U.S. patent application number 16/891002 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-17 for intravascular devices and delivery systems and uses thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Keystone Heart Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Keystone Heart Ltd.. Invention is credited to Amit ASHKENAZI, Moran GERA, Tzeela Mikovsky SHEMESH.
Application Number | 20200289251 16/891002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004867302 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-17 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200289251 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHEMESH; Tzeela Mikovsky ;
et al. |
September 17, 2020 |
Intravascular Devices And Delivery Systems And Uses Thereof
Abstract
In general, the invention features an intravascular device, a
delivery system, and methods for filtering or deflecting emboli or
other large objects from entering a protected secondary vessel or
vessels The intravascular device of the invention may prevent
passage of a particle in a blood vessel from passing through a
filter supported by a frame, upper and lower stabilizers, and a
wire. The wire may be used to stabilize the device upon its
deployment and installation within a blood vessel. Further, in some
embodiments, the invention features a delivery system and methods
for introduction of the device into a blood vessel.
Inventors: |
SHEMESH; Tzeela Mikovsky;
(Ramat Gan, IL) ; GERA; Moran; (Kohav Yair,
IL) ; ASHKENAZI; Amit; (Haifa, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Keystone Heart Ltd. |
Caesarea |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Keystone Heart Ltd.
Caesarea
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000004867302 |
Appl. No.: |
16/891002 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15543901 |
Jul 14, 2017 |
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PCT/IB2016/000192 |
Jan 20, 2016 |
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16891002 |
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62105493 |
Jan 20, 2015 |
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62144799 |
Apr 8, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2230/0008 20130101;
A61F 2002/018 20130101; A61F 2002/016 20130101; A61F 2230/0095
20130101; A61F 2230/0019 20130101; A61F 2/01 20130101; A61F 2/011
20200501 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/01 20060101
A61F002/01 |
Claims
1. An intravascular device for deflecting emboli comprising: a
frame having a length; an embolic filter attached to and extending
the length of the frame; a wire configured to run along the length
of said filter from a proximal portion to a distal portion, wherein
a distal end of the wire extends further than a distal end of the
frame; and, wherein the frame is connected to the wire by a
connector extending between a proximal end of the frame and a point
on the wire proximal of the proximal end of the filter.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire is arranged to exert a
force on at least one of the frame and the filter when deployed in
an aorta of a subject.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the frame is attached to the wire
only at the proximal portion of the frame.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the frame defines the shape of
the filter and the frame is suitable to be held in contact with
both an ascending and a descending aorta.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire is configured to exert a
force upward from a horizontal plane of the filter.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire comprises at least one
lumen.
7. The device of claim 6, further comprising a guide wire
positioned within the at least one lumen.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire comprises an attached
protected lip.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire comprises a dilator
tip.
10. A system comprising: an intravascular device for deflecting
emboli comprising: a frame having a length; an embolic filter
attached to and extending the length of the frame; a wire
configured to run along the length of said filter from a proximal
portion to a distal portion, and wherein a distal end of the wire
extends further than a distal end of the frame; and wherein the
frame is connected to the wire by a connector extending between a
proximal end of the frame and a point on the wire proximal of the
proximal end of the filter; and, an introducer sheath having a
lumen for introduction of the intravascular device to an aorta of a
subject.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the introducer sheath comprises
a braided or coiled material.
12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a deflector.
13. The system of claim 10, further comprising a pigtail
catheter.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the pigtail catheter further
comprises a blunted tip.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the pigtail catheter, the wire,
and the device are loaded into a single lumen of the introducer
sheath.
16. An intravascular device for deflecting emboli comprising: a
frame having a length; an embolic filter attached to and extending
the length of the frame; a wire configured to run along the length
of said filter from a proximal portion to a distal portion, and a
distal end of the wire extends further than a distal end of the
frame; and wherein the frame is attached to the wire only at the
proximal portion of the frame.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
patent application Ser. No. 15/543,901, filed Jul. 14, 2017,
entitled Intravascular Devices And Delivery Systems And Uses
Thereof, which is a U.S. National Phase of and claims priority to
International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2016/000192,
International Filing Date Jan. 20, 2016, entitled Intravascular
Devices And Delivery Systems And Uses Thereof; which claims benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/105,493 filed Jan. 20,
2015 entitled Intravascular Devices And Delivery Systems And Uses
Thereof; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/144,799 filed
Apr. 8, 2015 entitled Intravascular Devices And Delivery Systems
And Uses Thereof; all of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to intravascular devices, systems, and
methods for deflecting emboli in an aorta to prevent emboli from
entering arteries, for example, arteries that lead to the
brain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Devices such as vascular filters or other devices may be
inserted into a blood vessel prior to or during a procedure or at
another time. Such devices may be inserted by way of a catheter
that may be passed through a vein or artery, and into, for example,
an aorta or other vessel where the device may be released from the
catheter and deployed. The device may filter, deflect, or block
emboli or other objects from entering into a blood supply that
feeds the brain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In a first aspect, the invention features an intravascular
device for deflecting particles, e.g., emboli, including, a
substantially planar frame, e.g., having a length between about 80
mm and 90 mm and a width from about 20 mm to 35 mm; an embolic
filter attached to and extending the length of the frame; an upper
stabilizer above the horizontal plane of the filter; a lower
stabilizer below the horizontal plane of the filter; where one of
the upper or lower stabilizer includes a wire configured to run
along a horizontal plane of the filter and exert a force on the
frame and/or the filter when deployed in an aorta of a subject. The
frame of the device may define the shape of the filter and is
typically sized and shaped to be held in contact with both an
ascending and a descending aorta. An upper stabilizer of the device
may extend upward from the horizontal plane of the filter to
contact a medial surface of an innominate artery. A lower
stabilizer of the device may extend downward from the horizontal
plane of the filter to contact a medial surface of the aorta. A
device may include multiple upper and/or lower stabilizers.
[0005] In one embodiment, the wire is a tether made from a
polymeric material, a metal, or any combination thereof, and has a
diameter, e.g., of less than 2 mm. A tether may include flushing
segments to allow fluid, e.g., saline, to be released from the
inner chamber of the tether. The tether may include a lumen via
which the intravascular device is attached. For example, a wire may
extend through this lumen and attach to or be integral with the
intravascular device. In such embodiments, this lumen may be
substantially filled by the wire. In additional embodiments, the
tether may include a lumen to allow passage of a guide wire.
