment ring.
[0008] The cannula may be secured in at least a first position with
respect to the tissue attachment ring and while the locking
mechanism is in the second locking state. Other embodiments, the
cannula may be secured in a second position, where the first and
second positions are discrete positions of the cannula relative to
the tissue attachment ring. Still, in other embodiments, the first
and second positions may define boundary positions, between which
the position of the cannula with respect to the tissue attachment
ring is variable and/or non-discrete.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a surgical cannula system includes a cannula, a tissue
attachment ring, and a locking mechanism. The cannula includes a
proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The
tissue attachment ring is configured to be coupled to a biological
tissue and has a lumen extending therethrough. The locking
mechanism is operably coupled to the tissue attachment ring and is
configured to secure a first position of the cannula with respect
to the lumen of the tissue attachment ring.
[0010] Other embodiments may include a second position of the
cannula with respect to the tissue attachment ring. The first and
second positions may be discrete positions of the cannula relative
to the tissue attachment ring. Still, in other embodiments, the
first and second positions may define boundary positions, between
which the position of the cannula with respect to the tissue
attachment ring is variable and/or non-discrete.
[0011] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a cannula delivery system. A cannula has a lumen through which a
shaft extends. An obturator tip on the distal end of the shaft is
configured to dilate a puncture in a biological tissue. The shaft
also includes an expandable portion that, when expanded, engages an
inner surface of the cannula. When the expandable portion is
expanded to engage the proximal end of the cannula, the obturator
tip is configured to extend away from the distal end of the cannula
for dilating the puncture.
[0012] Accordingly to still another embodiment of the present
invention a method of securing a cannula to a surgical site
includes attaching a tissue attachment ring to the surgical site.
The tissue attachment ring includes a lumen configured to receive
the cannula. The cannula is directed through the lumen of the
tissue attachment ring and the biological tissue at the surgical
site. A locking mechanism is transitioned from a first locking
state, in which the cannula is moveable relative to the tissue
attachment ring, to a second locking state, in which a position of
the cannula is secured with respect to the tissue attachment
ring.
[0013] In various aspects of the locking mechanism, the first
locking state is transitioned to the second locking state by one or
more of forming a frictional fit, threading engagement, ratcheting
engagement, utilizing a first locking element, with or without a
second locking element and/or an optional third locking
element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of chest anatomy and
illustrates a cardiac assist system having a cannula coupled to the
heart of the patient with a tip in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the tip shown in
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a disassembled, side-elevational view, in partial
cross-section, of one exemplary embodiment of a delivery system and
the cannula as shown in FIG. 2A, the delivery system having a
cutting tip configured to deliver the cannula and tip of FIG. 1
through the tissue of the heart of the patient.
[0017] FIGS. 3B and 3C are assembled, cross-sectional views of the
delivery system and cannula shown in FIG. 3A.
[0018] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the cutting tip of FIG.
3A.
[0019] FIG. 3E is a front view of the cutting tip of FIG. 3D.
[0020] FIG. 3F is an assembled, perspective view of the cannula
with a delivery system in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 4A-4C are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of an exemplary method of inserting and securing the
cannula and tip of FIG. 1 with a locking mechanism in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a cannula tip and a tissue
attachment ring with another locking mechanism in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5B is a disassembled, perspective view of the cannula
tip and the tissue attachment ring of FIG. 5A.
[0024] FIG. 5C is an assembled, perspective view of the cannula tip
and the tissue attachment ring of FIG. 5A.
[0025] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of an exemplary method of inserting and securing the
cannula and tip with the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 5A into
the heart of the patient.
[0026] FIG. 7A is a exploded view of a tissue attachment ring for
use with a cannula tip in accordance with yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 7B and 7C are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of an exemplary method of inserting and securing a cannula
and tip with another embodiment of a locking mechanism to the heart
with the tissue attachment ring of FIG. 7A.
[0028] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of a method of inserting and securing a cannula tip to a
tissue attachment ring with a locking mechanism in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of a method of inserting and securing a cannula tip to a
tissue attachment ring with a locking mechanism in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of a method of inserting and securing a cannula tip with a
tissue attachment ring with a locking mechanism in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one exemplary
method of securing a cannula tip and a tissue attachment ring with
a locking mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIGS. 12A-12C are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of a method of inserting and securing a cannula tip with a
tissue attachment ring with a locking mechanism in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 12D and 12E are cross-sectional views taking along the
line 12D-12D of FIG. 12B and line 12E-12E of FIG. 12C,
respectively.
[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of a method of inserting and securing a cannula tip with a
tissue attachment ring with a locking mechanism in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention, to the heart of a
patient.
[0035] FIG. 14A is an exploded view of a cannula tip and a tissue
attachment ring in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 14B is an assembled, perspective view of the cannula
tip extending through the tissue attachment ring of FIG. 14A.
