US20150190071A1 - Methods and apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen - Google Patents
Methods and apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen Download PDFInfo
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- US20150190071A1 US20150190071A1 US14/562,467 US201414562467A US2015190071A1 US 20150190071 A1 US20150190071 A1 US 20150190071A1 US 201414562467 A US201414562467 A US 201414562467A US 2015190071 A1 US2015190071 A1 US 2015190071A1
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- distal end
- end region
- engaging element
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
- A61B5/1076—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof for measuring dimensions inside body cavities, e.g. using catheters
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- A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
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- A61B5/6847—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive mounted on an invasive device
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Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particular to methods and apparatuses for locating a surface of a body lumen.
- Catheterization and interventional procedures such as angioplasty or stenting, generally are performed by inserting a hollow needle through a patient's skin and tissue into the vascular system.
- a guide wire may be advanced through the needle and into the patients blood vessel accessed by the needle.
- the needle is then removed, enabling an introducer sheath to be advanced over the guide wire into the vessel, e.g., in conjunction with or subsequent to a dilator.
- a catheter or other device may then be advanced through a lumen of the introducer sheath and over the guide wire into a position for performing a medical procedure.
- the introducer sheath may facilitate introducing various devices into the vessel, while minimizing trauma to the vessel wall and/or minimizing blood loss during a procedure.
- the devices and introducer sheath Upon completing the procedure, the devices and introducer sheath would be removed, leaving a puncture site in the vessel wall.
- external pressure would be applied to the puncture site until clotting and wound sealing occur; however, the patient must remain bedridden for a substantial period of time after clotting to ensure closure of the wound.
- This procedure may be time consuming and expensive, requiring as much as an hour of a physician's or nurse's time. It is also uncomfortable for the patient, and requires that the patient remain immobilized in the operating room, catheter lab, or holding area. In addition, a risk of hematoma exists from bleeding before hemostasis occurs.
- bleed back indicators To facilitate positioning devices that are percutaneously inserted into a blood vessel, “bleed back” indicators have been suggested.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,689 issued to Kensey et al., discloses a bleed back lumen intended to facilitate positioning of a biodegradable plug within a puncture site.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,231 issued to Green et al., discloses a deployable loop that may be advanced through a sheath into a vessel.
- the loop is intended to resiliently expand to engage the inner wall of the vessel, thereby facilitating holding the sheath in a desired location with respect to the vessel.
- An embodiment of an apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen includes a locator assembly that has a distal end region configured to extend into an opening of the body lumen and to selectably engage at least a portion of the body lumen adjacent to the opening.
- the distal end region includes at least one surface engaging element that is configured to engage the surface of the body lumen.
- the apparatus includes a measuring device that is in electrical communication with the surface engaging element. The measuring device is configured to determine changes in measurable characteristics of the surface engaging element.
- An embodiment of method for locating a surface of a body lumen includes inserting a locator assembly through an opening of the body lumen.
- the locator assembly includes a distal end region having a surface engaging element configured to selectively engage the surface of the body lumen.
- the locator assembly is positioned in close proximity to the opening of the body lumen.
- a measurable characteristic of the surface engaging element is measured within the body lumen. It is determined whether the measurable characteristic of the surface engaging element indicates that the surface engaging element has engaged the surface of the body lumen.
- the surface engaging element includes a proximal end portion that has at least one retaining portion.
- the surface engaging element includes a distal end portion that has at least one retaining portion.
- the surface engaging element includes at least one engaging member that extends toward the proximal end portion and extends toward the distal end portion.
- the at least one engaging member is configured to engage a surface of a body lumen.
- FIG. 1 provides a general illustration of an apparatus for closing openings formed in blood vessel walls in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a locator assembly for the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of a distal end region of the locator assembly of FIG. 2A when the distal end region is in an unexpanded state.
- FIG. 2C illustrates the distal end region of the locator assembly of FIG. 2B when the distal end region is in an expanded state.
- FIGS. 2 B′ and 2 C′ illustrate an alternative embodiment of a locator assembly for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 2 B′′ and 2 C′′ illustrate a further embodiment of a locator assembly for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 2 B′′′ and 2 C′′′ illustrate a still further embodiment of a locator assembly for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2D illustrates one embodiment of a proximal end region of the locator assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a carrier assembly for the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of a carrier member for the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 3C illustrates one embodiment of a pusher member for the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 3D illustrates one embodiment of a cover member for the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 3E illustrates one embodiment of a support member for the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a triggering system for the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 4B illustrates a first detailed cross-sectional side view of the triggering system of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 4C illustrates a detailed view of the triggering system of FIG. 4B .
- FIG. 4D illustrates a second detailed cross-sectional side view of the triggering system of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 5A illustrates the carrier control system of FIGS. 4A-D as the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A moves distally from an initial predetermined position.
- FIG. 5B illustrates the carrier control system of FIGS. 4A-D as the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A reaches a first predetermined position.
- FIG. 5C illustrates the carrier control system of FIGS. 4A-D as the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A reaches a second predetermined position.
- FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a closure element in a natural, planar configuration and with a natural cross-section for use with the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the closure element of FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of the closure element of FIGS. 6A-B after a natural cross-section of the closure element has been reduced.
- FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the reduced closure element of FIG. 6C .
- FIG. 6E illustrates a side view of the reduced closure element of FIGS. 6C-D as the reduced closure element transitions from the natural, planar configuration to a tubular configuration.
- FIG. 6F illustrates a top view of the closure element of FIGS. 6C-D upon completing the transition from the natural, planar configuration to a substantially tubular configuration.
- FIG. 6G illustrates a side view of the closure element of FIG. 6F .
- FIG. 7A illustrates the closure element of FIGS. 6A-G prior to being disposed upon the carrier member of FIG. 3B .
- FIG. 7B illustrates the closure element of FIGS. 6A-G upon being disposed upon the carrier member of FIG. 3B .
- FIG. 7C illustrates the closure element of FIGS. 6A-G as the cover member of FIG. 3D receives the carrier member of FIG. 3B .
- FIG. 7D illustrates the closure element of FIGS. 6A-G being retained substantially within the carrier assembly of FIG. 3A when the carrier member of FIG. 3B is disposed substantially within the cover member of FIG. 3D .
- FIG. 8A illustrates a sheath that is positioned through tissue and into an opening formed in a wall of a blood vessel.
- FIG. 8B illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 as prepared to be received by the sheath of FIG. 8A .
- FIG. 8C illustrates a locator assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 8B being advanced distally into the blood vessel.
- FIG. 8D illustrates a distal end region of the locator assembly of FIG. 8C extending into the blood vessel and being transitioned into an expanded state.
- FIG. 8E illustrates the distal end region of FIG. 8D being retracted proximally to engage an inner surface of the blood vessel wall.
- FIG. 8F illustrates a carrier assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 8B being advanced distally into the sheath of FIG. 8A once the distal end region of FIG. 8D has engaged the inner surface of the blood vessel wall.
- FIG. 8G illustrates relative positions of a tube set of the carrier assembly of FIG. 8F upon reaching a first predetermined position.
- FIG. 8H illustrates the relative positions of the tube set of FIG. 8G upon reaching a second predetermined position.
- FIG. 8I illustrates a position of a pusher member of the tube set of FIG. 8H moving distally from the second predetermined position and beginning to distally deploy a closure element.
- FIG. 8J illustrates the closure element of FIG. 8I upon being deployed and engaging tissue adjacent to the opening in the blood vessel wall.
- FIG. 8K illustrates the closure element of FIG. 8J transitioning from the substantially tubular configuration to the natural, planar configuration while engaging the engaged tissue.
- FIG. 8L illustrates the closure element of FIG. 8K drawing the engaged tissue substantially closed and/or sealed
- FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of an introducer sheath for the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10A illustrates an assembly view of the components included in an alternative embodiment of the apparatus for closing openings formed in blood vessel walls.
- FIG. 10B illustrates an assembly view of the components shown in FIG. 10A , showing the reverse view of that shown in FIG. 10A .
- FIG. 11A illustrates the assembled carrier assembly and triggering assembly of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10A .
- FIG. 11B illustrates a close-up view of the proximal end of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11A .
- FIG. 12 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 11A after advancement of the locator assembly block.
- FIG. 13A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 12 after distal advancement of the triggering system and carrier assembly.
- FIG. 13B illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of the housing and internal components of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13A .
- FIG. 14A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 13 after further distal advancement of the triggering system and carrier assembly.
- FIG. 14B illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of the housing and internal components of the apparatus shown in FIG. 14A .
- FIG. 15 illustrates a reverse view of the apparatus of FIGS. 11-14 , showing the locator release system.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of another alternative embodiment of an apparatus for closing openings formed in blood vessel walls.
- FIG. 16A illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of the device shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the proximal end of the device shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 17A illustrates a close-up view of the proximal end of the device shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18A illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 18B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the device shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an opening formed in a vessel, wherein a guidewire is shown disposed within the opening.
- FIGS. 20B-20F are partial cross-sectional views illustrating the alternative embodiment of the closure device in accordance with the present invention wherein the device is illustrated being disposed over a guidewire.
- FIG. 20G is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of a closure element in accordance with the device illustrated in FIGS. 20B-20F .
- the embodiments described herein extend to methods, systems, and apparatus for managing access through tissue.
- Some of the apparatuses of the present invention are configured to deliver a device for managing access through tissue into an opening formed in and/or adjacent to tissue.
- Medical devices may be used in a variety of spaces. It may be desirable to generally reduce the size of medical devices. For example, stents may be inserted into smaller and smaller vasculature, thus making it generally desirable to reduce the pre-deployment size of a stent.
- a closure device may be used to close tissue in, for example, a body lumen. In order to reach the desired body lumen, typically a delivery device may be used to reach an access point in the body lumen. To minimize the effects of a procedure on a patient, the reduction in size of the access point may be desirable.
- a locator assembly When engaging tissue and/or closing openings in tissue, it may be desirable to use a locator assembly to selectably contact a portion of the tissue. In some cases, the locator assembly may not contact a portion of the desired tissue. For example, the locator assembly may be positioned within a body lumen but away from an inside surface of the body lumen. In these instances, engagement of a portion of the desired tissue may be less likely and/or favorable. It may be desirable to verify contact with a portion of the desired tissue during a medical procedure.
- a locator assembly may include engagement members configured to engage a portion of the desired tissue.
- the locator assembly may include a device to take measurements of a desired measurable characteristic.
- the measurable characteristic may include, for example, impedance. Measurements may be taken when a portion of the locator assembly is within a body lumen and when the locator assembly is believed to be in contact with tissue. Comparing the measurements taken when within the body lumen and when the locator assembly is believed to be in contact with tissue may indicate that the locator assembly has contacted a portion of the desired tissue. For example, an impedance measurement taken when within the body lumen may be higher than an impedance measurement taken when the locator assembly is in contact with tissue.
- a surface engaging element can be provided.
- the surface engaging element may include a flexible body that may actuate between an expanded and relaxed configuration.
- an engagement portion of the surface engaging element may include substantially uniform dimensions.
- the engagement portion of the surface engaging element may include at least one non-uniform dimension.
- the engagement portion may have a dimension that is larger than a support portion of the surface engaging element.
- the surface engaging element may be assembled using a retaining portion.
- an engagement portion may be connected to a proximal, distal, and/or other portion of the surface engaging element by a retaining portion, such as a detent.
- an apparatus that is configured to prevent inadvertent tissue contact during positioning and to engage a substantial of amount of tissue adjacent to the opening can prove much more desirable and provide a basis for a wide range of medical applications, such as diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures involving blood vessels or other body lumens of any size. This result can be achieved, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by employing an apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the apparatus 100 can deliver a closure element 500 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ) through tissue 630 (shown in FIG. 8A ) and into an opening 610 (shown in FIG. 8A ) formed in and/or adjacent to a wall 620 (shown in FIG. 8A ) of a blood vessel 600 (shown in FIG. 8A ) or other body lumen.
- the closure element (or clip) 500 preferably has a generally annular-shape body 510 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ) defining a channel 540 and one or more barbs and/or tines 520 (shown in FIGS.
- the closure element 500 has a natural shape and size, the closure element 500 can be deformed into other shapes and sizes, as desired, and is configured to return to the natural shape and size when released.
- the closure element 500 can have a natural, planar configuration with opposing tines 520 and a natural cross-section 530 as shown in FIGS. 6A-B .
- the natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 can be reduced to form a reduced closure element 500 ′ that has a natural, planar configuration with opposing tines 520 and a reduced cross-section 530 ′ as shown in FIGS. 6C-D .
- the reduced closure element 500 ′ can be further deformed to form a substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ (shown in FIG. 6F ) having the reduced cross-section 530 ′ as well as being in a substantially tubular configuration with the tines 520 in an axial configuration.
- the closure element 500 can be formed from any suitable material, including any biodegradable material, any shape memory alloy, such as alloys of nickel-titanium, or any combination thereof. Additionally, it is contemplated that the closure element may be coated with a beneficial agent or be constructed as a composite, wherein one component of the composite would be a beneficial agent. As desired, the closure element 500 may further include radiopaque markers (not shown) or may be wholly or partially formed from a radiopaque material to facilitate observation of the closure element 500 using fluoroscopy or other imaging systems.
- Exemplary embodiments of a closure element are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,197,042, and 6,623,510, and in co-pending application Ser. Nos. 09/546,998, 09/610,238, and 10/081,726. The disclosures of these references and any others cited therein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- the apparatus 100 is configured to receive and retain the closure element 500 such that the closure element 500 is disposed substantially within the apparatus 100 .
- the closure element 500 can be disposed within, and delivered by way of, a lumen 644 (shown in FIG. 8A ) of the introducer sheath 640 .
- the apparatus 100 also is configured to engage the blood vessel wall 620 adjacent to the opening 610 . Being disposed substantially within the apparatus 100 , the closure element 500 can deeply penetrate, without inadvertently contacting, tissue 630 adjacent to the opening 610 such that the apparatus 100 can position the closure element 500 substantially adjacent to an outer surface 620 a (shown in FIG. 8A ) of the blood vessel wall 620 adjacent to the opening 610 .
- the apparatus 100 When properly positioned, the apparatus 100 can be activated to deploy the closure element 500 . Although preferably configured to substantially uniformly expand the closure element 500 beyond the natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 during deployment, the apparatus 100 , as desired, can deploy the closure element 500 without expanding the closure element 500 .
- the closure element 500 when deployed, is configured to engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 adjacent to the opening 610 . Engaging the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 , the closure element 500 is further configured to return to the natural cross-section 530 .
- the engaged blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 are drawn substantially closed and/or sealed, such that, for example, hemostasis within the opening 610 is enhanced.
- the apparatus 100 can be provided as one or more integrated components and/or discrete components.
- the apparatus 100 can comprise a locator (or obturator) assembly 200 and a carrier assembly 300 .
- the locator assembly 200 and the carrier assembly 300 are shown in FIG. 1 as comprising substantially separate assemblies.
- the locator assembly 200 and the carrier assembly 300 each can be provided, in whole or in part, as one or more integrated assemblies.
- the locator assembly 200 can selectably contact the inner surface 620 b of the blood vessel wall 620 adjacent the opening 610 . Whereby, the locator assembly 200 is configured to draw the blood vessel wall 620 taut and maintain the proper position of the apparatus 100 in relation to the opening 610 as the blood vessel 600 pulsates.
- the locator assembly 200 can be provided in the manner disclosed in co-pending application Ser. Nos. 09/732,835 and 10/081,723, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- the locator assembly 200 preferably includes a flexible or semi-rigid tubular body 210 . As illustrated in FIG.
- the tubular body 210 has a proximal end region 210 a and a distal end region 210 b and includes a predetermined length 218 a and a predetermined outer cross-section 218 b , both of which can be of any suitable dimension.
- the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 preferably includes a substantially rounded, soft, and/or flexible distal end or tip 220 to facilitate atraumatic advancement and/or retraction of the distal end region 210 b into the blood vessel 600 .
- a pigtail (not shown) may be provided on the distal end 220 to further aid atraumatic advancement of the distal end region 210 b.
- the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 further is selectably controllable between an unexpanded state and an expanded state.
- the distal end region 210 b In the unexpanded state, the distal end region 210 b has an unexpanded size; whereas, the distal end region 210 b in the expanded state has an expanded size, which is greater than the unexpanded size of the distal end region 210 b in the unexpanded state.
- the distal end region 210 b is configured to expand from the unexpanded size to the expanded size and/or to contract from the expanded size to the unexpanded size, and the expansion and contraction of the distal end region 210 b preferably is substantially uniform about a longitudinal axis of the locator assembly 200 .
- one or more expansion elements 230 can be provided on the distal end region 210 b and can be configured to expand substantially transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the locator assembly 200 .
- the expansion elements 230 may include radiopaque markers (not shown) or may be wholly or partially formed from a radiopaque material to facilitate observation of the expansion elements 230 and/or the distal end region 210 b using fluoroscopy or other imaging systems.
- At least one, and preferably all of the expansion elements 230 can comprise a substantially flexible member 230 ′ with a substantially fixed end region 230 a ′, an intermediate region 230 b ′, and a movable end region 230 c ′ as shown in FIGS. 2B-C .
- the fixed end region 230 a ′ is fixedly coupled with the distal end region 210 b
- the movable end region 230 c ′ is movably coupled with the distal end region 210 b and configured to be axially movable relative to the fixed end region 230 a ′.
- each movable end region 230 c ′ When each movable end region 230 c ′ is axially moved toward the relevant fixed end region 230 a ′, the intermediate regions 230 b ′ buckle and/or expand transversely outwardly, thereby transitioning the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 from the unexpanded state to the expanded state. In contrast, the distal end region 210 b transitions from the expanded state to the unexpanded state as each of the movable end regions 230 c ′ are axially moved away from the relevant fixed end region 230 a ′.
- the expansion elements 230 are shown as comprising the flexible members 230 ′ in FIGS.
- the expansion elements 230 can comprise any type of expansion elements and are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is further contemplated that the expansion elements 230 may further include geometric features that allow/enhance the ability of the expansion elements to bend or fold from a retracted position to an expanded position.
- the expansion elements may be constructed of a material such as steel, spring steel, plastics or composites. In one embodiment, the expansion elements are constructed of Nitinol®.
- FIGS. 2 B′ and 2 C′ illustrate an alternative embodiment of a locator assembly 200 ′′ for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ of this embodiment may be functionally similar to that of the locator assembly 200 previously described above and shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below.
- Like structures and/or components are given like reference numerals.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ may be located proximal to a distal end 210 b ′′ of a tubular member 210 ′′ and/or an apparatus (such as apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ may include a surface engagement assembly 226 ′′.
- the surface engagement assembly 226 ′′ may include a distal end portion 226 a ′′, a proximal end portion 226 b ′′, and/or at least one surface engagement element 230 ′′.
- the surface engagement elements 230 ′′ may be configured to transition from a relaxed state to an expanded state, similar to the substantially flexible member 230 ′ described above.
- the surface engagement elements 230 ′′ may be moveably connected to and/or fixedly connected to a distal end region 210 b ′′ of the locator assembly 200 ′′.
- a distal end 230 a ′′ of the surface engagement elements 230 ′′ may be moveably connected to and a proximal end 230 c ′′ of the surface engagement elements 230 ′′ may be fixedly connected to the distal end region 210 b ′′.
- other types of connections may be contemplated.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ may include two, three, four, and/or other numbers of surface engaging elements 230 ′′. At least one of the surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be configured to conduct a measurable characteristic of the surface engaging elements 230 ′′ to the locator assembly 200 ′′.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ may be in communication with a measuring device 251 .
- An example of a measuring device 251 may include an impedance measuring device, a voltmeter, an amp meter, a pressure transducer, piezoelectric crystals, other measuring devices, or combinations thereof.
- the measuring device 251 may determine changes in measurable characteristics of the locator assembly 200 ′′. For instance, the measuring device 251 may measure changes in the impedance of the locator assembly 200 ′′.
- the measuring device 251 may determine changes in pressure. Changes in pressure may be determined by a pressure transducer or other pressure measuring device.
- the measuring device 251 may retrieve ultrasonic data in and/or around the body lumen. Ultrasonic data may be retrieved by piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic data gathering device. Other measurable characteristics may include electrical characteristics such as voltage, current, other electrical characteristics, and/or other measurable characteristics.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ may be in electrical communication with at least one of the surface engaging elements 230 ′′.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′ may include at least one distal conductive portion 204 a ′′ and/or at least one proximal conductive portion 204 b ′′ with which at least one surface engaging element 230 ′′ may be in electrical communication.
- At least one of surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be formed at least partially from an electrically conductive material.
- at least one of surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be formed at least partially from Nitinol®.
- the distal conductive portions 204 a ′′ and/or the proximal conductive portions 204 b ′′ may be in electrical communication with the measuring device 251 .
- the at least one distal conductive portion 204 a ′′ may be in electrical communication with the measuring device 251 through at least one distal conductor connector 205 a ′′ and/or the at least one proximal conductive portion 204 b ′′ may be in electrical communication with the measuring device 251 through at least one proximal conductor connector 205 b ′′.
- the distal and/or proximal conductor connectors 205 a ′′, 205 b ′′ may extend toward the distal end 210 b ′′ and/or toward a proximal end 210 a ′′ of the tubular member 210 ′′ through at least one lumen (not shown).
- each of the surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be in electrical communication with a different distal conductive portion 204 a ′′ and/or proximal conductive portion 204 b ′′.
- more than one surface engaging element 230 ′′ may be in electrical communication with the same distal conductive portion 204 a ′′ and/or proximal conductive portion 204 b ′′.
- Other combinations are also contemplated.
- the surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be in electrical communication with each other.
- two or more surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be may be formed from the same piece of material.
- each of the surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be selectively electrically isolated from each other. Isolation of the surface engaging elements 230 ′′ may be accomplished by insulators 206 a ′′, 206 b ′′.
- the insulators 206 a ′′, 206 b ′′ may include materials such as ceramics, polyethylene, and/or other insulating materials.
- FIGS. 2 B′′ and 2 C′′ illustrate a further embodiment of a locator assembly 200 ′′′ for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′ of this embodiment may be functionally similar to that of the locator assemblies 200 , 200 ′′ previously described above and shown in FIGS. 2B-2C and 2 B′- 2 C′ in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below.
- Like structures and/or components are given like reference numerals.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′ may be configured to facilitate the determination of changes in measurable characteristics of the locator assembly.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′ may be located proximal to a distal end of a tubular member (such as 210 b , 210 b ′′ shown in FIGS. 2A , 2 B, 2 A′, and 2 B′) and/or an apparatus (such as apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′ may include a surface engagement assembly 226 ′′′.
- the surface engagement assembly 226 ′′′ may include a distal end portion 226 a ′′′, a proximal end portion 226 b ′′′, and/or at least one surface engagement element 230 ′′′.
- the surface engagement assembly 226 ′′′ may include four surface engagement elements 230 ′′′ that may be separated by a distal and/or proximal engagement element support 231 a ′′′, 231 b ′′′.
- the distal and/or proximal engagement element supports 231 a ′′′, 231 b ′′′ may electrically insulate the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′.
- the distal engagement element supports 231 a ′′′, proximal engagement element supports 231 b ′′′, and/or surface engagement elements 230 ′′′ may be formed as a unitary piece and/or from the same material.
- the distal engagement element supports 231 a ′′′, proximal engagement element supports 231 b ′′′, and/or surface engagement elements 230 ′′′ may be laser cut from a Nitinol® tube.
- the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′ may include a distal and/or proximal retaining portion 229 a ′′′, 229 b ′′′.
- the distal and/or proximal retaining portions 229 a ′′′, 229 b ′′′ may include an aperture and/or other retaining mechanism that may receive, for example, a detent and/or other retaining mechanism.
- a cover member (such as the cover member 220 shown in FIG. 2C ) may include a retaining mechanism (not shown) to limit motion between the cover member and the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′.
- the cover member may be connected to a control member (such as control member 250 shown in FIG. 2D ) that is configured to transition the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′ from a relaxed state to an expanded state, similar to the substantially flexible member 230 ′ described above.
- the surface engaging elements 230 ′′′ may include a measuring component 253 ′′′.
- the measuring component 253 ′′′ may facilitate the determination of changes in measurable characteristics of the locator assembly 200 ′′′.
- the measuring component 253 ′′′ may facilitate the determination of changes in impedance, pressure, ultrasonic data, or other measurable characteristics.
- the measuring component 253 ′′′ may be in electrical communication with a connector 205 ′′′.
- the connector 205 ′′′ may be in electrical communication with a measuring device (shown as 251 in FIG. 2 B′).
- FIGS. 2 B′′′ and 2 C′′′ illustrate a further embodiment of a locator assembly 200 ′′′ for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′ of this embodiment may be functionally similar to that of the locator assemblies 200 , 200 ′, 200 ′′ previously described above and shown in FIGS. 2B-2C , 2 B′- 2 C′, and 2 B′′- 2 C′′ in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below.
- Like structures and/or components are given like reference numerals.
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′′ may be located proximal to a distal end of a tubular member (such as 210 b , 210 b ′′ shown in FIGS. 2A , 2 B, 2 A′, and 2 B′) and/or an apparatus (such as apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the locator assembly 200 ′′′′ may include a surface engagement assembly 226 ′′′′, a cover member 220 ′′′′, and/or a proximal end portion 226 b′′′′.
- the cover member 220 ′′′′ and/or proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′ may include a distal retaining portion 221 a ′′′′ and/or a proximal retaining portion 221 b ′′′′, respectively.
- the surface engagement assembly 226 ′′′′ may include at least one surface engagement element 230 ′′′′.
- the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′′ may include a distal and/or proximal retaining portion 229 a ′′′′, 229 b ′′′′.
- the distal and/or proximal retaining portions 221 a ′′′′, 221 b ′′′′ on the cover member 220 ′′′′ and/or proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′ may include an aperture and/or other retaining mechanism that may cooperate with corresponding distal and/or proximal retaining portions 229 a ′′′′, 229 b ′′′′, such as a detent and/or other retaining mechanism, on the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′′ to limit motion between the cover member 220 ′′′′, the proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′, and/or the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′′.
- the distal and/or proximal retaining portions 229 a ′′′′, 229 b ′′′′ may be located near a distal and/or proximal end 230 a ′′′′, 230 c ′′′′ of the surface engagement element 230 ′′′′, respectively.
- a control member 250 ′′′′ may be inserted through the proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′ and/or may be connected to the cover member 220 ′′′′.
- the control member 250 ′′′′ may be used to transition the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′′ from a relaxed state to an expanded state, similar to the substantially flexible member 230 ′ described above.
- control member 250 ′′′′ may be a single piece, which may be elongate from the cover member 220 ′′′′ toward a proximal end (such as proximal end 210 a ′′ shown in FIG. 2 B′) of the locator assembly 200 ′′′′.
- control member 250 ′′′′ may be in one or more pieces that may connected together using various mechanisms, similar to the retaining portions 221 a ′′′′, 221 b ′′′′, 229 a ′′′′, 229 b ′′′′ described above.
- the proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′ may include a tubular member retaining portion 228 ′′′′.
- the tubular member retaining portion 228 ′′′′ may be configured to engage a distal end (such as distal end 210 b , 210 b ′′ shown in FIGS. 2 B and 2 B′).
- the tubular member retaining portion 228 ′′′′ in the present embodiment, may include a ramp and/or other retaining mechanism to limit the motion of the tubular member in at least one direction.
- the surface engagement elements 230 ′′′′ may include an engagement member 232 ′′′′.
- the engagement member 232 ′′′′ may include an engagement portion 234 ′′′′ and/or an engagement support portion 237 ′′′′.
- the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ may be configured to contact and/or engage tissue.
- the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ in the present embodiment, may be enlarged in an intermediate portion 235 ′′′′ in comparison to distal and/or proximal end 234 a ′′′′, 234 b ′′′′ of the engagement portion 234 ′′′′.
- An enlarged intermediate portion 235 ′′′′ may facilitate contact and/or engagement with tissue.
- the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′ may support the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ during, for example, transitioning from a relaxed state to an expanded state.
- the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′ may include an enlarged intermediate portion 238 ′′′′, similar to the enlarged intermediate portion 235 ′′′′ of the engagement portion 234 ′′′′. Having an enlarged intermediate portion 238 ′′′′ on the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′ may add stability to the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ while in the expanded state.
- the intermediate portions 235 ′′′′, 238 ′′′′ of the engagement portions 234 ′′′′ and/or the engagement support portions 237 ′′′′ may be oval shaped.
- the intermediate portions 235 ′′′′, 238 ′′′′ may have the same shape, have differing shapes, and/or have other combinations of shapes.
- the proximal end 234 b ′′′′ of the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ may be connected to a proximal support portion 233 ′′′′.