Alternately, the tether may include separate lumens for attachment
of the intravascular device, passage of a guide wire, or delivery
or removal of fluids. The lumen for the guide wire preferably does
not extend the length of the tether and instead is located at the
distal end of the tether, e.g., below a lumen used to attached the
intravascular device. Preferably, the lumen for a guide wire is
longer than the length of the intravascular device. The lumen for
the guide wire may be from 70 mm to 160 mm. In such embodiments, a
transverse dimension of the tether is preferably larger at the
distal end of the tether, where the lumen is located, relative to
the proximal end. The tether may be passed over the guide wire via
the lumen to advance the device through a delivery system. The
guide wire may also be used to support the device when deployed in
an aorta of a subject, e.g., by applying a force to the inner walls
of the lumen of the tether. The stiffness of the guide wire may
vary along its length to produce a desired force on an inner wall
of the lumen of the tether. For example, one portion of the guide
wire may be less stiff and present in the lumen during deployment
and/or positioning. During use, the guide wire may be advanced or
retracted to place a stiffer portion in the lumen, which can be
used to exert a force on the walls of the lumen. In some
embodiments, the tether may be attached to a protected lip at its
distal end. The protected lip may be a dilator tip that may be
inflated to expand a blood vessel during, e.g., introduction of the
device into the aorta.
[0006] In embodiments where the lower stabilizer includes the
tether, the dilator tip may be inflated with a fluid, e.g., air or
saline, or a guide wire may exert pressure to provide lift to the
device when deployed within an aortic arch. In embodiments where
the upper stabilizer includes the tether, the dilator tip may be
inflated with a fluid, e.g., air or saline, or a guide wire may
exert a force along the frame and filter of the device to push it
in a direction of an ascending aorta when deployed in the aortic
arch of a subject. In such embodiments, the dilator tip may contact
a medial surface of an innominate artery. The tether and the
dilator tip may have equal rigidity, or unequal rigidity, in which
the tether is more rigid than the dilator tip or the dilator tip is
more rigid than the tether.
[0007] In certain embodiments, the filter has a radius of curvature
of no less than 80 mm (e.g., no less than 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm,
120 mm, 130 mm, 140 mm, or 150 mm).
[0008] In certain embodiments, the device includes the tether as a
lower stabilizer and a single upper stabilizer, e.g., that contacts
a medial surface of an innominate artery. In such embodiments,
further lower stabilizers may also be present, e.g., two further
lower stabilizers attached to opposite sides of the frame and
extending downward from the horizontal plane of the filter, e.g.,
to contact a medial surface of the aorta. In other embodiments, the
device includes the tether as an upper stabilizer and two lower
stabilizers, e.g., two further lower stabilizers attached to
opposite sides of the frame and extending downward from the
horizontal plane of the filter, e.g., to contact a medial surface
of the aorta. In such embodiments, a further upper stabilizer may
also be present, e.g., that contacts a medial surface of an
innominate artery.
[0009] In a second aspect, the invention features a delivery system
including a device of the invention and an introducer sheath having
a lumen for introduction of the device to an aorta of a subject.
The introducer sheath may be made of a braided or coiled material
and may further include a Y-connector with three ports to allow for
introduction of devices into a lumen of the sheath. The introducer
sheath may have a size in the range of 6 F-10 F (e.g., 6 F, 7 F, 8
F, 9 F, or 10 F). In some embodiments, the delivery system includes
a second guide wire. The delivery system may further include a
pigtail catheter, e.g., a 1 F, 2 F, 3 F, 4 F, 5 F, and 6 F pigtail
catheter, e.g., which may have a blunted tip and is delivered over
the second guide wire. In additional embodiments, the delivery
system includes a deflector made from an expandable or spread
material. The deflector may include a frame or may be
frameless.
[0010] In an embodiment of the delivery system, the device is
loaded into the introducer sheath, e.g., with the frame, upper
stabilizer, and/or lower stabilizer compressed to fit within the
lumen. In embodiments where the device includes a protected lip,
the protected lip may be positioned distal to the introducer sheath
and have a smaller diameter than the introducer sheath. When loaded
into the introducer sheath, the device may be compressed within the
introducer sheath and positioned behind any protected lip. Upon
retraction of the introducer sheath relative to the intravascular
device, the device may be expanded and deployed into an aorta of a
subject. In other embodiments, a pigtail catheter, a tether, and
the intravascular device are loaded into a single lumen of the
introducer sheath. In such embodiments, the tether may include a
lumen for attachment of the intravascular device and/or a lumen for
a guide wire, e.g., one located at the distal end of the tether and
not extending the length of the tether. The tether having a guide
wire lumen at the distal end may be sized so that deployment of the
distal end from the introducer sheath frees volume to allow for
passage of other tools, e.g., a pigtail catheter through the
introducer sheath. In another embodiment, the intravascular device
and the tether are loaded into a first lumen of a dual lumen
introducer sheath, and the pigtail catheter is loaded into a second
lumen of the dual lumen introducer sheath.
[0011] In a third aspect, the invention features a method of
introducing the device or delivery system into a subject by
inserting the device contained within an introducer sheath into a
blood vessel, e.g., aorta, of the subject and retracting the sheath
relative to the device at a desired location in the blood vessel,
thereby deploying the device into an aortic arch of a subject. When
deployed, an upper stabilizer may extend upward from the horizontal
plane of the filter and contact a medial surface of an innominate
artery, and/or a lower stabilizer may extend downward from the
horizontal plane of the device and contact a medial surface of the
wall of the aorta. In some embodiments, the device of the invention
is passed through an introducer sheath by a tether, e.g., one
including a lumen for attachment of the intravascular device and/or
a lumen for a guide wire, advanced over a guide wire. In other
embodiments, a pigtail catheter is introduced through the
introducer sheath and is inserted over a second guide wire. The
device and delivery system are preferably over the wire systems,
where a guide wire is introduced to the desired location and the
device and delivery system are advanced over the guide wire to the
desired location. The guide wire may then remain in the device or
be removed after deployment. Preferably, the device and delivery
system are introduced via a peripheral artery, e.g., femoral
artery.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention features a catheter having
a lumen for a guide wire located at the distal end, where the lumen
does not extend the length of the catheter. A transverse dimension
of the catheter is preferably larger at the distal end, where the
lumen is located, relative to the proximal end. The sizes, shapes,
and materials described herein for tethers may also be employed in
conjunction with a catheter of the invention. The catheter may be
attached to any tool for use intravascularly, e.g., one including a
filter for emboli, an electrode, a cutting element, an imaging
element, or a balloon, or may include a mechanism for attachment to
such a tool. Preferably, the lumen for a guide wire is longer than
the length of any attached intravascular tool. The lumen for the
guide wire may be from 70 mm to 160 mm. In some embodiments, the
catheter may be attached to a protected lip at its distal end. The
protected lip may be a dilator tip that may be inflated to expand a
blood vessel during, e.g., introduction of the device into the
aorta.