[0037] FIG. 14C is an assembled, perspective view with the cannula
tip secured to the tissue attachment ring by a locking mechanism in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 15A-15C are cross-sectional views illustrating the
sequence of a method of inserting and securing the cannula tip to
the tissue attachment ring of FIG. 14A and in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 16 is an assembled, perspective view of a cannula tip
and a tissue attachment ring secured by a locking mechanism in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cannula tip taken
along the line 17-17 in FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] While the various embodiments of the present invention may
be useful for use with any organ or cavity within the body,
including, for example, the kidneys, the bladder, the stomach, or
the heart, the illustrated examples included herein are drawn
specifically to applications with the heart.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an implanted
circulatory assist device 20 implanted in a pediatric patient. For
illustrative purposes, certain anatomy is shown including the heart
22 of the patient 24 having a right atrium 26, a left atrium 28, a
right ventricle 30, and a left ventricle 32. Blood from the right
and left subclavian veins 34, 36 and the right and left jugular
veins 38, 40 enters the right atrium 26 through the superior vena
cava 42 while blood from the lower parts of the body enters the
right atrium 26 through the inferior vena cava 44. The blood is
pumped from the right atrium 26, to the right ventricle 30, and to
the lungs (not shown) to be oxygenated. Blood returning from the
lungs enters the left atrium 28 via pulmonary veins 46 and is
pumped into the left ventricle 32. Blood leaving the left ventricle
32 enters the aorta 48 and flows into the left subclavian artery
50, the left common carotid 52, and the brachiocephalic trunk 54,
including the right subclavian artery 56 and the right common
carotid 58.
[0043] With respect to the implanted circulatory assist device 20,
two cannulae 60, 62 (inflow and outflow, respectively) extend
between cardiovascular structures and a pump 64, which may be any
implantable or extracorporeal pump that is radially- and/or
axially-driven. Those skilled in this art, however, recognize that
other types of pumps may be used in other embodiments but may
include pumps such as those described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/627,444, published as 2007/0197854, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or
commercially-available pumps, such as the SYNERGY Pocket Micro-Pump
from CircuLite, Inc. (Saddle Brook, N.J.).
[0044] A cable 66 may extend transdermally from the pump 64 to a
position in the abdomen where the cable 66 exits the patient 24 and
connects to a power supply (not shown). Suitable power supplies may
be any universal-type power supply that sends power to the pump 64
via the cable 66 and may include, but is not limited to, a
rechargeable battery pack.
[0045] As illustrated, the physician may position the pump 64 at
least subcutaneously and, optionally, submuscularly in a pump
pocket (not shown).
[0046] The outflow cannula 62 extends from an outflow port 70 of
the pump 64 to an arterial access site 68, which is specifically
illustrated herein as being within the aorta 48. The outflow
cannula 62 may be any suitable intravascular cannula device
constructed from materials, such as an extruded aliphatic,
polycarbonate-base polyurethane; aliphatic polyether polyurethane;
aromatic polyether polyurethane; aromatic polycarbonate based
polyurethane; silicone modified polyurethane; or silicone.
Antimicrobial agents may be embedded within the outflow cannula
material prior to the forming process to effectively reduce or
eliminate the presence of bio-film and reduce the potential for
infection. Alternatively, the antimicrobial agent may be applied to
the surface of the outflow cannula 62 after the molding process is
complete.
[0047] A reinforcing structure (not shown) may be included in the
outflow cannula construction to reduce the likelihood of kink
formation. The reinforcing structure may be, for example, a braided
or coiled construction of a metal wire, such as stainless steel or
titanium wire, or a polymeric material, such as KEVLAR (E.I. du
Pont de Nemours and Co., Wilmington, Del.). The construction
material may have various cross-sectional shapes, including, but
not limited to, round and rectangular. If a round wire is used, the
wire diameter may vary from about 0.001 inch (0.0254 mm) to about
0.005 inch (0.127 mm). If the material has a rectangular
cross-section, the rectangle may have a height ranging from about
0.001 inch (0.0254 mm) to about 0.005 inch (0.127 mm) and a width
ranging from about 0.003 inch (0.0762 mm) to about 0.010 inch
(0.254 mm).
[0048] The outflow cannula 62 is configured to be secured to the
arterial access site 68 by one or more sutures 76 and/or one or
more anastomotic connectors (not shown), such as those taught in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/829,425, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.
[0049] Referring still to FIG. 1, the inflow cannula 60 is shown to
extend between an inflow port 78 of the pump 64 and the apex 74 of
the heart 22. The inflow cannula 60 may be constructed in a manner
that is similar to the outflow cannula 62; however, other
construction materials may be incorporated as desired.
[0050] The inflow cannula 60 includes a distally-positioned tip 80
that extends through the apex 74 and into the volume of the left
ventricle 32. The tip 80 may be constructed from a metallic
material, such as titanium, a titanium alloy, stainless steel, or
platinum. The tip 80, when constructed from a metallic material,
may include a sintered section or at least a portion covered by a
fabric that promotes the in-growth of tissue. Alternatively, the
tip 80 may be molded from a thermoset material, such as silicone,
or a thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane. An example of a
polyurethane that may be used is CARBOTHANE (Lubrizol Advanced
Materials, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio). If a relatively conformable
design is desired, the tip 80 may be constructed from a thermoset
or thermoplastic material having a durometer ranging from about
shore 25A to about shore 90A. If a relatively rigid design is
desired, the tip 80 may be constructed from a thermoset or
thermoplastic material having a durometer ranging from about shore
55D to about shore 90D.
[0051] To minimize the chance of thrombus formation, the molding
process may include an insert molding process that eliminates
parting lines, i.e., those places where a mismatch of material may
occur. Use of the insert molding process results in a luminal
surface, which is in direct contact with blood flowing through the
tip 80, that is smooth and seamless. Accordingly, it is not
necessary to coat an inner surface of the lumen 82 (FIG. 2A) with
an anti-thrombotic material, yet the coatings may be included if so
desired.