- the proximal support portion 233 ′′′′ may be connected to the proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′ and may separate the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ from the proximal end portion 226 b ′′′′.
- the distal end 234 a ′′′′ of the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ may be connected to an intermediate support portion 236 ′′′′.
- the intermediate support portion 236 ′′′′ may be connected to the proximal end 237 b ′′′′ of the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′ and may separate the engagement portion 234 ′′′′ from the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′.
- the distal end 237 a ′′′′ of the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′ may be connected to a distal support portion 239 ′′′′.
- the distal support portion 239 ′′′′ may be connected to the distal end (not shown) of the surface engagement element 230 ′′′′ and may separate the engagement support portion 237 ′′′′ from the distal end portion 226 a′′′′.
- the surface engaging elements 230 ′′′′ may include a measuring component 253 ′′′′.
- the measuring component 253 ′′′′ may facilitate the determination of changes in measurable characteristics of the locator assembly 200 ′′′′.
- the measuring component 253 ′′′′ may facilitate the determination of changes in impedance, pressure, ultrasonic data, or other measurable characteristics.
- the measuring component 253 ′′′′ may be in electrical communication with a connector 205 ′′′′.
- the connector 205 ′′′′ may be in electrical communication with a measuring device (shown as 251 in FIG. 2 B′).
- the locator assembly 200 may further include a locator control system associated with the locator assembly.
- the locator control system 240 is associated with the proximal end region 210 a of the locator assembly 200 and is configured to selectively control the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 between the unexpanded and expanded states.
- the locator control system 240 can selectively control the distal end region 210 b between the unexpanded and expanded states, such as by being activated by a switching system (not shown).
- a control member 250 such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member, can be moveably disposed within a lumen (not shown) formed by the tubular body 210 and extending substantially between the proximal end region 210 a and the distal end region 210 b .
- the control member 250 has a proximal end region 250 a that is coupled with the locator control system 240 , preferably via a control block 260 (shown in FIG. 4D ), and a distal end region (not shown) that is coupled with the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the movable end regions 230 c ′ of the substantially flexible members 230 ′.
- the locator control system 240 can selectively transition the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ between the unexpanded and expanded states by moving the control member 250 axially relative to the tubular body 210 .
- the locator control system 240 further includes a locator release system 490 for maintaining the unexpanded state and/or the expanded state of the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′.
- the locator release system 490 can comprise any type of locking system and can be engaged, for instance, by activating the switching system.
- the locator release system 490 can secure the control member 250 to prevent axial movement relative to the tubular body 210 , thereby maintaining the substantially flexible members 230 ′ in the expanded state.
- the locator control system 240 also can be configured to disengage the locator release system 490 , such that the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ can transition between the expanded and unexpanded states.
- the locator release system 490 can be disengaged, for example, by activating an emergency release system (not shown).
- the locator control system 240 may further include a biasing system (not shown), such as one or more springs or other resilient members, to bias the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ to enter and/or maintain the unexpanded state when the locator release system 490 is disengaged.
- a biasing system such as one or more springs or other resilient members, to bias the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ to enter and/or maintain the unexpanded state when the locator release system 490 is disengaged.
- the carrier assembly 300 is coupled with, and slidable relative to, the locator assembly 200 .
- the carrier assembly 300 is configured to receive and retain the closure element 500 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ), which preferably is disposed substantially within the carrier assembly 300 .
- the locator assembly 200 engages the inner surface 620 b (shown in FIG. 8A ) of the blood vessel wall 620 (shown in FIG. 8A )
- the carrier assembly 300 is further configured to position the closure element 500 substantially adjacent to the opening 610 (shown in FIG. 8A ) and to deploy the closure element 500 .
- the closure element 500 can maintain the reduced cross-section 530 ′ (shown in FIGS.
- the closure element 500 when deployed, can engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 adjacent to the opening 610 . Thereafter, the closure element 500 is configured to return to the natural cross-section 530 , preferably substantially uniformly, such that the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 is drawn substantially closed and/or sealed.
- the carrier assembly 300 can include a tube set 305 , comprising a carrier member 310 , a pusher member 320 , a support tube 340 , and a cover member 330 .
- the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the support tube 340 , and the cover member 330 can be provided as a plurality of nested, telescoping members with a common longitudinal axis 350 as illustrated in FIG. 3A .
- the carrier member 310 is configured to receive and support the closure element 500 . While being disposed on the carrier member 310 , the closure element 500 preferably is deformed from the natural, planar configuration to form the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ (shown in FIGS.
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ Being disposed substantially about, and supported by, an outer periphery 312 b of the carrier member 310 , the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ can be substantially in axial alignment with the carrier member 310 with the tines 520 pointed substantially distally.
- the carrier member 310 has a proximal end region 310 a and a distal end region 310 b and includes a predetermined length 318 a and a predetermined cross-section 318 b , both of which can be of any suitable dimension.
- the carrier member 310 also can define a lumen 314 that extends substantially between the proximal end region 310 a and the distal end region 310 b and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 .
- the distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 preferably has a cross-section that increases distally, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-B , for substantially uniformly expanding the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ beyond the natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 when the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is deployed.
- the distal end region 310 b can be formed with a cross-section (not shown) that is substantially uniform.
- the distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 can be provided with the substantially-uniform cross-section and that the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ can be deployed without being expanded.
- the pusher member 320 Being configured to distally deploy the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′, the pusher member 320 has a proximal end region 320 a and a distal end region 320 b and is coupled with, and slidable relative to, the carrier member 310 .
- the pusher member 320 includes a predetermined length 328 a and a predetermined cross-section 328 b , both of which can be of any suitable dimension and can be configured to slidably receive the carrier member 310 such that the distal end region 320 b of the pusher member 320 is offset proximally from the distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 .
- the predetermined length 328 a of the pusher member 320 can be greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined length 318 a of the carrier member 310 .
- the predetermined length 328 a of the pusher member 320 however is preferably less than the predetermined length 318 a of the carrier member 310 such that the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 at least partially define a space 360 distal to the distal end region 320 b of the pusher member 320 and along the periphery 312 b of the carrier member 310 .
- the pusher member 320 preferably is substantially tubular and can define a lumen 324 that extends substantially between the proximal end region 320 a and the distal end region 320 b and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the carrier member 310 .
- the cross-section 328 b of the pusher member 320 preferably is substantially uniform, and the distal end region 320 b of the pusher member 320 can comprise one or more longitudinal extensions 325 , which extend distally from the pusher member 320 and along the periphery 312 b of the carrier member 310 as shown in FIG. 3C .
- the longitudinal extensions 325 preferably are biased such that the longitudinal extensions 325 extend generally in parallel with common longitudinal axis 350 .
- the longitudinal extensions 325 are sufficiently flexible to expand radially, and yet sufficiently rigid to inhibit buckling, as the distal end region 320 b is directed distally along the carrier member 310 and engage the distally-increasing cross-section of the distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 to deploy the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- a cover member 330 is configured to retain the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ substantially within the carrier assembly 300 prior to deployment as shown in FIG. 3D .
- the cover member 330 Being coupled with, and slidable relative to, the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 has a proximal end region 330 a and a distal end region 330 b and includes a predetermined length 338 a and a predetermined cross-section 338 b , both of which can be of any suitable dimension.
- the cover member 330 Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, the cover member 330 has an inner periphery 332 a and an outer periphery 332 b and can define a lumen 334 .
- the lumen 334 extends substantially between the proximal and distal end regions 330 a , 330 b of the cover member 330 and can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the pusher member 320 .
- the distal end region 330 b is configured to extend over the space 360 , thereby defining an annular cavity 370 for receiving and retaining the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- the cross-section 338 b of the cover member 330 preferably is substantially uniform, and the distal end region 330 b of the cover member 330 preferably comprises one or more longitudinal extensions 335 , which extends distally from the cover member 330 and along an outer periphery 322 b of the pusher member 320 as shown in FIG. 3D .
- the longitudinal extensions 335 can extend generally in parallel with common longitudinal axis 350
- the longitudinal extensions 335 preferably are biased such that the plurality of longitudinal extensions 335 extend substantially radially inwardly as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3D .
- the longitudinal extensions 335 can at least partially close the lumen 334 substantially adjacent to the distal end region 330 b of the cover member 330 .
- the longitudinal extensions 335 preferably are sufficiently flexible to expand radially to permit the distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 to move distally past the cover member 330 to open the annular cavity 370 such that the distal end region 330 b no longer extends over the space 360 .
- the carrier member 310 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the lumen 324 of the pusher member 320 as shown in FIG. 3C .
- the pusher member 320 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the lumen 334 of the cover member 330 .
- the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the lumen 314 of the carrier member 310 .
- the longitudinal axis of the locator assembly 200 is preferably substantially in axial alignment with the common longitudinal axis 350 of the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support tube 340 .
- the tube set 305 preferably also includes a support member 340 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3E .
- the support member 340 is configured to slidably receive the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 and to provide radial support for the distal end region 210 b of the tubular body 210 when the locator assembly 200 is coupled with the carrier assembly 300 .
- the carrier assembly 300 can advantageously include the support member 340 , for example, if the tubular body 210 is not sufficiently rigid or under other circumstances in which support for the tubular body 210 might be desirable.
- the support member 340 also can be configured to inhibit the plurality of longitudinal extensions 335 , which extend from the distal end region 330 b of the cover member 330 , from expanding prematurely prior to the closure element 500 being deployed.
- the support member 340 is preferably formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, having a proximal end region 340 a and a distal end region 340 b . Wherein an outer periphery 342 b of the support member 340 can define a lumen 344 that extends substantially between the proximal end region 340 a and the distal end region 340 b , the lumen is configured to slidably receive and support at least a portion of the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 .
- the support member 340 in turn, can be at least partially slidably disposed within the lumen 314 of the carrier member 310 such that the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 may be coupled with, and slidable relative to, the carrier member 310 in the manner described in more detail above.
- the support member 340 has a predetermined length 348 a and a predetermined cross-section 348 b , both of which can be of any suitable dimension, and the cross-section 348 b preferably is substantially uniform.
- the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and/or the support member 340 can be provided, in whole or in part, as one or more integrated assemblies.
- the carrier assembly 300 may further include a housing 380 as illustrated in FIG. 4A .
- the housing 380 Preferably being formed as an elongate member with a longitudinal axis 386 , the housing 380 has an outer periphery 382 b and includes a proximal end region 380 a and a distal end region 380 b .
- the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 at least partially disposed within the tube set 305 such that the distal end region 210 b of the tubular body 210 extends beyond the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and/or 340 b .
- the tubular body 210 , the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and, if provided, the support member 340 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the housing 380 , and the respective distal end regions 210 b , 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and 340 b extend from the distal end region 380 b of the housing 380 such that the common longitudinal axis 350 (shown in FIG. 3A ) of the tube set 305 is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis 386 of the housing 380 .
- the housing 380 supports the tube set 305 and can have one or more handles 390 to facilitate use of the apparatus 100 .
- the handles 390 extend substantially radially from the outer periphery 382 b of the housing 380 and can be provided in the manner known in the art.
- the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 is at least partially disposed within the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 such that the distal end region 210 b of the tubular body 210 extends beyond the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and/or 340 b .
- the proximal end region 210 a of the tubular body 210 and the proximal end regions 310 a , 320 a , 330 a , and/or 340 a of the tube set 305 are at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the housing 380 .
- the switching system of the locator assembly 200 and a switching system 450 of the triggering system 400 preferably are accessible external to the housing 380 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C .
- a triggering system 400 can be disposed substantially within the housing 380 .
- the triggering system 400 is configured to control the relative axial movement and/or positioning of the respective distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and 340 b of the tube set 305 and/or the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 .
- the triggering system 400 can control the relative axial movement of the distal end regions 210 b , 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and/or 340 b in any manner, such as by being activated by the switching system 450 .
- the triggering system 400 can induce axial motion, such as distal motion, with respect to one or more of the distal end regions 210 b , 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and/or 340 b .
- One or more of the distal end regions 210 b , 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and/or 340 b can be axially moved.
- Axial motion of one or more of the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 and/or the tubular body 210 can be attained, for example, by applying an axial force to the switching system 450 .
- one or more of the distal end regions 210 b , 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and/or 340 b may include radiopaque markers (not shown) or may be wholly or partially formed from a radiopaque material.
- the triggering system 400 is configured to overcome internal resistance such that the relative axial movement and/or positioning of the respective distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and 340 b of the tube set 305 and/or the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 are controlled in accordance with a predetermined manner when the triggering system 400 is activated. Thereby, movement and/or positioning of the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , 340 b , and/or 210 b is initiated when at least a predetermined quantity of force is applied to the switching system 450 .
- a force that is less than the predetermined quantity generally is insufficient to activate the triggering system 400 ; whereas, when the force increases to a level that is greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined quantity, the triggering system 400 is configured to activate, move and/or position the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , 340 b , and/or 210 b in accordance with the predetermined manner.
- the triggering system 400 once activated, preferably continues to move and/or position the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , 340 b , and/or 210 b in accordance with the predetermined manner until the closure element 500 is deployed.
- the triggering system 400 can comprise one or more sets of cooperating detents for coupling the axial motion of the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , 330 b , and 340 b in accordance with a predetermined manner when the triggering system 400 is activated.
- detents refers to any combination of mating elements, such as blocks, tabs, pockets, slots, ramps, locking pins, cantilevered members, support pins, and the like, that may be selectively or automatically engaged and/or disengaged to couple or decouple the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 relative to one another.
- the cooperating detents as illustrated and described below are merely exemplary and not exhaustive.
- the cooperating detents can include a first set of cooperating blocks and pockets for releasably coupling the support member 340 , the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , and the cover member 330 .
- the support member 340 can be decoupled from the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , and the cover member 330 and preferably is substantially inhibited from further axial movement.
- the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , and the cover member 330 may continue to be directed distally as the support member 340 remains substantially stationary.
- the cooperating detents can comprise a carrier block 410 , a pusher block 420 , a cover block 430 , and a support block 440 , which can be configured to couple and decouple in accordance with the predetermined manner.
- the carrier block 410 is disposed on the proximal end region 310 a of the carrier member 310 and includes a carrier pin 412 c that extends from the carrier block 410 ; whereas, the proximal end region 330 a of the cover member 330 and the proximal end region 340 a the support member 340 are respectively coupled with the cover block 430 and the support block 440 .
- a cover pin 432 b extends from the cover block 430
- the support block 440 has a support pin 442 a , which extends from the support block 440 .
- the support pin 442 a , the cover pin 432 b , and the carrier pin 412 c each preferably are formed from a substantially rigid material, such as an alloy of nickel-titanium.
- the pusher block 420 is disposed on the proximal end region 320 a of the pusher member 320 and forms a support slot 422 a , a cover slot 422 b , and a carrier slot 422 c .
- the support slot 422 a is configured to receive and releasable engage the support pin 442 a by which the support member 340 can be coupled with, and decoupled from, the pusher member 320 .
- the cover member 330 can be coupled with, and decoupled from, the pusher member 320 via the cover slot 422 b , which is configured to receive and releasable engage the cover pin 432 b .
- the carrier slot 422 c is configured to receive and releasable engage the carrier pin 412 c such that the carrier member 310 can be coupled with, and decoupled from, the pusher member 320 .
- the carrier block 410 , the pusher block 420 , the cover block 430 , and the support block 440 preferably are respectively disposed substantially on the outer peripheries 312 b , 322 b , 332 b , and 342 b and can be configured to couple and decouple in accordance with the predetermined manner.
- the triggering system 400 further includes one or more stops for engaging the pusher block 420 , the cover block 430 , and/or the support block 440 , respectively.
- a support stop 460 a , a cover stop 460 b , and a carrier stop 460 c each are formed in the housing 380 and are configured to receive, and substantially inhibit further movement of, the support block 440 , the cover block 430 , and the carrier block 410 , respectively, in accordance with the predetermined manner.
- the cover block 430 moves distally within the housing 380 , and the cover block 430 approaches the cover stop 460 b .
- the cover block 430 Upon being received by the cover stop 460 b , the cover block 430 is substantially locked in place, substantially preventing any further motion of the cover block 430 .
- the cover pin 432 b Resisting the axial force, the cover pin 432 b provides a static load while the axial force is less than the predetermined quantity of force. As the axial force increases to a level that is greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined quantity, the cover pin 432 b is displaced from the cover slot 422 b , decoupling the cover member 330 from the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , and the support member 340 .
- the static forces provided by the pins 442 a , 432 b , and 412 c is approximately proportional to a composition and cross-section of the respective pins 442 a , 432 b , and 412 c and/or a depth and a slope of the respective slots 422 a , 422 b , and 422 c .
- the pins 442 a , 432 b , and 412 c can be configured to provide static loads that are differing and/or substantially uniform.
- the triggering system 400 may further include a tube release system 470 for inhibiting inadvertent advancement of the tube set 305 .
- the tube release system 470 is coupled with a tube release member 480 , such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member.
- the tube release member 480 has a proximal end region 480 a that is disposed substantially between the pusher block 420 and the housing 380 (shown in FIG. 4A ) and a distal end region 480 b that is coupled with the tube release system 470 .
- a tab 485 is coupled with the proximal end region 480 a of the tube release member 480 , and a pin (not shown) extends from the pusher block 420 and is disposed substantially between the tab 485 and a groove (not shown) formed in the housing 380 .
- the tube release system 470 is configured to release the tube set 305 when the tube release member 480 is moved proximally, freeing the pusher block 420 .
- a locator release system 490 for permitting the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ of the locator assembly 200 to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state can be included with the triggering system 400 .
- the locator release system 490 can comprise a rod, wire, or other elongate member and has a proximal end region 490 a and a distal end region 490 b .
- the proximal end region 490 a of the locator release system 490 can be coupled with, and configured to activate, the locator control system (shown in FIG. 2D ), and the distal end region 490 b extends beyond the pusher block 420 .
- the control block 260 is disengaged such that the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ of the locator assembly 200 to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state.
- FIGS. 5A-C The operation of the triggering system 400 in accordance with one predetermined manner is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-C with the closure element 500 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ) disposed substantially within the apparatus 100 .
- the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 has been positioned as desired and has transitioned from the unexpanded state to the expanded state.
- the locator control system 240 shown in FIG. 2D
- a distally-directed axial force is applied to the triggering system 400 via the switching system 450 .
- the tube release member 480 shown in FIG.
- the tube set 305 is substantially freely slidable within the housing 380 and responds to the axial force by sliding distally from an initial predetermined position to a first predetermined position.
- the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 are coupled via the slots 422 c , 422 b , and 422 a (shown in FIG. 4C ) and the pins 412 c , 432 b , and 442 a (shown in FIG. 4C ).
- the support pin 442 a , the cover pin 432 b , and the carrier pin 412 c are respectively disposed within, and engaged by, the support slot 422 a , the cover slot 422 b , and the carrier slot 422 c such that the carrier block 410 , the pusher block 420 , the cover block 430 , and the support block 440 are coupled as illustrated in FIG. 4C . Therefore, the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 each slide distally from the initial predetermined position to the first predetermined position in response to the axial force.
- FIG. 5B illustrates the positions of the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 upon reaching the first predetermined position.
- the support block 440 and the cover block 430 respectively engage the support stop 460 a and the cover stop 460 b .
- the support stop 460 a receives, and substantially inhibits further movement of, the support block 440 and, therefore, the support member 340 ;
- the cover stop 460 b receives, and substantially inhibits further movement of, the cover block 430 and, therefore, the cover member 330 .
- the support block 440 and the cover block 430 preferably engage the support stop 460 a and the cover stop 460 b in the first predetermined position
- the support block 440 can engage the support stop 460 a and the cover block 430 can engage the cover stop 460 b in different predetermined positions.
- the predetermined manner can comprise any number of predetermined positions, each predetermined position being associated with any number of the blocks 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 engaging any number of relevant stops 460 a , 460 b , and 460 c.
- the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 can be decoupled from the cover member 330 and the support member 340 by disengaging the support pin 442 a and the cover pin 432 b from the support slot 422 a and the cover slot 422 b , respectively.
- the support pin 442 a and the cover pin 432 b each resist the axial force. While the axial force is less than the combined static force provided by the support pin 442 a and the cover pin 432 b , the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 remain coupled with the cover member 330 and the support member 340 .
- the support pin 442 a and the cover pin 432 b are respectively displaced from the support slot 422 a and the cover slot 422 b , decoupling the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 from the cover member 330 and the support member 340 .
- the cover member 330 and the support member 340 preferably are inhibited from further distal movement and remain substantially stationary; whereas, the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 proceed distally toward a second predetermined position.
- the pusher member 320 and the carrier member 310 continue distally until the second predetermined position is reached as shown in FIG. 5C .
- the carrier block 410 engages the carrier stop 460 c .
- the carrier stop 460 c receives, and substantially inhibits further movement of, the carrier block 410 and, therefore, the carrier member 310 .
- the pusher member 320 can be decoupled from the carrier member 310 by disengaging the carrier pin 412 c from the carrier slot 422 c .
- the carrier pin 412 c resists the axial force. While the axial force is less than the static force provided by the carrier pin 412 c , the pusher member 320 remains coupled with the carrier member 310 .
- the carrier pin 412 c is displaced from the carrier slot 422 c , decoupling the pusher member 320 from the carrier member 310 .
- the carrier member 310 preferably is inhibited from further distal movement and remains substantially stationary; whereas, the pusher member 320 proceeds distally to deploy the closure element 500 and to activate the locator release system 490 (shown in FIG. 4D ) such that the distal end region 210 b , the expansion elements 230 , and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ of the locator assembly 200 transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state.
- the axial force that is applied to overcome the static force associated with the first predetermined position is sufficient to overcome the static forces associated with the subsequent predetermined positions, to deploy the closure element 500 , and to activate the locator release system 490 such that the triggering system 400 operates in one substantially-continuous motion.
- the triggering system 400 can include an energy storing element (not shown), which can be disposed substantially between the housing 380 and the blocks 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 and which is configured to store potential energy for moving the tube set 305 from the initial predetermined position through the other predetermined positions, deploying the closure element 500 , and/or activating the locator release system 490 .
- the energy-storing element is configured store the potential energy when the tube set 305 is in the initial predetermined position and to release the potential energy, when activated, such that the tube set 305 travels through the predetermined positions at a substantially constant and continuous rate.
- the energy-storing element can comprise one or more springs (not shown). Each of the springs can be in a compressed state when the tube set 305 is in the initial predetermined position and released from the compressed state when the switching system 450 of the triggering system 400 is activated.
- the closure element 500 is disposed within the carrier assembly and adjacent to the distal end of the pusher tube 320 .
- the reduced closure element 500 ′ can be slidably received over the distally-increasing cross-section 318 b of the distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 and disposed about the periphery 312 of the carrier member 310 adjacent to the space 360 .
- the reduced closure element 500 ′ Since the reduced cross-section 530 ′ of the reduced closure element 500 ′ is less than the cross-section 318 b of the distally-increasing cross-section 318 b , the reduced closure element 500 ′ must be temporarily radially deformed to be received over the distal end region 310 b . Also, as the reduced closure element 500 ′ is received over the distal end region 310 b , the opposing tines 520 of the reduced closure element 500 ′ engages the distal end region 310 b . The reduced closure element 500 ′ thereby forms the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ in the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIGS. 6E-G .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is disposed about the space 360 , and the tines 520 are directed substantially distally as shown in FIG. 7B .
- one or more of the tines 520 can be disposed proximally of the distally-increasing cross-section 318 b of the distal end region 310 b , as illustrated in FIG. 7B , and/or can be at least partially disposed upon, and contact, the distally-increasing cross-section 318 b of the distal end region 310 b .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ preferably is disposed on the carrier member 310 such that the tines 520 define a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to a second plane defined by the switching system 450 and/or the handles 390 (collectively shown in FIG. 5A ).
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ can be retained on the outer periphery 312 b of the carrier member 310 when distal end region 310 b of the carrier member 310 and the distal end region 320 b of the pusher member 320 are slidably received within the lumen 334 of the cover member 330 as illustrated in FIGS. 7C-D .
- the distal end region 330 b of the cover member 330 extends over the space 360 and defines the annular cavity 370 for retaining the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is disposed substantially between the outer periphery 312 b of the carrier member 310 and the inner periphery 332 a of the cover member 330 such that the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ maintains the substantially tubular configuration with the tines 520 being directed substantially distally.
- the cover member 330 may radially compress the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ such that the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ enters and maintains a compressed tubular configuration.
- the body 510 of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ can be disposed distally of the distal end region 320 b of the pusher member 320 , as illustrated in FIGS. 7C-D , or can engage the distal end region 320 b , as desired.
- FIGS. 8A-8L illustrate an embodiment of a method for accessing a body lumen and/or delivering a closure element.
- the method may incorporate various components of the apparatuses described herein.
- various locator assemblies such as locator assembly 200 , 200 ′, 200 ′′, 200 ′′′, 200 ′′′′ shown in FIGS. 2A , 2 B, 2 A′, 2 B′, 2 A′′, 2 B′′, 2 A′′′, and 2 B′′′, respectively
- the method will be described with the locator assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . However, it will be understood that other locator assembly embodiments may be used.
- a sheath 640 may be inserted or otherwise positioned through skin 650 and tissue 630 and within the blood vessel 600 or other body lumen via the opening 610 .
- the sheath 640 has a proximal end region 640 a and a distal end region 640 b and includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension.
- the sheath 640 also forms a lumen 644 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the sheath 640 and substantially between the proximal and distal end regions 640 a , 640 b .
- the lumen 644 can have any suitable internal cross-section 648 b and is suitable for receiving one or more devices (not shown), such as a catheter, a guide wire, or the like.
- the lumen 644 is configured to slidably receive a tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 and/or the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 (shown in FIG. 4A ).
- the sheath 640 may be configured to radially expand, such as by stretching, to receive the tube set 305 .
- the sheath 640 can be advantageously configured to split as the tube set 305 is received by, and advances within, the lumen 644 of the sheath 640 , thereby permitting the apparatus 100 to access the blood vessel wall 620 .
- the sheath 640 can include one or more splits 645 , such as longitudinal splits, each split being provided in the manner known in the art.
- Each split 645 is configured to split the sheath 640 in accordance with a predetermined pattern, such as in a spiral pattern. It will be appreciated that, when the internal cross-section 648 b of the sheath 640 is greater than the predetermined cross-section 338 b of the cover member 330 , it may not be necessary for the sheath 640 to be configured to radially expand and/or split.
- the apparatus 100 may include a cutting means that initiates a tear line or split in the sheath when the sheath is engaged with the distal end of the apparatus 100 .
- the sheath 640 may be advanced over a guide wire or other rail (not shown) which has been positioned through the opening 610 and into the blood vessel 600 using conventional procedures such as those described above.
- the blood vessel 600 is a peripheral blood vessel, such as a femoral or carotid artery, although other body lumens may be accessed using the sheath 640 .
- the opening 610 , and consequently the sheath 640 may be oriented with respect to the blood vessel 600 such as to facilitate the introduction of devices through the lumen 644 of the sheath 640 and into the blood vessel 600 with minimal risk of damage to the blood vessel 600 .
- One or more devices may be inserted through the sheath 640 and advanced to a preselected location within the patient's body.
- the devices may be used to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, stent implantation, and the like, within the patent's vasculature.
- the devices are removed from the sheath 640 , and the apparatus 100 is prepared to be received by the lumen 644 of the sheath 640 as shown in FIG. 8B .
- the distal end region 210 b of the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 is slidably received by the lumen 644 and atraumatically advanced distally into the blood vessel 600 as illustrated in FIGS. 8B-C .
- the distal end region 210 b of the tubular body 210 can transition from the unexpanded state to the expanded state as shown in FIG. 8D by activating the switching system of the locator assembly 200 .
- the locator assembly 200 may be in communication with a measuring device 251 .
- a measurement of a measurable characteristic may be taken while the locator assembly 200 is positioned within the body lumen (i.e. blood vessel 600 ).
- an impedance measurement may be taken within the body lumen.
- the measurement may be taken with the distal end 210 b in the expanded state.
- the apparatus 100 and the sheath 640 then are retracted proximally until the distal end region 210 b is substantially adjacent to an inner surface 620 b of the blood vessel wall 620 .
- the distal end region 210 b thereby draws the blood vessel wall 620 taut and maintains the proper position of the apparatus 100 as the blood vessel 600 pulsates. Since the expanded cross-section of the distal end region 210 b is greater than or substantially equal to the cross-section of the opening 610 and/or the cross-section of the lumen 644 , the distal end region 210 b remains in the blood vessel 600 and engages the inner surface 620 b of the blood vessel wall 620 .
- the distal end region 210 b can frictionally engage the inner surface 620 b of the blood vessel wall 620 , thereby securing the apparatus 100 to the blood vessel 600 .