[0013] As used herein, the term "wire" refers to any elongated
structure (e.g., cords, fibers, yarns, filaments, cables, and
threads) fabricated from any non-degradable material (e.g.,
polycarbonate, polytetrafluorothylene (PTFE), expanded
polytetrafluorothylene (ePTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),
polypropylene, porous urethane, metal, Nitinol, fluropolymers
(e.g., Teflon.RTM.), cobalt chromium alloys (CoCr), and para-aramid
(Kevlar.RTM.), or textile (e.g., nylon, polyester (e.g.,
Dacron.RTM.), or silk).
[0014] As used herein, the term "pigtail catheter" refers to a
surgical device that is used to introduce radio-opaque
contrast.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is a diagram of a side view of an intravascular
device. The figure shows exemplary upper and lower stabilizers
other than wires.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a diagram of a three-quarters view of an
intravascular device. The figure shows exemplary upper and lower
stabilizers other than wires.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-2B are diagrams indicating the force applied to a
device by a guide wire.
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3D are diagrams representing alternative
embodiments of an upper or lower stabilizer of the device and the
deployment of such devices in an aortic arch. FIG. 3A is a diagram
of a device having a tether attached to a dilator tip that
functions as a lower stabilizer of the intravascular device, and
FIG. 3B is a representation of the device of FIG. 3A deployed in an
aortic arch, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3C is a diagram of a device with a tether attached to a
dilator tip that functions as an upper stabilizer of an
intravascular device (left), and a delivery system with a dilator
tip connected to a tether that functions as an upper stabilizer of
an intravascular device (right), in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. FIG. 3D is a representation of a device with a
dilator tip functioning as an upper stabilizer deployed in the
aortic arch, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a delivery system including an
intravascular device, Y-connector, tether, sheath, and a protected
lip, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a diagram of a delivery system with a low-profile
tether having uniform rigidity, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5B is a diagram of a delivery system with a tether
having variable rigidity, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6A is a diagram of a delivery system with a single
lumen introducer sheath in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The inset schematic provides a cross-sectional view of
the tether positioned in the single lumen introducer sheath.
[0023] FIG. 6B is a diagram of a delivery system with a tether with
flushing segments seen in the inset, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The inset schematic provides a
magnified view of the flushing segments.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a tether with an inflatable dilator
tip at its distal end.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a delivery system of an intravascular
device with a deflector, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 9A is a diagram of an intravascular device being loaded
into an introducer sheath of a delivery system, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 9B is a diagram of an intravascular device being
deployed by retracting an introducer sheath of a delivery system,
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 10A is a diagram of an intravascular device attached to
a first tether being loaded with a second tether connected to a
dilator tip into a single lumen of an introducer sheath of a
delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 10B is a diagram of an intravascular device attached to
a first tether being deployed from a single lumen of an introducer
sheath by a delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a dual-lumen introducer sheath of a
delivery system with an aspirator, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a set of diagrams of the orientation of
deployment of an intravascular device (left) and the orientation of
deployment of a pigtail catheter (right) from a dual lumen
introducer sheath of a delivery system.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a tether with a first lumen for
attachment of the intravascular device and a second lumen for a
guide wire to pass beneath the intravascular device, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an intravascular device attached to
a tether being loaded into a lumen of an introducer sheath by a
delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The present invention relates to intravascular devices,
delivery systems, and methods of inhibiting the potentially harmful
passage of particulates through the blood stream. Particulates that
may be present in blood include, without limitation, blood clots,
calcified debris, and emboli. While extremely small particulates
may not cause significant harm, passage of larger particulates can
result in stroke or other adverse outcomes. The risk of damage
resulting from the passage of particulates can increase in
association with certain conditions or medical procedures that
perturb the vasculature. In order to moderate these risks, the
invention features intravascular devices (e.g., with features of
intravascular devices described in International Publication Number
WO 2012/085916) for preventing particles from passing from a
primary blood vessel (e.g., the aorta) to one or more secondary
blood vessels (e.g., the left subclavian, left common carotid, or
innominate artery). The intravascular device includes an embolic
filter, which prevents particles, e.g., emboli, having a dimension
greater than 50 .mu.ITI, in a blood vessel from passing through the
filter, and a frame to hold the filter. The frame may be
substantially planar and typically has a length between about 80 mm
and 90 mm and a width being from about 20 mm to 35 mm. The length
of the device may be from approximately 80 mm to 90 mm, or
otherwise as may be necessary to approximate a distance between an
upper wall of an ascending aorta of a subject, upstream of an
opening of an innominate artery and at an upper wall of a
descending aorta of a subject downstream of an opening of a left
subclavian artery. The width of the device may be from 20 mm to 35
mm or otherwise as may approximate an internal diameter of an aorta
of a subject.
[0035] The frame may define the shape of the filter, which is
attached to the frame, and is typically suitable to be held in
contact with both an ascending and a descending aorta. The device
also includes at least one upper stabilizer that extends upward
from or parallel to the horizontal plane of the filter and may be
suitable to contact a medial surface of an innominate artery. The
device includes at least one lower stabilizer that extends downward
from or parallel to the horizontal plane of the filter and may be
suitable to contact a medial surface of the internal wall of the
aorta, e.g., opposite the orifices of the branch arteries (e.g.,
the left subclavian, left common carotid, or innominate artery).
One of the upper or lower stabilizers includes a wire connected to
the frame and/or filter and extending along the horizontal plane of
the filter.
[0036] The filter, frame, upper stabilizer(s), lower stabilizer(s),
and wire of the device are capable of collapse along a longitudinal
axis for ease of delivery to the treatment site. Once deployed in
the aortic arch, the lower stabilizer of the device may function to
provide lift to the intravascular device in the aortic arch to
cover the openings of the branch arteries. Upon installation in the
aortic arch, the upper stabilizer may contact the internal wall of
the innominate artery to anchor the device in place against blood
flow in the aorta, prevent the roll of the device within the aorta,
and/or prevent the lift of the device beyond a desired distance
from an entry point into the innominate artery of the aorta.
[0037] In some embodiments, the wire of the device includes a
tether. The tether of the device may be made of a polymeric
material, metal, or a combination thereof. The tether may be a
solid rod or a hollow tube having a lumen, and the diameter of the
tether may be less than about 2 mm (e.g., 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm,
or 0.25 mm). The tether may have one or more lumens (e.g., 1, 2, or
3 lumens). The lumens of the tether may or may not extend along the
length of the tether. In certain embodiments, the tether includes a
lumen for attachment of the intravascular device that extends
continuously along the tether's length and/or a lumen for a guide
wire that is located at the distal end, e.g., below any lumen for
attachment, and does not extend the length of the tether. A wire
for attachment to the intravascular device or being integral
therewith may substantially fill a lumen for attachment in a
tether. In some embodiments, the tether of the device includes a
guide wire that has a diameter less than the diameter of a lumen of
the tether and is configured to pass through a lumen of the tether.
A lumen for a guide wire located at the distal end may have a
length of 70-160 mm in certain embodiments (e.g., 70 mm, 80 mm, 90
mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, or 160 mm).
Preferably, any lumen for a guide wire is longer than the
intravascular device. For tethers having a lumen for a guide wire
located at the distal end, a transverse dimension of the tether is
preferably greater at the distal end relative to the proximal end.
A tether and/or guide wire may function to advance the
intravascular device through a delivery system and further
stabilize the device upon deployment into, e.g., the aortic arch.
In some embodiments, the tether and/or guide wire are located
beneath the horizontal plane of the filter of the device. The
tether may include flushing segments consisting of openings along
the length of the tether that allow for fluids, e.g., saline, to
pass through the openings when pressure is applied to the proximal
end of the tether.
[0038] The tether may be additionally attached to a protected lip
at, e.g., its distal end, that permits the advancement of the
intravascular device through a blood vessel by, e.g., widening the
vessel, without causing damage to the vessel wall. The protected
lip may be a dilator tip, e.g., that is inflatable, that is
configured to expand the blood vessel during insertion,
installation, and/or retraction of the device. The dilator tip may
have a diameter smaller than the opening of an introducer sheath,
and protrude outside the distal end of an introducer sheath to,
e.g., expand the opening of a vessel for advancing of an introducer
sheath. In devices with, e.g., a dilator tip, at the distal end,
the tether may function to inflate the dilator tip by transferring
a fluid, e.g., air or saline, from a proximal end to a distal
end.
[0039] The tether and the dilator tip may have equal rigidity. In
other embodiments, the tether is more rigid than the dilator tip,
or the tether may be less rigid than the dilator tip, which
produces variable rigidity in the device.
[0040] The lower stabilizer(s) of the device may be attached to the
frame (or be integral with the frame) or may be formed by a wire,
e.g., a tether, of the device that extends below the plane of, and
along the length of the intravascular device. In some embodiments,
a guide wire passes through the lumen of the tether and extends
beneath the horizontal plane of the filter. When deployed in an
aortic arch, the bending of the guide wire as it conforms to the
shape of the aortic arch exerts force on the internal wall of the
lumen of the tether. The force is transferred from the tether to
the frame and filter of the device to provide lift within the
aortic arch. Additionally, a dilator tip and/or an attached tether
may be expanded to a desired rigidity that may provide lift as a
lower stabilizer by exerting a force on the device beneath the
horizontal plane of the filter. When a lower stabilizer includes a
tether of the device, the tether passes beneath the plane of the
filter to extend along the length of the frame and beyond the
distal end of the frame of the device. The tether, when used as a
lower stabilizer, may contact a medial surface of the wall of the
aorta, e.g., opposite the orifices of the branch arteries.
[0041] The wire, e.g., a tether, may also function as an upper
stabilizer of the device and exert a force on the proximal end of
the frame and filter of the device pushing the distal end of the
device in the direction of an ascending aorta to, e.g., prevent the
roll of the device and/or limit the lift of the device, by
contacting a medial surface of an ascending aorta. When the device
includes, e.g., a dilator tip, the dilator tip may have a size and
shape to contact the wall of the innominate artery and prevents
further lift of the device by anchoring the device in the
innominate artery. In embodiments with a dilator tip as an upper
stabilizer, a guide wire enclosed within the lumen of the tether
may exert a force on the device in the direction of the ascending
aorta to position the dilator tip in the opening of the innominate
artery. The tether of the device, when functioning as an upper
stabilizer, may pass below the horizontal plane of the proximal end
of the filter, transect a horizontal plane of the filter at, e.g.,
a midpoint, and extend above the horizontal plane of the distal end
of the filter. The tether may be passed through the filter, and
extend parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the
filter.
[0042] Any of the frames, upper stabilizer, and/or lower
stabilizers of the devices can be fabricated in whole or in part
from, e.g., Nitinol or metal wire, superelastic or shape memory
alloy material, readily malleable material, or polymer, e.g.,
nylon. The metal wire may include, e.g., tantalum or platinum. The
filters of the intra-vascular device of the invention can include a
mesh (e.g., a mesh fabricated with Nitinol or metal wire, nylon, or
a combination of both) or perforated film. In devices where a mesh
is present, the filter can be rectilinear (e.g., square) or
rhomboid. In devices where the pores of the filter are rectilinear
or rhomboid, one or both lateral dimensions of the pore can be
between 50 and 1000 microns (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, or
more microns). When a perforated film is present, the pores formed
in the perforated film include a varied or unvaried shape, have a
varied or constant density across the film, and/or have a constant
or varied size. The size of the pores of the filter allows the
passage of blood cells (e.g., red blood cells (erythrocytes), white
blood cells (leukocytes), and/or platelets (thrombocytes)) and
plasma, while being impermeable to particles, e.g., emboli, larger
than the pore dimensions. Particles, e.g., emboli, filtered by the
mesh of the filter of the present invention are typically particles
larger in one or more dimensions than an aperture of the mesh of
the filter. Particles, e.g., emboli, filtered by the intravascular
device of the present invention may be sized to have a dimension
greater than 50 .mu.ITI, e.g., 50 .mu.ITI, 60 .mu.ITI, 70 .mu.ITI,
80 .mu.ITI, 90 .mu.ITI, 100 .mu.ITI, 200 .mu.ITI, 300 .mu.ITI, 400
.mu.ITI, 500 .mu.ITI, or 1000 .mu.ITI or more.
[0043] In certain instances, a device may require one or more
modifications to facilitate one or more methods of tracking the
progress of all or a portion of the device. In particular
embodiments, one or more radiopaque elements are attached to,
included in, or integrated with the device. For example, portions
of the frame or filter can be constructed out of Drawn Filled
Tubing (DFT wire). Such wire can contain, e.g., a core of tantalum
and/or platinum and an outer material of, e.g., Nitinol. In certain
embodiments, the DFT wire can be incorporated into all or a portion
of the intra-vascular device frame, stabilizers, or filter. In
embodiments where radiopaque wire (e.g., DFT wire) is used in the
filter, it can be used throughout the filter or in a certain subset
of the filter.
[0044] In particular embodiments, including some in which multiple
radiopaque elements are attached to, included in, or integrated
with a device, it is possible to detect both the progress and
particular orientation of all or a portion of a device. In still
more particular embodiments, a plurality of radiopaque elements are
attached to, included in, or integrated with the filter in a manner
that is irregular in two or three dimensions of one or more
conformations of the filter, such that the location, orientation,
and/or conformation of the filter is indicated upon detection of
the radiopaque elements.
[0045] The device may further be compatible with common delivery
methods used in interventional cardiology (e.g., transcatheter
aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures). The device may be
integrated into a delivery system to enable insertion,
installation, and/or retrieval of the device. The delivery system
of the invention also features an introducer sheath, e.g.,
connected to a Y-connector, to facilitate introduction of the
intravascular device into the sheath in conjunction with, e.g., a
guide wire, e.g., a pigtail catheter.
[0046] The introducer sheath may be made of a braided or coiled
material or a polymeric material such as, silicone rubber, Nitinol,
nylon, polyurethane, and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) latex.
The introducer sheath may have one or more lumens for, e.g., a
tether, an intravascular device, and/or a pigtail catheter. The
insertion of an intravascular device including a tether along with
a pigtail catheter into the introducer sheath is facilitated by a
Y-connector, which has three distinct entry ports sized and shaped
for mating with an opening at the proximal end of the introducer
sheath. In some embodiments, the delivery system of the invention
includes an intravascular device, a tether, a protected lip, an
introducer sheath, and a Y-connector. In another embodiment, the
delivery system includes a tether having flushing segments such
that flushing of the introducer sheath and/or the Y-connector is
achieved by introducing a flushing agent (e.g., saline) through the
tether. The delivery system may include a tether having a lumen for
attachment of the intravascular device, e.g., extending the length
of the tether, and/or a lumen for a guide wire, e.g., located at
the distal end of the tether and not extending its length. A second
lumen of a multiple lumen tether may extend continuously along the
length of a multiple lumen tether. In embodiments where the lumen
for the guide wire is located at the distal end of the tether,
deployment of the tether preferably results in volume of the sheath
being free to introduce other instruments, e.g., a pigtail
catheter. A lumen for a guide wire located at the distal end may
have a length of 70-160 mm in certain embodiments (e.g., 70 mm, 80
mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, or 160
mm). Preferably, any lumen for a guide wire is longer than the
intravascular device. The tether also preferably has a transverse
dimension narrower in the proximal regions where the lumen for the
guide wire does not extend. The introducer sheath may be of a size
in the range of 6 F to 10 F (e.g., 6 F, 7 F, 8 F, 9 F, or 10 F).
Additional delivery systems of the invention may include an
aspiration device, introduced through, e.g., a dual lumen,
introducer sheath.
[0047] The delivery system may also include a deflector to assist
in the deployment and positioning of the intravascular device. The
deflector may include, e.g., a frame, or may be frameless and may
be made of, e.g., an expandable or spread, material. In embodiments
of the delivery system including a deflector, the intravascular
device of the invention is positioned at the proximal end of the
deflector. The deflector may protrude and deploy from the distal
end of an introducer sheath before the device to provide a landing
zone for, e.g., the intravascular device, and direct additional
devices deployed from an introducer sheath below the filter of the
deployed intravascular device.
[0048] In various embodiments, it is desirable to track the
progress of all or a portion of the device of the present invention
or of a treatment apparatus used in conjunction with the device of
the present invention. A variety of mechanisms for tracking the
progress of all or a portion of a device, e.g., by visualizing
progress, are contemplated. Methods of tracking include, without
limitation, X-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, echocardiography, MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging), direct angioscopy, near infrared
angiology, intra-vascular ultrasound, CT (computerized tomography)
scan, and/or any other suitable imaging technology.
[0049] An additional component of the delivery system of the
invention may include a pigtail catheter having a radiopaque
material to facilitate tracking the progress of the device and
other elements of the delivery system. The pigtail catheter may be
of size 6 F or smaller (e.g., 1 F, 2 F, 3 F, 4 F, 5 F, or 6 F). In
some embodiments, the pigtail catheter is advanced over a guide
wire through an introducer sheath along with an intravascular
device. For example, a delivery system may include a tether having
lumen for a guide wire located at the distal end of the tether to
allow for passage of a guide wire. Following deployment of the
device, the vacated volume within an introducer sheath lumen allows
for passage of additional tools and/or devices, e.g., a pigtail
catheter, through the delivery system. In other embodiments, the
pigtail catheter is advanced over a guide wire in a first lumen of
an introducer sheath, while an intravascular device is advanced
through a second lumen of a dual lumen introducer sheath. Once the
introducer sheath reaches the desired location, e.g., the aortic
arch, the intravascular device is deployed through the first lumen
of the introducer sheath. Subsequently, the introducer sheath is
rotated, and the pigtail catheter is advanced over a guide wire and
deployed beneath the deployed device.
[0050] The invention also features methods of use of the
intravascular devices and delivery systems of the invention. The
devices of the invention are inserted into a vessel, e.g., an
aortic arch, of a subject by a delivery system of the invention.
The device may be introduced into a blood vessel of a subject in a
collapsed form and contained within an introducer sheath. The
device may be loaded into the introducer sheath through a
Y-connecter attached to the proximal end of the introducer sheath.
The guide wire of the device may be inserted into the introducer
sheath through a first port of the Y-connector. The intravascular
device may be inserted with or without a tether into a second port
of the Y-connecter to combine the intravascular device with the
guide wire of the device. The guide wire may be utilized to advance
the intravascular device via the introducer sheath and to position
the intravascular device in the, e.g., aortic arch. A protected
lip, e.g., dilator tip, may also be advanced through the introducer
sheath, distal to the device to expand the blood vessel, creating
space for the advancing introducer sheath. Upon reaching the
desired location within the blood vessel of a subject, the
introducer sheath may be retracted, enabling the device to assume
an extended form upon its release or deployment from the introducer
sheath. In its extended form, the upper stabilizer(s), e.g., an
attached extension of the frame of the device, a guide wire, a
tether, and/or a dilator tip, of the device may contact a medial
surface of an innominate artery and anchor the device within the
aortic arch. In its extended form, the lower stabilizer(s), e.g.,
an attached extension of the frame of the device, a guide wire, a
tether, and/or a dilator tip, of the device may contact a medial
surface of an ascending aorta and provide lift to the device within
the aortic arch. In an additional embodiment, a deflector of the
delivery system is first deployed from the distal end of the
introducer sheath to assist in the secondary deployment and
positioning of the device, which is positioned behind the deflector
in an introducer sheath. The position of the device in the desired
location, such as, e.g., the aortic arch, can be adjusted by the
guide wire and/or tether. The device may include a lumen for a
guide wire, e.g., located at the distal end, over which the
intravascular device is deployed. A lumen for a guide wire located
at the distal end may have a length of 70-160 mm in certain
embodiments (e.g., 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, 130
mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, or 160 mm). Preferably, any lumen for a guide
wire is longer than the intravascular device. For tethers having a
lumen for a guide wire located at the distal end, a transverse
dimension of the tether is preferably greater at the distal end
relative to the proximal end. In the deployed configuration, the
filter attached to the frame and the upper and lower stabilizers
may be extended so that the filter assumes a position approximately
midway between an upper wall of the aortic arch and a lower wall of
the aortic arch, and extends over the distance between the branch
arteries of the aorta. A pigtail catheter may also be loaded
through the third port of a Y-connector of the introducer sheath to
enable visualization and positioning of the device. The pigtail
catheter may be passed through space vacated by the portion housing
a lumen for a guide wire located at the distal end of the tether
following deployment of the intravascular device. The pigtail
catheter may be inserted over a second guide wire, which can be
subsequently retracted through the introducer sheath when the
pigtail catheter is deployed. The positioned device filters
particulate, e.g., embolic, material from entering the branch
arteries of the aorta. The device and delivery system may be
introduced via any suitable vessel, e.g., a peripheral vessel such
as the femoral artery.
[0051] In one embodiment, a device according to an embodiment of
the present invention can be used for protection of the brain from
particles, e.g., emboli, prior to, during, and/or after an invasive
intracardiac procedure, such as balloon aortic valvuloplasty,
balloon mitral valvuloplasty, electrophysiological studies, with or
without ablation of ectopic rhythmic sites, insertion of automatic
defibrillators, percutaneous valve repair or replacement, or other
procedures. Embodiments of the device can be used, for example, in
subjects with severe aortic atheroma for brain protection during
routine heart catheterization, or for endovascular "cleaning" of
atheromatous or thrombotic material. Such an embodiment could be
used in subjects with high risk or propensity to form intracardiac
clots, for example subjects with hematological disease, arrhythmia
of the heart, artificial heart subjects, assist-device subjects,
mechanical valve replacement subjects, subjects following
intracardiac repair of a pathology, or subjects with congenital
heart disease such as patent foramen ovale, and so forth. Other
applications of blood particulate filters, medical procedures that
benefit from the use of blood particulate filters, and patients at
risk of damage resulting from blood particulates are known in the
art.
[0052] A device according to an embodiment of the present invention
can be used, for example, temporarily for acute conditions. For
example, the device may be inserted temporarily to protect against
cardioembolic stroke or embolic stroke. The device of the present
invention may be used to reduce the risk of damage resulting from
blood particulates, such as emboli in subjects from suffering
conditions associated with an elevated risk thereof, such as acute
myocardial infarction (AMI). Thus, in further embodiments, the
device may be inserted for the duration of a procedure or
treatment. One particular use or outcome of the use of many
embodiments of the present invention includes the prevention of
particulates from reaching the brain.
[0053] The invention also features catheters having a lumen for a
guide wire located at the distal end and not extending the length
of the catheter. The catheters are similar to tethers of the
invention but are not required to be used in conjunction with an
intravascular device of the invention, and the description of
tethers provided herein is fully applicable to catheters of the
invention. The catheter may be attached to any tool for use
intravascularly, e.g., an intravascular device for filtering
emboli, or may include a mechanism for attachment, e.g., a clasp, a
loop, a hook, or a screw thread, to such a tool. A catheter may
also include a lumen extending the length of the catheter, e.g.,
for introduction or removal of a fluid or for insertion, removal,
or movement of a tool. In particular, the catheter of the invention
may be used with intravascular devices that filter emboli such as
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,453, US 2008/0255603, U.S.
Pat. No. 8,062,324, US 2014/0074152, US 2014/0336695, US
2015/0039016, WO 2014/061013, WO 2014/188410, and WO 2014/199381.
In some embodiments, the intravascular device may include a filter
to prevent a particle in a blood vessel from passing through the
filter, a frame to hold the filter, and more than one bow extending
outwards from a horizontal plane of the device, such that a lateral
surface of the lower of the more than one bow is in contact with a
surface of a first blood vessel, e.g., a lateral surface of an
ascending aorta, and a lateral surface of the upper of the more
than one bow is in contact with a surface of a second blood vessel,
e.g., a medial surface of a subclavean artery, e.g., as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,324. Other tools that may be employed
include electrodes, e.g., for sensing or ablation, imaging tools,
e.g., ultrasound or optical imaging, cutting tools, and
balloons.
[0054] A device of the present invention may be used in conjunction
with one or more pharmaceutical compositions, such as a drug known
to treat endocarditis or blood clots.
[0055] Reference is made to FIG. 1A, a schematic diagram of a
side-view of an intravascular device, and to FIG. 1B, a three
quarters side view of an intravascular device. The devices are
depicted without the wire as an upper or lower stabilizer. The
frame, filter, upper, and lower stabilizers may be employed in
devices having a wire, e.g., tether, as described herein. An
intravascular device 100 may include a frame 102, a filter 104, and
a series of stabilizers such as lower stabilizers 106 and 108, and
an upper stabilizer 110. A first end 112 of device 100, facing
upstream of blood flow in an aorta, and a second end 114 of
intravascular device 100, facing downstream of blood flow in an
aorta, may curve downward below a lateral plane of intravascular
device 100. Second end 114 of device 100 may include a hook 115 by
which intravascular device 100 may be attached to a tether 205 upon
insertion, installation, and/or retraction.
[0056] Imaginary line 116 represents a theoretical horizontal plane
of intravascular device 100. A lateral plane of intravascular
device 100 may include an approximately horizontal line tracing a
middle section of frame 102 along intravascular device 100 before
the curves of end 112 and end 114.
[0057] A first support portion 118 of upper stabilizer 110, as may
be proximate to frame 102, may rise away from frame 102 at an angle
towards first end 112. A second anchor portion 120 of upper
stabilizer 110 may double back on such first support portion at
bend 122 and may rise upward and towards a direction of second end
114. Second anchor portion 120 of upper stabilizer 110 may taper in
width towards its tip, which may be rounded or flattened.
[0058] Filter 104 functions to block or deflect emboli or other
particles from entering, for example, the three branch arteries of
the aorta (e.g., the innominate artery, the left common carotid
artery and the left subclavian artery), while still preserving a
space above the filter for blood to swirl and collect at such
entries. The space under filter 104 may allow unfiltered blood to
pass by the branch arteries of the aorta. Such space in the aorta
that is left below the filter means that not all blood passing
through the aorta is subject to the filtering or deflecting process
of filter 104. Installation in a middle (e.g., between an upper
wall of the aortic arch and a lower wall of the aortic arch) of the
aorta rather than directly abutting an entry point into the branch
arteries may allow a continued flow of blood both through the aorta
and into the branch arteries, even if a portion of filter 104 is
clogged with embolic or other material.
[0059] In some embodiments, lower stabilizer 106 may be connected
to frame 102 on a first side (such as a dorsal side), and lower
stabilizer 108 may be connected to frame 102 on a second side (such
as a ventral side). A first portion of each of lower stabilizer 106
and lower stabilizer 108 that are proximate to frame 102 may extend
in substantially parallel lines from frame 102. A second or lower
portion of each of lower stabilizers 106 and 108, as are distal to
frame 102 may curve towards each other at a point approximating a
mid-line of frame 102. The lower ends of lower stabilizers 106 and
108 may terminate in, for example, small loops of the single wound
strand that each of the members includes. Such curved endings may
prevent a scratching or abrasion of an end of the lower stabilizer
106 or 108 against arterial tissue. The ends of each of lower
stabilizers 106 and 108 may in some embodiments touch gently
together though they may separate with light pressure.
[0060] In some embodiments device 100 may remain positioned in an
aorta while a procedure (e.g., TAVI) is undertaken in, for example,
a heart, blood vessel, or other in vivo area, where such procedure
entails tracing a lead such as a catheter through the aorta. The
ease of separation of lower stabilizers 106 and 108 may allow a
removal of an arterial catheter or other device from the aorta
while intravascular device 100 remains in place, and serves to
deflect or filter particulates, e.g., embolic material, away from
entering branch arteries of the aorta.
[0061] In some embodiments, a tether (205) that may end in, for
example, a loop, may be passed through hook 115 so that the hook
passes between a contact point of the bend and curve of the loop.
When passed through in this manner, a tether 205 fitted with a
looped end may be clicked into hook 115, and may securely push
device 100 into place or pull device 100 out of position from an
aorta. In some embodiments, the hook may end in a ball-tip so that
strands from the frame do not fray or scratch the vessel wall or
the inner tube of a catheter.
[0062] In some embodiments, intravascular device 100 may prevent
the passage of, block, divert, or filter-out particles, such as,
for example, blood clots, calcified debris or other objects that
may block a flow of blood. Frame 102 and intravascular device 100
may also be used to support or keep in place other apparatuses.
[0063] In some embodiments, intravascular device 100 may be
inserted into a vessel by way of, for example, an introducer
sheath, and may be passed into, for example, a blood vessel into
which intravascular device 100 may be installed. Other methods of
introducing intravascular device 100 into a blood vessel are
possible.
[0064] In some embodiments, frame 102 may include or be constructed
of, for example, Nitinol or other superelastic or shape memory
alloy or material. Other materials may be used. In some
embodiments, filter 104 may be or include a fine wire netting or
mesh, or perforated film, such as a mesh having holes or pores of
about 300 microns such that, particles that are larger than the
pores or holes are prevented from passing through the filter. Other
sizes of holes or eyes may be used. In some embodiments, a shape of
filter 104 may be defined or supported by a shape of frame 102.
[0065] In some embodiments, one or more of frame 102, upper
stabilizer 110 and lower stabilizers 106 and 108 may be fashioned
of continuous wire that has different thicknesses or properties in
various areas of its lengths. For example, upper stabilizer 110 may
be fashioned of a wire or portion of wire that is thin or otherwise
highly flexible relative to the thickness or flexibility of one or
more of lower stabilizers 106 and 108 or of other portions of frame
102. Such heightened flexibility may enable upper stabilizer 110
and particularly bend 122 and second portion 120 to expand or
shrink upon the application of even a small force, such as, for
example, the small force exerted by the contact of upper stabilizer
110 with an upper portion of a blood vessel against which it comes
into contact. In contrast, lower stabilizers 106 and 108 may be
fashioned of a thicker or relatively more rigid wire or filament to
provide lift for a mid portion of device 100.
[0066] In some embodiments, one or more of the wires that make up
upper stabilizer 110 and lower stabilizers 106 and 108 may be wound
or braided around frame 102, and no soldered or glued connections
between the wound strands of frame 102 and members 110, 106 and 108
may be needed.
[0067] Reference is made to FIGS. 2A-2B, which are schematic
diagrams of devices of the invention having a guide wire that
exerts a force on a filter and frame of the device. In FIG. 2A, the
guide wire 202 is passed through a tether 205 and exerts a
mechanical force 214 on a filter 104 and frame 102 of the device
100. The mechanical force 214 exerted by the guide wire 202 on the
internal wall of the tether 205 supports the device when deployed.
FIG. 2B illustrates that increasing the stiffness of the guide wire
202 increases the mechanical force 214.
[0068] Reference is made to FIGS. 3A-3D, which are schematic
drawings of an intravascular device 100 having a tether 205 and a
dilator tip 209 as a lower stabilizer or an upper stabilizer. FIG.
3A depicts an embodiment of the device 100 in which a tether 205
attached to a dilator tip 209 is connected to the device 100
beneath the filter 104 along the length of intravascular device
100, which has an upper stabilizer 110 attached. The tether 205 and
attached dilator tip 209 support the intravascular device 100 by
providing lift beneath the device and act as a lower stabilizer to
stabilize the device in, e.g., an aortic arch. FIG. 3B is a
representation of the device 100 of FIG. 3A deployed in the aortic
arch 215. The device 100 is advanced over the guide wire 202
through the introducer sheath 203 into the aortic arch 215, where
the upper stabilizer 110 extends into and contacts the medial
surface of an innominate artery 216, and the filter 104 and frame
102 extend across the orifices of the innominate artery 216, the
left common carotid artery 217, and the left subclavian artery 218.
The tether 205 and dilator tip 209 provide mechanical force 214 on
the filter 104 and frame 102 to lift the device 100 as blood passes
from the ascending aorta 219 to the descending aorta 220. The lower
stabilizers (106, 108) are optional in this embodiment, as the
tether 205 and dilator tip 209 function as lower stabilizers of the
device 100.
[0069] FIG. 3C represents an embodiment of a device of the
invention having tether 205 with an attached dilator tip 209
passing through the filter 104 of the intravascular device 100. In
the embodiment on the top, the tether 205 functions as the upper
stabilizer of the intravascular device 100 to limit the lift of the
lower stabilizers 106 and 108. In the embodiment on the bottom, the
dilator tip 209 functions as the upper stabilizer of the
intravascular device 100 by extending through the filter 104
upwards from the horizontal plane 116 of the filter 104. In FIG.
3D, the lower device 100 of FIG. 3C is deployed in an aortic arch
215. The device 100 is advanced over the guide wire 202 through the
introducer sheath 203 into the aortic arch 215, where the dilator
tip 209 extends into and contacts the medial surface of an
innominate artery 216, and the filter 104 and frame 102 extend
across the orifices of the innominate artery 216, the left common
carotid artery 217, and the left subclavian artery 218. A guide
wire 202 passing through a lumen of tether 205 and exerting a force
on the lumen wall of tether 205 provides mechanical forces 214 on
the filter 104 and frame 102 of device 100 in the direction of an
ascending aorta 219. The dilator tip 209 functions as the upper
stabilizer of the device 100 in the innominate artery 216, to limit
the lift exerted by the lower stabilizers 106 and 108 of the device
100.
[0070] Reference is made to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of a
delivery system combining a Y-connector 206 with an introducer
sheath 203 for insertion of an intravascular device 100, which an
upper stabilizer 110, and lower stabilizers 106 and 108, through a
port of the Y-connector. The tether 205 may also be loaded over the
guide wire 202 through the Y-connector and have a protected lip 201
that protrudes outside the distal end of the introducer sheath
203.
[0071] Reference is made to FIGS. 5A-5B, schematic diagrams of two
embodiments of a tether 205 with a dilator tip 209 attached at the
distal end. The embodiment of the delivery system depicted in FIG.
5A is a schematic of a low profile tether 205 with a constant
rigidity extending along the length of the tether and the dilator
tip 209. The dilator tip 209 protrudes out of the distal end of
introducer sheath 203, as it is advanced proximal to the
intravascular device 100, having a filter 104, a frame 102, an
upper stabilizer 110, and lower stabilizers 106 and 108. FIG. 5B is
a schematic of tether 205 with a rigidity greater than the rigidity
of a dilator tip 209, which is advanced proximal to an
intravascular device 100, having an intravascular device 100, an
upper stabilizer 110, and lower stabilizers 106 and 108.
[0072] Reference is made to FIGS. 6A-6B, drawings of embodiments of
the tether of the delivery system of the invention. In FIG. 6A, an
embodiment of a delivery system of the invention is depicted having
a device 100 deployed from the distal end of an introducer sheath
203 and tether 205 attached to a dilator tip 209 loaded into a
single lumen of the introducer sheath 203. The cross-sectional view
of introducer sheath 203 shows tether 205 at the top of the lumen
and space remaining for introducing additional devices, e.g., a
pigtail catheter 204. FIG. 6B depicts an embodiment of tether 205
having flushing elements 208 through which, e.g., saline, may be
extruded to rinse the Y-connector 206 or introducer sheath 203 of
the delivery system.
[0073] Reference is made to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram of a tether
having an inflatable dilator tip 209 at the distal end.
[0074] Reference is made to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of a
delivery system of the invention that includes a deflector. A
tether 205 attached to a dilator tip 209 is enclosed by an
introducer sheath 203. A deflector 210 is first deployed from a
distal end of an introducer sheath 203 and provides a landing zone
for the intravascular device 100, which is deployed from an
introducer sheath 203 and lands above the horizontal plane of the
deflector 210. The deflector 210 directs subsequent deployment of
additional devices from the introducer sheath 203 below the
horizontal plane of the deflector to prevent entanglement of
secondary devices with the intravascular device 100.
[0075] Reference is made to FIGS. 9A-9B, schematic diagrams of the
loading and deployment of an intravascular device from an
introducer sheath of the invention. In FIG. 9A, tether 205A
attached to a dilator tip 209 is advanced through an introducer
sheath 203, with a dilator tip 209 protruding from the distal end
of the introducer sheath 203. The intravascular device 100 is
collapsed along its longitudinal axis when loaded into the
introducer sheath 203. FIG. 9B depicts the retraction of an
introducer sheath 203 to deploy the intravascular device 100 over a
guide wire 202.
[0076] Reference is made to FIGS. 10A-10B, schematic diagrams of
the loading and deployment of an intravascular device 100 attached
to a tether 205 in addition to tether 207 with a dilator tip 209.
In FIG. 10A, tether 207 attached to a dilator tip 209 is advanced
through an introducer sheath 203, with a dilator tip 209 protruding
from the distal end of the introducer sheath 203. An intravascular
device 100 attached to a tether 205 is collapsed along its
longitudinal axis when loaded into an introducer sheath 203. In
FIG. 10B, the intravascular device 100 is advanced through the
distal end of the introducer sheath 203 by pushing on the attached
tether 205. When the introducer sheath 203 and tether 207 attached
to dilator tip 209 are retracted in the direction opposite of the
advancing tether 205, the intravascular device 100 is deployed from
the distal end of introducer sheath 203.
[0077] Reference is made to FIG. 11, a schematic diagram of a dual
lumen introducer sheath. In a dual lumen introducer sheath 211 of
the invention, a first lumen with a diameter larger than that of a
second lumen is provided to advance a pigtail catheter 204 through
a first lumen and a device 100 and tether 205 through a second
lumen, without entangling the two devices. The dual lumen
introducer sheath 211 may further enclose an aspirator 212 of the
invention for desired indications. In the cross-sectional view, the
pigtail catheter 204 is positioned in a first lumen above a second
lumen that includes a tether 205 and an aspirator 212.
[0078] Reference is made to FIG. 12, a schematic diagram of the
orientation of deployment of an intravascular device 100 and
pigtail catheter 204 from a dual lumen introducer sheath 211. In
the diagram on the left, a second guide wire 222 is advanced
through a first lumen of a dual lumen introducer sheath 211 and
exits through the distal opening of the first lumen of a dual lumen
introducer sheath 211. An intravascular device 100 is advanced by a
tether 205 through a second lumen of a dual lumen introducer sheath
211 and deployed above the guide wire 222. In the diagram on the
right, the dual lumen introducer sheath 211 is rotated such that a
pigtail catheter 204 having a blunted tip 213 is advanced over a
guide wire 222 and deployed from a first lumen of a dual lumen
introducer sheath 211 beneath the intravascular device 100 while
the guide wire 222 is retracted into the first lumen of the dual
introducer sheath 211.
[0079] Reference is made to FIG. 13, a schematic diagram of a
tether having a lumen located at its distal end. In tether 223, a
first portion 224, which may include a lumen, extends the length of
the tether and provides for attachment to intravascular device 100,
shown deployed from an introducer sheath 203. A second portion 225,
which includes a lumen for a guide wire, is located at the distal
end of tether 223 and does not extend the length of the tether.
Portion 225 is located beneath the intravascular device 100 and is
attached to a protected lip 201.
[0080] Reference is made to FIG. 14, a schematic diagram of the
loading of an intravascular device 100 and tether 223, as depicted
in FIG. 13, into an introducer sheath 203. When the tether and
device are loaded into the sheath, protected lip 201 extends
outside of the distal end of the sheath. The sheath, tether, and
device may be advanced over guide wire 202 via the lumen in portion
225.
[0081] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
embodiments of the invention are not limited by what has been
particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of
at least one embodiment of the invention is defined by the claims
below.
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