[0052] To increase hemocompatibility, the tip 80 may be polished to
minimize irregularities resulting from the machining process. The
highly polished surface minimizes proliferation of tissue growth,
hence minimizing the likelihood that tissue will grow over the tip
80 and occlude blood flow into the inflow cannula 60.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, additional details of the
tip 80 may be seen. For example, while the diameter of the lumen 82
may be constant throughout the length of both the proximal and
distal ends 84, 86 of the tip 80, an outer surface 88 of the tip 80
may be discontinuous. The outer surface 88 may converge, or taper,
such as a frusto-conical shape, distally from about a mid-point of
the tip 80, and then extend therefrom with a continuous outer
diameter. The length of the frusto-conical shape portion of the tip
80 may range, generally, from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm and, more
specifically, from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm in pediatric patients
and about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm in adult patients. These dimensions
are suitable to reduce the likelihood of the tip 80 interfering
with the mitral valve leaflets 90 (FIG. 1) within the left
ventricle 32 (FIG. 1).
[0054] One or more barbs 92 may be included on the proximal end 84
to retain the inflow cannula 60 to the tip 80. On the distal end
86, the tip 80 may include a distal cage 94 having a
distally-positioned ring 96 and a plurality of openings 98
extending from the ring 96. The plurality of openings 98 and the
ring 96 are configured to permit blood to be continuously withdrawn
from the left ventricle 32 (FIG. 1) and into the lumen 82 of the
tip 80, even when a distal tip end 100 becomes obstructed or
occluded, such as by the mitral valve leaflets 90 (FIG. 1) or an
adjacent wall of the heart, respectively.
[0055] The plurality of openings 98 may include a variety of
shapes, shown here as four apertures, in fluid communication with
the lumen 82; however, any number of openings 98, or apertures, of
various shapes or sizes may be used. Further examples of suitable
tip structures are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/392,623, published as 2009/0182188, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0056] One or more outwardly biased arms 102 may be coupled to the
tip 80 between the proximal and distal ends 84, 86. As shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B, the two diametrically-opposed biased arms 102 are
coupled to and extending from the tip 80 and terminate with
enlarged tabs 104. A locking element 106, shown specifically as a
pawl 106 extending concentrically across the biased arms 102, is
configured to secure the tip 80 to the apex 74 (FIG. 1),
specifically, or an inflow access site 72 (FIG. 1) generally, in a
manner that is described in detail below. A sleeve 108 may be
positioned over the biased arms 102, without extending over the
pawl 106, to secure the biased arms 102 to the tip 80. The sleeve
108 and/or a portion of the outer surface 88 of the tip 80 may
include a tissue in-growth material, configured to create a
scaffolding for controlled cell growth on the outer surface 88 of
the tip 80.
[0057] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the tip 80 is
generally configured to cooperate with a tissue attachment ring 110
that is surgically coupled to the inflow access site 72. As is
shown, the tissue attachment ring 100 may be coupled to the inflow
access site 72 with one or more sutures 156 (FIG. 4A), and is thus
referred to as a sewing ring. However, it would understood that the
tissue attachment ring 110 may be coupled to the inflow access site
72 by any securement structure, such as staples, adhesive, or
others that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the sewing ring 110
includes a molded body 112 with a distally-positioned,
radially-extending band 114 having a plurality of spokes or ribs
116 extending therebetween. A lumen 117 of the molded body 112
includes another locking element 118 of a locking mechanism 119.
The first locking element 118, for example, is a dentate surface in
the lumen 117 of the molded body 112, the dentate surface 118 being
sized and shaped to receive the second locking element 106 of the
locking mechanism 119, e.g., the pawl 106 of the tip 80.
[0059] A tissue in-growth band 120 may be coupled to a distal end
surface of the radially-extending band 114 by one or more sutures
121. The tissue in-growth band 120 may be constructed from a porous
polymeric material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
(ePTFE), a woven polyester fabric tubing (e.g., DACRON brand of
polyester fiber), velour, or other like materials for creating a
scaffolding for cell growth.
[0060] Delivery of the inflow cannula 60 with the tip 80 may be
facilitated with a delivery system 130 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. One suitable delivery system
130 is illustrated with the inflow cannula 60 in FIG. 3A and
includes a shaft 132 having a distally-positioned cutting obturator
tip 150 and a proximally-positioned hub 136 with a multi-lumen luer
hub 137. The multi-lumen luer hub 137 is configured to be coupled
to an inflation fluid supply (not shown), and an expandable portion
138, for example, a balloon located on the shaft 132. A lumen 140
within the shaft 132 extends from the hub 136 to the balloon 138
for supplying an inflation fluid.
[0061] The shaft 132 may be constructed from any material of
suitable column strength to overcome the insertion forces required
to pass through a biological tissue. Appropriate materials may
include metal tubing, such as stainless steel or nickel titanium
tubing, or rigid polymers, such as polyether ether ketone ("PEEK")
or nylon.
[0062] The cutting obturator tip 150 may include at least one
cutting blade 152, though three or more cutting blades 152, as
shown in the distal end view of FIG. 3E, may be preferred to reduce
the likelihood of tearing tissue. The cutting blades 152 may be
constructed from the same material as the shaft 132, particularly
stainless steel or nickel titanium, and machined to a razor-sharp
edge. Otherwise, the cutting blades 152 may be separately machined
and then affixed to the distal end of the shaft 132. The blades 152
enable or facilitate insertion of the delivery system 130 without
the need for a preemptive puncture through the tissue.