- the sheath 640 is retracted proximally such that the distal end region 640 b of the sheath 640 is substantially withdrawn from the blood vessel 600 , as shown in FIG. E, permitting the apparatus 100 to access the blood vessel wall 620 .
- a second measurement of a measurable characteristic may be taken.
- the second measurement may be taken after proximally retracting the apparatus 100 .
- the first measurement and the second measurement may be compared to determine whether the locator assembly 200 has contacted tissue of the body lumen (i.e. the inner surface 620 b of the blood vessel wall 620 ).
- the apparatus 100 may be retracted proximally until a measurable characteristic is within a predetermined range of the first measurement.
- a predetermined range of impedance differences may be used to determine whether the locator assembly 200 has contacted the tissue of the body lumen.
- the technician may be notified that the measurable characteristic is within the predetermined range of the first measurement by, for example, a light, buzzer, and/or other notification method.
- the apparatus 100 preferably also is axially rotated such that the first plane defined by the tines 520 of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is substantially parallel with a third plane defined by the blood vessel 600 .
- the engagement between the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ and the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 can be improved because the tines 520 are configured to engage the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 at opposite sides of the opening 610 .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is disposed on the carrier member 310 such that the first plane defined by the tines 520 is substantially perpendicular to the second plane defined by the switching system 450 and/or the handles 390 (collectively shown in FIG. 5A ), for example, the apparatus 100 can be positioned such that the second plane defined by the switching system 450 and/or the handles 390 is substantially perpendicular to the third plane defined by the blood vessel 600 .
- the tube set 305 can then be advanced distally and received within the lumen 644 of the sheath 640 as illustrated in FIG. 8F .
- the sheath 640 can radially expand and/or split in accordance with the predetermined pattern as the tube set 305 advances because the internal cross-section 648 b of the sheath 640 is less than or substantially equal to the predetermined cross-section 338 b of the cover member 330 .
- the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 each advance distally and approach the first predetermined position as illustrated in FIG. 8G .
- the tube set 305 Upon reaching the first predetermined position, the tube set 305 is disposed substantially adjacent to the outer surface 620 a of the blood vessel wall 620 adjacent to the opening 610 such that the blood vessel wall 620 adjacent to the opening 610 is disposed substantially between the expanded distal region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 and the tube set 305 .
- the cover member 330 and the support member 340 each decouple from the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 in the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIGS. 5A-C when the tube set 305 is in the first predetermined position. Thereby, the cover member 330 and the support member 340 preferably are inhibited from further axial movement and remain substantially stationary as the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 each remain coupled and axially slidable.
- the cover member 330 and the support member 340 remaining substantially stationary while the carrier member 310 and the pusher member 320 continue distally and approach the second predetermined position.
- the annular cavity 370 moves distally relative to the substantially-stationary cover member 330 such that the distal end region 330 b of the cover member 330 no longer encloses the annular cavity 370 .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is not completely enclosed by the annular cavity 370 formed by the distal end regions 310 b , 320 b , and 330 b of the carrier member 310 , the pusher member 320 , and the cover member 330 .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is advantageously retained on the outer periphery 312 b of the carrier member 310 by the distal end region 330 b of the cover member 330 as illustrated in FIG. 8H .
- the apparatus 100 is configured to provide better tissue penetration.
- the carrier member 310 decouples from the pusher member 320 in the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIGS. 5A-C . Therefore, the carrier member 310 , the cover member 330 , and the support member 340 preferably are inhibited from further axial movement and remain substantially stationary; whereas, the pusher member 320 remains axially slidable. As the pusher member 320 continues distally, the distal end region 320 b of the pusher member 320 contacts the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ and displaces the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ from the space 360 as shown in FIG. 8I .
- the pusher member 320 directs the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ over the distally-increasing cross-section of the distal end region 310 b of the substantially-stationary carrier member 310 such that the cross-section 530 ′ (shown in FIGS. 6F-G ) of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ begins to radially expand, preferably in a substantially uniform manner.
- the cross-section 530 ′ of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ radially expands beyond natural cross-section 530 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ) of the closure element 500 .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ Upon being directed over the distally-increasing cross-section of the distal end region 310 b by the pusher member 320 , the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is distally deployed as illustrated in FIG. 8J .
- the tines 520 can pierce and otherwise engage significant amount of the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 adjacent to the opening 610 .
- the tines 520 can engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 because the cross-section 530 ′ of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is expanded beyond natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 during deployment.
- the locator assembly 200 also begins to retract proximally and the locator release system 490 (shown in FIG. 4D ) can be activated to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state as the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is deployed as shown in FIG. 8J .
- the distal end region 210 b of the locator assembly 200 retracts proximally and transitions from the expanded state to the unexpanded state substantially simultaneously with the deployment of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- the distal end region 210 b may be configured to draw the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 adjacent to the opening 610 proximally and into the channel 540 defined by the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- the tines 520 of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ thereby can pierce and otherwise engage the drawn blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 . Since the cross-section 530 ′ of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ is expanded beyond natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 , a significant amount of the blood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 can be drawn into the channel 540 and engaged by the tines 520 .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′ once deployed, begins to transition from the tubular configuration, returning to the natural, planar configuration with opposing tines 520 and a natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 .
- the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ substantially uniformly transitions from the tubular configuration to the natural, planar configuration. Rotating axially inwardly to form the opposing tines 520 of the closure element 500 , the tines 520 draw the tissue 630 into the channel 540 as the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ forms the closure element 500 .
- tissue 630 is drawn substantially closed and/or sealed as the cross-section 530 ′ of the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ contracts to return to the natural cross-section 530 of the closure element 500 .
- the opening 610 in the blood vessel wall 620 can be drawn substantially closed and/or sealed via the closure element 500 as illustrated in FIG. 8L .
- the closure element 500 may be constructed of other materials, that it may comprise alternative shapes, and that it may adopt alternative methods of operation such that the closure element 500 achieves closure of openings in blood vessel walls or other body tissue.
- the closure element 500 is constructed of materials that use a magnetic force to couple a pair of securing elements in order to close an opening in the lumen wall or tissue.
- the closure element 500 may be of a unitary or multi-component construction having a first securing element positionable at a first position adjacent the opening, and a second securing element positionable at a second position adjacent the opening.
- the first and second securing elements are provided having a magnetic force biasing the first and second securing elements together, thereby closing the opening, or they are provided having a magnetic force biasing both the first and second securing elements toward a third securing element positioned in a manner to cause closure of the opening.
- the magnetic closure element 500 may be provided without tines 520 , provided the magnetic force coupling the closure elements is sufficient to close the opening.
- the closure element 500 may be provided with a combination of the magnetic securing elements and tines 520 to provide a combination of coupling forces.
- Other and further materials, methods, and combinations may be utilized to construct the closure element 500 to achieve the objectives described and implied herein.
- the distal end region 380 b of the housing 380 can be configured to couple with an introducer sheath 700 as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the introducer sheath 700 has a proximal end region 700 a and a distal end region 700 b and includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension.
- the distal end region 700 b is configured to facilitate insertion of the introducer sheath 700 through tissue and/or into the opening 610 (shown in FIG. 8A ) formed in and/or adjacent to the wall 620 (shown in FIG. 8A ) of the blood vessel 600 (shown in FIG.
- the distal end region 430 b can have a tapered tip (not shown) for facilitating substantially atraumatic introduction of the introducer sheath 700 through a passage formed in the tissue 630 and/or at least partially into the blood vessel wall 620 , which is accessible via the passage.
- the introducer sheath 700 has an external cross-section 708 b .
- the external cross-section 708 b of introducer sheath 700 can be of any suitable dimension, and, as desired can be sized such that the introducer sheath 700 can be slidably received and advanced within the lumen 644 (shown in FIG. 8A ) of the sheath 640 .
- the introducer sheath 700 also forms a lumen 704 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the introducer sheath 700 and substantially between the proximal and distal end regions 700 a , 700 b .
- the lumen 704 can have any suitable length 708 a and internal cross-section 708 b and is configured to slidably receive the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 4A ) and/or the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 (shown in FIG. 4A ).
- the introducer sheath 700 may be configured to radially expand, such as by stretching, to receive the tube set 305 .
- the introducer sheath 700 can be advantageously configured to split as the tube set 305 is received by, and advances within, the lumen 704 of the introducer sheath 700 in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the sheath 640 (shown in FIG. 8A ).
- the introducer sheath 700 can include one or more splits (not shown), such as longitudinal splits, each split being provided in the manner known in the art.
- Each split is configured to split the introducer sheath 700 in accordance with a predetermined pattern, such as in a spiral pattern. It will be appreciated that, when the internal cross-section 708 b of the introducer sheath 700 is greater than the predetermined cross-section 338 b of the cover member 330 , it may not be necessary for the introducer sheath 700 to be configured to radially expand and/or split.
- the introducer sheath 700 can be coupled with the housing 380 via one or more cooperating connectors (not shown) such that the lumen 704 is substantially axially aligned with the tubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 and/or the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 and, as desired, may be removably and/or substantially permanently coupled with the housing 380 .
- a hub assembly 710 can be provided on the distal end region of the housing 380 b and configured to couple with the proximal end region 700 a of the introducer sheath 700 .
- the proximal end region 430 a of the introducer sheath 700 is coupled with, or otherwise provided on, a distal end region 710 b of the hub assembly 710 , such as via an adhesive, one or more cooperating connectors, and/or a thermo-mechanical joint.
- the hub assembly 710 also includes a proximal end region 710 a , which provides the one or more mating connectors for coupling the introducer sheath 700 with the housing 380 and forms a lumen (not shown), which extends substantially between the proximal end region 710 a and the distal end region 710 b .
- the lumen of the hub assembly 710 preferably has an internal cross-section or size that is greater than the internal cross-section or size of the lumen 704 of the introducer sheath 700 .
- the lumen of the hub assembly 710 is configured to communicate with the lumen 704 of the introducer sheath 700 .
- the proximal end region 700 a of the introducer sheath 700 may be flared to facilitate the connection between the introducer sheath 700 and the hub assembly 710 .
- the hub assembly 710 When properly assembled, the hub assembly 710 preferably is substantially fluid tight such that the one or more devices can be inserted into the lumen 704 of the introducer sheath 700 without fluid passing proximally through the lumen 704 .
- the hub assembly 710 can be made to be watertight, such as via one or more seals (not shown) and/or valves (not shown), and/or other watertight mechanisms.
- the hub assembly 710 can include a thrust washer and/or valve, a guide for directing the devices into the lumen 704 of the introducer sheath 700 , and/or a seal (collectively not shown).
- the various seals and/or guides can be coupled with the hub assembly 710 via, for example, one or more spacers and/or end caps (also collectively not shown).
- the hub assembly 710 further can include one or more side ports 720 .
- the side ports 720 can communicate with the lumen of the hub assembly 710 and/or the lumen 704 of the introducer sheath 700 .
- At least one of the side ports 720 can be configured to be connected with, and to communicate with, tubing (not shown) to, for example, infuse fluids into the lumen 704 and through the introducer sheath 700 .
- at least one of the side ports 720 can provide a “bleed back” indicator, such as in the manner disclosed in the co-pending application Ser. No. 09/680,837.
- the disclosures of this reference and any others cited therein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- FIGS. 10-15 An alternative embodiment of the apparatus is shown in FIGS. 10-15 .
- the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 has many identical or similar structures that perform identical or similar functions to the embodiment described above and in reference to the preceding Figures.
- components of the apparatus that are identical or substantially correspond to those previously described will bear the same reference numerals identified above with the addition of the prime (′) identifier.
- the locator assembly 200 ′ is substantially similar to the structure described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-D , including a flexible or semi-rigid tubular body 210 ′ (such as an elongate rail) with a longitudinal axis.
- the tubular body 210 ′ has a proximal end region 210 a ′ and a distal end region 210 b ′ and includes a predetermined length 218 a ′ and a predetermined outer cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension.
- the distal end region 210 b ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ preferably includes a substantially rounded, soft, and/or flexible distal end or tip 220 ′ to facilitate atraumatic advancement and/or retraction of the distal end region 210 b ′ into the blood vessel 600 .
- a pigtail (not shown) may be provided on the distal end 220 ′ to further aid atraumatic advancement of the distal end region 210 b′.
- the distal end region 210 b ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ further is selectably controllable between an unexpanded state and an expanded state, in the manner described above in relation to FIGS. 2A-D .
- the distal end region is shown in its expanded state, wherein the substantially flexible members 230 ′ of the expansion elements 230 ′ are flexed outward.
- a control member 250 ′ such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member, can be moveably disposed within a lumen (not shown) formed by the tubular body 210 ′ and extending substantially between the proximal end region 210 a ′ and the distal end region 210 b ′.
- the control member 250 ′ has a proximal end region 250 a ′ that is coupled with a control block 260 ′, and a distal end region that is coupled with the distal end region 210 b ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′, the expansion elements 230 ′, and/or the movable end regions 230 c ′ of the substantially flexible members 230 ′.
- the control block 260 ′ is preferably of a tubular shape and formed of a metal or rigid plastic, and is adapted to be retained in a control block cavity 265 ′ (see FIG. 10B ) formed on the internal surface of the housing bottom half 380 d ′, to thereby maintain the control block 260 ′ in a substantially fixed position relative to the housing 380 ′.
- the locator control system can selectively transition the distal end region 210 b ′, the expansion elements 230 ′, and/or the substantially flexible members 230 ′ between the unexpanded and expanded states by moving the tubular body 210 ′ axially relative to the control member 250 ′.
- a tubular body block 270 ′ Formed on the proximal end 210 a ′ of the tubular body 210 ′ is a tubular body block 270 ′ having a proximal groove 271 ′.
- the tubular body block 270 ′ is formed of metal, rigid plastic, or other substantially rigid material and is preferably formed integrally with or attached securely to the tubular body 210 ′.
- the proximal groove 271 ′ and the proximal end of the tubular body block 270 ′ have a shape adapted to cooperate with a pair of tabs 281 a ′- b ′ formed on a locator assembly block 280 ′ whereby the tubular body block 270 ′ is maintained in a fixed axial relationship with the locator assembly block 280 ′. In this way, the tubular body block 270 ′ and tubular body 210 ′ are advanced distally by distal advancement of the locator assembly block 280 ′.
- a locator assembly spring 290 ′ is located coaxially with and substantially surrounds a portion of the tubular body block 270 ′.
- the locator assembly spring 290 ′ is located between and contacts the distal side of two of the tabs 281 a formed on the locator assembly block 280 ′, and the proximal side of a locator assembly spring stop 381 ′ formed on the inner surface of the housing bottom half 380 d ′ (see FIG. 10B ).
- the locator assembly spring 290 ′ so located provides a force biasing the locator assembly block 280 ′ in the proximal direction relative to the housing 380 ′.
- the locator assembly block 280 ′ is preferably formed of metal, plastic, or other rigid material.
- a function of the locator assembly block 280 ′ is to allow the user to apply a force causing distal movement of the tubular body 210 ′ relative to the control member 250 ′ to cause the locator assembly 200 ′ to transition from the unexpanded state to the expanded state.
- the proximal end of the locator assembly block 280 ′ has a slot 281 ′ formed therein, the slot 281 ′ preferably having a size sufficient to accommodate the control block 260 ′ and the control block cavity 265 ′, and to allow the locator assembly block 280 ′ to travel axially relative to the housing 380 ′.
- the distal end of the locator assembly block 280 ′ has a pair of distally extending forks 282 a - b , with each of the forks 282 a - b having a ramp 283 a - b on its inward facing surface.
- the locator assembly block 280 ′ has a pair of distally extending release tabs 284 a - b , with each of the release tabs 284 a - b having a detent 285 a - b.
- the locator assembly block 280 ′ is slidably received and retained within grooves formed in the proximal end of the housing 380 ′, with the proximal end of the locator assembly block extending from the proximal end of the housing.
- the control block 260 ′ and control block cavity 265 are located in the slot 281 ′ formed in the proximal end of the locator assembly block 280 ′.
- the locator release system 490 ′ performs the function of releasing the locator assembly 200 ′, thereby allowing the locator assembly 200 ′ to transition from its expanded state to its unexpanded state.
- the locator release system 490 ′ of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus includes a locator release rod 491 ′ having a release tab spacer block 492 ′ formed on its proximal end.
- the locator release rod 491 ′ and release tab spacer block 492 ′ are received and retained in a groove formed on the interior surface of the housing bottom half 380 d .
- the release tab spacer block 492 ′ is preferably integrally formed with or attached to the proximal end of the locator release rod 491 ′, and is formed of metal, plastic, or other rigid material. As shown in FIG. 15 , the release tab spacer block 492 ′ has a shape and size adapted to fit between the release tabs 284 a - b formed on the locator assembly block 280 ′, thereby biasing the release tabs 284 a - b outward and causing the outward facing detents 285 a - b to engage a pair of retaining grooves 286 a - b formed on the interior of the housing 380 ′.
- the locator assembly block 280 ′ is held in its axial position against the spring force imparted in the proximal direction by the locator assembly spring 290 ′.
- the distal end of the locator release rod 491 ′ has an engagement member 493 ′ that, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an inward bend on the distal end of the locator release rod.
- the engagement member 493 ′ on the locator release rod 491 ′ is preferably positioned within the apparatus such that, when the closure element 500 is delivered, the engagement member 493 ′ is engaged and caused to move axially in the distal direction, thereby disengaging the release tab spacer block 492 ′ from the locator assembly block 280 ′ and causing the locator assembly simultaneously to transition from its expanded state to the unexpanded state.
- the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 ′ includes a carrier assembly 300 ′ that is coupled with, and slidable relative to, the locator assembly 200 ′.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ is configured to receive and retain the closure element 500 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ), which preferably is disposed substantially within the carrier assembly 300 ′.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ is further configured to position the closure element 500 substantially adjacent to the opening 610 and to deploy the closure element 500 , as described elsewhere herein.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ includes a tube set comprising a carrier member 310 ′, a pusher member 320 ′, a cover member 330 ′, and a support member 340 ′.
- the carrier member 310 ′, pusher member 320 ′, cover member 330 ′, and support member 340 ′ are preferably provided as a plurality of nested, telescoping members with a common longitudinal axis.
- the carrier member 310 ′ is configured to receive and support the closure element 500 . While being disposed on the carrier member 310 ′, the closure element 500 preferably is deformed from the natural, planar configuration to form the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ (shown in FIGS. 6F-G ) as described herein.
- the carrier member 310 ′ includes a proximal end region 310 a ′ and a distal end region 310 b ′.
- the carrier member 310 ′ can also define a lumen 314 ′ that extends substantially between the proximal end region 310 a ′ and the distal end region 310 b ′ and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ and/or the support member 340 ′.
- the exterior cross-section of the carrier member 310 ′ is substantially uniform, the distal end region 310 b ′ of the carrier member 310 ′ preferably has a cross-section that increases distally, as illustrated in FIGS.
- the distal end region 310 b ′ may be formed with a uniform cross-section to deploy the closure element 500 without cross-sectional expansion.
- the pusher member 320 ′ has a proximal end region 320 a ′ and a distal end region 320 b ′ and is coupled with, and slidable relative to, the carrier member 310 ′.
- the pusher member 320 ′ includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension and can be configured to slidably receive the carrier member 310 ′ such that the distal end region 320 b ′ of the pusher member 320 ′ is offset proximally from the distal end region 310 b ′ of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the predetermined length of the pusher member 320 ′ can be greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined length of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the predetermined length of the pusher member 320 ′ preferably is less than the predetermined length of the carrier member 310 ′ such that the carrier member 310 ′ and the pusher member 320 ′ at least partially define a space 360 ′ distal to the distal end region 320 b ′ of the pusher member 320 ′ and along the periphery of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the pusher member 320 ′ preferably is substantially tubular and can define a lumen 324 ′ that extends substantially between the proximal end region 320 a ′ and the distal end region 320 b ′ and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the cross-section of the pusher member 320 ′ preferably is substantially uniform, and the distal end region 320 b ′ of the pusher member 320 ′ can comprise one or more longitudinal extensions 325 ′, which extend distally from the pusher member 320 ′ and along the periphery of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the longitudinal extensions 325 ′ preferably are biased such that the longitudinal extensions 325 ′ extend generally in parallel with the common longitudinal axis of the carrier assembly tube set.
- the longitudinal extensions 325 ′ are sufficiently flexible to expand radially, and yet sufficiently rigid to inhibit buckling, as the distal end region 320 b ′ is directed distally along the carrier member 310 ′ and engage the distally-increasing cross-section of the distal end region 310 b ′ of the carrier member 310 ′ to deploy the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- the cover member 330 ′ is configured to retain the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′ substantially within the carrier assembly 300 ′ prior to deployment. Being coupled with, and slidable relative to, the pusher member 320 ′, the cover member 330 ′ has a proximal end region 330 a ′ and a distal end region 330 b ′ and includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, the cover member 330 ′ has an inner periphery and an outer periphery and can define a lumen 334 ′.
- the lumen 334 ′ extends substantially between the proximal and distal end regions 330 a ′, 330 b ′ of the cover member 330 ′ and can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the pusher member 320 ′.
- the distal end region 330 b ′ is configured to extend over the space 360 ′, thereby defining an annular cavity 370 ′ for receiving and retaining the substantially tubular closure element 500 ′′.
- the cross-section of the cover member 330 ′ preferably is substantially uniform, and the distal end region 330 b ′ of the cover member 330 ′ preferably comprises one or more longitudinal extensions 335 ′, which extend distally from the cover member 330 ′ and along an outer periphery of the pusher member 320 ′ (see FIG. 3D ).
- the longitudinal extensions 335 ′ can extend generally in parallel with common longitudinal axis 350 ′, the longitudinal extensions 335 ′ preferably are biased such that the plurality of longitudinal extensions 335 ′ extend substantially radially inwardly as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3D .
- the longitudinal extensions 335 ′ can at least partially close the lumen 334 ′ substantially adjacent to the distal end region 330 b ′ of the cover member 330 ′.
- the longitudinal extensions 335 ′ preferably are sufficiently flexible to expand radially to permit the distal end region 310 b ′ of the carrier member 310 ′ to move distally past the cover member 330 ′ to open the annular cavity 370 ′ such that the distal end region 330 b ′ no longer extends over the space 360 ′.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ is assembled as the plurality of nested, telescoping members as shown in FIG. 3A , the carrier member 310 ′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the lumen 324 ′ of the pusher member 320 ′.
- the support member 340 ′ is slidable relative to the pusher member 310 ′.
- the pusher member 320 ′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the lumen 334 ′ of the cover member 330 ′.
- the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the lumen 314 ′ of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the longitudinal axis of the locator assembly 200 ′ preferably is substantially in axial alignment with the common longitudinal axis of the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, and the cover member 330 ′.
- the tube set 305 preferably also includes a support member 340 ′ as shown in FIGS. 10A-B .
- the support member 340 ′ is configured to slidably receive the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ and to provide radial support for the distal end region 210 b ′ of the tubular body 210 ′ when the locator assembly 200 ′ is coupled with the carrier assembly 300 ′.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ can advantageously include the support member 340 ′, for example, if the tubular body 210 ′ is not sufficiently rigid or under other circumstances in which support for the tubular body 210 ′ might be desirable.
- the support member 340 ′ also can be configured to inhibit the plurality of longitudinal extensions 335 ′, which extend from the distal end region 330 b ′ of the cover member 330 ′, from expanding prematurely when the closure element 500 is deployed. If the longitudinal extensions 335 ′ were to expand prematurely, they may become hung up on the introducer sheath 640 or other delivery member (in an introducer sheath or delivery member is used), the tissue 630 , or the wall 620 of the blood vessel. This may interfere with the proper advancement or other movement of the cover member 330 ′ and the carrier assembly 300 ′.
- the support member 340 ′ Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, the support member 340 ′ includes a proximal end region 340 a ′ and a distal end region 340 b ′. Having an outer periphery, the support member 340 ′ can define a lumen 344 ′ that extends substantially between the proximal end region 340 a ′ and the distal end region 340 b ′ and that is configured to slidably receive and support at least a portion of the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′.
- the support member 340 ′ in turn, can be at least partially slidably disposed within the lumen 314 ′ of the carrier member 310 ′ such that the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ is coupled with, and slidable relative to, the carrier member 310 ′ in the manner described in more detail above.
- the support member 340 ′ has a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension, and the cross-section preferably is substantially uniform.
- the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, the cover member 330 ′, and/or the support member 340 ′ can be provided, in whole or in part, as one or more integrated assemblies.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ also can include a housing 380 ′, the top half 380 c of which is illustrated in FIG. 10A , and the bottom half 380 d of which is shown in FIG. 10B .
- the housing 380 ′ Preferably being formed as an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, the housing 380 ′ has an outer periphery and includes a proximal end region 380 a ′ and a distal end region 380 b ′.
- the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the tube set 305 such that the distal end region 210 b ′ of the tubular body 210 ′ extends beyond the distal end regions 310 b ′, 320 b ′, 330 b ′, and/or 340 b ′.
- the tubular body 210 ′, the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, the cover member 330 ′, and, if provided, the support member 340 ′ are at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the housing 380 ′, and the respective distal end regions 210 b ′, 310 b ′, 320 b ′, 330 b ′, and 340 b ′ extend from the distal end region 380 b ′ of the housing 380 ′ such that the common longitudinal axis 350 ′ of the tube set 305 is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis 386 ′ of the housing 380 ′.
- the housing 380 ′ supports the tube set 305 and can have one or more handles 391 ′, 392 ′ to facilitate use of the apparatus 100 ′.
- the handles 391 ′, 392 ′ extend substantially radially from the outer periphery of the housing 380 ′ and can be provided in the manner known in the art.
- the tubular body 210 ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 ′ such that the distal end region 210 b ′ of the tubular body 210 ′ extends beyond the distal end regions 310 b ′, 320 b ′, 330 b ′, and/or 340 b ′.
- proximal end region 210 a ′ of the tubular body 210 ′ and the proximal end regions 310 a ′, 320 a ′, 330 a ′, and/or 340 a ′ of the tube set 305 are at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the housing 380 ′.
- the switching system of the locator assembly 200 ′ and a switching system of the triggering system 400 ′ preferably are accessible external to the housing 380 ′ as shown in FIGS. 11-15 .
- the triggering system 400 ′ of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 ′ can be disposed substantially within the housing 380 ′.
- the triggering system 400 ′ is configured to control the relative axial movement and/or positioning of the respective distal end regions 310 b ′, 320 b ′, 330 b ′, and 340 b ′ of the tube set 305 and/or the distal end region 210 b ′ of the locator assembly 200 ′.
- Axial motion of one or more of the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, the cover member 330 ′, and the support member 340 ′ and/or the tubular body 210 ′ can be attained, for example, by applying an axial force to the switching system 405 ′′.
- the triggering system 400 ′ includes a set of block members—a carrier block 410 ′, a pusher block 420 ′, a cover block 430 ′, and a support block 440 ′—each of which is formed integrally with or securely attached to its respective member of the carrier assembly 300 ′.
- the block members are adapted to selectably couple and decouple the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, the cover member 330 ′, and the support member 340 ′ relative to one another in order to provide axial movement of those components in a predetermined manner intended to deliver the closure element 500 in the manner described herein.
- the support member 340 ′ can be decoupled from the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, and the cover member 330 ′ and is thereafter substantially inhibited from further axial movement.
- the carrier member 310 ′, the pusher member 320 ′, and the cover member 330 ′ may be directed distally as the support member 340 ′ remain substantially stationary.
- the carrier member 310 ′ and the cover member 330 ′ can be decoupled from the pusher member 320 ′ and thereafter inhibited from further axial movement.
- the pusher member 320 ′ may be directed distally as the support member 340 ′, carrier member 310 ′, and cover member 330 ′ remain substantially stationary, as described more fully herein.
- the carrier block 410 ′ is disposed on the proximal end region 310 a ′ of the carrier member 310 ′ and includes a trigger extension 405 ′ that extends through a slot in the housing 380 ′ to the exterior of the housing 380 ′ to be accessible to the user.
- the carrier block 410 ′ includes a pair of grooves 413 a - b formed on a peripheral surface of the carrier block 410 ′, the grooves 413 a - b being adapted to receive and retain a pair of tabs 445 a - b formed on a pair of forks 444 a - b extending distally from the support block 440 ′, thereby selectably coupling the support block 440 ′ to the carrier block 410 ′.
- the carrier block 410 ′ also includes a pair of distal tabs 416 a - b extending from the distal end of the carrier block 410 ′, and adapted to engage a pair of slots 423 a - b formed on the proximal end of the pusher block 420 ′.
- the carrier block 410 ′ also includes a pair of forks 414 a - b extending in the proximal direction from the proximal end of the carrier block, each of the forks having an outward directed tab 415 a - b at its proximal end.
- the tabs 415 a - b are adapted to selectably engage a pair of slots 387 a - b (not shown) formed on the interior surface of the housing 380 ′ near its proximal end and, when so engaged, to fix the axial position of the carrier block 410 ′ and, with it, the carrier assembly 300 ′ relative to the housing 380 ′.