[0063] It will be readily appreciated that the shapes of the distal
cage 94 on the tip 80 of the inflow cannula 60 and the cutting
obturator tip 150 of the delivery system 130 may be complimentary,
i.e., the shapes cooperate in a manner that facilitates insertion
of the tip 80 through the biological tissue. In other words, the
shape of the distal cage 94 matches the shape of the cutting
obturator tip 150 to operate as a vascular dilator and facilitate a
smooth insertion of the tip 80. Further, the matching shapes of the
cutting obturator tip 150 and the distal cage 94 reduces the chance
that tissue is captured or snagged between the cutting obturator
tip 150 and the distal cage 94 during tip insertion. As shown in
the assembled illustrations of FIGS. 3B and 3C, the shaft 132 of
the delivery system 130 extends through the lumen 142 of the inflow
cannula 60 and the cutting obturator tip 150 extends, at least
partially, beyond the distal cage 94. The balloon 138, when
expanded, provides a locking relationship between the inflow
cannula 60 and the delivery system 130 at a proximal end of the
inflow cannula 60. In that regard and with respect to the
particular illustrative embodiment, at inflation, the balloon 138
expands and contacts an inner surface of a proximal hub 144 of the
inflow cannula 60. The contact resists movement of the inflow
cannula 60 relative to the delivery system 130 and is shown in yet
greater detail in FIG. 3C. The inflated balloon 138 also provides
the additional benefit of limiting the bleeding back through the
inflow cannula 60 during insertion of the tip 80. While not shown,
the lumen 142 of the cannula 60 may be replaced with a multi-lumen
design that would accommodate a guide-wire or other components in
addition to the delivery system 130.
[0064] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG.
3F, the distally-positioned cutting obturator tip 150 (FIG. 3A) of
the delivery system 130 may be replaced with an obturator tip
134.
[0065] With the details of the inflow cannula 60, the tip 80, the
delivery system 130, and one embodiment of the locking mechanism
119 provided in some detail, delivery and insertion of the inflow
cannula 60 along with the transition of the locking mechanism 119
from a first locking state (FIG. 4B) to a second locking state
(FIG. 4C) may be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C.
Prior to the procedure shown FIG. 4A, the physician has opened the
thoracic cavity by splitting the sternum (not shown) or provided an
opening between successive ribs (not shown) to expose the heart 22.
The location of the inflow access site 72 on the apex 74 of the
heart 22 is determined and the sewing ring 110 attached thereto.
The sewing ring 110 may be previously manufactured with the molded
body portion 112 coupled to the tissue in-growth band 120, for
example, with the one or more sutures 121. As is shown, the sewing
ring 110 may be positioned with one or more pledgets 154 between
the tissue in-growth band 120 and the apex 74. The physician
secures the sewing ring 110 with one or more sutures 156 that
extend through the tissue in-growth band 120, via the plurality of
ribs 116 of the molded body 112. A puncture wound 158 may then be
created centrally through the sewing ring 110. Alternatively, the
cutting obturator tip 150 may be directed through the tissue
without the puncture wound 158.
[0066] With the sewing ring 110 coupled to the inflow access site
72 and the puncture wound 158, if desired, created and now with
reference to FIG. 4A, the physician advances the inflow cannula 60
with the delivery system 130, in locking relation with the inflow
cannula 60 by inflation of the balloon 138 (FIG. 3A), through the
molded body 112 of the sewing ring 110. With further advancement,
the distally-positioned cutting obturator tip 150 dilates the
puncture wound 158 and enters the volume of the left ventricle
32.
[0067] In FIG. 4B, the physician has continued advancing the inflow
cannula 60 and the delivery system 130 such that the pawl 106 of
the biased arms 102 lies adjacent to a proximal edge of the molded
body 112 of the sewing ring 110. By inwardly biasing the enlarged
tabs 104, the physician inwardly deflects the arms 102, which also
provides a slight inward deflection of the pawl 106 such that the
pawl 106 in a first locking state, may be advanced over the dentate
surface 118 and into a select one tooth. Further advancement of the
tip 80 into the molded body 112 continues so long as the first
locking state is maintained by inwardly pressing on enlarged tabs
104. Releasing the tabs 104 releases the pawl 106 to the second
locking state, in which the pawl 106 freely deflect outward to its
relaxed state and engages the select tooth of the dentate surface
118 and secures the position of the tip 80 relative to the sewing
ring 110. Further inward biasing of the pawl 106, i.e.,
transitioning the pawl 106 back to the first locking state, allows
the tip 80 to move with respect to the sewing ring 110 to another
position, which may then be secured by again releasing the pawl 106
to the second locking state.
[0068] The physician may investigate the position of the tip 80 by
a suitable remote visualization technique, such as real time
fluoroscopy or echo. For visualization, at least a portion of the
tip 80 comprises a radiopaque material, such as platinum-iridium,
stainless steel, tungsten, or tantalum. The physician may then
adjust the location of the tip 80, forward and reverse, relative to
the sewing ring 110, to a select a cannula position with respect to
the sewing ring 110, which is directly related to a tip depth
residing within the left ventricle 32.
[0069] With the tip 80 properly positioned, and with reference to
FIGS. 3C and 4C, the physician may then deflate the balloon 138 by
removing inflation fluid from the lumen 140 of the shaft 132
through the hub 136. Balloon deflation releases the constraint
placed on the inner surface of the inflow cannula hub 144 and
allows the physician to retract the delivery system 130 from the
inflow cannula 60. After removal, the hub 144 of the inflow cannula
60 may be coupled to the inflow port 78 (FIG. 1) of the pump 64
(FIG. 1).
[0070] Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5C, a tissue attachment ring 160
(illustrated and described as a sewing ring) and a cannula tip 162
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention are
described. In FIG. 5A, the sewing ring 160 includes a molded body
164 having an annular groove 166 that is configured to receive a
first locking element 168 of a locking mechanism 165, that is shown
herein as including a threaded nut. A tissue in-growth band 169 is
coupled to the distal end of the molded body 164, for example, via
one or more sutures 171. The threaded nut 168, which may be
constructed from a sufficiently rigid polymeric material, has a
distally-positioned ridge 170 that is received by the annular
groove 166 such that the threaded nut 168 freely rotates about the
molded body 164 of the sewing ring 160.
[0071] The threaded nut 168 and the molded body 164 include a lumen
172 through which the tip 162 is inserted. The lumen 172 at the
molded body 164 includes a continuous thread 174 that is sized and
shaped to interact with the second locking element 176,
specifically illustrated herein as threads on an proximal end 178
of the tip 162. Besides the threads 176, the tip 162, itself, may
include a distal cage 180 that is similar to the structure shown in
FIG. 2A; however, the distal cage 180 of the instant embodiment of
the tip 162 is truncated and does not include a distal ring 96
(FIG. 2A) and thus includes one or more prongs 179 extending to a
distal tip end 181.
[0072] Use of the tip 162 and the sewing ring 160 is described with
reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. While the illustrative embodiment is
shown with only the cutting obturator tip 150, in phantom, it would
be understood that this is for clarity only. Indeed, the delivery
system 130 of FIG. 3A or any other suitable delivery system design
may be used with the illustrative procedure. Again, and prior to
the procedure in FIG. 6A, the physician has secured the sewing ring
160 to the inflow access site 72, for example, by tying off one or
more sutures 182, which for illustrative purposes, is located at
the apex 74 of the heart 22 (FIG. 1). The physician then directs
the tip 162, with the inflow cannula 60, through the sewing ring
160 and the apex 74 while the locking mechanism 165 is in a first
locking state and as shown in FIG. 6A. Once the tip 162 is properly
positioned through the apex 74 and with respect to the sewing ring
160, the physician may transition the locking mechanism 165 to the
second locking state by rotating the threaded nut 168, for example,
in the clockwise direction. This transition by rotation causes the
first locking element, i.e., the continuous thread 174 of the
threaded nut 168, to engage the second locking element, i.e., the
threads 176 on the outer surface 178 of the tip 162. Clockwise
rotation of the threaded nut 168 would, therefore, secure the tip
162 to the sewing ring 160 in at least a first position. Further
advancement of the tip 162 into the left ventricle 32 to at least a
second position may be accomplished by further rotation of the
locking nut 168; counter-clockwise of the threaded nut 168 would
retract the tip 162 from the left ventricle 32 to at least a third
position with respect to the sewing ring 160. Various positions of
the tip 162 with respect to the sewing ring 160 are thus possible
and should not be limited to the discrete positions that are
specifically shown. While not shown, the physician may monitor the
tip depth within the left ventricle 32 by remote visualization, as
described previously.
[0073] Once a cannula position, e.g., a selected tip depth, is
achieved, the physician may further secure the relative positions
of the threaded nut 168 and the sewing ring 160 to retain the
selected tip depth with a third locking element 188. In this
particular illustrative embodiment, the threaded nut 168 includes a
plurality of through holes 184 positioned circumferentially around
the nut 168. The molded body 164 of the sewing ring 160 includes a
corresponding plurality of holes 186. As best shown in FIG. 6B, the
physician may thread a suture strand 188 through the tissue
comprising the apex 74 and two aligned holes 184, 186 (one from the
plurality of circumferential holes 184 of the threaded nut 168 and
one from the plurality of holes 186 of the molded body 164) to
further secure and resist undesired motion post-operation.
[0074] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate yet another embodiment of the present
invention in which a tissue attachment ring 190 is configured to be
sutured (i.e., a sewing ring) at a tissue, for example, the apex 74
(FIG. 1). The sewing ring 190 includes first and second portions
192, 194 that are shown with outer and inner threaded surfaces 193,
195, respectively. The first portion 192 has a proximal lumen 196,
a smaller diameter medial lumen 198, and a flaring distal lumen
200. A shelf 202 is formed between the larger proximal lumen 196
and the smaller medial lumen 198.
[0075] Two washers 204, 206 are captured between the first and
second portions 192, 194 when assembled. The distally-positioned
washer 204 (that is a locking mechanism 207 having a single locking
element 204) may be constructed from silicone for providing a seal
with a cannula tip 208 (FIG. 7B) and is generally thicker than the
proximally-positioned wafer 206, which may be constructed from
TEFLON for smooth rotation between the first and second portions
192, 194. A tissue in-growth band 203 is coupled to the flaring
distal lumen 200 via one or more sutures 205, as described
previously.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 7B, the physician positions the first
portion 192 of the sewing ring 190 on an outer surface of the apex
74 such that the tissue in-growth band 203 resides against the
tissue comprising the apex 74. The tissue in-growth band, with the
first portion 192, is then secured to the apex 74 with one or more
sutures 209. The second portion 194 is then threadably coupled, at
least partially, to the first portion 192 and prepared to receive
the cannula tip 208 with the delivery system 130 (FIG. 2A) and the
cutting obturator tip 150 positioned therethrough.
[0077] In FIG. 7C, the cannula tip 208 is advanced through the
sewing ring 190 such that the cutting blades 152 (FIG. 2A) cut the
tissue of the apex 74 and the tip 208 enters the left ventricle 32.