- the tabs 415 a - b are disengaged from the slots in the housing when the locator assembly block 280 ′ is moved axially in the distal direction in the following manner (see FIG. 11B ).
- the interior surfaces of the ramps 283 a - b on the locator assembly block forks 282 a - b engage the exterior surfaces of the tabs 415 a - b and cause the carrier block forks 414 a - b to flex inward, releasing the tabs 415 a - b from the slots in the housing, thereby freeing the carrier block 410 ′ and the carrier assembly 300 ′ to move axially.
- the pusher block 420 ′ is disposed on the proximal end region 320 a ′ of the pusher member 320 ′. As described above, the pusher block 420 ′ includes a pair of slots 423 a - b formed on its proximal end that are adapted to selectably engage the pair of distal tabs 416 a - b extending from the distal end of the carrier block 410 ′.
- the pusher block 420 ′ also includes a pair of grooves 424 a - b formed on its peripheral surface, the grooves 424 a - b being adapted to engage a pair of tabs 435 a - b formed on a pair of forks 434 a - b extending from the proximal side of the cover block 430 ′ to selectably couple the cover block 430 ′ to the pusher block 420 ′.
- the cover block 430 ′ is disposed on the proximal end region 330 a ′ of the cover member 330 ′.
- the cover block 430 ′ includes a pair of forks 424 a - b extending from the proximal end of the cover block 430 ′, each of the forks having an inward directed tab 435 a - b that are adapted to engage the grooves 424 a - b on the peripheral surface of the pusher block 420 ′ to selectably couple the cover block 430 ′ to the pusher block 420 ′.
- the support block 440 ′ is disposed on the proximal end region 340 a ′ of the support member 340 ′.
- the support block includes a pair of forks 444 a - b extending from the distal end of the support block 440 ′, each of the forks having an inward directed tab 445 a - b that are adapted to engage the grooves 413 a - b formed on the surface of the carrier block 410 ′ to selectably couple the support block 440 ′ to the carrier block 410 ′.
- the carrier block 410 ′, pusher block 420 ′, cover block 430 ′, and support block 440 ′ are shown in FIGS. 11-13 in their fully coupled state, with the support block 440 ′ coupled to the carrier block 410 ′, the pusher block 420 ′ coupled to the carrier block 410 ′, and the cover block 430 ′ coupled to the pusher block 420 ′.
- the carrier assembly 300 ′ comprises a coaxial set of tubes (as shown, for example, in FIG.
- the triggering system 400 ′ of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus includes an energy storing element that is used in the final stage of the closure element 500 delivery process.
- the energy storing element preferably a spring such as the pusher spring 425 ′ shown in FIGS. 10A-B , is substantially retained in a spring cavity 417 ′ formed in the carrier block 410 ′ and coaxially surrounds a proximal portion 310 a ′ of the carrier member 310 ′.
- the pusher spring 425 ′ is capable of expanding and contracting, storing potential energy as it is contracted and releasing energy as it expands. In its fully expanded state, the pusher spring 425 ′ has a length that is greater than the length of the spring cavity 417 ′.
- the cross-sectional dimension of the pusher spring 425 ′ is such that it backs up against and contacts the proximal end of the pusher block 420 ′.
- the pusher spring 425 ′ is capable of imparting a force biasing the carrier block 410 ′ away from the pusher block 420 ′.
- the distal end of the carrier block 410 ′ Prior to delivery of the closure element 500 , the distal end of the carrier block 410 ′ is in physical contact with the proximal end of the pusher block 420 ′.
- the pusher spring 425 ′ In this pre-delivery condition, the pusher spring 425 ′ is in a contracted state and is maintained fully within the spring cavity 417 ′ formed in the carrier block 410 ′.
- a catch member 418 ′ serves the function of maintaining the carrier block 410 ′ and pusher block 420 ′ in the pre-delivery condition against the spring force of the pusher spring 425 ′, the force of which would otherwise force apart the carrier block 410 ′ from the pusher block 420 ′.
- the catch member 418 ′ is a U-shaped piece of metal, plastic, or other rigid material that engages a first groove 418 a formed on the surface of the carrier block 410 ′ and a second groove 418 b formed on the surface of the pusher block 420 ′.
- the pusher block 420 ′ includes a hole 426 ′ extending through a portion thereof, with one end of the hole 426 ′ opening into the groove 418 b .
- the hole 426 ′ is adapted to receive a trip pin 427 ′.
- the trip pin 427 ′ is advanced through the hole 426 ′, where it encounters the catch member 418 ′ that is retained in the groove 418 b . Further advancement of the trip pin 427 ′ causes the catch member 418 ′ to become disengaged from the groove 418 b , thereby releasing the restraining force on the pusher spring 425 ′.
- FIGS. 11-14 The operation of the triggering system 400 ′ of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 ′ is illustrated in FIGS. 11-14 with the closure element 500 (shown in FIGS. 6A-B ) disposed substantially within the apparatus 100 ′.
- the apparatus has an initial position in which the locator assembly block 280 ′ is extended proximally and the triggering system 400 ′ is in its most proximal position. Accordingly, the locator control system 200 ′ is in its unexpanded state, as shown.
- the locator assembly block 280 is depressed distally, as shown in FIG. 12 , thereby transitioning the locator assembly to the expanded state and, simultaneously, releasing the triggering system 400 ′ from the initial position (in the manner described above) such that the triggering system can be advanced distally within the housing 380 ′.
- the triggering system 400 ′ is then advanced distally within the housing 380 ′, thereby advancing the tube set 305 into position adjacent the blood vessel.
- the support block 440 ′ encounters a support stop (not shown) on the interior surface of the housing bottom half 380 d that inhibits the support block 440 ′ from advancing further distally.
- a support stop not shown
- an application of additional distal force to the triggering system 400 ′ causes the support block 440 ′ to decouple from the carrier block 410 ′, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the tabs 445 a - b on the forks 444 a - b of the support block 440 ′ disengage from the grooves 413 a - b on the carrier block 410 ′.
- the support block 440 ′ remains in the position shown in FIG. 13 , while the carrier block 410 ′ is able to advance further distally upon application of force to the triggering system 400 ′.
- the cover block 430 ′ engages a cover stop on the interior surface near the distal end of the housing 380 ′, thereby inhibiting additional distal advancement of the cover block 430 ′.
- the trigger extension 405 ′ engages the handle 391 ′ on the exterior of the apparatus, thereby inhibiting additional distal advancement of the carrier block 410 ′.
- the distal end of the tube set corresponds generally to the state illustrated in FIG. 8G , prior to deployment of the closure element 500 .
- the closure element 500 is next deployed by releasing the pusher spring 425 ′, which causes the pusher block 420 ′ (and, thus, the pusher member 320 ′) to advance distally, deploying the closure element in the manner described above.
- the pusher spring 425 ′ is released by disengaging the catch member 418 ′ from the groove 418 b on the pusher block 420 ′, thereby releasing the pusher spring 425 ′ to force the pusher block 420 ′ and, thus, the pusher member 320 ′—distally relative to the carrier block 410 ′.
- This action causes the pusher member 320 ′ to deploy the closure element 500 , as shown, for example, in FIGS. 8H-L .
- the catch member 418 ′ is disengaged from the groove 418 b by applying a force to the trigger 401 ′, which, in the deployment position, is aligned with the trip pin 427 ′ retained in the pusher block 420 ′.
- a trigger spring 402 ′ biases the trigger outward relative to the housing 380 ′. The user applies an inward directed force to the trigger 401 ′ to counteract the biasing force of the trigger spring 402 ′ and force the trigger 401 ′ against the trip pin 427 ′.
- the distal advancement of the pusher block 420 ′ also causes the locator release system 490 ′ to activate, thereby transitioning the locator control system 200 ′ from the expanded state to the unexpanded state.
- the pusher block 420 ′ advances distally to deploy the closure element 500 ′ in the manner described above, the pusher block 420 ′ also engages the engagement member 493 ′ of the locator release system 490 ′ and advances the locator release rod 491 ′ distally. This action causes the release tab spacer block 492 ′ to disengage from the release tabs 284 a - b on the locator assembly block 280 ′ (see FIG.
- the apparatus 100 is preferably brought into contact with the blood vessel 600 by inserting and advancing the distal end of the apparatus through an introducer sheath 640 to the blood vessel location.
- an introducer sheath 640 is not necessary, as the apparatus can be used to deploy the closure element 500 without the use of an introducer sheath 640 .
- the locator assembly 200 , 200 ′ and the carrier assembly 300 , 300 ′ may have cross-sectional dimensions that allow them to be received within the introducer sheath 640 either without causing radial expansion or splitting of the sheath, or with causing radial expansion or splitting of the sheath.
- a sheath cutter 701 ′ having a pointed tip 702 ′ may be utilized to initiate a split at the proximal end of the introducer sheath 640 .
- the sheath cutter 701 ′ is advantageously placed coaxially over the cover member 330 ′ and is attached to the distal end of the housing 380 ′ (see FIGS. 11A-B ), whereby it will initiate a split in the introducer sheath 640 .
- Distal advancement of the carrier assembly 300 , 300 ′ causes the initial split at the proximal end of the sheath to advance as the carrier assembly 300 , 300 ′ advances.
- FIGS. 16-19 Another alternative embodiment of an apparatus for sealing openings through tissue is shown in FIGS. 16-19 .
- the embodiment of FIGS. 16-19 has many identical or similar structures that perform identical or similar functions to the embodiments described above and in reference to the preceding Figures. Accordingly, the description below should be considered in view of the descriptions above of the preceding embodiments.
- those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one or more of the components and/or features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-19 may also be incorporated in the previously described embodiments, as those components and/or features of the previously described embodiments may optionally be incorporated in the embodiment described below and in reference to FIGS. 16-19 .
- the device 1001 is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with a guidewire in an over the wire deployment method described below.
- the device 1001 has a generally elongated body that includes, beginning at its proximal end, an actuator cap 1280 , a generally cylindrical actuator housing 1800 , a generally cylindrical release barrel 1810 , a generally cylindrical main housing 1380 , and a distal extension 1010 .
- Several components of a locator assembly, a carrier assembly, and a triggering system are contained within the main housing 1380 , as described more fully below in relation to FIGS. 18 and 19 .
- the distal extension 1010 of the device includes an external protective sheath 1012 that covers the distal portions of the locator assembly and carrier assembly.
- the distal end region 1210 b of the locator assembly extends out of the distal end of the protective sheath 1012 .
- the distal end region 1210 b of the locator assembly includes expansion elements 1230 that include substantially flexible members 1230 ′.
- the substantially flexible members 1230 ′ are able to be selectively controllable between and unexpanded state (as shown in FIG. 16A ) and an expanded state, generally in the manner described above in relation to FIGS. 2A-D .
- the locator assembly of the alternative embodiment of the device 1001 is provided with a central lumen 1003 , which is preferably of a diameter sufficient to accommodate a standard guidewire or other structure, as appropriate. As described below, the central lumen 1003 extends through the length of the locator assembly and, thus, through the length of the device 1001 .
- the main housing 1380 includes a pair of grips 1392 a - b integrally formed on opposite sides of the main housing 1380 .
- the distal end of the main housing 1380 is gradually tapered 1382 , with the protective sheath 1012 extending out of its distal end.
- a cylindrical counter spring 1386 is located coaxially on the external surface of the main housing 1380 and rests, at its distal end, against a shoulder 1384 formed in the main housing just proximal to the section of the main housing upon which the grips 1392 are formed.
- the proximal end of the counter spring 1386 rests against the release barrel 1810 , biasing the release barrel 1810 proximally in relation to the shoulder 1384 formed on the main housing 1380 .
- the release barrel 1810 is generally cylindrical and coaxially surrounds the main housing 1380 .
- a mechanical linkage 1812 connects the release barrel 1810 to a release lever 1814 that cooperates with an actuator block 1282 , as described more fully below in reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 .
- a longitudinal slot 1388 is formed on each of the main housing 1380 and the release barrel 1810 , through which extends a lever 1405 that, as described below, is used to advance the carrier assembly in the distal direction to operate the device 1001 .
- a calibration set screw 1818 is located on the release barrel 1810 near the distal end of the slot 1388 .
- the lever 1405 will eventually engage the calibration set screw 1818 .
- further distal advancement of the lever 1405 causes the actuator block 1282 to release, thereby causing the locator assembly to release the expansion elements 1230 and 1230 ′ from the expanded state to the unexpanded state.
- the setting of the calibration set screw 1818 allows the user to fine tune the synchronization of the release of the locator assembly with the deployment of the closure element 500 , as described below.
- the actuator housing 1800 is attached by a screw 1802 to the proximal end of the main housing 1380 , and extends proximally from the main housing 1380 .
- a longitudinal slot 1804 is formed in the actuator housing 1800 to accommodate the release lever 1814 and the linkage 1812 (see FIGS. 18-19 ).
- the actuator cap 1280 extends out from the proximal end of the actuator housing 1800 .
- the actuator cap 1280 is a generally cylindrical body that is coaxial with and generally internal of the actuator housing 1800 .
- the actuator cap 1280 includes a slide seal 1288 at its proximal end that is slidable and that provides a fluid-tight seal, as described in more detail below. Additional details concerning the actuator are described below in reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 .
- FIGS. 17 and 17A the proximal end of the device is shown in more detail.
- the slide seal 1288 on the actuator cap 1280 has been slid to an open position to expose the interior of the actuator.
- the slide seal 1288 is provided with a pair of tabs 1287 that cooperate with a pair of slots 1289 formed on the proximal end of the actuator cap 1280 to allow the slide seal 1288 to slide in relation to the actuator cap 1280 .
- the actuator cap 1280 includes a seal 1281 , such as an o-ring, that provides a fluid tight seal with the slide seal 1288 .
- the central lumen 1003 extends longitudinally through the center of the device and is accessible at the proximal end of the actuator cap 1280 when the slide seal 1288 is in the open position. Additional details concerning the central lumen 1003 are described below in relation to the additional Figures.
- FIG. 17 provides additional detail concerning the shape and orientation of the grips 1392 formed on the main housing.
- the grips 1392 extend radially outward on opposite sides of a point near the distal end of the main housing 1380 , and provide the user with the ability to grip the housing with two fingers while operating the lever 1405 with the user's thumb.
- the slot 1804 formed in the actuator housing 1800 to accommodate the release lever 1814 .
- FIGS. 18 , 18 A, and 18 B show a cross-section of the proximal portion of the device 1001 , including the previously described main housing 1380 , the release barrel 1810 located coaxially in a slidable relation on the external surface of the main housing, the counter spring 1386 that biases the release barrel proximally relative to the shoulder 1384 formed on the main housing, the actuator housing 1800 extending proximally from the proximal end of the main housing, the linkage 1812 and release lever 1814 connected to the release barrel 1810 , and the actuator cap 1280 extending proximally from the proximal end of the actuator housing 1800 .
- the actuator cap 1280 is attached to, or formed integrally with, an actuator block 1282 that is generally cylindrical and that is adapted to slide longitudinally within an actuator base 1284 .
- the actuator base 1284 is attached by the screw 1802 to the proximal end of the main housing 1380 and the distal end of the actuator housing 1800 , as shown in FIG. 18 .
- the central lumen 1003 is shown extending through the length of the device along its longitudinal axis.
- the central lumen 1003 is defined by the interior diameter of the tubular body 1210 of the locator assembly 1200 , which extends from the proximal end region 1210 a to a distal end region 1210 b (see FIG. 16A ).
- the proximal end region 1210 a of the tubular body 1210 is attached or otherwise connected to the actuator block 1282 such that when the actuator block 1282 is advanced distally the tubular body 1210 is also advanced distally, thereby causing the flexible members 1230 ′ to buckle and/or expand transversely outwardly, (in the manner described above, for example, in relation to FIGS.
- the actuator cap 1280 is shown in the extended position, consistent with the locator assembly 1200 being in the unexpanded state.
- the actuator cap 1280 is shown in the depressed position, consistent with the locator assembly 1200 being in the expanded state.
- An actuator spring 1286 is located in a chamber 1285 formed within the interior of the device between the distal end of the actuator block 1282 and the actuator base 1284 attached to the proximal end of the main housing 1380 and the distal end of the actuator housing 1800 .
- the actuator spring 1286 biases the actuator block 1282 in the proximal direction. Depressing the actuator cap 1280 causes the actuator spring 1286 to compress within the chamber 1285 . Once the actuator cap is fully depressed, the release lever 1814 is rotated inwardly such that a catch 1816 formed on the release lever engages a slot 1283 formed on the actuator block 1282 , thereby holding the actuator block 1282 in place in the depressed position against the spring force of the actuator spring 1286 .
- the release lever 1814 may be disengaged, thus transitioning the locator assembly 1200 from the expanded state to the unexpanded state, either by manually releasing the release lever 1814 from the actuator block 1282 and allowing the actuator block to extend proximally, or by advancing the carrier assembly lever 1405 distally to engage the calibration set screw 1818 on the release barrel 1810 and applying additional distal force to the lever 1405 (and, thus, the release barrel 1810 ) to cause the release lever 1814 to disengage from the actuator block 1282 .
- a tube set 1305 is located within the interior of the main housing 1380 , extending distally through the distal extension 1010 .
- the tube set 1305 shown in FIG. 18 includes a carrier tube 1310 , a pusher tube 1320 , and a cover tube 1330 , each located in a coaxial orientation with each other and with the tubular body 1210 of the locator assembly 1200 .
- the tube set 1305 has a structure otherwise substantially identical to that described above in relation to FIGS. 3A-E .
- the cover tube 1330 is connected or otherwise attached at its proximal end to a cover block 1430 .
- the pusher tube 1320 similarly, is connected or otherwise attached at its proximal end to a pusher block 1420 .
- the carrier tube 1310 is connected or otherwise attached at its proximal end to a carrier block 1410 .
- the lever 1405 is attached to the pusher block 1420 . Thus, any movement of the lever 1405 will cause the pusher block 1420 to move as well.
- a leaf spring 1418 connects the carrier block 1410 to the pusher block 1420 , as shown in FIG. 18B .
- the leaf spring 1418 is generally flat and extends longitudinally parallel to the central axis of the device.
- a lip 1419 is formed on the distal end of the leaf spring 1418 , the lip 1419 oriented such that it engages the distal end of the pusher block 1420 , effectively locking the pusher block 1420 to the carrier block 1410 until the leaf spring 1418 is disengaged from the pusher block 1420 , as described below.
- advancement of the lever 1405 will cause advancement of the combination of the carrier block 1410 and the pusher block 1420 .
- a guide pin 1900 is located and fixed on the interior of the main housing 1380 , and extends proximally from the distal wall of the interior of the main housing.
- the guide pin 1900 is received within a slot 1902 formed in the pusher block 1420 and cover block 1430 , and prevents the pusher block 1420 and cover block 1430 from rotating inside the main housing 1380 .
- a grooved pin 1910 is also located and fixed on the interior of the main housing 1380 , and extends proximally from the distal wall of the interior of the main housing 1380 .
- the grooved pin 1910 is preferably located on an opposite side of the interior of the main housing from the guide pin 1900 .
- the grooved pin 1910 has a taper 1912 formed on its proximal end and a transverse groove 1914 formed just distally from the beginning of the taper 1912 .
- the location and orientation of the grooved pin 1910 are such that the taper 1912 formed on the grooved pin 1910 engages and lifts the leaf spring 1418 from its engagement with the pusher block 1420 as the pusher block 1420 and carrier block 1410 are advanced distally within the device.
- the lip 1419 formed on the leaf spring 1418 engages and locks in place in the transverse groove 1914 formed on the grooved pin 1910 , thereby preventing the carrier block 1410 (and, thus, the carrier tube 1310 ) from advancing any further distally.
- This position of the device also corresponds to the engagement of the lever 1405 with the calibration set screw 1818 (see FIG. 16 ). Any additional distal movement of the lever 1405 will cause the pusher block 1420 to move further distally while the carrier block 1410 remains stationary, thus causing the pusher tube 1320 to deploy the closure element 1500 , in the manner described above in relation to FIGS. 8A-L .
- This additional distal movement of the lever 1405 also simultaneously causes the release barrel 1810 to move distally and to disengage the release lever 1814 from the actuator block 1282 , thereby releasing the actuator block 1282 and causing the locator assembly 1200 to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state.
- the device 1001 is configured to deploy a closure element 500 over a wire, wherein the over the wire deployment method utilizing the device 1001 described herein may for example include the following steps, though methods of use associated with the apparatus should not be limited to those described herein or shown in the appended drawings.
- FIG. 20A there is shown a vessel 620 disposed below a patient's tissue 630 and skin 650 , wherein a guidewire 1950 is shown disposed through an opening formed in the vessel and tissue as described above.
- the guidewire 1950 may be introduced into the blood vessel for the sole purpose of using the device 1001 to deploy the closure element 500 , or the guidewire may have already been present from a previously completed interventional procedure. If an introducer sheath is in place, it should be removed prior to use of the apparatus 1001 , thereby leaving the guidewire 1950 in place extending into the blood vessel.
- the device 1001 is then threaded over the guidewire 1950 by inserting the proximal end of the guidewire 1950 into the central lumen of the device 1001 at the distal end of the device, the guidewire is disposed through the device and exits at the proximal end of the device.
- the device 1001 is then advanced along the guidewire until the distal end 210 b of the locator assembly is disposed through the opening formed in the blood vessel as shown in FIG. 20C , whereby the correct position of the device is confirmed by observing a slight flow of blood out of the proximal end of the device, through the open slide seal 1288 on the actuator cap 1280 .
- the actuator cap 1280 is depressed (i.e., the actuator block 1282 is advanced distally) to deploy the flexible members on the distal end 210 b of the locator assembly, i.e., to transition the locator assembly from the unexpanded state to the expanded state.
- the flexible members are able to engage the inside of the vessel wall at the location of the opening in the blood vessel as shown in FIG. 20D .
- the correct position of the device at this point may be confirmed by gently pulling on the device to feel the resistance of the vessel wall against the flexible members in the expanded state as shown in FIG. 20E .
- the guidewire may be removed from the vessel and from the device by withdrawing the guidewire through the proximal end of the device. Once the guidewire is removed, the slide seal 1288 on the actuator cap 1280 may be closed to prevent further flow of blood through the device.
- the device 1001 is in proper position to deploy the closure element 500 .
- the closure element 500 ′′ is deployed by advancing the lever 1405 , which advances the carrier block 1410 , pusher block 1420 , and cover block 1430 until further distal advancement of the carrier block 1410 and cover block 1430 are prevented by the interaction of the leaf spring 1418 engaging and locking in place in the transverse groove 1914 formed on the grooved pin 1910 , thereby preventing the carrier block 1410 (and, thus, the carrier tube 1310 ) from advancing any further distally. Further distal advancement of the lever 1405 thereafter causes advancement only of the pusher block 1420 , which causes deployment of the closure element 500 in the identical manner described above, for example, in relation to FIGS.
- the closure element 500 is shown in a deployed position, wherein the closure element has been engaged with the vessel wall to effectively close the opening formed therein.
- the closure element 500 is expanded as it is deployed from the device 1001 , wherein by increasing the diameter of the closure element 500 , the closure element may engage tissue adjacent the opening in the tissue. It is contemplated that the closure element may be configured to penetrate the vessel wall to effect a closure, or partially penetrate the vessel wall to effect closure.
Abstract
An embodiment of an apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen is disclosed. The apparatus includes a locator assembly that has a distal end region configured to extend into an opening of the body lumen and to selectably engage at least a portion of the body lumen adjacent to the opening. The distal end region includes at least one surface engaging element that is configured to engage the surface of the body lumen. The apparatus includes a measuring device that is in electrical communication with the surface engaging element. The measuring device is configured to determine changes in measurable characteristics of the surface engaging element. Methods and apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen are also disclosed.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/393,877, filed Feb. 26, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- This application also incorporates U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,197,042 and 6,623,510, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/546,998, 09/610,238, 09/680,837, 09/732,835, 10/081,723, and 10/081,726 by reference each in their entirety.
- 1. The Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particular to methods and apparatuses for locating a surface of a body lumen.
- 2. The Related Technology
- Catheterization and interventional procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting, generally are performed by inserting a hollow needle through a patient's skin and tissue into the vascular system. A guide wire may be advanced through the needle and into the patients blood vessel accessed by the needle. The needle is then removed, enabling an introducer sheath to be advanced over the guide wire into the vessel, e.g., in conjunction with or subsequent to a dilator.
- A catheter or other device may then be advanced through a lumen of the introducer sheath and over the guide wire into a position for performing a medical procedure. Thus, the introducer sheath may facilitate introducing various devices into the vessel, while minimizing trauma to the vessel wall and/or minimizing blood loss during a procedure.
- Upon completing the procedure, the devices and introducer sheath would be removed, leaving a puncture site in the vessel wall. Traditionally, external pressure would be applied to the puncture site until clotting and wound sealing occur; however, the patient must remain bedridden for a substantial period of time after clotting to ensure closure of the wound. This procedure, however, may be time consuming and expensive, requiring as much as an hour of a physician's or nurse's time. It is also uncomfortable for the patient, and requires that the patient remain immobilized in the operating room, catheter lab, or holding area. In addition, a risk of hematoma exists from bleeding before hemostasis occurs.
- Various apparatus have been suggested for percutaneously sealing a vascular puncture by occluding the puncture site. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,302 and 5,222,974, issued to Kensey et al., describe the use of a biodegradable plug that may be delivered through an introducer sheath into a puncture site. Another technique has been suggested that involves percutaneously suturing the puncture site, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,184, issued to Hathaway et al.
- To facilitate positioning devices that are percutaneously inserted into a blood vessel, “bleed back” indicators have been suggested. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,689, issued to Kensey et al., discloses a bleed back lumen intended to facilitate positioning of a biodegradable plug within a puncture site.
- Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,231, issued to Green et al., discloses a deployable loop that may be advanced through a sheath into a vessel. The loop is intended to resiliently expand to engage the inner wall of the vessel, thereby facilitating holding the sheath in a desired location with respect to the vessel.
- Accordingly, apparatus and methods for locating a surface of a body lumen would be useful.
- An embodiment of an apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen is disclosed. The apparatus includes a locator assembly that has a distal end region configured to extend into an opening of the body lumen and to selectably engage at least a portion of the body lumen adjacent to the opening. The distal end region includes at least one surface engaging element that is configured to engage the surface of the body lumen. The apparatus includes a measuring device that is in electrical communication with the surface engaging element. The measuring device is configured to determine changes in measurable characteristics of the surface engaging element.
- An embodiment of method for locating a surface of a body lumen is disclosed. The method includes inserting a locator assembly through an opening of the body lumen. The locator assembly includes a distal end region having a surface engaging element configured to selectively engage the surface of the body lumen. The locator assembly is positioned in close proximity to the opening of the body lumen. A measurable characteristic of the surface engaging element is measured within the body lumen. It is determined whether the measurable characteristic of the surface engaging element indicates that the surface engaging element has engaged the surface of the body lumen.
- An embodiment of a surface engaging element is disclosed. The surface engaging element includes a proximal end portion that has at least one retaining portion. The surface engaging element includes a distal end portion that has at least one retaining portion. The surface engaging element includes at least one engaging member that extends toward the proximal end portion and extends toward the distal end portion. The at least one engaging member is configured to engage a surface of a body lumen.
- Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 provides a general illustration of an apparatus for closing openings formed in blood vessel walls in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a locator assembly for the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of a distal end region of the locator assembly ofFIG. 2A when the distal end region is in an unexpanded state. -
FIG. 2C illustrates the distal end region of the locator assembly ofFIG. 2B when the distal end region is in an expanded state. - FIGS. 2B′ and 2C′ illustrate an alternative embodiment of a locator assembly for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 2B″ and 2C″ illustrate a further embodiment of a locator assembly for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 2B′″ and 2C′″ illustrate a still further embodiment of a locator assembly for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention.