The particular illustrated cannula tip 208 includes a distal cage
210 with a distal ring 211 and a plurality of openings 213, and a
smooth outer surface 212 that is located proximal to the distal
cage 210. As the cannula tip 208 enters the medial lumen 198 of the
first portion 192, the distally-positioned washer 204, being in a
relaxed, first locking state, forms a fluid-tight seal about the
cannula tip 208 while allowing the cannula tip 208 to move relative
to the sewing ring 190. Once the cannula tip 208 is positioned as
desired, as determined by remote visualization or another method,
the physician then further threadably couples the second portion
194 to the first portion 192. With continued threaded coupling, the
second portion 194 captures and compresses the distally-positioned
washer 204 at the shelf 202, which forms a frictional fit between
locking mechanism 207 and the cannula tip 208. The washer
compression decreases the inner diameter of the distally-positioned
washer 204, transitions the locking mechanism 207 to a compressed,
second locking state, that locks or otherwise secures, the position
of the tip 208.
[0078] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate still another embodiment of a
surgical cannula system including a tissue attachment ring 216 and
a cannula tip 218. Again, the embodiment is illustrated with only
the obturator tip 132 of the delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A);
however, it is understood that the delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A) or
any other suitable delivery system design may be used as desired.
The tissue attachment ring 216, is secured by at least one suture
266 and may thus be referred to as a sewing ring. The sewing ring
216 includes a molded body 220 with a distally-positioned,
radially-extending band 222 having a plurality of radial ribs 223
for attaching one or more sutures 224, 226. A tissue in-growth band
228 is coupled to a distal end surface of the radially-extending
band 222 and may be constructed from a porous polymeric material,
as described above.
[0079] The cannula tip 218 may be constructed as described above
and generally includes a distal cage 230 (with a distal ring 229
and a plurality of openings 231) and a locking element 232 of a
locking mechanism 233, for example, a dentate surface 232, on its
proximal outer surface 234.
[0080] As the cannula tip 218 is inserted through the sewing ring
216 and into the left ventricle 32, one of the teeth 232 may be
aligned with another locking element 236 of the locking mechanism
233 located on the sewing ring 216, for example, an
inwardly-directed tab extending inwardly from the molded body 220
of the sewing ring 216. Distal to the tab 236 is an opening that,
with a space between adjacent ones of the teeth of the dentate
surface 232, forms a gap that is sized and shaped to receive a
third locking element 238 that is configured to facilitate the
locking relationship between the locking elements 232, 236. More
specifically, a C-clamp 238, as shown in FIG. 8B, secures the
position of the cannula tip 218 with respect to the sewing ring
216. Once the C-clamp 238 is inserted into the gap, the cannula tip
218 is secured with respect to the sewing ring 216; removing the
C-clamp 238 allows the cannula tip 218 to move with respect to the
sewing ring 216.
[0081] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate yet another embodiment of a
locking mechanism 241 for a surgical cannula system. Again, the
embodiment is illustrated with only the obturator tip 134 of the
delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A). The tissue attachment ring 242
includes a molded body 244 with a distally-positioned,
radially-extending band 246 and having a plurality of ribs 247 for
attaching one or more sutures 248, 250 and may thus be referred to
as a sewing ring. A tissue in-growth band 252 is coupled to a
distal end surface of the radially-extending band 246 and may be
constructed from a porous polymeric material, as described
above.
[0082] The cannula tip 254 may be constructed as described above
and generally includes a distal cage 256 (with a distal ring 255
and a plurality of openings 257) and radially-extending arms 258 on
its proximal outer surface 260. In this embodiment, the locking
mechanism 241 includes a space formed between a locking element 258
on the cannula tip 254 and another locking element 262 on the
sewing ring 242. As is shown, the locking element of the cannula
tip 254 includes radially-extending arms and the locking element
262 of the sewing ring 242 includes an outwardly-directed tab
extending away from the molded body 244 of the sewing ring 242. A
third locking element 264 then facilitates the locking relationship
between the radially-extending arms 285 and the outwardly-directed
tab 262. Particularly, the space created between the
radially-extending arms 285 and the outwardly-directed arm 284
receives an E-ring 264, which secures the cannula tip 254 to the
sewing ring 242.
[0083] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.
Again, for convenience of illustration, only the obturator tip 134
of the delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A) is shown. In FIG. 10A, the
tissue attachment ring 270 includes a molded body 272 having a
first locking element 274 of a locking mechanism 275. The first
locking element 274, may include, for example, a plurality of
annular grooves along an inner surface of the lumen 276. The molded
body 272 further includes a distally-positioned, radially-extending
ring 278 having a plurality of ribs 279 for attaching one or more
sutures 281, 282. A tissue in-growth band 284 is coupled to a
distal end surface of the radially-extending ring 278 and may be
constructed from a porous polymeric material, as described
above.
[0084] The cannula tip 286 may be constructed as described above
and includes a distal cage 288 (with a distal ring 287 and a
plurality of openings 289) and a second locking element 290 that is
configured to cooperate with the first locking element 275 to
secure a position of the cannula tip 286 with respect to the tissue
attachment ring 270. The second locking element 290 may be a
plurality of angled teeth 290 on its proximal, outer surface 292,
wherein each tooth 290 of the plurality includes an angled distal
surface 294 and a planar proximal surface 296, that is, in a manner
that is similar ratchet.
[0085] As the physician advances the cannula tip 286 through the
sewing ring 270 and into the left ventricle 32, the plurality of
angled teeth 290 engage the plurality of grooves 274 within the
molded body 272, such as in a one-way ratcheting motion to a first
position. As a result, the locking mechanism 275 may be
transitioned between a first locking state for advancing the
cannula tip 286 to another position that is further located in the
left ventricle 32; however, the planar proximal surfaces 296 resist
retraction of the cannula tip 286 from the sewing ring 270 and
maintains the cannula tip 286 in the second locking state that
resists movement of the cannula tip 286 back into the first locked
position.
[0086] FIG. 11 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the
present invention. Again, the embodiment is illustrated with only
the obturator tip 134 of the delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A). The
sewing ring 300 includes a molded body 302 having a first locking
element 304 of the locking mechanism 305, wherein the first locking
element 304 of the illustrative embodiment is an inner threaded
surface provided on a wall 309 defining the lumen. The molded body
302 further includes a distally-positioned, radially-extending ring
306 having a plurality of ribs 307 for attaching one or more
sutures 308, 310. A tissue in-growth band 312 is coupled to a
distal end surface of the radially-extending ring 306 and may be
constructed from a porous polymeric material, as described
above.
[0087] The cannula tip 314 may be constructed as described above
and includes a distal cage 316 (with a distal ring 315 and a
plurality of openings 317) and second locking element 318 that
cooperates with the first locking element 304 to secure at least
one position of the cannula tip 314. Specifically, the first
locking element includes a proximally-positioned, outer threaded
surface that matches the inner threaded surface 304 of the molded
body 302. The cannula tip 314 is directed into and threadably
engages the sewing ring 300. As shown, rotating the cannula tip 314
clockwise advances the cannula tip 314 with respect to the sewing
ring 300 to another position and increases the tip depth (shown in
phantom) while counter-clockwise rotation retracts the cannula tip
314 and decreases the tip depth.
[0088] FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate yet another embodiment of the
present invention in use with the delivery system 130 of FIG. 3A.
As shown, a tissue attachment ring 320 (again, configured to be
attached to the biological tissue with one or more sutures 328)
includes a molded body 322 having a distally-positioned,
radially-extending ring 324. A plurality of ribs 325 extend between
the molded body 322 and the ring 324 for attaching one or more
sutures 326, 328. A tissue in-growth band 330 is coupled to a
distal end surface of the radially-extending ring 324 and may be
constructed from a porous polymeric material, as described
above.
[0089] The cannula tip 332 may be constructed as described above
and include a distal cage 334 with a distal ring 333 and a
plurality of openings 335 therein. A cross-sectional dimension of
an outer surface 336 of the cannula tip 332 is irregular. More
specifically, as more clearly shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E, the
cross-section is slightly oval, i.e., having major and minor axes
illustrated as major and minor outer diameters 338, 340,
respectively, where the major outer diameter 338 is greater than
the minor outer diameter 340. Likewise, the cross-section of an
inner surface 342 of the lumen 344 of the molded body 322 includes
a similar irregularity, i.e., both major and minor axes that are
illustrated by first and second diameters 346, 348,
respectively.
[0090] The locking mechanism 349 secures the cannula tip 332 to the
sewing ring 320 by transitioning from a first locking state, as
shown in FIG. 12B, and the corresponding cross-section in FIG. 12D,
to a second locking state, shown in FIGS. 12C and 12E. In other
words, the major outer diameter 338 of the cannula tip 332 is
aligned with the first diameter 346 of the sewing ring 320.
Consequently, the minor outer diameter 338 of the cannula tip 332
also aligns with the second diameter 348 of the sewing ring 320. In
this arrangement, or locking state, there is sufficient clearance
for the cannula tip 332 to be advanced into the lumen 344 of the
molded body 322 to a desired position. Once the physician has
properly advanced the cannula tip 332 into the left ventricle 32,
the physician may rotate the cannula tip 332 within and with
respect to the sewing ring 320. As shown in FIG. 12C, and the
corresponding cross-section in FIG. 12E, rotation of the cannula
tip 332 causes the major outer diameter 338 of the cannula tip 332
to move toward the second diameter 348 of the molded body 322. It
would be readily understood that maximum frictional interference,
and thus securement of the cannula tip 332, would occur
approximately when the major outer diameter 338 of the cannula tip
332 is directly in alignment with the second diameter 348 of the
molded body 322. Thus, once the physician has advanced the cannula
tip 332 to a first position within the left ventricle 32 and with
respect to the sewing ring 320, the physician may rotate the
cannula tip 332, clockwise or counter-clockwise, by less than about
90.degree. to a second locking state and secure the cannula tip
332. Release and repositioning of the cannula tip 332 may occur
with rotation greater than 90.degree. in the opposing direction,
which again aligns the major outer diameter 338 with the first
diameter 346. It would be readily appreciated that the position of
the cannula tip 332 with respect to the sewing ring 320 may vary
greatly between a distal boundary position and a proximal boundary
position.
[0091] Still another embodiment is described with reference to
FIGS. 13A and 13B. As described previously, only the obturator tip
134 of the delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A) is shown for illustrative
convenience. As shown, a tissue attachment ring 350 (again,
illustrated specifically as a sewing ring) includes a molded body
352 having a distally-positioned, radially-extending ring 354 with
a plurality of ribs 355 for attaching one or more sutures 356, 358.