-
FIG. 2D illustrates one embodiment of a proximal end region of the locator assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a carrier assembly for the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of a carrier member for the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 3C illustrates one embodiment of a pusher member for the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 3D illustrates one embodiment of a cover member for the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 3E illustrates one embodiment of a support member for the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a triggering system for the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 4B illustrates a first detailed cross-sectional side view of the triggering system ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 4C illustrates a detailed view of the triggering system ofFIG. 4B . -
FIG. 4D illustrates a second detailed cross-sectional side view of the triggering system ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 5A illustrates the carrier control system ofFIGS. 4A-D as the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A moves distally from an initial predetermined position. -
FIG. 5B illustrates the carrier control system ofFIGS. 4A-D as the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A reaches a first predetermined position. -
FIG. 5C illustrates the carrier control system ofFIGS. 4A-D as the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A reaches a second predetermined position. -
FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a closure element in a natural, planar configuration and with a natural cross-section for use with the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the closure element ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of the closure element ofFIGS. 6A-B after a natural cross-section of the closure element has been reduced. -
FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the reduced closure element ofFIG. 6C . -
FIG. 6E illustrates a side view of the reduced closure element ofFIGS. 6C-D as the reduced closure element transitions from the natural, planar configuration to a tubular configuration. -
FIG. 6F illustrates a top view of the closure element ofFIGS. 6C-D upon completing the transition from the natural, planar configuration to a substantially tubular configuration. -
FIG. 6G illustrates a side view of the closure element ofFIG. 6F . -
FIG. 7A illustrates the closure element ofFIGS. 6A-G prior to being disposed upon the carrier member ofFIG. 3B . -
FIG. 7B illustrates the closure element ofFIGS. 6A-G upon being disposed upon the carrier member ofFIG. 3B . -
FIG. 7C illustrates the closure element ofFIGS. 6A-G as the cover member ofFIG. 3D receives the carrier member ofFIG. 3B . -
FIG. 7D illustrates the closure element ofFIGS. 6A-G being retained substantially within the carrier assembly ofFIG. 3A when the carrier member ofFIG. 3B is disposed substantially within the cover member ofFIG. 3D . -
FIG. 8A illustrates a sheath that is positioned through tissue and into an opening formed in a wall of a blood vessel. -
FIG. 8B illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 1 as prepared to be received by the sheath ofFIG. 8A . -
FIG. 8C illustrates a locator assembly of the apparatus ofFIG. 8B being advanced distally into the blood vessel. -
FIG. 8D illustrates a distal end region of the locator assembly ofFIG. 8C extending into the blood vessel and being transitioned into an expanded state. -
FIG. 8E illustrates the distal end region ofFIG. 8D being retracted proximally to engage an inner surface of the blood vessel wall. -
FIG. 8F illustrates a carrier assembly of the apparatus ofFIG. 8B being advanced distally into the sheath ofFIG. 8A once the distal end region ofFIG. 8D has engaged the inner surface of the blood vessel wall. -
FIG. 8G illustrates relative positions of a tube set of the carrier assembly ofFIG. 8F upon reaching a first predetermined position. -
FIG. 8H illustrates the relative positions of the tube set ofFIG. 8G upon reaching a second predetermined position. -
FIG. 8I illustrates a position of a pusher member of the tube set ofFIG. 8H moving distally from the second predetermined position and beginning to distally deploy a closure element. -
FIG. 8J illustrates the closure element ofFIG. 8I upon being deployed and engaging tissue adjacent to the opening in the blood vessel wall. -
FIG. 8K illustrates the closure element ofFIG. 8J transitioning from the substantially tubular configuration to the natural, planar configuration while engaging the engaged tissue. -
FIG. 8L illustrates the closure element ofFIG. 8K drawing the engaged tissue substantially closed and/or sealed -
FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of an introducer sheath for the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10A illustrates an assembly view of the components included in an alternative embodiment of the apparatus for closing openings formed in blood vessel walls. -
FIG. 10B illustrates an assembly view of the components shown inFIG. 10A , showing the reverse view of that shown inFIG. 10A . -
FIG. 11A illustrates the assembled carrier assembly and triggering assembly of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus shown inFIG. 10A . -
FIG. 11B illustrates a close-up view of the proximal end of the apparatus shown inFIG. 11A . -
FIG. 12 illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 11A after advancement of the locator assembly block. -
FIG. 13A illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 12 after distal advancement of the triggering system and carrier assembly.FIG. 13B illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of the housing and internal components of the apparatus shown inFIG. 13A . -
FIG. 14A illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 13 after further distal advancement of the triggering system and carrier assembly. -
FIG. 14B illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of the housing and internal components of the apparatus shown inFIG. 14A . -
FIG. 15 illustrates a reverse view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 11-14 , showing the locator release system. -
FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of another alternative embodiment of an apparatus for closing openings formed in blood vessel walls. -
FIG. 16A illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of the device shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the proximal end of the device shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 17A illustrates a close-up view of the proximal end of the device shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18A illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the device shown inFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 18B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the device shown inFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the device shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an opening formed in a vessel, wherein a guidewire is shown disposed within the opening. -
FIGS. 20B-20F are partial cross-sectional views illustrating the alternative embodiment of the closure device in accordance with the present invention wherein the device is illustrated being disposed over a guidewire. -
FIG. 20G is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of a closure element in accordance with the device illustrated inFIGS. 20B-20F . - It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of embodiments of the present invention.
- The embodiments described herein extend to methods, systems, and apparatus for managing access through tissue. Some of the apparatuses of the present invention are configured to deliver a device for managing access through tissue into an opening formed in and/or adjacent to tissue.
- Medical devices may be used in a variety of spaces. It may be desirable to generally reduce the size of medical devices. For example, stents may be inserted into smaller and smaller vasculature, thus making it generally desirable to reduce the pre-deployment size of a stent. In another example, a closure device may be used to close tissue in, for example, a body lumen. In order to reach the desired body lumen, typically a delivery device may be used to reach an access point in the body lumen. To minimize the effects of a procedure on a patient, the reduction in size of the access point may be desirable.
- When engaging tissue and/or closing openings in tissue, it may be desirable to use a locator assembly to selectably contact a portion of the tissue. In some cases, the locator assembly may not contact a portion of the desired tissue. For example, the locator assembly may be positioned within a body lumen but away from an inside surface of the body lumen. In these instances, engagement of a portion of the desired tissue may be less likely and/or favorable. It may be desirable to verify contact with a portion of the desired tissue during a medical procedure.
- In one embodiment, a locator assembly may include engagement members configured to engage a portion of the desired tissue. The locator assembly may include a device to take measurements of a desired measurable characteristic. The measurable characteristic may include, for example, impedance. Measurements may be taken when a portion of the locator assembly is within a body lumen and when the locator assembly is believed to be in contact with tissue. Comparing the measurements taken when within the body lumen and when the locator assembly is believed to be in contact with tissue may indicate that the locator assembly has contacted a portion of the desired tissue. For example, an impedance measurement taken when within the body lumen may be higher than an impedance measurement taken when the locator assembly is in contact with tissue.
- In a further embodiment, a surface engaging element can be provided. The surface engaging element may include a flexible body that may actuate between an expanded and relaxed configuration.
- In some embodiments, an engagement portion of the surface engaging element may include substantially uniform dimensions. In other embodiments, the engagement portion of the surface engaging element may include at least one non-uniform dimension. For example, the engagement portion may have a dimension that is larger than a support portion of the surface engaging element.
- In further embodiments, the surface engaging element may be assembled using a retaining portion. For example, an engagement portion may be connected to a proximal, distal, and/or other portion of the surface engaging element by a retaining portion, such as a detent.
- These results, whether individually or collectively, can be achieved, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by employing methods, systems, and/or apparatus as shown in the figures and described in detail below.
- Since current apparatuses for sealing openings formed in blood vessel walls can snag tissue adjacent to the openings during positioning and may not provide an adequate seal, an apparatus that is configured to prevent inadvertent tissue contact during positioning and to engage a substantial of amount of tissue adjacent to the opening can prove much more desirable and provide a basis for a wide range of medical applications, such as diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures involving blood vessels or other body lumens of any size. This result can be achieved, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by employing an
apparatus 100 as shown inFIG. 1 . - As will be discussed in more detail below, the
apparatus 100 can deliver a closure element 500 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) through tissue 630 (shown inFIG. 8A ) and into an opening 610 (shown inFIG. 8A ) formed in and/or adjacent to a wall 620 (shown inFIG. 8A ) of a blood vessel 600 (shown inFIG. 8A ) or other body lumen. The closure element (or clip) 500 preferably has a generally annular-shape body 510 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) defining achannel 540 and one or more barbs and/or tines 520 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) for receiving and engaging theblood vessel wall 620 and/or thetissue 630 around theopening 610. Although theclosure element 500 has a natural shape and size, theclosure element 500 can be deformed into other shapes and sizes, as desired, and is configured to return to the natural shape and size when released. For example, theclosure element 500 can have a natural, planar configuration with opposingtines 520 and anatural cross-section 530 as shown inFIGS. 6A-B . Thenatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500 can be reduced to form a reducedclosure element 500′ that has a natural, planar configuration with opposingtines 520 and a reducedcross-section 530′ as shown inFIGS. 6C-D . By rotating the opposingtines 520 axially as shown inFIG. 6E , the reducedclosure element 500′ can be further deformed to form a substantiallytubular closure element 500″ (shown inFIG. 6F ) having the reducedcross-section 530′ as well as being in a substantially tubular configuration with thetines 520 in an axial configuration. - Being configured to draw the
blood vessel wall 620 and/or thetissue 630 adjacent to theopening 610 substantially closed and/or to enhance hemostasis within theopening 610, theclosure element 500 can be formed from any suitable material, including any biodegradable material, any shape memory alloy, such as alloys of nickel-titanium, or any combination thereof. Additionally, it is contemplated that the closure element may be coated with a beneficial agent or be constructed as a composite, wherein one component of the composite would be a beneficial agent. As desired, theclosure element 500 may further include radiopaque markers (not shown) or may be wholly or partially formed from a radiopaque material to facilitate observation of theclosure element 500 using fluoroscopy or other imaging systems. Exemplary embodiments of a closure element are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,197,042, and 6,623,510, and in co-pending application Ser. Nos. 09/546,998, 09/610,238, and 10/081,726. The disclosures of these references and any others cited therein are expressly incorporated herein by reference. - The
apparatus 100 is configured to receive and retain theclosure element 500 such that theclosure element 500 is disposed substantially within theapparatus 100. Thereby, if theapparatus 100 is introduced via an introducer sheath 640 (shown inFIG. 8A ), for example, theclosure element 500 can be disposed within, and delivered by way of, a lumen 644 (shown inFIG. 8A ) of theintroducer sheath 640. Theapparatus 100 also is configured to engage theblood vessel wall 620 adjacent to theopening 610. Being disposed substantially within theapparatus 100, theclosure element 500 can deeply penetrate, without inadvertently contacting,tissue 630 adjacent to theopening 610 such that theapparatus 100 can position theclosure element 500 substantially adjacent to anouter surface 620 a (shown inFIG. 8A ) of theblood vessel wall 620 adjacent to theopening 610. - When properly positioned, the
apparatus 100 can be activated to deploy theclosure element 500. Although preferably configured to substantially uniformly expand theclosure element 500 beyond thenatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500 during deployment, theapparatus 100, as desired, can deploy theclosure element 500 without expanding theclosure element 500. Theclosure element 500, when deployed, is configured to engage a significant amount of theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 adjacent to theopening 610. Engaging theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630, theclosure element 500 is further configured to return to thenatural cross-section 530. Thus, the engagedblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 are drawn substantially closed and/or sealed, such that, for example, hemostasis within theopening 610 is enhanced. - The
apparatus 100 can be provided as one or more integrated components and/or discrete components. As shown inFIG. 1 , for example, theapparatus 100 can comprise a locator (or obturator)assembly 200 and acarrier assembly 300. For purposes of illustration, thelocator assembly 200 and thecarrier assembly 300 are shown inFIG. 1 as comprising substantially separate assemblies. As desired, however, thelocator assembly 200 and thecarrier assembly 300 each can be provided, in whole or in part, as one or more integrated assemblies. - Being configured to extend into the
opening 610, thelocator assembly 200 can selectably contact theinner surface 620 b of theblood vessel wall 620 adjacent theopening 610. Whereby, thelocator assembly 200 is configured to draw theblood vessel wall 620 taut and maintain the proper position of theapparatus 100 in relation to theopening 610 as theblood vessel 600 pulsates. Thelocator assembly 200 can be provided in the manner disclosed in co-pending application Ser. Nos. 09/732,835 and 10/081,723, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Thelocator assembly 200 preferably includes a flexible or semi-rigidtubular body 210. As illustrated inFIG. 2A , thetubular body 210 has aproximal end region 210 a and adistal end region 210 b and includes a predetermined length 218 a and a predeterminedouter cross-section 218 b, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Thedistal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 preferably includes a substantially rounded, soft, and/or flexible distal end ortip 220 to facilitate atraumatic advancement and/or retraction of thedistal end region 210 b into theblood vessel 600. As desired, a pigtail (not shown) may be provided on thedistal end 220 to further aid atraumatic advancement of thedistal end region 210 b. - The
distal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 further is selectably controllable between an unexpanded state and an expanded state. In the unexpanded state, thedistal end region 210 b has an unexpanded size; whereas, thedistal end region 210 b in the expanded state has an expanded size, which is greater than the unexpanded size of thedistal end region 210 b in the unexpanded state. Thedistal end region 210 b is configured to expand from the unexpanded size to the expanded size and/or to contract from the expanded size to the unexpanded size, and the expansion and contraction of thedistal end region 210 b preferably is substantially uniform about a longitudinal axis of thelocator assembly 200. For example, one ormore expansion elements 230 can be provided on thedistal end region 210 b and can be configured to expand substantially transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of thelocator assembly 200. Preferably being substantially equally distributed about anouter periphery 212 of thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230 may include radiopaque markers (not shown) or may be wholly or partially formed from a radiopaque material to facilitate observation of theexpansion elements 230 and/or thedistal end region 210 b using fluoroscopy or other imaging systems. - At least one, and preferably all of the
expansion elements 230 can comprise a substantiallyflexible member 230′ with a substantially fixedend region 230 a′, anintermediate region 230 b′, and amovable end region 230 c′ as shown inFIGS. 2B-C . For each substantiallyflexible member 230′, thefixed end region 230 a′ is fixedly coupled with thedistal end region 210 b; whereas, themovable end region 230 c′ is movably coupled with thedistal end region 210 b and configured to be axially movable relative to thefixed end region 230 a′. When eachmovable end region 230 c′ is axially moved toward the relevantfixed end region 230 a′, theintermediate regions 230 b′ buckle and/or expand transversely outwardly, thereby transitioning thedistal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 from the unexpanded state to the expanded state. In contrast, thedistal end region 210 b transitions from the expanded state to the unexpanded state as each of themovable end regions 230 c′ are axially moved away from the relevantfixed end region 230 a′. Although theexpansion elements 230 are shown as comprising theflexible members 230′ inFIGS. 2B-C for purposes of illustration, it is understood that theexpansion elements 230 can comprise any type of expansion elements and are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is further contemplated that theexpansion elements 230 may further include geometric features that allow/enhance the ability of the expansion elements to bend or fold from a retracted position to an expanded position. The expansion elements may be constructed of a material such as steel, spring steel, plastics or composites. In one embodiment, the expansion elements are constructed of Nitinol®. - FIGS. 2B′ and 2C′ illustrate an alternative embodiment of a
locator assembly 200″ for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention. Thelocator assembly 200″ of this embodiment may be functionally similar to that of thelocator assembly 200 previously described above and shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below. Like structures and/or components are given like reference numerals. - The
locator assembly 200″ may be located proximal to adistal end 210 b″ of atubular member 210″ and/or an apparatus (such asapparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 ). Thelocator assembly 200″ may include asurface engagement assembly 226″. Thesurface engagement assembly 226″ may include adistal end portion 226 a″, aproximal end portion 226 b″, and/or at least onesurface engagement element 230″. Thesurface engagement elements 230″ may be configured to transition from a relaxed state to an expanded state, similar to the substantiallyflexible member 230′ described above. For example, thesurface engagement elements 230″ may be moveably connected to and/or fixedly connected to adistal end region 210 b″ of thelocator assembly 200″. In this example, adistal end 230 a″ of thesurface engagement elements 230″ may be moveably connected to and aproximal end 230 c″ of thesurface engagement elements 230″ may be fixedly connected to thedistal end region 210 b″. In other examples, other types of connections may be contemplated. - The
locator assembly 200″ may include two, three, four, and/or other numbers ofsurface engaging elements 230″. At least one of thesurface engaging elements 230″ may be configured to conduct a measurable characteristic of thesurface engaging elements 230″ to thelocator assembly 200″. For instance, thelocator assembly 200″ may be in communication with a measuringdevice 251. An example of ameasuring device 251 may include an impedance measuring device, a voltmeter, an amp meter, a pressure transducer, piezoelectric crystals, other measuring devices, or combinations thereof. The measuringdevice 251 may determine changes in measurable characteristics of thelocator assembly 200″. For instance, the measuringdevice 251 may measure changes in the impedance of thelocator assembly 200″. In another example, the measuringdevice 251 may determine changes in pressure. Changes in pressure may be determined by a pressure transducer or other pressure measuring device. In a further example, the measuringdevice 251 may retrieve ultrasonic data in and/or around the body lumen. Ultrasonic data may be retrieved by piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic data gathering device. Other measurable characteristics may include electrical characteristics such as voltage, current, other electrical characteristics, and/or other measurable characteristics. - In embodiments where the measurable characteristic is an electrical characteristic, the
locator assembly 200″ may be in electrical communication with at least one of thesurface engaging elements 230″. In the present embodiment, thelocator assembly 200″ may include at least one distalconductive portion 204 a″ and/or at least one proximalconductive portion 204 b″ with which at least onesurface engaging element 230″ may be in electrical communication. At least one ofsurface engaging elements 230″ may be formed at least partially from an electrically conductive material. In the present embodiment, at least one ofsurface engaging elements 230″ may be formed at least partially from Nitinol®. - The distal
conductive portions 204 a″ and/or the proximalconductive portions 204 b″ may be in electrical communication with the measuringdevice 251. For example, the at least one distalconductive portion 204 a″ may be in electrical communication with the measuringdevice 251 through at least onedistal conductor connector 205 a″ and/or the at least one proximalconductive portion 204 b″ may be in electrical communication with the measuringdevice 251 through at least oneproximal conductor connector 205 b″. The distal and/orproximal conductor connectors 205 a″, 205 b″ may extend toward thedistal end 210 b″ and/or toward aproximal end 210 a″ of thetubular member 210″ through at least one lumen (not shown). - In the present embodiment, each of the
surface engaging elements 230″ may be in electrical communication with a different distalconductive portion 204 a″ and/or proximalconductive portion 204 b″. Alternatively, more than onesurface engaging element 230″ may be in electrical communication with the same distalconductive portion 204 a″ and/or proximalconductive portion 204 b″. Other combinations are also contemplated. - The
surface engaging elements 230″ may be in electrical communication with each other. For instance, two or moresurface engaging elements 230″ may be may be formed from the same piece of material. In the present embodiment, each of thesurface engaging elements 230″ may be selectively electrically isolated from each other. Isolation of thesurface engaging elements 230″ may be accomplished byinsulators 206 a″, 206 b″. Theinsulators 206 a″, 206 b″ may include materials such as ceramics, polyethylene, and/or other insulating materials. - FIGS. 2B″ and 2C″ illustrate a further embodiment of a
locator assembly 200′″ for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention. Thelocator assembly 200′″ of this embodiment may be functionally similar to that of thelocator assemblies FIGS. 2B-2C and 2B′-2C′ in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below. Like structures and/or components are given like reference numerals. For example, thelocator assembly 200′″ may be configured to facilitate the determination of changes in measurable characteristics of the locator assembly. - The
locator assembly 200′″ may be located proximal to a distal end of a tubular member (such as 210 b, 210 b″ shown inFIGS. 2A , 2B, 2A′, and 2B′) and/or an apparatus (such asapparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 ). Thelocator assembly 200′″ may include asurface engagement assembly 226′″. - The
surface engagement assembly 226′″ may include adistal end portion 226 a′″, aproximal end portion 226 b′″, and/or at least onesurface engagement element 230′″. In the present embodiment, thesurface engagement assembly 226′″ may include foursurface engagement elements 230′″ that may be separated by a distal and/or proximalengagement element support 231 a′″, 231 b′″. The distal and/or proximal engagement element supports 231 a′″, 231 b′″ may electrically insulate thesurface engagement elements 230′″. In an alternative embodiment, the distal engagement element supports 231 a′″, proximal engagement element supports 231 b′″, and/orsurface engagement elements 230′″ may be formed as a unitary piece and/or from the same material. For example, the distal engagement element supports 231 a′″, proximal engagement element supports 231 b′″, and/orsurface engagement elements 230′″ may be laser cut from a Nitinol® tube. - The
surface engagement elements 230′″ may include a distal and/or proximal retainingportion 229 a′″, 229 b′″. The distal and/or proximal retainingportions 229 a′″, 229 b′″ may include an aperture and/or other retaining mechanism that may receive, for example, a detent and/or other retaining mechanism. For instance, a cover member (such as thecover member 220 shown inFIG. 2C ) may include a retaining mechanism (not shown) to limit motion between the cover member and thesurface engagement elements 230′″. The cover member may be connected to a control member (such ascontrol member 250 shown inFIG. 2D ) that is configured to transition thesurface engagement elements 230′″ from a relaxed state to an expanded state, similar to the substantiallyflexible member 230′ described above. - The
surface engaging elements 230′″ may include ameasuring component 253′″. The measuringcomponent 253′″ may facilitate the determination of changes in measurable characteristics of thelocator assembly 200′″. For instance, the measuringcomponent 253′″ may facilitate the determination of changes in impedance, pressure, ultrasonic data, or other measurable characteristics. The measuringcomponent 253′″ may be in electrical communication with aconnector 205′″. Theconnector 205′″ may be in electrical communication with a measuring device (shown as 251 in FIG. 2B′). - FIGS. 2B′″ and 2C′″ illustrate a further embodiment of a
locator assembly 200′″ for locating a surface of a body lumen, in accordance with the present invention. Thelocator assembly 200′″ of this embodiment may be functionally similar to that of thelocator assemblies FIGS. 2B-2C , 2B′-2C′, and 2B″-2C″ in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below. Like structures and/or components are given like reference numerals. - The
locator assembly 200″″ may be located proximal to a distal end of a tubular member (such as 210 b, 210 b″ shown inFIGS. 2A , 2B, 2A′, and 2B′) and/or an apparatus (such asapparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 ). Thelocator assembly 200″″ may include asurface engagement assembly 226″″, acover member 220″″, and/or aproximal end portion 226 b″″. - The
cover member 220″″ and/orproximal end portion 226 b″″ may include adistal retaining portion 221 a″″ and/or aproximal retaining portion 221 b″″, respectively. Thesurface engagement assembly 226″″ may include at least onesurface engagement element 230″″. Thesurface engagement elements 230″″ may include a distal and/or proximal retainingportion 229 a″″, 229 b″″. The distal and/or proximal retainingportions 221 a″″, 221 b″″ on thecover member 220″″ and/orproximal end portion 226 b″″ may include an aperture and/or other retaining mechanism that may cooperate with corresponding distal and/or proximal retainingportions 229 a″″, 229 b″″, such as a detent and/or other retaining mechanism, on thesurface engagement elements 230″″ to limit motion between thecover member 220″″, theproximal end portion 226 b″″, and/or thesurface engagement elements 230″″. The distal and/or proximal retainingportions 229 a″″, 229 b″″ may be located near a distal and/orproximal end 230 a″″, 230 c″″ of thesurface engagement element 230″″, respectively. - A
control member 250″″ may be inserted through theproximal end portion 226 b″″ and/or may be connected to thecover member 220″″. Thecontrol member 250″″ may be used to transition thesurface engagement elements 230″″ from a relaxed state to an expanded state, similar to the substantiallyflexible member 230′ described above. - In the present embodiment, the
control member 250″″ may be a single piece, which may be elongate from thecover member 220″″ toward a proximal end (such asproximal end 210 a″ shown in FIG. 2B′) of thelocator assembly 200″″. Alternatively, thecontrol member 250″″ may be in one or more pieces that may connected together using various mechanisms, similar to the retainingportions 221 a″″, 221 b″″, 229 a″″, 229 b″″ described above. - The
proximal end portion 226 b″″ may include a tubularmember retaining portion 228″″. The tubularmember retaining portion 228″″ may be configured to engage a distal end (such asdistal end member retaining portion 228″″, in the present embodiment, may include a ramp and/or other retaining mechanism to limit the motion of the tubular member in at least one direction. - The
surface engagement elements 230″″ may include anengagement member 232″″. Theengagement member 232″″ may include anengagement portion 234″″ and/or anengagement support portion 237″″. - The
engagement portion 234″″ may be configured to contact and/or engage tissue. Theengagement portion 234″″, in the present embodiment, may be enlarged in anintermediate portion 235″″ in comparison to distal and/orproximal end 234 a″″, 234 b″″ of theengagement portion 234″″. An enlargedintermediate portion 235″″ may facilitate contact and/or engagement with tissue. - The
engagement support portion 237″″ may support theengagement portion 234″″ during, for example, transitioning from a relaxed state to an expanded state. Theengagement support portion 237″″ may include an enlargedintermediate portion 238″″, similar to the enlargedintermediate portion 235″″ of theengagement portion 234″″. Having an enlargedintermediate portion 238″″ on theengagement support portion 237″″ may add stability to theengagement portion 234″″ while in the expanded state. - The
intermediate portions 235″″, 238″″ of theengagement portions 234″″ and/or theengagement support portions 237″″ may be oval shaped. Alternatively, theintermediate portions 235″″, 238″″ may have the same shape, have differing shapes, and/or have other combinations of shapes. - In the present embodiment, the
proximal end 234 b″″ of theengagement portion 234″″ may be connected to aproximal support portion 233″″. Theproximal support portion 233″″ may be connected to theproximal end portion 226 b″″ and may separate theengagement portion 234″″ from theproximal end portion 226 b″″. Thedistal end 234 a″″ of theengagement portion 234″″ may be connected to anintermediate support portion 236″″. Theintermediate support portion 236″″ may be connected to theproximal end 237 b″″ of theengagement support portion 237″″ and may separate theengagement portion 234″″ from theengagement support portion 237″″. Thedistal end 237 a″″ of theengagement support portion 237″″ may be connected to adistal support portion 239″″. Thedistal support portion 239″″ may be connected to the distal end (not shown) of thesurface engagement element 230″″ and may separate theengagement support portion 237″″ from thedistal end portion 226 a″″. - The
surface engaging elements 230″″ may include ameasuring component 253″″. The measuringcomponent 253″″ may facilitate the determination of changes in measurable characteristics of thelocator assembly 200″″. For instance, the measuringcomponent 253″″ may facilitate the determination of changes in impedance, pressure, ultrasonic data, or other measurable characteristics. The measuringcomponent 253″″ may be in electrical communication with aconnector 205″″. Theconnector 205″″ may be in electrical communication with a measuring device (shown as 251 in FIG. 2B′). - Referring now to
FIG. 2D , thelocator assembly 200 may further include a locator control system associated with the locator assembly. As shown inFIG. 2D , thelocator control system 240 is associated with theproximal end region 210 a of thelocator assembly 200 and is configured to selectively control thedistal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 between the unexpanded and expanded states. Thelocator control system 240 can selectively control thedistal end region 210 b between the unexpanded and expanded states, such as by being activated by a switching system (not shown). For example, acontrol member 250, such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member, can be moveably disposed within a lumen (not shown) formed by thetubular body 210 and extending substantially between theproximal end region 210 a and thedistal end region 210 b. Thecontrol member 250 has a proximal end region 250 a that is coupled with thelocator control system 240, preferably via a control block 260 (shown inFIG. 4D ), and a distal end region (not shown) that is coupled with thedistal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200, theexpansion elements 230, and/or themovable end regions 230 c′ of the substantiallyflexible members 230′. Thelocator control system 240 can selectively transition thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ between the unexpanded and expanded states by moving thecontrol member 250 axially relative to thetubular body 210. - The
locator control system 240 further includes alocator release system 490 for maintaining the unexpanded state and/or the expanded state of thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′. Preferably being configured to maintain the expanded state of thedistal end region 210 b, thelocator release system 490 can comprise any type of locking system and can be engaged, for instance, by activating the switching system. For example, once the substantiallyflexible members 230′ have entered the expanded state, thelocator release system 490 can secure thecontrol member 250 to prevent axial movement relative to thetubular body 210, thereby maintaining the substantiallyflexible members 230′ in the expanded state. - In the manner described in more detail below, the
locator control system 240 also can be configured to disengage thelocator release system 490, such that thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ can transition between the expanded and unexpanded states. Thelocator release system 490 can be disengaged, for example, by activating an emergency release system (not shown). As desired, thelocator control system 240 may further include a biasing system (not shown), such as one or more springs or other resilient members, to bias thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ to enter and/or maintain the unexpanded state when thelocator release system 490 is disengaged. - Returning to
FIG. 1 , thecarrier assembly 300 is coupled with, and slidable relative to, thelocator assembly 200. Thecarrier assembly 300 is configured to receive and retain the closure element 500 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ), which preferably is disposed substantially within thecarrier assembly 300. When thelocator assembly 200 engages theinner surface 620 b (shown inFIG. 8A ) of the blood vessel wall 620 (shown inFIG. 8A ), thecarrier assembly 300 is further configured to position theclosure element 500 substantially adjacent to the opening 610 (shown inFIG. 8A ) and to deploy theclosure element 500. Upon being deployed, theclosure element 500 can maintain the reducedcross-section 530′ (shown inFIGS. 6C-D ) but preferably can temporarily and substantially uniformly expand beyond the natural cross-section 530 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) of theclosure element 500. In either case, theclosure element 500, when deployed, can engage a significant amount of theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 adjacent to theopening 610. Thereafter, theclosure element 500 is configured to return to thenatural cross-section 530, preferably substantially uniformly, such that theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 is drawn substantially closed and/or sealed. - Turning to
FIGS. 3A-D , thecarrier assembly 300 can include atube set 305, comprising acarrier member 310, apusher member 320, asupport tube 340, and acover member 330. Thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thesupport tube 340, and thecover member 330 can be provided as a plurality of nested, telescoping members with a commonlongitudinal axis 350 as illustrated inFIG. 3A . Thecarrier member 310 is configured to receive and support theclosure element 500. While being disposed on thecarrier member 310, theclosure element 500 preferably is deformed from the natural, planar configuration to form the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ (shown inFIGS. 6F-G ) as will be discussed in more detail below. Being disposed substantially about, and supported by, anouter periphery 312 b of thecarrier member 310, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ can be substantially in axial alignment with thecarrier member 310 with thetines 520 pointed substantially distally. - Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, the
carrier member 310 has aproximal end region 310 a and adistal end region 310 b and includes a predetermined length 318 a and apredetermined cross-section 318 b, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Thecarrier member 310 also can define alumen 314 that extends substantially between theproximal end region 310 a and thedistal end region 310 b and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200. Although thecross-section 318 b of thecarrier member 310 generally is substantially uniform, thedistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310 preferably has a cross-section that increases distally, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A-B , for substantially uniformly expanding the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ beyond thenatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500 when the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is deployed. To deploy theclosure element 500 without expanding theclosure element 500, thedistal end region 310 b can be formed with a cross-section (not shown) that is substantially uniform. Although shown and described as having the cross-section that increases distally for expanding the substantiallytubular closure element 500″, it will be understood that thedistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310 can be provided with the substantially-uniform cross-section and that the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ can be deployed without being expanded. - Being configured to distally deploy the substantially
tubular closure element 500″, thepusher member 320 has aproximal end region 320 a and adistal end region 320 b and is coupled with, and slidable relative to, thecarrier member 310. Thepusher member 320 includes a predetermined length 328 a and apredetermined cross-section 328 b, both of which can be of any suitable dimension and can be configured to slidably receive thecarrier member 310 such that thedistal end region 320 b of thepusher member 320 is offset proximally from thedistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310. As desired, the predetermined length 328 a of thepusher member 320 can be greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined length 318 a of thecarrier member 310. The predetermined length 328 a of thepusher member 320 however is preferably less than the predetermined length 318 a of thecarrier member 310 such that thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 at least partially define aspace 360 distal to thedistal end region 320 b of thepusher member 320 and along theperiphery 312 b of thecarrier member 310. - Being formed from a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material, the
pusher member 320 preferably is substantially tubular and can define alumen 324 that extends substantially between theproximal end region 320 a and thedistal end region 320 b and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of thecarrier member 310. Thecross-section 328 b of thepusher member 320 preferably is substantially uniform, and thedistal end region 320 b of thepusher member 320 can comprise one or morelongitudinal extensions 325, which extend distally from thepusher member 320 and along theperiphery 312 b of thecarrier member 310 as shown inFIG. 3C . Thelongitudinal extensions 325 preferably are biased such that thelongitudinal extensions 325 extend generally in parallel with commonlongitudinal axis 350. Thelongitudinal extensions 325 are sufficiently flexible to expand radially, and yet sufficiently rigid to inhibit buckling, as thedistal end region 320 b is directed distally along thecarrier member 310 and engage the distally-increasing cross-section of thedistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310 to deploy the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. - A
cover member 330 is configured to retain the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ substantially within thecarrier assembly 300 prior to deployment as shown inFIG. 3D . Being coupled with, and slidable relative to, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330 has a proximal end region 330 a and adistal end region 330 b and includes a predetermined length 338 a and apredetermined cross-section 338 b, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, thecover member 330 has aninner periphery 332 a and anouter periphery 332 b and can define alumen 334. Thelumen 334 extends substantially between the proximal anddistal end regions 330 a, 330 b of thecover member 330 and can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of thepusher member 320. When thecover member 330 is properly positioned within thecarrier assembly 300, thedistal end region 330 b is configured to extend over thespace 360, thereby defining anannular cavity 370 for receiving and retaining the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. - The
cross-section 338 b of thecover member 330 preferably is substantially uniform, and thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330 preferably comprises one or morelongitudinal extensions 335, which extends distally from thecover member 330 and along anouter periphery 322 b of thepusher member 320 as shown inFIG. 3D . Although thelongitudinal extensions 335 can extend generally in parallel with commonlongitudinal axis 350, thelongitudinal extensions 335 preferably are biased such that the plurality oflongitudinal extensions 335 extend substantially radially inwardly as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3D . Thereby, thelongitudinal extensions 335 can at least partially close thelumen 334 substantially adjacent to thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330. To permit the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ to be deployed from theannular cavity 370, thelongitudinal extensions 335 preferably are sufficiently flexible to expand radially to permit thedistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310 to move distally past thecover member 330 to open theannular cavity 370 such that thedistal end region 330 b no longer extends over thespace 360. - If the
carrier assembly 300 is assembled as the plurality of nested, telescoping members as shown inFIG. 3A , thecarrier member 310 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thelumen 324 of thepusher member 320 as shown inFIG. 3C . Thepusher member 320, in turn, is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thelumen 334 of thecover member 330. To couple thecarrier assembly 300 with thelocator assembly 200, thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thelumen 314 of thecarrier member 310. The longitudinal axis of thelocator assembly 200 is preferably substantially in axial alignment with the commonlongitudinal axis 350 of thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport tube 340. - It will be appreciated that the tube set 305 preferably also includes a
support member 340 as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3E . Thesupport member 340 is configured to slidably receive thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 and to provide radial support for thedistal end region 210 b of thetubular body 210 when thelocator assembly 200 is coupled with thecarrier assembly 300. Thecarrier assembly 300 can advantageously include thesupport member 340, for example, if thetubular body 210 is not sufficiently rigid or under other circumstances in which support for thetubular body 210 might be desirable. It also will be appreciated that thesupport member 340 also can be configured to inhibit the plurality oflongitudinal extensions 335, which extend from thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330, from expanding prematurely prior to theclosure element 500 being deployed. - The
support member 340 is preferably formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, having a proximal end region 340 a and adistal end region 340 b. Wherein anouter periphery 342 b of thesupport member 340 can define alumen 344 that extends substantially between the proximal end region 340 a and thedistal end region 340 b, the lumen is configured to slidably receive and support at least a portion of thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200. Thesupport member 340, in turn, can be at least partially slidably disposed within thelumen 314 of thecarrier member 310 such that thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 may be coupled with, and slidable relative to, thecarrier member 310 in the manner described in more detail above. Thesupport member 340 has a predetermined length 348 a and apredetermined cross-section 348 b, both of which can be of any suitable dimension, and thecross-section 348 b preferably is substantially uniform. Although shown and described as being substantially separate for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and/or thesupport member 340 can be provided, in whole or in part, as one or more integrated assemblies. - The
carrier assembly 300 may further include ahousing 380 as illustrated inFIG. 4A . Preferably being formed as an elongate member with alongitudinal axis 386, thehousing 380 has anouter periphery 382 b and includes aproximal end region 380 a and adistal end region 380 b. Thereby, when theapparatus 100 is properly assembled, thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 at least partially disposed within the tube set 305 such that thedistal end region 210 b of thetubular body 210 extends beyond thedistal end regions tubular body 210, thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and, if provided, thesupport member 340 is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thehousing 380, and the respectivedistal end regions distal end region 380 b of thehousing 380 such that the common longitudinal axis 350 (shown inFIG. 3A ) of the tube set 305 is substantially axially aligned with thelongitudinal axis 386 of thehousing 380. Being configured to slidably retain the respectiveproximal end regions housing 380 supports the tube set 305 and can have one ormore handles 390 to facilitate use of theapparatus 100. Thehandles 390 extend substantially radially from theouter periphery 382 b of thehousing 380 and can be provided in the manner known in the art. - When the
apparatus 100 is properly assembled, thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 is at least partially disposed within the tube set 305 of thecarrier assembly 300 such that thedistal end region 210 b of thetubular body 210 extends beyond thedistal end regions proximal end region 210 a of thetubular body 210 and theproximal end regions housing 380. The switching system of thelocator assembly 200 and aswitching system 450 of the triggeringsystem 400 preferably are accessible external to thehousing 380 as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4C . - Turning to
FIGS. 4B-D , a triggeringsystem 400 can be disposed substantially within thehousing 380. The triggeringsystem 400 is configured to control the relative axial movement and/or positioning of the respectivedistal end regions distal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200. Being coupled with theproximal end regions system 400 can control the relative axial movement of thedistal end regions switching system 450. As desired, the triggeringsystem 400 can induce axial motion, such as distal motion, with respect to one or more of thedistal end regions distal end regions carrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 and/or thetubular body 210 can be attained, for example, by applying an axial force to theswitching system 450. To facilitate monitoring of the positioning of thecarrier assembly 300 and/or the substantiallytubular closure element 500″, one or more of thedistal end regions - The triggering
system 400 is configured to overcome internal resistance such that the relative axial movement and/or positioning of the respectivedistal end regions distal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 are controlled in accordance with a predetermined manner when the triggeringsystem 400 is activated. Thereby, movement and/or positioning of thedistal end regions switching system 450. Stated somewhat differently, a force that is less than the predetermined quantity generally is insufficient to activate the triggeringsystem 400; whereas, when the force increases to a level that is greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined quantity, the triggeringsystem 400 is configured to activate, move and/or position thedistal end regions system 400, once activated, preferably continues to move and/or position thedistal end regions closure element 500 is deployed. - The triggering
system 400, for example, can comprise one or more sets of cooperating detents for coupling the axial motion of thedistal end regions system 400 is activated. The term “detents” refers to any combination of mating elements, such as blocks, tabs, pockets, slots, ramps, locking pins, cantilevered members, support pins, and the like, that may be selectively or automatically engaged and/or disengaged to couple or decouple thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 relative to one another. It will be appreciated that the cooperating detents as illustrated and described below are merely exemplary and not exhaustive. For example, the cooperating detents can include a first set of cooperating blocks and pockets for releasably coupling thesupport member 340, thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, and thecover member 330. When thecarrier assembly 300 reaches a first predetermined distal position, thesupport member 340 can be decoupled from thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, and thecover member 330 and preferably is substantially inhibited from further axial movement. Thereby, thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, and thecover member 330 may continue to be directed distally as thesupport member 340 remains substantially stationary. - As shown in
FIGS. 4B-C , the cooperating detents can comprise acarrier block 410, apusher block 420, acover block 430, and asupport block 440, which can be configured to couple and decouple in accordance with the predetermined manner. For example, thecarrier block 410 is disposed on theproximal end region 310 a of thecarrier member 310 and includes acarrier pin 412 c that extends from thecarrier block 410; whereas, the proximal end region 330 a of thecover member 330 and the proximal end region 340 a thesupport member 340 are respectively coupled with thecover block 430 and thesupport block 440. Acover pin 432 b extends from thecover block 430, and thesupport block 440 has a support pin 442 a, which extends from thesupport block 440. The support pin 442 a, thecover pin 432 b, and thecarrier pin 412 c each preferably are formed from a substantially rigid material, such as an alloy of nickel-titanium. - The
pusher block 420 is disposed on theproximal end region 320 a of thepusher member 320 and forms asupport slot 422 a, a cover slot 422 b, and acarrier slot 422 c. Thesupport slot 422 a is configured to receive and releasable engage the support pin 442 a by which thesupport member 340 can be coupled with, and decoupled from, thepusher member 320. Thecover member 330 can be coupled with, and decoupled from, thepusher member 320 via the cover slot 422 b, which is configured to receive and releasable engage thecover pin 432 b. Thecarrier slot 422 c is configured to receive and releasable engage thecarrier pin 412 c such that thecarrier member 310 can be coupled with, and decoupled from, thepusher member 320. Thecarrier block 410, thepusher block 420, thecover block 430, and thesupport block 440 preferably are respectively disposed substantially on theouter peripheries - The triggering
system 400 further includes one or more stops for engaging thepusher block 420, thecover block 430, and/or thesupport block 440, respectively. As illustrated inFIG. 4B , a support stop 460 a, acover stop 460 b, and acarrier stop 460 c each are formed in thehousing 380 and are configured to receive, and substantially inhibit further movement of, thesupport block 440, thecover block 430, and thecarrier block 410, respectively, in accordance with the predetermined manner. For example, when an axial force is applied to the tube set 305 via theswitching system 450, thecover block 430 moves distally within thehousing 380, and the cover block 430 approaches the cover stop 460 b. Upon being received by the cover stop 460 b, thecover block 430 is substantially locked in place, substantially preventing any further motion of thecover block 430. - Resisting the axial force, the
cover pin 432 b provides a static load while the axial force is less than the predetermined quantity of force. As the axial force increases to a level that is greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined quantity, thecover pin 432 b is displaced from the cover slot 422 b, decoupling thecover member 330 from thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, and thesupport member 340. Creating the internal resistance to be overcome by the triggeringsystem 400, the static forces provided by thepins respective pins respective slots pins - Turning to
FIG. 4D , the triggeringsystem 400 may further include atube release system 470 for inhibiting inadvertent advancement of the tube set 305. Thetube release system 470 is coupled with atube release member 480, such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member. Thetube release member 480 has a proximal end region 480 a that is disposed substantially between thepusher block 420 and the housing 380 (shown inFIG. 4A ) and adistal end region 480 b that is coupled with thetube release system 470. Preferably, atab 485 is coupled with the proximal end region 480 a of thetube release member 480, and a pin (not shown) extends from thepusher block 420 and is disposed substantially between thetab 485 and a groove (not shown) formed in thehousing 380. Thetube release system 470 is configured to release the tube set 305 when thetube release member 480 is moved proximally, freeing thepusher block 420. - A
locator release system 490 for permitting thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ of thelocator assembly 200 to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state can be included with the triggeringsystem 400. Thelocator release system 490 can comprise a rod, wire, or other elongate member and has aproximal end region 490 a and adistal end region 490 b. Theproximal end region 490 a of thelocator release system 490 can be coupled with, and configured to activate, the locator control system (shown inFIG. 2D ), and thedistal end region 490 b extends beyond thepusher block 420. Thereby, when thepusher block 420 is advanced during deployment of theclosure element 500, thecontrol block 260 is disengaged such that thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ of thelocator assembly 200 to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state. - The operation of the triggering
system 400 in accordance with one predetermined manner is illustrated inFIGS. 5A-C with the closure element 500 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) disposed substantially within theapparatus 100. As shown inFIG. 5A , thedistal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 has been positioned as desired and has transitioned from the unexpanded state to the expanded state. While the locator control system 240 (shown inFIG. 2D ) maintains thedistal end region 210 b in the expanded state, a distally-directed axial force is applied to the triggeringsystem 400 via theswitching system 450. Once the tube release member 480 (shown inFIG. 4D ) has been moved proximally to free thepusher block 420, the tube set 305 is substantially freely slidable within thehousing 380 and responds to the axial force by sliding distally from an initial predetermined position to a first predetermined position. - In the initial predetermined position, the
carrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 are coupled via theslots FIG. 4C ) and thepins FIG. 4C ). Stated somewhat differently, the support pin 442 a, thecover pin 432 b, and thecarrier pin 412 c are respectively disposed within, and engaged by, thesupport slot 422 a, the cover slot 422 b, and thecarrier slot 422 c such that thecarrier block 410, thepusher block 420, thecover block 430, and thesupport block 440 are coupled as illustrated inFIG. 4C . Therefore, thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 each slide distally from the initial predetermined position to the first predetermined position in response to the axial force. -
FIG. 5B illustrates the positions of thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 upon reaching the first predetermined position. In the first predetermined position, thesupport block 440 and thecover block 430 respectively engage the support stop 460 a and the cover stop 460 b. Thereby, the support stop 460 a receives, and substantially inhibits further movement of, thesupport block 440 and, therefore, thesupport member 340; whereas, the cover stop 460 b receives, and substantially inhibits further movement of, thecover block 430 and, therefore, thecover member 330. Although thesupport block 440 and thecover block 430 preferably engage the support stop 460 a and the cover stop 460 b in the first predetermined position, it will be appreciated that thesupport block 440 can engage the support stop 460 a and thecover block 430 can engage the cover stop 460 b in different predetermined positions. In other words, the predetermined manner can comprise any number of predetermined positions, each predetermined position being associated with any number of theblocks relevant stops - To continue distally from the first predetermined position, the
carrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 can be decoupled from thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340 by disengaging the support pin 442 a and thecover pin 432 b from thesupport slot 422 a and the cover slot 422 b, respectively. In the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIGS. 4B-C , the support pin 442 a and thecover pin 432 b each resist the axial force. While the axial force is less than the combined static force provided by the support pin 442 a and thecover pin 432 b, thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 remain coupled with thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340. As the axial force increases to a level that is greater than or substantially equal to the combined static force, the support pin 442 a and thecover pin 432 b are respectively displaced from thesupport slot 422 a and the cover slot 422 b, decoupling thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 from thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340. Thereby, thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340 preferably are inhibited from further distal movement and remain substantially stationary; whereas, thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 proceed distally toward a second predetermined position. - The
pusher member 320 and thecarrier member 310 continue distally until the second predetermined position is reached as shown inFIG. 5C . In the second predetermined position, thecarrier block 410 engages the carrier stop 460 c. Whereby, the carrier stop 460 c receives, and substantially inhibits further movement of, thecarrier block 410 and, therefore, thecarrier member 310. To continue distally from the second predetermined position, thepusher member 320 can be decoupled from thecarrier member 310 by disengaging thecarrier pin 412 c from thecarrier slot 422 c. In the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIGS. 4B-C , thecarrier pin 412 c resists the axial force. While the axial force is less than the static force provided by thecarrier pin 412 c, thepusher member 320 remains coupled with thecarrier member 310. - As the axial force increases to a level that is greater than or substantially equal to the static force, the
carrier pin 412 c is displaced from thecarrier slot 422 c, decoupling thepusher member 320 from thecarrier member 310. Thereby, thecarrier member 310 preferably is inhibited from further distal movement and remains substantially stationary; whereas, thepusher member 320 proceeds distally to deploy theclosure element 500 and to activate the locator release system 490 (shown inFIG. 4D ) such that thedistal end region 210 b, theexpansion elements 230, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ of thelocator assembly 200 transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state. Preferably, the axial force that is applied to overcome the static force associated with the first predetermined position is sufficient to overcome the static forces associated with the subsequent predetermined positions, to deploy theclosure element 500, and to activate thelocator release system 490 such that the triggeringsystem 400 operates in one substantially-continuous motion. - It will be appreciated that the triggering
system 400 can include an energy storing element (not shown), which can be disposed substantially between thehousing 380 and theblocks closure element 500, and/or activating thelocator release system 490. The energy-storing element is configured store the potential energy when the tube set 305 is in the initial predetermined position and to release the potential energy, when activated, such that the tube set 305 travels through the predetermined positions at a substantially constant and continuous rate. For example, the energy-storing element can comprise one or more springs (not shown). Each of the springs can be in a compressed state when the tube set 305 is in the initial predetermined position and released from the compressed state when theswitching system 450 of the triggeringsystem 400 is activated. - In use, the
closure element 500 is disposed within the carrier assembly and adjacent to the distal end of thepusher tube 320. As shown inFIGS. 7A-B , for example, the reducedclosure element 500′ can be slidably received over the distally-increasingcross-section 318 b of thedistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310 and disposed about theperiphery 312 of thecarrier member 310 adjacent to thespace 360. Since the reducedcross-section 530′ of the reducedclosure element 500′ is less than thecross-section 318 b of the distally-increasingcross-section 318 b, the reducedclosure element 500′ must be temporarily radially deformed to be received over thedistal end region 310 b. Also, as the reducedclosure element 500′ is received over thedistal end region 310 b, the opposingtines 520 of the reducedclosure element 500′ engages thedistal end region 310 b. The reducedclosure element 500′ thereby forms the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ in the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIGS. 6E-G . - After being received over the
distal end region 310 b, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is disposed about thespace 360, and thetines 520 are directed substantially distally as shown inFIG. 7B . As desired, one or more of thetines 520 can be disposed proximally of the distally-increasingcross-section 318 b of thedistal end region 310 b, as illustrated inFIG. 7B , and/or can be at least partially disposed upon, and contact, the distally-increasingcross-section 318 b of thedistal end region 310 b. To improve the engagement between the closure element 500 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) and theblood vessel wall 620 and/or tissue 630 (collectively shown inFIG. 8A ), the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ preferably is disposed on thecarrier member 310 such that thetines 520 define a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to a second plane defined by theswitching system 450 and/or the handles 390 (collectively shown inFIG. 5A ). - Once disposed about the
space 360, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ can be retained on theouter periphery 312 b of thecarrier member 310 whendistal end region 310 b of thecarrier member 310 and thedistal end region 320 b of thepusher member 320 are slidably received within thelumen 334 of thecover member 330 as illustrated inFIGS. 7C-D . When thecover member 330 is properly positioned within thecarrier assembly 300, thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330 extends over thespace 360 and defines theannular cavity 370 for retaining the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. As such, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is disposed substantially between theouter periphery 312 b of thecarrier member 310 and theinner periphery 332 a of thecover member 330 such that the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ maintains the substantially tubular configuration with thetines 520 being directed substantially distally. As desired, thecover member 330 may radially compress the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ such that the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ enters and maintains a compressed tubular configuration. Thebody 510 of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ can be disposed distally of thedistal end region 320 b of thepusher member 320, as illustrated inFIGS. 7C-D , or can engage thedistal end region 320 b, as desired. -
FIGS. 8A-8L illustrate an embodiment of a method for accessing a body lumen and/or delivering a closure element. The method may incorporate various components of the apparatuses described herein. For example, various locator assemblies (such aslocator assembly FIGS. 2A , 2B, 2A′, 2B′, 2A″, 2B″, 2A′″, and 2B′″, respectively) may be used with the present embodiment. For ease of description, the method will be described with thelocator assembly 200 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B . However, it will be understood that other locator assembly embodiments may be used. - As shown in
FIG. 8A , asheath 640 may be inserted or otherwise positioned throughskin 650 andtissue 630 and within theblood vessel 600 or other body lumen via theopening 610. Comprising a substantially flexible or semi-rigid tubular member, thesheath 640 has aproximal end region 640 a and adistal end region 640 b and includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Thesheath 640 also forms alumen 644 that extends along a longitudinal axis of thesheath 640 and substantially between the proximal anddistal end regions lumen 644 can have any suitableinternal cross-section 648 b and is suitable for receiving one or more devices (not shown), such as a catheter, a guide wire, or the like. Thelumen 644 is configured to slidably receive atubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 and/or the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 (shown inFIG. 4A ). - Since the
internal cross-section 648 b of thesheath 640 typically is less than or substantially equal to thepredetermined cross-section 338 b of thecover member 330, thesheath 640 may be configured to radially expand, such as by stretching, to receive the tube set 305. Alternatively, or in addition, thesheath 640 can be advantageously configured to split as the tube set 305 is received by, and advances within, thelumen 644 of thesheath 640, thereby permitting theapparatus 100 to access theblood vessel wall 620. To facilitate the splitting, thesheath 640 can include one ormore splits 645, such as longitudinal splits, each split being provided in the manner known in the art. Each split 645 is configured to split thesheath 640 in accordance with a predetermined pattern, such as in a spiral pattern. It will be appreciated that, when theinternal cross-section 648 b of thesheath 640 is greater than thepredetermined cross-section 338 b of thecover member 330, it may not be necessary for thesheath 640 to be configured to radially expand and/or split. In addition to, or as an alternative to, theapparatus 100 may include a cutting means that initiates a tear line or split in the sheath when the sheath is engaged with the distal end of theapparatus 100. - The
sheath 640 may be advanced over a guide wire or other rail (not shown) which has been positioned through theopening 610 and into theblood vessel 600 using conventional procedures such as those described above. Preferably, theblood vessel 600 is a peripheral blood vessel, such as a femoral or carotid artery, although other body lumens may be accessed using thesheath 640. Theopening 610, and consequently thesheath 640, may be oriented with respect to theblood vessel 600 such as to facilitate the introduction of devices through thelumen 644 of thesheath 640 and into theblood vessel 600 with minimal risk of damage to theblood vessel 600. One or more devices (not shown), such as a catheter, a guide wire, or the like, may be inserted through thesheath 640 and advanced to a preselected location within the patient's body. For example, the devices may be used to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, stent implantation, and the like, within the patent's vasculature. - After the procedure is completed, the devices are removed from the
sheath 640, and theapparatus 100 is prepared to be received by thelumen 644 of thesheath 640 as shown inFIG. 8B . Being in the unexpanded state, thedistal end region 210 b of thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 is slidably received by thelumen 644 and atraumatically advanced distally into theblood vessel 600 as illustrated inFIGS. 8B-C . Once thedistal end region 210 b of thetubular body 210 extends into theblood vessel 600, thedistal end region 210 b can transition from the unexpanded state to the expanded state as shown inFIG. 8D by activating the switching system of thelocator assembly 200. - In some embodiments, the
locator assembly 200 may be in communication with a measuringdevice 251. In these embodiments, a measurement of a measurable characteristic may be taken while thelocator assembly 200 is positioned within the body lumen (i.e. blood vessel 600). For example, an impedance measurement may be taken within the body lumen. The measurement may be taken with thedistal end 210 b in the expanded state. - Turning to
FIG. 8E , theapparatus 100 and thesheath 640 then are retracted proximally until thedistal end region 210 b is substantially adjacent to aninner surface 620 b of theblood vessel wall 620. Thedistal end region 210 b thereby draws theblood vessel wall 620 taut and maintains the proper position of theapparatus 100 as theblood vessel 600 pulsates. Since the expanded cross-section of thedistal end region 210 b is greater than or substantially equal to the cross-section of theopening 610 and/or the cross-section of thelumen 644, thedistal end region 210 b remains in theblood vessel 600 and engages theinner surface 620 b of theblood vessel wall 620. Thedistal end region 210 b can frictionally engage theinner surface 620 b of theblood vessel wall 620, thereby securing theapparatus 100 to theblood vessel 600. Thesheath 640 is retracted proximally such that thedistal end region 640 b of thesheath 640 is substantially withdrawn from theblood vessel 600, as shown in FIG. E, permitting theapparatus 100 to access theblood vessel wall 620. - A second measurement of a measurable characteristic may be taken. The second measurement may be taken after proximally retracting the
apparatus 100. The first measurement and the second measurement may be compared to determine whether thelocator assembly 200 has contacted tissue of the body lumen (i.e. theinner surface 620 b of the blood vessel wall 620). Alternatively, theapparatus 100 may be retracted proximally until a measurable characteristic is within a predetermined range of the first measurement. For example, a predetermined range of impedance differences may be used to determine whether thelocator assembly 200 has contacted the tissue of the body lumen. The technician may be notified that the measurable characteristic is within the predetermined range of the first measurement by, for example, a light, buzzer, and/or other notification method. - As the
apparatus 100 is being retracted, theapparatus 100 preferably also is axially rotated such that the first plane defined by thetines 520 of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is substantially parallel with a third plane defined by theblood vessel 600. Thereby, the engagement between the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ and theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 can be improved because thetines 520 are configured to engage theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 at opposite sides of theopening 610. If the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is disposed on thecarrier member 310 such that the first plane defined by thetines 520 is substantially perpendicular to the second plane defined by theswitching system 450 and/or the handles 390 (collectively shown inFIG. 5A ), for example, theapparatus 100 can be positioned such that the second plane defined by theswitching system 450 and/or thehandles 390 is substantially perpendicular to the third plane defined by theblood vessel 600. - Once the
distal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 contacts theinner surface 620 b of theblood vessel wall 620, the tube set 305 can then be advanced distally and received within thelumen 644 of thesheath 640 as illustrated inFIG. 8F . In the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIG. 8A , thesheath 640 can radially expand and/or split in accordance with the predetermined pattern as the tube set 305 advances because theinternal cross-section 648 b of thesheath 640 is less than or substantially equal to thepredetermined cross-section 338 b of thecover member 330. Being coupled, thecarrier member 310, thepusher member 320, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 each advance distally and approach the first predetermined position as illustrated inFIG. 8G . - Upon reaching the first predetermined position, the tube set 305 is disposed substantially adjacent to the
outer surface 620 a of theblood vessel wall 620 adjacent to theopening 610 such that theblood vessel wall 620 adjacent to theopening 610 is disposed substantially between the expandeddistal region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 and the tube set 305. Thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340 each decouple from thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 in the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIGS. 5A-C when the tube set 305 is in the first predetermined position. Thereby, thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340 preferably are inhibited from further axial movement and remain substantially stationary as thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 each remain coupled and axially slidable. - As shown in
FIG. 8H , thecover member 330 and thesupport member 340 remaining substantially stationary while thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 continue distally and approach the second predetermined position. As thecarrier member 310 and thepusher member 320 distally advance toward the second predetermined position, theannular cavity 370 moves distally relative to the substantially-stationary cover member 330 such that thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330 no longer encloses theannular cavity 370. - Thereby, the substantially
tubular closure element 500″ is not completely enclosed by theannular cavity 370 formed by thedistal end regions carrier member 310, thepusher member 320, and thecover member 330. - Although not completely enclosed by the
annular cavity 370, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is advantageously retained on theouter periphery 312 b of thecarrier member 310 by thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330 as illustrated inFIG. 8H . For example, by retaining the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ between thedistal end region 330 b of thecover member 330 and thedistal end region 310 b thecarrier member 310, theapparatus 100 is configured to provide better tissue penetration. The timing between the deployment of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ by the tube set 305 and the retraction and transition to the unexpanded state by thelocator assembly 200 likewise is facilitated because the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is retained between thedistal end region 330 b and thedistal end region 310 b. Further, thecarrier member 310 and thecover member 330 operate to maintain the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ in the tubular configuration. - When the tube set 305 is in the second predetermined position, the
carrier member 310 decouples from thepusher member 320 in the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIGS. 5A-C . Therefore, thecarrier member 310, thecover member 330, and thesupport member 340 preferably are inhibited from further axial movement and remain substantially stationary; whereas, thepusher member 320 remains axially slidable. As thepusher member 320 continues distally, thedistal end region 320 b of thepusher member 320 contacts the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ and displaces the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ from thespace 360 as shown inFIG. 8I . Since thespace 360 is substantially radially exposed, thepusher member 320 directs the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ over the distally-increasing cross-section of thedistal end region 310 b of the substantially-stationary carrier member 310 such that thecross-section 530′ (shown inFIGS. 6F-G ) of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ begins to radially expand, preferably in a substantially uniform manner. As the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ traverses the distally-increasing cross-section of thedistal end region 310 b, thecross-section 530′ of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ radially expands beyond natural cross-section 530 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) of theclosure element 500. - Upon being directed over the distally-increasing cross-section of the
distal end region 310 b by thepusher member 320, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is distally deployed as illustrated inFIG. 8J . When the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is deployed, thetines 520 can pierce and otherwise engage significant amount of theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 adjacent to theopening 610. For example, thetines 520 can engage a significant amount of theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 because thecross-section 530′ of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is expanded beyondnatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500 during deployment. - As the closure element is being deployed from the
space 360, thelocator assembly 200 also begins to retract proximally and the locator release system 490 (shown inFIG. 4D ) can be activated to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state as the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is deployed as shown inFIG. 8J . Preferably, thedistal end region 210 b of thelocator assembly 200 retracts proximally and transitions from the expanded state to the unexpanded state substantially simultaneously with the deployment of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. As desired, thedistal end region 210 b may be configured to draw theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 adjacent to theopening 610 proximally and into thechannel 540 defined by the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. Thetines 520 of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ thereby can pierce and otherwise engage the drawnblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630. Since thecross-section 530′ of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is expanded beyondnatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500, a significant amount of theblood vessel wall 620 and/ortissue 630 can be drawn into thechannel 540 and engaged by thetines 520. - Turning to
FIG. 8K , the substantiallytubular closure element 500′, once deployed, begins to transition from the tubular configuration, returning to the natural, planar configuration with opposingtines 520 and anatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500. Preferably, the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ substantially uniformly transitions from the tubular configuration to the natural, planar configuration. Rotating axially inwardly to form the opposingtines 520 of theclosure element 500, thetines 520 draw thetissue 630 into thechannel 540 as the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ forms theclosure element 500. Also, thetissue 630 is drawn substantially closed and/or sealed as thecross-section 530′ of the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ contracts to return to thenatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500. Thereby, theopening 610 in theblood vessel wall 620 can be drawn substantially closed and/or sealed via theclosure element 500 as illustrated inFIG. 8L . - It will be appreciated that the
closure element 500 may be constructed of other materials, that it may comprise alternative shapes, and that it may adopt alternative methods of operation such that theclosure element 500 achieves closure of openings in blood vessel walls or other body tissue. In an additional non-limiting example, theclosure element 500 is constructed of materials that use a magnetic force to couple a pair of securing elements in order to close an opening in the lumen wall or tissue. In this alternative embodiment, theclosure element 500 may be of a unitary or multi-component construction having a first securing element positionable at a first position adjacent the opening, and a second securing element positionable at a second position adjacent the opening. The first and second securing elements are provided having a magnetic force biasing the first and second securing elements together, thereby closing the opening, or they are provided having a magnetic force biasing both the first and second securing elements toward a third securing element positioned in a manner to cause closure of the opening. Themagnetic closure element 500 may be provided withouttines 520, provided the magnetic force coupling the closure elements is sufficient to close the opening. Alternatively, theclosure element 500 may be provided with a combination of the magnetic securing elements andtines 520 to provide a combination of coupling forces. Other and further materials, methods, and combinations may be utilized to construct theclosure element 500 to achieve the objectives described and implied herein. - It will be appreciated that the
distal end region 380 b of thehousing 380 can be configured to couple with anintroducer sheath 700 as shown inFIG. 9 . Comprising a substantially flexible or semi-rigid tubular member, theintroducer sheath 700 has a proximal end region 700 a and adistal end region 700 b and includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Thedistal end region 700 b is configured to facilitate insertion of theintroducer sheath 700 through tissue and/or into the opening 610 (shown inFIG. 8A ) formed in and/or adjacent to the wall 620 (shown inFIG. 8A ) of the blood vessel 600 (shown inFIG. 8A ) or other body lumen. For example, the distal end region 430 b can have a tapered tip (not shown) for facilitating substantially atraumatic introduction of theintroducer sheath 700 through a passage formed in thetissue 630 and/or at least partially into theblood vessel wall 620, which is accessible via the passage. Theintroducer sheath 700 has anexternal cross-section 708 b. Theexternal cross-section 708 b ofintroducer sheath 700 can be of any suitable dimension, and, as desired can be sized such that theintroducer sheath 700 can be slidably received and advanced within the lumen 644 (shown inFIG. 8A ) of thesheath 640. - The
introducer sheath 700 also forms alumen 704 that extends along a longitudinal axis of theintroducer sheath 700 and substantially between the proximal anddistal end regions 700 a, 700 b. Thelumen 704 can have any suitable length 708 a andinternal cross-section 708 b and is configured to slidably receive thetubular body 210 of the locator assembly 200 (shown inFIG. 4A ) and/or the tube set 305 of the carrier assembly 300 (shown inFIG. 4A ). Since theinternal cross-section 708 b of theintroducer sheath 700 typically is less than or substantially equal to thepredetermined cross-section 338 b of thecover member 330, theintroducer sheath 700 may be configured to radially expand, such as by stretching, to receive the tube set 305. Alternatively, or in addition, theintroducer sheath 700 can be advantageously configured to split as the tube set 305 is received by, and advances within, thelumen 704 of theintroducer sheath 700 in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the sheath 640 (shown inFIG. 8A ). To facilitate the splitting, theintroducer sheath 700 can include one or more splits (not shown), such as longitudinal splits, each split being provided in the manner known in the art. Each split is configured to split theintroducer sheath 700 in accordance with a predetermined pattern, such as in a spiral pattern. It will be appreciated that, when theinternal cross-section 708 b of theintroducer sheath 700 is greater than thepredetermined cross-section 338 b of thecover member 330, it may not be necessary for theintroducer sheath 700 to be configured to radially expand and/or split. - The
introducer sheath 700 can be coupled with thehousing 380 via one or more cooperating connectors (not shown) such that thelumen 704 is substantially axially aligned with thetubular body 210 of thelocator assembly 200 and/or the tube set 305 of thecarrier assembly 300 and, as desired, may be removably and/or substantially permanently coupled with thehousing 380. For example, ahub assembly 710 can be provided on the distal end region of thehousing 380 b and configured to couple with the proximal end region 700 a of theintroducer sheath 700. The proximal end region 430 a of theintroducer sheath 700 is coupled with, or otherwise provided on, adistal end region 710 b of thehub assembly 710, such as via an adhesive, one or more cooperating connectors, and/or a thermo-mechanical joint. - The
hub assembly 710 also includes a proximal end region 710 a, which provides the one or more mating connectors for coupling theintroducer sheath 700 with thehousing 380 and forms a lumen (not shown), which extends substantially between the proximal end region 710 a and thedistal end region 710 b. The lumen of thehub assembly 710 preferably has an internal cross-section or size that is greater than the internal cross-section or size of thelumen 704 of theintroducer sheath 700. When the proximal end region 710 a of thelumen 704 is properly connected with thehub assembly 710, the lumen of thehub assembly 710 is configured to communicate with thelumen 704 of theintroducer sheath 700. As desired, the proximal end region 700 a of theintroducer sheath 700 may be flared to facilitate the connection between theintroducer sheath 700 and thehub assembly 710. - When properly assembled, the
hub assembly 710 preferably is substantially fluid tight such that the one or more devices can be inserted into thelumen 704 of theintroducer sheath 700 without fluid passing proximally through thelumen 704. Thehub assembly 710 can be made to be watertight, such as via one or more seals (not shown) and/or valves (not shown), and/or other watertight mechanisms. For example, thehub assembly 710 can include a thrust washer and/or valve, a guide for directing the devices into thelumen 704 of theintroducer sheath 700, and/or a seal (collectively not shown). The various seals and/or guides can be coupled with thehub assembly 710 via, for example, one or more spacers and/or end caps (also collectively not shown). - As desired, the
hub assembly 710 further can include one ormore side ports 720. Theside ports 720 can communicate with the lumen of thehub assembly 710 and/or thelumen 704 of theintroducer sheath 700. At least one of theside ports 720 can be configured to be connected with, and to communicate with, tubing (not shown) to, for example, infuse fluids into thelumen 704 and through theintroducer sheath 700. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one of theside ports 720 can provide a “bleed back” indicator, such as in the manner disclosed in the co-pending application Ser. No. 09/680,837. The disclosures of this reference and any others cited therein are expressly incorporated herein by reference. - An alternative embodiment of the apparatus is shown in
FIGS. 10-15 . The embodiment ofFIGS. 10-15 has many identical or similar structures that perform identical or similar functions to the embodiment described above and in reference to the preceding Figures. In the description of the alternative embodiment below, and inFIGS. 10-15 , components of the apparatus that are identical or substantially correspond to those previously described will bear the same reference numerals identified above with the addition of the prime (′) identifier. - Turning to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , thelocator assembly 200′ is substantially similar to the structure described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-D , including a flexible or semi-rigidtubular body 210′ (such as an elongate rail) with a longitudinal axis. Thetubular body 210′ has aproximal end region 210 a′ and adistal end region 210 b′ and includes a predetermined length 218 a′ and a predetermined outer cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Thedistal end region 210 b′ of thelocator assembly 200′ preferably includes a substantially rounded, soft, and/or flexible distal end or tip 220′ to facilitate atraumatic advancement and/or retraction of thedistal end region 210 b′ into theblood vessel 600. As desired, a pigtail (not shown) may be provided on thedistal end 220′ to further aid atraumatic advancement of thedistal end region 210 b′. - The
distal end region 210 b′ of thelocator assembly 200′ further is selectably controllable between an unexpanded state and an expanded state, in the manner described above in relation toFIGS. 2A-D . In the alternative embodiment shown inFIGS. 10A-B , the distal end region is shown in its expanded state, wherein the substantiallyflexible members 230′ of theexpansion elements 230′ are flexed outward. - A
control member 250′, such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member, can be moveably disposed within a lumen (not shown) formed by thetubular body 210′ and extending substantially between theproximal end region 210 a′ and thedistal end region 210 b′. Thecontrol member 250′ has a proximal end region 250 a′ that is coupled with acontrol block 260′, and a distal end region that is coupled with thedistal end region 210 b′ of thelocator assembly 200′, theexpansion elements 230′, and/or themovable end regions 230 c′ of the substantiallyflexible members 230′. Thecontrol block 260′ is preferably of a tubular shape and formed of a metal or rigid plastic, and is adapted to be retained in acontrol block cavity 265′ (seeFIG. 10B ) formed on the internal surface of thehousing bottom half 380 d′, to thereby maintain the control block 260′ in a substantially fixed position relative to thehousing 380′. The locator control system can selectively transition thedistal end region 210 b′, theexpansion elements 230′, and/or the substantiallyflexible members 230′ between the unexpanded and expanded states by moving thetubular body 210′ axially relative to thecontrol member 250′. - Formed on the
proximal end 210 a′ of thetubular body 210′ is a tubular body block 270′ having aproximal groove 271′. The tubular body block 270′ is formed of metal, rigid plastic, or other substantially rigid material and is preferably formed integrally with or attached securely to thetubular body 210′. Theproximal groove 271′ and the proximal end of the tubular body block 270′ have a shape adapted to cooperate with a pair oftabs 281 a′-b′ formed on a locator assembly block 280′ whereby the tubular body block 270′ is maintained in a fixed axial relationship with the locator assembly block 280′. In this way, the tubular body block 270′ andtubular body 210′ are advanced distally by distal advancement of the locator assembly block 280′. - A
locator assembly spring 290′ is located coaxially with and substantially surrounds a portion of the tubular body block 270′. Thelocator assembly spring 290′ is located between and contacts the distal side of two of thetabs 281 a formed on the locator assembly block 280′, and the proximal side of a locatorassembly spring stop 381′ formed on the inner surface of thehousing bottom half 380 d′ (seeFIG. 10B ). Thelocator assembly spring 290′ so located provides a force biasing the locator assembly block 280′ in the proximal direction relative to thehousing 380′. - The locator assembly block 280′ is preferably formed of metal, plastic, or other rigid material. A function of the locator assembly block 280′ is to allow the user to apply a force causing distal movement of the
tubular body 210′ relative to thecontrol member 250′ to cause thelocator assembly 200′ to transition from the unexpanded state to the expanded state. The proximal end of the locator assembly block 280′ has aslot 281′ formed therein, theslot 281′ preferably having a size sufficient to accommodate the control block 260′ and thecontrol block cavity 265′, and to allow the locator assembly block 280′ to travel axially relative to thehousing 380′. The distal end of the locator assembly block 280′ has a pair of distally extending forks 282 a-b, with each of the forks 282 a-b having a ramp 283 a-b on its inward facing surface. Finally, the locator assembly block 280′ has a pair of distally extending release tabs 284 a-b, with each of the release tabs 284 a-b having a detent 285 a-b. - As shown in
FIGS. 11A-B , the locator assembly block 280′ is slidably received and retained within grooves formed in the proximal end of thehousing 380′, with the proximal end of the locator assembly block extending from the proximal end of the housing. Thecontrol block 260′ andcontrol block cavity 265 are located in theslot 281′ formed in the proximal end of the locator assembly block 280′. - The
locator release system 490′ performs the function of releasing thelocator assembly 200′, thereby allowing thelocator assembly 200′ to transition from its expanded state to its unexpanded state. Turning toFIGS. 10A-B andFIG. 15 , thelocator release system 490′ of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus includes alocator release rod 491′ having a release tab spacer block 492′ formed on its proximal end. Thelocator release rod 491′ and release tab spacer block 492′ are received and retained in a groove formed on the interior surface of thehousing bottom half 380 d. The release tab spacer block 492′ is preferably integrally formed with or attached to the proximal end of thelocator release rod 491′, and is formed of metal, plastic, or other rigid material. As shown inFIG. 15 , the release tab spacer block 492′ has a shape and size adapted to fit between the release tabs 284 a-b formed on the locator assembly block 280′, thereby biasing the release tabs 284 a-b outward and causing the outward facing detents 285 a-b to engage a pair of retaining grooves 286 a-b formed on the interior of thehousing 380′. As long as the detents 285 a-b are thus engaged with the retaining grooves 286 a-b of thehousing 380′, the locator assembly block 280′ is held in its axial position against the spring force imparted in the proximal direction by thelocator assembly spring 290′. The distal end of thelocator release rod 491′ has anengagement member 493′ that, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an inward bend on the distal end of the locator release rod. As described more fully below, theengagement member 493′ on thelocator release rod 491′ is preferably positioned within the apparatus such that, when theclosure element 500 is delivered, theengagement member 493′ is engaged and caused to move axially in the distal direction, thereby disengaging the release tab spacer block 492′ from the locator assembly block 280′ and causing the locator assembly simultaneously to transition from its expanded state to the unexpanded state. - The alternative embodiment of the
apparatus 100′ includes acarrier assembly 300′ that is coupled with, and slidable relative to, thelocator assembly 200′. Thecarrier assembly 300′ is configured to receive and retain the closure element 500 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ), which preferably is disposed substantially within thecarrier assembly 300′. When thelocator assembly 200′ engages theinner surface 620 b (shown inFIG. 8A ) of the blood vessel wall 620 (shown inFIG. 8A ), thecarrier assembly 300′ is further configured to position theclosure element 500 substantially adjacent to theopening 610 and to deploy theclosure element 500, as described elsewhere herein. - Turning to
FIGS. 10A-B , thecarrier assembly 300′ includes a tube set comprising acarrier member 310′, apusher member 320′, acover member 330′, and asupport member 340′. Thecarrier member 310′,pusher member 320′,cover member 330′, andsupport member 340′ are preferably provided as a plurality of nested, telescoping members with a common longitudinal axis. Thecarrier member 310′ is configured to receive and support theclosure element 500. While being disposed on thecarrier member 310′, theclosure element 500 preferably is deformed from the natural, planar configuration to form the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ (shown inFIGS. 6F-G ) as described herein. - The
carrier member 310′ includes aproximal end region 310 a′ and adistal end region 310 b′. Thecarrier member 310′ can also define alumen 314′ that extends substantially between theproximal end region 310 a′ and thedistal end region 310 b′ and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′ and/or thesupport member 340′. Although the exterior cross-section of thecarrier member 310′ is substantially uniform, thedistal end region 310 b′ of thecarrier member 310′ preferably has a cross-section that increases distally, as illustrated inFIGS. 10A-B , for substantially uniformly expanding the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ beyond thenatural cross-section 530 of theclosure element 500 when the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ is deployed. Alternatively, thedistal end region 310 b′ may be formed with a uniform cross-section to deploy theclosure element 500 without cross-sectional expansion. - The
pusher member 320′ has aproximal end region 320 a′ and adistal end region 320 b′ and is coupled with, and slidable relative to, thecarrier member 310′. Thepusher member 320′ includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension and can be configured to slidably receive thecarrier member 310′ such that thedistal end region 320 b′ of thepusher member 320′ is offset proximally from thedistal end region 310 b′ of thecarrier member 310′. As desired, the predetermined length of thepusher member 320′ can be greater than or substantially equal to the predetermined length of thecarrier member 310′. The predetermined length of thepusher member 320′ preferably is less than the predetermined length of thecarrier member 310′ such that thecarrier member 310′ and thepusher member 320′ at least partially define aspace 360′ distal to thedistal end region 320 b′ of thepusher member 320′ and along the periphery of thecarrier member 310′. - The
pusher member 320′ preferably is substantially tubular and can define alumen 324′ that extends substantially between theproximal end region 320 a′ and thedistal end region 320 b′ and that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of thecarrier member 310′. The cross-section of thepusher member 320′ preferably is substantially uniform, and thedistal end region 320 b′ of thepusher member 320′ can comprise one or morelongitudinal extensions 325′, which extend distally from thepusher member 320′ and along the periphery of thecarrier member 310′. Thelongitudinal extensions 325′ preferably are biased such that thelongitudinal extensions 325′ extend generally in parallel with the common longitudinal axis of the carrier assembly tube set. Thelongitudinal extensions 325′ are sufficiently flexible to expand radially, and yet sufficiently rigid to inhibit buckling, as thedistal end region 320 b′ is directed distally along thecarrier member 310′ and engage the distally-increasing cross-section of thedistal end region 310 b′ of thecarrier member 310′ to deploy the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. - The
cover member 330′ is configured to retain the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ substantially within thecarrier assembly 300′ prior to deployment. Being coupled with, and slidable relative to, thepusher member 320′, thecover member 330′ has a proximal end region 330 a′ and adistal end region 330 b′ and includes a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension. Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, thecover member 330′ has an inner periphery and an outer periphery and can define alumen 334′. Thelumen 334′ extends substantially between the proximal and distal end regions 330 a′, 330 b′ of thecover member 330′ and can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of thepusher member 320′. When thecover member 330′ is properly positioned within thecarrier assembly 300′, thedistal end region 330 b′ is configured to extend over thespace 360′, thereby defining anannular cavity 370′ for receiving and retaining the substantiallytubular closure element 500″. - The cross-section of the
cover member 330′ preferably is substantially uniform, and thedistal end region 330 b′ of thecover member 330′ preferably comprises one or morelongitudinal extensions 335′, which extend distally from thecover member 330′ and along an outer periphery of thepusher member 320′ (seeFIG. 3D ). Although thelongitudinal extensions 335′ can extend generally in parallel with commonlongitudinal axis 350′, thelongitudinal extensions 335′ preferably are biased such that the plurality oflongitudinal extensions 335′ extend substantially radially inwardly as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3D . Thereby, thelongitudinal extensions 335′ can at least partially close thelumen 334′ substantially adjacent to thedistal end region 330 b′ of thecover member 330′. To permit the substantiallytubular closure element 500″ to be deployed from theannular cavity 370′, thelongitudinal extensions 335′ preferably are sufficiently flexible to expand radially to permit thedistal end region 310 b′ of thecarrier member 310′ to move distally past thecover member 330′ to open theannular cavity 370′ such that thedistal end region 330 b′ no longer extends over thespace 360′. - If the
carrier assembly 300′ is assembled as the plurality of nested, telescoping members as shown inFIG. 3A , thecarrier member 310′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thelumen 324′ of thepusher member 320′. Thesupport member 340′ is slidable relative to thepusher member 310′. Thepusher member 320′, in turn, is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thelumen 334′ of thecover member 330′. To couple thecarrier assembly 300′ with thelocator assembly 200′, thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thelumen 314′ of thecarrier member 310′. The longitudinal axis of thelocator assembly 200′ preferably is substantially in axial alignment with the common longitudinal axis of thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, and thecover member 330′. - The tube set 305 preferably also includes a
support member 340′ as shown inFIGS. 10A-B . Thesupport member 340′ is configured to slidably receive thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′ and to provide radial support for thedistal end region 210 b′ of thetubular body 210′ when thelocator assembly 200′ is coupled with thecarrier assembly 300′. Thecarrier assembly 300′ can advantageously include thesupport member 340′, for example, if thetubular body 210′ is not sufficiently rigid or under other circumstances in which support for thetubular body 210′ might be desirable. It also will be appreciated that thesupport member 340′ also can be configured to inhibit the plurality oflongitudinal extensions 335′, which extend from thedistal end region 330 b′ of thecover member 330′, from expanding prematurely when theclosure element 500 is deployed. If thelongitudinal extensions 335′ were to expand prematurely, they may become hung up on theintroducer sheath 640 or other delivery member (in an introducer sheath or delivery member is used), thetissue 630, or thewall 620 of the blood vessel. This may interfere with the proper advancement or other movement of thecover member 330′ and thecarrier assembly 300′. - Preferably being formed as a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular member, the
support member 340′ includes a proximal end region 340 a′ and adistal end region 340 b′. Having an outer periphery, thesupport member 340′ can define alumen 344′ that extends substantially between the proximal end region 340 a′ and thedistal end region 340 b′ and that is configured to slidably receive and support at least a portion of thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′. Thesupport member 340′, in turn, can be at least partially slidably disposed within thelumen 314′ of thecarrier member 310′ such that thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′ is coupled with, and slidable relative to, thecarrier member 310′ in the manner described in more detail above. Thesupport member 340′ has a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension, and the cross-section preferably is substantially uniform. Although shown and described as being substantially separate for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, thecover member 330′, and/or thesupport member 340′ can be provided, in whole or in part, as one or more integrated assemblies. - The
carrier assembly 300′ also can include ahousing 380′, thetop half 380 c of which is illustrated inFIG. 10A , and thebottom half 380 d of which is shown inFIG. 10B . Preferably being formed as an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, thehousing 380′ has an outer periphery and includes aproximal end region 380 a′ and adistal end region 380 b′. Thereby, when theapparatus 100′ is properly assembled, thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the tube set 305 such that thedistal end region 210 b′ of thetubular body 210′ extends beyond thedistal end regions 310 b′, 320 b′, 330 b′, and/or 340 b′. Thetubular body 210′, thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, thecover member 330′, and, if provided, thesupport member 340′ are at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thehousing 380′, and the respectivedistal end regions 210 b′, 310 b′, 320 b′, 330 b′, and 340 b′ extend from thedistal end region 380 b′ of thehousing 380′ such that the commonlongitudinal axis 350′ of the tube set 305 is substantially axially aligned with thelongitudinal axis 386′ of thehousing 380′. Being configured to slidably retain the respectiveproximal end regions 210 a′, 310 a′, 320 a′, 330 a′, and 340 a′, thehousing 380′ supports the tube set 305 and can have one ormore handles 391′, 392′ to facilitate use of theapparatus 100′. Thehandles 391′, 392′ extend substantially radially from the outer periphery of thehousing 380′ and can be provided in the manner known in the art. - When the
apparatus 100′ is properly assembled, thetubular body 210′ of thelocator assembly 200′ is at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, the tube set 305 of thecarrier assembly 300′ such that thedistal end region 210 b′ of thetubular body 210′ extends beyond thedistal end regions 310 b′, 320 b′, 330 b′, and/or 340 b′. Further, theproximal end region 210 a′ of thetubular body 210′ and theproximal end regions 310 a′, 320 a′, 330 a′, and/or 340 a′ of the tube set 305 are at least partially disposed within, and slidable relative to, thehousing 380′. The switching system of thelocator assembly 200′ and a switching system of the triggeringsystem 400′ preferably are accessible external to thehousing 380′ as shown inFIGS. 11-15 . - As shown in
FIGS. 11-15 , the triggeringsystem 400′ of the alternative embodiment of theapparatus 100′ can be disposed substantially within thehousing 380′. The triggeringsystem 400′ is configured to control the relative axial movement and/or positioning of the respectivedistal end regions 310 b′, 320 b′, 330 b′, and 340 b′ of the tube set 305 and/or thedistal end region 210 b′ of thelocator assembly 200′. Axial motion of one or more of thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, thecover member 330′, and thesupport member 340′ and/or thetubular body 210′ can be attained, for example, by applying an axial force to theswitching system 405″. - The triggering
system 400′ includes a set of block members—acarrier block 410′, apusher block 420′, acover block 430′, and asupport block 440′—each of which is formed integrally with or securely attached to its respective member of thecarrier assembly 300′. The block members are adapted to selectably couple and decouple thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, thecover member 330′, and thesupport member 340′ relative to one another in order to provide axial movement of those components in a predetermined manner intended to deliver theclosure element 500 in the manner described herein. For example, when thecarrier assembly 300′ reaches a first predetermined distal position, thesupport member 340′ can be decoupled from thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, and thecover member 330′ and is thereafter substantially inhibited from further axial movement. Thereby, thecarrier member 310′, thepusher member 320′, and thecover member 330′ may be directed distally as thesupport member 340′ remain substantially stationary. Subsequently, thecarrier member 310′ and thecover member 330′ can be decoupled from thepusher member 320′ and thereafter inhibited from further axial movement. Thereby, thepusher member 320′ may be directed distally as thesupport member 340′,carrier member 310′, and covermember 330′ remain substantially stationary, as described more fully herein. - The
carrier block 410′ is disposed on theproximal end region 310 a′ of thecarrier member 310′ and includes atrigger extension 405′ that extends through a slot in thehousing 380′ to the exterior of thehousing 380′ to be accessible to the user. Thecarrier block 410′ includes a pair of grooves 413 a-b formed on a peripheral surface of the carrier block 410′, the grooves 413 a-b being adapted to receive and retain a pair of tabs 445 a-b formed on a pair of forks 444 a-b extending distally from the support block 440′, thereby selectably coupling the support block 440′ to the carrier block 410′. Thecarrier block 410′ also includes a pair of distal tabs 416 a-b extending from the distal end of the carrier block 410′, and adapted to engage a pair of slots 423 a-b formed on the proximal end of thepusher block 420′. - The
carrier block 410′ also includes a pair of forks 414 a-b extending in the proximal direction from the proximal end of the carrier block, each of the forks having an outward directed tab 415 a-b at its proximal end. The tabs 415 a-b are adapted to selectably engage a pair of slots 387 a-b (not shown) formed on the interior surface of thehousing 380′ near its proximal end and, when so engaged, to fix the axial position of the carrier block 410′ and, with it, thecarrier assembly 300′ relative to thehousing 380′. The tabs 415 a-b are disengaged from the slots in the housing when the locator assembly block 280′ is moved axially in the distal direction in the following manner (seeFIG. 11B ). As the locator assembly block 280′ is advanced distally, the interior surfaces of the ramps 283 a-b on the locator assembly block forks 282 a-b engage the exterior surfaces of the tabs 415 a-b and cause the carrier block forks 414 a-b to flex inward, releasing the tabs 415 a-b from the slots in the housing, thereby freeing the carrier block 410′ and thecarrier assembly 300′ to move axially. Thus, axial movement of the carrier block 410′ within the apparatus is inhibited until the locator assembly block 280′ is advanced to transition thelocator assembly 200′ to the expanded condition, simultaneously releasing the tabs 415 a-b on the carrier block 410′. - The
pusher block 420′ is disposed on theproximal end region 320 a′ of thepusher member 320′. As described above, thepusher block 420′ includes a pair of slots 423 a-b formed on its proximal end that are adapted to selectably engage the pair of distal tabs 416 a-b extending from the distal end of the carrier block 410′. Thepusher block 420′ also includes a pair of grooves 424 a-b formed on its peripheral surface, the grooves 424 a-b being adapted to engage a pair of tabs 435 a-b formed on a pair of forks 434 a-b extending from the proximal side of the cover block 430′ to selectably couple the cover block 430′ to thepusher block 420′. - The
cover block 430′ is disposed on the proximal end region 330 a′ of thecover member 330′. As described above, the cover block 430′ includes a pair of forks 424 a-b extending from the proximal end of the cover block 430′, each of the forks having an inward directed tab 435 a-b that are adapted to engage the grooves 424 a-b on the peripheral surface of thepusher block 420′ to selectably couple the cover block 430′ to thepusher block 420′. - The
support block 440′ is disposed on the proximal end region 340 a′ of thesupport member 340′. As described above, the support block includes a pair of forks 444 a-b extending from the distal end of the support block 440′, each of the forks having an inward directed tab 445 a-b that are adapted to engage the grooves 413 a-b formed on the surface of the carrier block 410′ to selectably couple the support block 440′ to the carrier block 410′. - The
carrier block 410′, pusher block 420′, cover block 430′, and support block 440′ are shown inFIGS. 11-13 in their fully coupled state, with the support block 440′ coupled to the carrier block 410′, thepusher block 420′ coupled to the carrier block 410′, and the cover block 430′ coupled to thepusher block 420′. In this arrangement, thecarrier assembly 300′ comprises a coaxial set of tubes (as shown, for example, inFIG. 3A ), with thesupport member 340′ slidably retained substantially within thecarrier member 310′, which is in turn slidably retained substantially within thepusher member 320′, which is in turn slidably retained substantially within thecover member 330′. - The triggering
system 400′ of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus includes an energy storing element that is used in the final stage of theclosure element 500 delivery process. The energy storing element, preferably a spring such as thepusher spring 425′ shown inFIGS. 10A-B , is substantially retained in aspring cavity 417′ formed in the carrier block 410′ and coaxially surrounds aproximal portion 310 a′ of thecarrier member 310′. Thepusher spring 425′ is capable of expanding and contracting, storing potential energy as it is contracted and releasing energy as it expands. In its fully expanded state, thepusher spring 425′ has a length that is greater than the length of thespring cavity 417′. The cross-sectional dimension of thepusher spring 425′ is such that it backs up against and contacts the proximal end of thepusher block 420′. Thus, when thepusher spring 425′ is in place between the carrier block 410′ and thepusher block 420′, thepusher spring 425′ is capable of imparting a force biasing the carrier block 410′ away from thepusher block 420′. - Prior to delivery of the
closure element 500, the distal end of the carrier block 410′ is in physical contact with the proximal end of thepusher block 420′. In this pre-delivery condition, thepusher spring 425′ is in a contracted state and is maintained fully within thespring cavity 417′ formed in the carrier block 410′. Acatch member 418′ serves the function of maintaining the carrier block 410′ and pusher block 420′ in the pre-delivery condition against the spring force of thepusher spring 425′, the force of which would otherwise force apart the carrier block 410′ from thepusher block 420′. Thecatch member 418′ is a U-shaped piece of metal, plastic, or other rigid material that engages a first groove 418 a formed on the surface of the carrier block 410′ and asecond groove 418 b formed on the surface of thepusher block 420′. Thepusher block 420′ includes ahole 426′ extending through a portion thereof, with one end of thehole 426′ opening into thegroove 418 b. Thehole 426′ is adapted to receive atrip pin 427′. During the closure element deployment process, thetrip pin 427′ is advanced through thehole 426′, where it encounters thecatch member 418′ that is retained in thegroove 418 b. Further advancement of thetrip pin 427′ causes thecatch member 418′ to become disengaged from thegroove 418 b, thereby releasing the restraining force on thepusher spring 425′. - The operation of the triggering
system 400′ of the alternative embodiment of theapparatus 100′ is illustrated inFIGS. 11-14 with the closure element 500 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B ) disposed substantially within theapparatus 100′. As shown in FIGS. 11A-B, the apparatus has an initial position in which the locator assembly block 280′ is extended proximally and the triggeringsystem 400′ is in its most proximal position. Accordingly, thelocator control system 200′ is in its unexpanded state, as shown. At a point in time that thedistal end region 210 b′ of thelocator assembly 200′ has been positioned as desired (for example, within the blood vessel 600), thelocator assembly block 280 is depressed distally, as shown inFIG. 12 , thereby transitioning the locator assembly to the expanded state and, simultaneously, releasing the triggeringsystem 400′ from the initial position (in the manner described above) such that the triggering system can be advanced distally within thehousing 380′. - The triggering
system 400′ is then advanced distally within thehousing 380′, thereby advancing the tube set 305 into position adjacent the blood vessel. At a first predetermined position, shown inFIG. 13 , the support block 440′ encounters a support stop (not shown) on the interior surface of thehousing bottom half 380 d that inhibits the support block 440′ from advancing further distally. As a result, an application of additional distal force to the triggeringsystem 400′ causes the support block 440′ to decouple from the carrier block 410′, as shown inFIG. 13 . More specifically, the tabs 445 a-b on the forks 444 a-b of the support block 440′ disengage from the grooves 413 a-b on the carrier block 410′. Thus, the support block 440′ remains in the position shown inFIG. 13 , while the carrier block 410′ is able to advance further distally upon application of force to the triggeringsystem 400′. - Turning to
FIGS. 14A-B , as the triggeringsystem 400′ is advanced further distally, the cover block 430′ engages a cover stop on the interior surface near the distal end of thehousing 380′, thereby inhibiting additional distal advancement of the cover block 430′. In addition, thetrigger extension 405′ engages thehandle 391′ on the exterior of the apparatus, thereby inhibiting additional distal advancement of the carrier block 410′. At this point, the distal end of the tube set corresponds generally to the state illustrated inFIG. 8G , prior to deployment of theclosure element 500. - The
closure element 500 is next deployed by releasing thepusher spring 425′, which causes thepusher block 420′ (and, thus, thepusher member 320′) to advance distally, deploying the closure element in the manner described above. Thepusher spring 425′ is released by disengaging thecatch member 418′ from thegroove 418 b on thepusher block 420′, thereby releasing thepusher spring 425′ to force thepusher block 420′ and, thus, thepusher member 320′—distally relative to the carrier block 410′. This action causes thepusher member 320′ to deploy theclosure element 500, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 8H-L . Thecatch member 418′ is disengaged from thegroove 418 b by applying a force to thetrigger 401′, which, in the deployment position, is aligned with thetrip pin 427′ retained in thepusher block 420′. Atrigger spring 402′ biases the trigger outward relative to thehousing 380′. The user applies an inward directed force to thetrigger 401′ to counteract the biasing force of thetrigger spring 402′ and force thetrigger 401′ against thetrip pin 427′. - In addition to deploying the
closure element 500, the distal advancement of thepusher block 420′ also causes thelocator release system 490′ to activate, thereby transitioning thelocator control system 200′ from the expanded state to the unexpanded state. As thepusher block 420′ advances distally to deploy theclosure element 500′ in the manner described above, thepusher block 420′ also engages theengagement member 493′ of thelocator release system 490′ and advances thelocator release rod 491′ distally. This action causes the release tab spacer block 492′ to disengage from the release tabs 284 a-b on the locator assembly block 280′ (seeFIG. 15 ), thereby releasing the locator assembly block 280′, which returns to its proximal position, causing thelocator assembly 200′ to return to the unexpanded state. Theclosure element 500 deployment and locator release actions occur nearly simultaneously, as illustrated inFIGS. 8I-K . - As described previously, the
apparatus 100 is preferably brought into contact with theblood vessel 600 by inserting and advancing the distal end of the apparatus through anintroducer sheath 640 to the blood vessel location. Although preferred, the use of anintroducer sheath 640 is not necessary, as the apparatus can be used to deploy theclosure element 500 without the use of anintroducer sheath 640. Furthermore, as describe above, when anintroducer sheath 640 is used, thelocator assembly carrier assembly introducer sheath 640 either without causing radial expansion or splitting of the sheath, or with causing radial expansion or splitting of the sheath. If the relative cross-sectional dimensions of theintroducer sheath 640 andcarrier assembly introducer sheath 640 is intended to be split during advancement of thecarrier assembly sheath cutter 701′ having a pointedtip 702′ may be utilized to initiate a split at the proximal end of theintroducer sheath 640. Thesheath cutter 701′ is advantageously placed coaxially over thecover member 330′ and is attached to the distal end of thehousing 380′ (seeFIGS. 11A-B ), whereby it will initiate a split in theintroducer sheath 640. Distal advancement of thecarrier assembly carrier assembly - Another alternative embodiment of an apparatus for sealing openings through tissue is shown in
FIGS. 16-19 . The embodiment ofFIGS. 16-19 , as described below, has many identical or similar structures that perform identical or similar functions to the embodiments described above and in reference to the preceding Figures. Accordingly, the description below should be considered in view of the descriptions above of the preceding embodiments. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one or more of the components and/or features of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 16-19 may also be incorporated in the previously described embodiments, as those components and/or features of the previously described embodiments may optionally be incorporated in the embodiment described below and in reference toFIGS. 16-19 . - Turning to
FIGS. 16 and 16A , thedevice 1001 is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with a guidewire in an over the wire deployment method described below. Thedevice 1001 has a generally elongated body that includes, beginning at its proximal end, anactuator cap 1280, a generallycylindrical actuator housing 1800, a generallycylindrical release barrel 1810, a generally cylindricalmain housing 1380, and adistal extension 1010. Several components of a locator assembly, a carrier assembly, and a triggering system are contained within themain housing 1380, as described more fully below in relation toFIGS. 18 and 19 . Thedistal extension 1010 of the device includes an externalprotective sheath 1012 that covers the distal portions of the locator assembly and carrier assembly. Thedistal end region 1210 b of the locator assembly extends out of the distal end of theprotective sheath 1012. - With particular reference to
FIG. 16A , thedistal end region 1210 b of the locator assembly includesexpansion elements 1230 that include substantiallyflexible members 1230′. The substantiallyflexible members 1230′ are able to be selectively controllable between and unexpanded state (as shown inFIG. 16A ) and an expanded state, generally in the manner described above in relation toFIGS. 2A-D . As shown inFIG. 16A , the locator assembly of the alternative embodiment of thedevice 1001 is provided with acentral lumen 1003, which is preferably of a diameter sufficient to accommodate a standard guidewire or other structure, as appropriate. As described below, thecentral lumen 1003 extends through the length of the locator assembly and, thus, through the length of thedevice 1001. - Turning again to
FIG. 16 , themain housing 1380 includes a pair ofgrips 1392 a-b integrally formed on opposite sides of themain housing 1380. The distal end of themain housing 1380 is gradually tapered 1382, with theprotective sheath 1012 extending out of its distal end. Acylindrical counter spring 1386 is located coaxially on the external surface of themain housing 1380 and rests, at its distal end, against ashoulder 1384 formed in the main housing just proximal to the section of the main housing upon which thegrips 1392 are formed. The proximal end of thecounter spring 1386 rests against therelease barrel 1810, biasing therelease barrel 1810 proximally in relation to theshoulder 1384 formed on themain housing 1380. Therelease barrel 1810 is generally cylindrical and coaxially surrounds themain housing 1380. Amechanical linkage 1812 connects therelease barrel 1810 to arelease lever 1814 that cooperates with anactuator block 1282, as described more fully below in reference toFIGS. 18 and 19 . Alongitudinal slot 1388 is formed on each of themain housing 1380 and therelease barrel 1810, through which extends alever 1405 that, as described below, is used to advance the carrier assembly in the distal direction to operate thedevice 1001. - A calibration set
screw 1818 is located on therelease barrel 1810 near the distal end of theslot 1388. As the user advances thelever 1405 distally to deploy theclosure element 500 similar to that described above and shown inFIGS. 6 a-6 g, thelever 1405 will eventually engage the calibration setscrew 1818. As described below, further distal advancement of thelever 1405 causes theactuator block 1282 to release, thereby causing the locator assembly to release theexpansion elements screw 1818 allows the user to fine tune the synchronization of the release of the locator assembly with the deployment of theclosure element 500, as described below. - The
actuator housing 1800 is attached by ascrew 1802 to the proximal end of themain housing 1380, and extends proximally from themain housing 1380. Alongitudinal slot 1804 is formed in theactuator housing 1800 to accommodate therelease lever 1814 and the linkage 1812 (seeFIGS. 18-19 ). Theactuator cap 1280 extends out from the proximal end of theactuator housing 1800. Theactuator cap 1280 is a generally cylindrical body that is coaxial with and generally internal of theactuator housing 1800. Theactuator cap 1280 includes aslide seal 1288 at its proximal end that is slidable and that provides a fluid-tight seal, as described in more detail below. Additional details concerning the actuator are described below in reference toFIGS. 18 and 19 . - Turning to
FIGS. 17 and 17A , the proximal end of the device is shown in more detail. As shown, theslide seal 1288 on theactuator cap 1280 has been slid to an open position to expose the interior of the actuator. Theslide seal 1288 is provided with a pair oftabs 1287 that cooperate with a pair ofslots 1289 formed on the proximal end of theactuator cap 1280 to allow theslide seal 1288 to slide in relation to theactuator cap 1280. Theactuator cap 1280 includes aseal 1281, such as an o-ring, that provides a fluid tight seal with theslide seal 1288. - As described above and as shown in
FIGS. 17 and 17A , thecentral lumen 1003 extends longitudinally through the center of the device and is accessible at the proximal end of theactuator cap 1280 when theslide seal 1288 is in the open position. Additional details concerning thecentral lumen 1003 are described below in relation to the additional Figures. -
FIG. 17 provides additional detail concerning the shape and orientation of thegrips 1392 formed on the main housing. As shown, thegrips 1392 extend radially outward on opposite sides of a point near the distal end of themain housing 1380, and provide the user with the ability to grip the housing with two fingers while operating thelever 1405 with the user's thumb. Also shown inFIGS. 17 and 17A is theslot 1804 formed in theactuator housing 1800 to accommodate therelease lever 1814. -
FIGS. 18 , 18A, and 18B show a cross-section of the proximal portion of thedevice 1001, including the previously describedmain housing 1380, therelease barrel 1810 located coaxially in a slidable relation on the external surface of the main housing, thecounter spring 1386 that biases the release barrel proximally relative to theshoulder 1384 formed on the main housing, theactuator housing 1800 extending proximally from the proximal end of the main housing, thelinkage 1812 andrelease lever 1814 connected to therelease barrel 1810, and theactuator cap 1280 extending proximally from the proximal end of theactuator housing 1800. Theactuator cap 1280 is attached to, or formed integrally with, anactuator block 1282 that is generally cylindrical and that is adapted to slide longitudinally within anactuator base 1284. Theactuator base 1284, in turn, is attached by thescrew 1802 to the proximal end of themain housing 1380 and the distal end of theactuator housing 1800, as shown inFIG. 18 . - The
central lumen 1003 is shown extending through the length of the device along its longitudinal axis. Thecentral lumen 1003 is defined by the interior diameter of the tubular body 1210 of the locator assembly 1200, which extends from theproximal end region 1210 a to adistal end region 1210 b (seeFIG. 16A ). Theproximal end region 1210 a of the tubular body 1210 is attached or otherwise connected to theactuator block 1282 such that when theactuator block 1282 is advanced distally the tubular body 1210 is also advanced distally, thereby causing theflexible members 1230′ to buckle and/or expand transversely outwardly, (in the manner described above, for example, in relation toFIGS. 2A-D ), thereby transitioning thedistal end region 1210 b of the locator assembly 1200 from the unexpanded state to the expanded state. For example, inFIG. 18 , theactuator cap 1280 is shown in the extended position, consistent with the locator assembly 1200 being in the unexpanded state. InFIG. 19 , theactuator cap 1280 is shown in the depressed position, consistent with the locator assembly 1200 being in the expanded state. Anactuator spring 1286 is located in achamber 1285 formed within the interior of the device between the distal end of theactuator block 1282 and theactuator base 1284 attached to the proximal end of themain housing 1380 and the distal end of theactuator housing 1800. Theactuator spring 1286 biases theactuator block 1282 in the proximal direction. Depressing theactuator cap 1280 causes theactuator spring 1286 to compress within thechamber 1285. Once the actuator cap is fully depressed, therelease lever 1814 is rotated inwardly such that acatch 1816 formed on the release lever engages aslot 1283 formed on theactuator block 1282, thereby holding theactuator block 1282 in place in the depressed position against the spring force of theactuator spring 1286. Therelease lever 1814 may be disengaged, thus transitioning the locator assembly 1200 from the expanded state to the unexpanded state, either by manually releasing therelease lever 1814 from theactuator block 1282 and allowing the actuator block to extend proximally, or by advancing thecarrier assembly lever 1405 distally to engage the calibration setscrew 1818 on therelease barrel 1810 and applying additional distal force to the lever 1405 (and, thus, the release barrel 1810) to cause therelease lever 1814 to disengage from theactuator block 1282. - A tube set 1305 is located within the interior of the
main housing 1380, extending distally through thedistal extension 1010. The tube set 1305 shown inFIG. 18 includes acarrier tube 1310, apusher tube 1320, and acover tube 1330, each located in a coaxial orientation with each other and with the tubular body 1210 of the locator assembly 1200. The tube set 1305 has a structure otherwise substantially identical to that described above in relation toFIGS. 3A-E . Thecover tube 1330 is connected or otherwise attached at its proximal end to acover block 1430. Thepusher tube 1320, similarly, is connected or otherwise attached at its proximal end to apusher block 1420. Finally, thecarrier tube 1310 is connected or otherwise attached at its proximal end to acarrier block 1410. Thelever 1405 is attached to thepusher block 1420. Thus, any movement of thelever 1405 will cause thepusher block 1420 to move as well. - A
leaf spring 1418 connects thecarrier block 1410 to thepusher block 1420, as shown inFIG. 18B . Theleaf spring 1418 is generally flat and extends longitudinally parallel to the central axis of the device. Alip 1419 is formed on the distal end of theleaf spring 1418, thelip 1419 oriented such that it engages the distal end of thepusher block 1420, effectively locking thepusher block 1420 to thecarrier block 1410 until theleaf spring 1418 is disengaged from thepusher block 1420, as described below. As long as thepusher block 1420 is thereby locked to thecarrier block 1410, advancement of thelever 1405 will cause advancement of the combination of thecarrier block 1410 and thepusher block 1420. - A
guide pin 1900 is located and fixed on the interior of themain housing 1380, and extends proximally from the distal wall of the interior of the main housing. Theguide pin 1900 is received within aslot 1902 formed in thepusher block 1420 andcover block 1430, and prevents thepusher block 1420 andcover block 1430 from rotating inside themain housing 1380. - A
grooved pin 1910 is also located and fixed on the interior of themain housing 1380, and extends proximally from the distal wall of the interior of themain housing 1380. Thegrooved pin 1910 is preferably located on an opposite side of the interior of the main housing from theguide pin 1900. Thegrooved pin 1910 has ataper 1912 formed on its proximal end and atransverse groove 1914 formed just distally from the beginning of thetaper 1912. The location and orientation of the groovedpin 1910 are such that thetaper 1912 formed on the groovedpin 1910 engages and lifts theleaf spring 1418 from its engagement with thepusher block 1420 as thepusher block 1420 andcarrier block 1410 are advanced distally within the device. As thepusher block 1420 andcarrier block 1410 are advanced still further, thelip 1419 formed on theleaf spring 1418 engages and locks in place in thetransverse groove 1914 formed on the groovedpin 1910, thereby preventing the carrier block 1410 (and, thus, the carrier tube 1310) from advancing any further distally. This position of the device also corresponds to the engagement of thelever 1405 with the calibration set screw 1818 (seeFIG. 16 ). Any additional distal movement of thelever 1405 will cause thepusher block 1420 to move further distally while thecarrier block 1410 remains stationary, thus causing thepusher tube 1320 to deploy the closure element 1500, in the manner described above in relation toFIGS. 8A-L . This additional distal movement of thelever 1405 also simultaneously causes therelease barrel 1810 to move distally and to disengage therelease lever 1814 from theactuator block 1282, thereby releasing theactuator block 1282 and causing the locator assembly 1200 to transition from the expanded state to the unexpanded state. - Referring now to
FIGS. 20A-L , methods of use of thedevice 1001 in accordance with the present invention will be described. As previously described above and shown inFIGS. 16-19 , thedevice 1001 is configured to deploy aclosure element 500 over a wire, wherein the over the wire deployment method utilizing thedevice 1001 described herein may for example include the following steps, though methods of use associated with the apparatus should not be limited to those described herein or shown in the appended drawings. - Referring now to
FIG. 20A , there is shown avessel 620 disposed below a patient'stissue 630 andskin 650, wherein aguidewire 1950 is shown disposed through an opening formed in the vessel and tissue as described above. Theguidewire 1950 may be introduced into the blood vessel for the sole purpose of using thedevice 1001 to deploy theclosure element 500, or the guidewire may have already been present from a previously completed interventional procedure. If an introducer sheath is in place, it should be removed prior to use of theapparatus 1001, thereby leaving theguidewire 1950 in place extending into the blood vessel. - As shown in
FIG. 20B , thedevice 1001 is then threaded over theguidewire 1950 by inserting the proximal end of theguidewire 1950 into the central lumen of thedevice 1001 at the distal end of the device, the guidewire is disposed through the device and exits at the proximal end of the device. Thedevice 1001 is then advanced along the guidewire until thedistal end 210 b of the locator assembly is disposed through the opening formed in the blood vessel as shown inFIG. 20C , whereby the correct position of the device is confirmed by observing a slight flow of blood out of the proximal end of the device, through theopen slide seal 1288 on theactuator cap 1280. - Once the correct position of the device is confirmed, the
actuator cap 1280 is depressed (i.e., theactuator block 1282 is advanced distally) to deploy the flexible members on thedistal end 210 b of the locator assembly, i.e., to transition the locator assembly from the unexpanded state to the expanded state. In the expanded state, the flexible members are able to engage the inside of the vessel wall at the location of the opening in the blood vessel as shown inFIG. 20D . The correct position of the device at this point may be confirmed by gently pulling on the device to feel the resistance of the vessel wall against the flexible members in the expanded state as shown inFIG. 20E . After verifying the correct position in this manner, the guidewire may be removed from the vessel and from the device by withdrawing the guidewire through the proximal end of the device. Once the guidewire is removed, theslide seal 1288 on theactuator cap 1280 may be closed to prevent further flow of blood through the device. - Referring now to
FIGS. 20F and 20G , thedevice 1001 is in proper position to deploy theclosure element 500. Theclosure element 500″ is deployed by advancing thelever 1405, which advances thecarrier block 1410,pusher block 1420, andcover block 1430 until further distal advancement of thecarrier block 1410 andcover block 1430 are prevented by the interaction of theleaf spring 1418 engaging and locking in place in thetransverse groove 1914 formed on the groovedpin 1910, thereby preventing the carrier block 1410 (and, thus, the carrier tube 1310) from advancing any further distally. Further distal advancement of thelever 1405 thereafter causes advancement only of thepusher block 1420, which causes deployment of theclosure element 500 in the identical manner described above, for example, in relation toFIGS. 8H-L . In addition, further distal advancement of thelever 1405 causes thelever 1405 simultaneously to engage therelease barrel 1810, which in turn pulls therelease lever 1814 and frees theactuator block 1282 to spring back proximally, transitioning the locator assembly 1200 from the expanded state to the unexpanded state. The closure element deployment and locator release actions occur nearly simultaneously, as illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 8I-K . - As shown in
FIG. 20G , theclosure element 500 is shown in a deployed position, wherein the closure element has been engaged with the vessel wall to effectively close the opening formed therein. As previously described and shown inFIGS. 20F and 20G , theclosure element 500 is expanded as it is deployed from thedevice 1001, wherein by increasing the diameter of theclosure element 500, the closure element may engage tissue adjacent the opening in the tissue. It is contemplated that the closure element may be configured to penetrate the vessel wall to effect a closure, or partially penetrate the vessel wall to effect closure. - The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen, comprising:
a locator assembly including a distal end region configured to extend into an opening of the body lumen and to selectably engage at least a portion of the body lumen adjacent to the opening, said distal end region including at least one surface engaging element configured to engage the surface of the body lumen; and
a measuring device in electrical communication with said surface engaging element, said measuring device configured to determine changes in measurable characteristics of said surface engaging element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , said locator assembly further comprising a control member and said control member being in electrical communication with said measuring device and a distal end of said surface engaging element.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , said locator assembly further comprising a tubular body and wherein said tubular body is in electrical communication with said measuring device and a proximal end of said surface engaging element and said tubular body being in indirect electrical communication with said control member.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a cover member, wherein said cover member is in electrical communication with said measuring device, said cover member being selectively electrically isolated from said tubular body.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , said locator assembly further comprising a plurality of engaging members configured to engage the surface of the body lumen.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , a first engaging member being selectively electrically isolated from a second engaging member.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 , said distal end region being selectably controllable between an unexpanded state and an expanded state for engaging the body lumen.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , said plurality of engaging members being configured to expand substantially transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of said locator assembly.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 , said first engaging member being in electrical communication with a third engaging member that is selectively electrically isolated from said second engaging member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , said measurable characteristics of said surface engaging element that change are selected from the group consisting of an impedance of said surface engaging element, a pressure on said surface engaging element, changes ultrasonic data near said surface engaging element, and combinations thereof.
11. A method for locating a surface of a body lumen, comprising:
inserting a locator assembly through an opening of the body lumen, said locator assembly comprising a distal end region including a surface engaging element configured to selectively engage the surface of the body lumen;
positioning said locator assembly in close proximity to the opening of the body lumen;
measuring a measurable characteristic of said surface engaging element within the body lumen; and
determining whether said measurable characteristic of said surface engaging element indicates that said surface engaging element has engaged the surface of the body lumen.
12. The method of claim 11 , said measurable characteristic including an opening electrical characteristic and the method further comprising after positioning said locator assembly within the body lumen, measuring an initial electrical characteristic of said surface engaging element.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein determining whether said measurable characteristic of said surface engaging element indicates that said surface engaging element has engaged the surface of the body lumen further comprises comparing said measured initial electrical characteristic of said surface engaging element with said measured opening electrical characteristic of said surface engaging element.
14. The method of claim 11 , said locator assembly further comprising a control member and said control member being in electrical communication with said measuring device and a distal end of said surface engaging element.
15. The method of claim 14 , said locator assembly further comprising a cover member, said cover member being in electrical communication with said measuring device, and said cover member being selectively electrically isolated from said control member.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein determining whether said opening electrical characteristic of said surface engaging element indicates that said surface engaging element has engaged the surface of the body lumen further comprises determining whether said cover member and said control member are in electrical communication.
17. A surface engaging element comprising:
a proximal end portion including at least one retaining portion;
a distal end portion including at least one retaining portion; and
at least one engaging member extending toward said proximal end portion and extending toward said distal end portion, said at least one engaging member configured to engage a surface of a body lumen.
18. The surface engaging element of claim 17 , said surface engaging element being formed from a unitary base material.
19. The surface engaging element of claim 18 , said surface engaging element being formed by a laser cutting process from said unitary base material.
20. The surface engaging element of claim 18 , said unitary base material including nickel-titanium.
21-24. (canceled)
Priority Applications (1)
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