A tissue in-growth band 360 is coupled to a distal end surface of
the radially-extending ring 354 and may be constructed from a
porous polymeric material, as described above. The locking
mechanism 362 of the illustrative embodiment is generally, operably
coupled to an inner wall 363 of the molded body 352 and,
specifically, includes one or more memory-shaped springs that may
extend distally from the molded body 352, through the puncture
wound 158, and into the left ventricle 32. The memory-shaped
springs 362 may be constructed from a sheet of a superelastic
material, electropolished to remove rough edges generated during
the formation process, and then heated to a superelastic state.
[0092] The cannula tip 364 may be constructed as described above
and include a distal cage 366 (with a distal ring 365 and a
plurality of openings 367) and a smooth proximal surface 368. To
secure the cannula tip 364 and actuate the locking mechanism 362,
as the cannula tip 364 is advanced through the molded body 352, the
memory-shaped springs 362 are biased from a first locking state
(i.e., relaxed as shown in FIG. 13A) to a second locking state
(i.e., straight shape as shown in FIG. 13B) that may be, for
example, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tip
364. This straightening of the memory-shaped springs 362 resists
movement, proximally or distally, of the cannula tip 364. However,
sufficient force applied to the cannula tip 364 overcomes this
resistance and allows the physician to adjust the tip depth as
desired. Accordingly, and depending on the biasing strength of the
memory-shaped springs 362, the position of the cannula tip 364 with
respect to the sewing ring 350 may vary greatly between a distal
boundary position and a proximal boundary position or may be
limited to one or more discrete positions.
[0093] With reference now to FIGS. 14A-15C, another embodiment of a
tissue attachment ring 380 (specifically shown as a sewing ring) is
described. More specifically, in FIGS. 14A-14C, the sewing ring 380
is shown and includes a ring portion 382 having a first locking
element 384 of a locking mechanism 385, wherein the first locking
element 384 is in the form of a plurality of prongs extending from
the ring portion 382. A tissue in-growth band 386 is coupled to the
ring portion 382 via one or more sutures 388 extending through one
or more apertures 389.
[0094] The cannula tip 390 may include a distal cage 392 having a
distal ring 394 and one or more apertures 396 as described
previously. A proximal end 398 of the cannula tip 390 includes a
second locking element 400 of the locking mechanism 385, wherein
the second locking element 400 is in the form of one or more
annular ridges 400 configured to be coupled to the prongs 384 of
the sewing ring 380 as described below. While the particular
illustrative embodiment includes multiple annular ridges 400 for
providing multiple positions of the cannula tip 390 with respect to
the sewing ring 380, it would be understood that only one annular
ridge, and thus only one position of the cannula tip 390 with
respect to the sewing ring 380 in a locking state, is
necessary.
[0095] The cannula tip 390 may further include a portion 397
adapted to enable tissue ingrowth. The area 397 may include or be
formed from a material suitable for promoting tissue ingrowth. For
example, the portion 397 may be formed from a sintered material, or
its outer surface may have a suitable coating or porous fabric
(e.g., polyester) or other material for promoting tissue ingrowth.
Tissue ingrowth in area 397 would be advantageous in that it will
help in securing the cannula tip 390 to the tissue 74 (FIG. 15B)
after implantation.
[0096] The particular embodiment further includes a third locking
element 402 of the locking mechanism 385, e.g., a collar that is in
sliding relationship with the cannula 60 and the cannula tip 390.
The collar 402 includes one or more prongs 404, each having a
radially-extending tab 406 that is configured to be received by an
aperture 408 in the ring portion 382 of the sewing ring 380.
[0097] Referring now to FIG. 15A, the sewing ring 380 has been
coupled to the apex 74 by one or more sutures 388 extending through
the apertures 389 of the ring portion 382 and at least partially
into the tissue comprising the apex 74. The cannula 60 with the
cannula tip 390 are then advanced to the sewing ring 380 with a
delivery system 130 (FIG. 3A), where in FIG. 15A only the obturator
tip 134 is shown.
[0098] The obturator tip 134 is directed through the puncture wound
158 so that the cannula tip 390 enters the left ventricle 32. In
FIG. 15B, the cannula tip 390 continues advancing into the sewing
ring 380 until an inwardly-directed tab 414 on the prong 384 of the
sewing ring 380 engages one of the annular ridges 400 in a first
locking position. The depth of the cannula tip 390 within the left
ventricle 32 may be selected, in part, on which annular ridge 400
the inwardly-directed tab 414 resides.
[0099] In FIG. 15C, the position of the cannula tip 390 with
respect to the sewing ring 380 is further secured by sliding the
collar 402 over the cannula 60 and the cannula tip 390 to engage
the sewing ring 380. More specifically, the tabs 406 of the prongs
404 of the collar 402 extend through the apertures 408 of the
sewing ring 380. The friction fit between the collar 402 and the
outer proximal surface of the cannula tip 390 resists movement of
the cannula tip 390 once the collar 402 is so engaged.
[0100] In still another embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 16 and
17, rather than using the collar 402, the locking mechanism 425 of
FIGS. 16 and 17 includes a third locking element 423 comprising an
eyelet 424 attached to each of the plurality of prongs 420
extending from the ring portion 382 of the sewing ring 380. Each
eyelet 424 includes an opening 426 through which a suture 428 is
threaded. In use, after the cannula tip 390 is suitably positioned
within the sewing ring 380, the suture 428 may be tightened and
secured so as to draw the inwardly-directed tabs 422 of each prong
420 into one of the annular ridges 400.
[0101] While the present invention has been illustrated by a
description of various illustrative embodiments and while these
embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the
intention of the Applicants to restrict or in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
The various features of the invention may be used alone or any
combinations depending on the needs and preferences of the user.
However, the present invention itself should only be defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *