US20230026939A1 - Dual stent and delivery system, delivery tool apparatus, and method of delivery of dual stents - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, system, or apparatus for stent delivery. Delivering one or more stents with a delivery tool that can include a kinetic transfer of energy to deliver one or more stents. The stents can include a modifiable stent that can change its overall shape and/or dimensions based on pre-configured design parameters. A coil stent that can engage with a vessel that surrounds the modifiable stent forming a dual stent configuration. The coil stent can also include anchor points that allow it to engage with a second vessel securing the first vessel and the second vessel together to aid in the healing process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present disclosure incorporates by reference in their entirety for all purposes U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/752,265, filed Jan. 24, 2020 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,932, filed Jan. 28, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/752,315, filed Jan. 24, 2020, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,933, filed Jan. 28, 2019, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/752,343, filed Jan. 24, 2020, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,944, filed Jan. 28, 2019, all of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
• The present disclosure incorporates by reference in its entirety for all purposes and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/225,867, filed Jul. 26, 2021.
BACKGROUNDTechnical Field
• The present disclosure relates to dual stents and the delivery of same. More particularly, and not by way of limitation, the present disclosure is directed to a system, apparatus, or method for aiding in healing through the use of dual stents or the delivery of dual stents.
Description of Related Art
• There are many different types of surgeries that can be conducted daily in hospitals across the world. One such surgery is free flap reconstruction. Free flap reconstruction is a well-established method of reconstruction of both soft tissue and bone or composite defects in a wide variety of surgeries. Free flaps are used in order of frequency in head and neck reconstruction, breast reconstruction, orthopedic surgery and a variety of other specialties. Head and neck surgery in particular is a heavy user of free flap reconstruction. This is due to the complexity of defects in a critical area where restoration of functions such as deglutition, phonation, and mastication is of paramount importance in addition to cosmesis.
• Free flap reconstruction involves the transfer of tissue from a distant part of the body to the area that needs to be reconstructed. The principle in operation behind this concept is that tissues in the body are supplied in a segmental function. That is that a segment of skin subcutaneous tissue fascia muscle bone, or any combination of these can be harvested according to specific location. The transfer of tissue is completed when the free flap vessels (artery and vein) are joined to the donor vessels and then the flap is set into the defect.
• Donor vessels are selected from appropriate vessels to match the diameter of the recipient vessels (free flap vessels). In the neck, these are usually branches of the external carotid artery and one of the many veins in the head and neck or the jugular vein itself. Each of the donor vessels are dissected from surrounding tissue, and their edges prepared for anastomosis. In free flap reconstruction, vessels are raised in situ and the vascular supply is dissected out carefully and traumatically. The vascular supply is then sectioned, preferably at a length of vessel that is appropriate for an anastomosis without tension. This is not always possible as different free flaps have different lengths of vessels according to where they are harvested. For example, free rectus vascular pedicle may have a max length of 8 cm, while a radial forearm vascular pedicle may have a max length of 15-20 cm.
• Once the vessels are extracted from the appropriate location, the edge preparation begins. The vessel preparation process can take approximately one hour and is performed under optimal conditions with an operating microscope and/or magnifying loops. Considerable skill is required that comes with prolonged surgical training. The anastomoses (joining) themselves are approximately 20 minutes per vessel anastomosis. Venous couplers reduce the amount of time required for venous anastomoses. However, these venous couplers still require suturing for each venous anastomoses, taking considerable time and increasing the time a patient is under anesthesia. There are two general types of anastomoses, an end to end and an end to side. An end-to-end anastomosis is preferred because it is performed rapidly without additional problems and because the vascular dynamics are that of linear flow which gives lesser complication rates. End to end anastomoses account for the majority of vessel joining. However, currently these operations and/or couplings still require significant suturing time, that can lead to other complications.
• It would be advantageous to have a system, apparatus, or method that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The present disclosure provides such a system, apparatus, or method.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• The present disclosure is directed to stent delivery.
• Thus, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to delivering one or more stents with a delivery tool that can include a kinetic transfer of energy to deliver one or more stents.
• In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a modifiable stent that can change its overall shape and/or dimensions based on pre-configured design parameters.
• In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a coil stent that can engage with a vessel that surrounds the modifiable stent forming a dual stent configuration. The coil stent an also include anchor points that allow it to engage with a second vessel securing the first vessel and the second vessel together to aid in the healing process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG.1A is a perspective view illustration of a vessel with a modifiable stent received within the vessel.
• FIG.1B is a perspective view illustration of a vessel with a modifiable stent received within the vessel and a coil stent surrounding the vessel and a portion of the modifiable stent.
• FIG.1C is a perspective view illustration of a recipient vessel and a donor vessel being linked by a modifiable stent and a coil stent.
• FIG.2A is a perspective view illustration of a compression tool in an open state.
• FIG.2B is a perspective view illustration of an engagement section of a compression tool in a closed state.
• FIG.3A is a perspective view illustration of a stent delivery system having a recipient vessel, a donor vessel, a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and a compression tool in an open state.
• FIG.3B is a perspective view illustration of a stent delivery system having a recipient vessel, a donor vessel, a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and a compression tool in an closed state.
• FIG.4A is a perspective view illustration of an expansion tool.
• FIG.4B is a perspective view illustration of an engagement section of an expansion tool.
• FIG.5A is a perspective view illustration of stent delivery system engaging with a receiving vessel, donor vessel, through a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and an expansion tool.
• FIG.5B is a perspective view illustration of stent delivery system engaging with a receiving vessel, donor vessel, through a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and an expansion tool in an expanded or open state.
• FIG.6A is a perspective cutaway view illustration of stent delivery system having a combination tool and compression tool engaging with a coil stent and a modifiable stent.
• FIG.6B is a perspective cutaway view illustration of stent delivery system having a combination tool and compression tool engaging with a coil stent and a modifiable stent.
• FIG.7A is a perspective view illustration of a stent delivery system having a donor vessel, a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and a compression tool in an open state.
• FIG.7B is a perspective view illustration of a stent delivery system having a donor vessel, a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and a compression tool in an open state.
• FIG.7C is a perspective view illustration of a stent delivery system having a recipient vessel, a donor vessel, a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and a compression tool in an open state.
• FIG.7D is a perspective view illustration of a stent delivery system having a recipient vessel, a donor vessel, a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and a compression tool in an open state.
• FIG.8A is a perspective view illustration of stent delivery system having a delivery tool and a coil stent.
• FIG.8B is a perspective view illustration of a delivery tool and a coil stent.
• FIG.9A is a perspective view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool.
• FIG.9B is a perspective view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool in a zoomed view of the front section of the dual stent delivery tool.
• FIG.9C is a cross-sectional view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool.
• FIG.10 is an exploded view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool.
• FIG.11A is a partially exploded view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool in a pre-delivery state.
• FIG.11B is a partially exploded view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool in a delivered state.
• FIG.12 is a perspective view illustration of a sheath or cover carrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• An embodiment of the disclosure will now be described. While the present disclosure is related to stents and/or stent delivery, the tools described herein may also be utilized with vessels, arteries, and/or veins.FIG.1A is a perspective view illustration of avessel102 with amodifiable stent104 received within thevessel102. Thestent system100 can allow for the engagement of a modifiedstent104 with a vessel, such as adonor vessel102. In at least one embodiment, thestent system100 can allow for faster engagement of vessels during surgeries. Themodifiable stent104 may comprise amodifiable member106 and/or anon-modifiable member108. In at least one example, themodifiable stent104 can change its diameter and/or radius via the modifiable member(s)106. Themodifiable stent104 may be modified inward or outward, for example decreasing the diameter or increasing the diameter of the modifiable stent to engage with a vessel, such as adonor vessel102. In some examples, the length of themodifiable stent104 can be increased or decreased via the modifiable member(s)106 and/ornon-modifiable member108.
• FIG.1B is a perspective view illustration of avessel102 with amodifiable stent104 received within thevessel102 and acoil stent110 surrounding thevessel102 and a portion of themodifiable stent104. Thestent system100 can comprise amodifiable stent104 and acoil stent110. Themodifiable stent104 and the modifiable member(s)106 and/or non-modifiable member(s)108 can allow for engagement with adonor vessel102, as discussed with reference toFIG.1A, and can be utilized in a similar manner. Thecoil stent110 can engage with thedonor vessel102. In at least one embodiment, thecoil stent110 can comprise a set ofpoints112 that allow for coupling of thecoil stent110 to a vessel. The set ofpoints112 can be coupled to the coupling member(s)116 that form thecoil stent110. Additionally, the set ofpoints112 may be comprised of atraumatic point(s)114A and/or traumatic point(s)114B.
• In at least one example, thecoil stent110 can be placed around or over adonor vessel102 and themodifiable stent104. In some examples, themodifiable stent104 would be modified to engage thedonor vessel102 between themodifiable stent104 and thecoil stent110, and thecoil stent110 can be utilized to engage with additional vessel(s).
• FIG.1C is a perspective view illustration of arecipient vessel118 and adonor vessel102 being linked by amodifiable stent104 and acoil stent110. Further to the examples and embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, therecipient vessel118 can receive thestent system100 and thedonor vessel102. Because themodifiable stent104 and thecoil stent110 engage thedonor vessel102 between them, it allows for thedonor vessel102 andstent system100 to be placed within arecipient vessel118. In some examples, after therecipient vessel118 is engaged with thecoil stent110 of thestent system100, themodifiable stent104 may be furthered modified via the modifiable member(s)106 and/or non-modifiable member(s)108, allowing thestent system100 to engage thevessels102 and118 to avoid movement after placement. Therecipient vessel118 can also be engaged by the set ofpoints112 of thecoil stent110. Theatraumatic points114A and/or thetraumatic points114B may be utilized for different flow rates or conditions of thevessels102/118.
• FIG.2A is a perspective view illustration of acompression tool220. Thecompression tool220 can be utilized to compress one or both of the stents and/or coverings of the stents described in the present disclosure. Thecompression tool220 has a first end orengagement section226 that is opposite and distal from aninflection point222. Theinflection point222 allows for the spring and/or resistive force that allows thecompression tool220 to remain in anopen state232A when not compressed by a user or external force (not illustrated).
• Theengagement section226 and theinflection point222, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms224A and/or224B. Thearms224A and224B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement section226. Theengagement section226, can have aninternal void230 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms228A,228B,228C,228D, and/or228E, (collectively, a set of engagement arms228). The set of engagement arms228 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure.
• In at least one example, the set of engagement arms228 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms224A/224B. In some examples, the set of engagement arms228 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set of engagement arms228 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions.
• In some examples, thecompression tool220 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause a closing action to occur. When a closing action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state232A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state232A. In at least one example, thecompression tool220 may also include a locking mechanism between the arms that allow it to be locked in anopen state232A or a closed state.
• FIG.2B is a perspective view illustration of anengagement section226 of acompression tool220. Thecompression tool220 can be utilized to compress one or both of the stents and/or coverings of the stents described in the present disclosure. Thecompression tool220 has a first end orengagement section226 that is opposite and distal from an inflection point. In at least one embedment, the inflection point allows for the spring and/or resistive force that allows thecompression tool220 to return to an open state after being compressed by a user or external force to aclosed state232B. Aclosed state232B can be when thearms224A and/or224B are touching or within a designed distance from one another. In at least one embodiment, when in a closed state, thearms224A and224B are within less than one inch from one another, meaning an open state (shown as232A inFIG.2A) is when thearms224A and224B are more than one inch from one another.
• Theengagement section226, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms224A and/or224B. Thearms224A/224B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement section226. Theengagement section226, can have aninternal void230 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms228A,228B,228C,228D,228E, and/or228F (collectively, a set of engagement arms228). The set of engagement arms228 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure.
• In at least one example, the set of engagement arms228 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms224A/224B. In some examples, the set of engagement arms228 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). The downwardly sloped set of engagement arms228 may allow for theengagement section226 to have atapered end234. In yet other examples, the set of engagement arms228 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions, in this example, there may be atapered end234 that tapers upwardly from theinternal void230. In at least one example, the flexibility of thearms224A/224B, and/or engagement arms228 can be flexible in nature to allow for a compressive force to be applied to said arms that is significant enough to compress the stents but not overcome the design and/or construction of the stent itself. In other words, a compression for can be applied by thearms224A/224B, and/or engagement arms228 in such a way that they will not change the shape or design of the stent(s) in their various states.
• In some examples, thecompression tool220 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause a closing action to occur. When a closing action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state232A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state232A.
• FIG.3A is a perspective view illustration of astent delivery system300 having arecipient vessel318, adonor vessel302, amodifiable stent304, acoil stent310, and acompression tool320 in anopen state333A. Thestent delivery system300, in at least one example, provides a user (a medical professional) with the ability to compress one or more stents, such as but not limited to themodifiable stent304 and/orcoil stent310, for easy of entry and/or placement within one or more vessels such as, but not limited to thedonor vessel302 and/orrecipient vessel318. In some examples, thecompression tool320 engages with one or both stents (illustrated asmodifiable stent304 and/or coil stent310), to allow for the easy of insertion into one or more vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel318 and donor vessel302).
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent304 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)306 and non-modifiable member(s)308, while in some examples, themodifiable stent304 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)306 or non-modifiable member(s)308. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent304 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent304 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent310, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)316, and has apoint set312. In some examples, thecoil stent310 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent310 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent304. While in other examples, thecoil stent310 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set312 of thecoil stent310 may include atraumatic point(s)314A and/or traumatic point(s)314B, individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to therecipient vessel318 and/ordonor vessel302.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent304 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent310. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent304, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent310. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent304 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent304, while thecoil stent310 can engage with the vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel318 and/or donor vessel302) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent304 and/or thecoil stent310. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• Theengagement section326, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms324A and/or324B. Thearms324A/324B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement section326. Theengagement section326, can have aninternal void330 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms328. The set ofengagement arms328 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms328 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms324A/324B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms328 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms328 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the engagement arm(s)328 and thetapered end334 allow for a user to more easily engage and/or place the stents within a vessel, such as but not limited to therecipient vessel318. Thetapered end334 can allow the vessel (represented by recipient vessel318) to be slid, or eased over the stent(s) without the vessel(s) engaging with the stents.
• In some examples, thecompression tool320 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause a closing action to occur. When a closing action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state333A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state333A.
• FIG.3B is a perspective view illustration of astent delivery system300 having arecipient vessel318, adonor vessel302, amodifiable stent304, acoil stent310, and acompression tool320 in a closed state333B. Thestent delivery system300, in at least one example, provides a user (a medical professional) with the ability to compress one or more stents, such as but not limited to themodifiable stent304 and/orcoil stent310, for easy of entry and/or placement within one or more vessels such as, but not limited to thedonor vessel302 and/orrecipient vessel318. In some examples, thecompression tool320 engages with one or both of the stents (illustrated asmodifiable stent304 and/or coil stent310), to allow for the easy of insertion into one or more vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel318 and donor vessel302).
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent304 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)306 and non-modifiable member(s)308, while in some examples, themodifiable stent304 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)306 or non-modifiable member(s)308. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent304 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent304 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent310, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)316 and has apoint set312. In some examples, thecoil stent310 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent310 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent304, while in other examples, thecoil stent310 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set312 of thecoil stent310 may include atraumatic point(s)314A and/or traumatic point(s)314B, individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to therecipient vessel318 and/ordonor vessel302.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent304 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent310. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent304, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent310. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent304 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent304, while thecoil stent310 can engage with the vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel318 and/or donor vessel302) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent304 and/or thecoil stent310. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• Theengagement section326, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms324A and/or324B. Thearms324A/324B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement section326. Theengagement section326, can have an internal void330 (seeFIG.3A) that is defined by a set of engagement arms328 (seeFIG.3A). The set ofengagement arms328 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms328 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms324A/324B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms328 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms328 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the engagement arm(s)328 and thetapered end334 shown inFIG.3A allow for a user to more easily engage and/or place the stents within a vessel, such as but not limited to therecipient vessel318. Thetapered end334 can allow the vessel (represented by recipient vessel318) to be slid or eased over the stent(s) without the vessel(s) engaging with the stents.
• In some examples, thecompression tool320 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply aforce336 to the arms to cause a closing action332B to occur. When a closing action332B occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state illustrated inFIG.3A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting or open state.
• FIG.4A is a perspective view illustration of anexpansion tool440. Theexpansion tool440 may be utilized to expand a vessel to allow for placement of the stents of the present disclosure. Theexpansion tool440 has a first end orengagement section425 that is opposite and distal from aninflection point422. In some examples,engagement zone426 may also be referenced as anengagement section426. Theinflection point422 allows for the spring and/or resistive force that allows theexpansion tool440 to remain in aneutral state432A when not compressed by a user or external force (not illustrated).
• Theengagement section425 and theinflection point422, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms424A and/or424B. Thearms424A/424B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress thearms424A/424B and/or open theengagement zone425.Transfer arms438A and/or438B can allow a for the transfer of the compression or reasonable force applied by a user toextension arms442A and/or442B. Thetransfer arms438A/438B may be of a length that allows for the closing of theengagement zone425 when theexpansion tool440 is in aneutral state432A and are generally perpendicular to thearms424A/424B and/orextension arms442A/442B. Theextension arms442A/442B can act as an extension of thearms424A/424B but are in opposite planes in order to allow for the expansion of theexpansion tool440. For example,arm424A corresponds to theextension arm442B, andarm424B corresponds toextension arm442A. This cross over is possible because of thetransfer arms438A/438B.
• In at least one examples, theengagement zone425, can have aninternal void430 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms428. The set ofengagement arms428 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents, and/or a vessel described in the present disclosure. The set ofengagement arms428 can be elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms424A/424B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms428 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with vessel. In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms428 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with a vessel via external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the set ofengagement arms428 have a set ofengagement points444 that can be traumatic or atraumatic to allow for further engagement with a vessel. In some examples, ataper end434 may be utilized to ease a vessel or other engaged part onto theexpansion tool440.
• In some examples, theexpansion tool440 may be called an expander tool because of its similarity in operation to an expander used in orthodontics to push two points away from one another. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause an opening action to occur. When an opening action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state432A, allowing theengagement zone425 to open. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state432A, and theengagement zone425 will return to its closed state.
• FIG.4B is a perspective view illustration of anengagement section426 of anexpansion tool440. Theexpansion tool440 may be utilized to expand a vessel to allow for placement of the stents of the present disclosure. Theexpansion tool440 has a first end orengagement section426 that is opposite and distal from an inflection point (illustrated inFIG.4A). The inflection point allows for the spring and/or resistive force that allows theexpansion tool440 to remain in a neutral state when not compressed by a user or external force (not illustrated) and allows for the expandedstate432B when a user or external force (not illustrated) is applied to theexpansion tool440.
• Theengagement section426, in at least one embodiment, may be connected byarms424A and/or424B. Thearms424A/424B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress thearms424A/424B and/or open theengagement zone426.Transfer arms438A and/or438B can allow for the transfer of the compression or reasonable force applied by a user toextension arms442A and/or442B. Thetransfer arms438A/438B may be of a length that allows for the closing of theengagement zone426 when theexpansion tool440 is in aneutral state432A and are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (from the inflection point to the engagement zone426) of thearms424A/424B and/orextension arms442A/442B. In some examples,engagement zone426 may also be referenced as anengagement section426. Theextension arms442A/442B can act as an extension of thearms424A/424B but are in opposite planes in order to allow for the expansion of theexpansion tool440. For example,arm424A corresponds to theextension arm442B, andarm424B corresponds toextension arm442A. This cross over is possible because of thetransfer arms438A/438B.
• In at least one examples, theengagement zone426, can have aninternal void430 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms428. The set ofengagement arms428 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents, and/or a vessel described in the present disclosure. The set ofengagement arms428 can be elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms424A/424B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms428 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with vessel. In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms428 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with a vessel via external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the set ofengagement arms428 have a set ofengagement points444 that can be traumatic or atraumatic to allow for further engagement with a vessel. The engagement points444 may beatraumatic points446A ortraumatic points446B. For simplicity,atraumatic points446A are those designed to not pierce or damage a lumen of a vessel, or other body part, whiletraumatic points446B may or may not pierce or otherwise damage, non-critically, a lumen of a vessel or other body part. The ability of theexpansion tool440 to engage with lumens of vessels or other body party may increase with the introduction of aflex point448 that allows a portion of theengagement zone426 to be flexible in relation to a second portion. For example, the second portion of theengagement zone426 may be coupled to the extension arm(s)442A/442B, while the portion that is opposite theflex point448 and second portion is free to move and can be biased to expand outwardly to allow for better engagement with a vessel, lumen, or body part. In some examples, ataper end434 may be utilized to ease a vessel or other engaged part onto theexpansion tool440.
• In some examples, theexpansion tool440 may be called an expander tool because of its similarity in operation to an expander used in orthodontics to push two points away from one another. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause an opening action to occur. When an opening action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state allowing theengagement zone426 to open when the expansion tool is in an expandedstate432B. Upon releasing or reducing the force keeping the expansion tool in an expandedstate432B, the arms will return to the starting or open state and theengagement zone426 will return to its closed state.
• FIG.5A is a perspective view illustration ofstent delivery system500 engaging with a receiving vessel and donor vessel, through a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and an expansion tool. Thestent delivery system500, in at least one example, offers a user (medical professional) the ability to expand a vessel, such as, but not limited to, arecipient vessel518 and/ordonor vessel502, and allows the insertion of one or more stents, such as but not limited to amodifiable stent504 and/or acoil stent510. In some examples, theexpansion tool540 engages with the inner diameter or radius of a vessel (sometimes called the lumen) to expand the vessel to a size large enough to allow placement of one or more stents. As illustrated inFIG.5A, theexpansion tool540 can be placed within the lumen of a vessel (illustrated as recipient vessel518).
• These stents can then engage with the vessel(s) to allow for proper placement. In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent504 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)506 and non-modifiable member(s)508, while in some examples, themodifiable stent504 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)506 or non-modifiable member(s)508. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent504 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent504 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent510, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)516, and has apoint set512. In some examples, thecoil stent510 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent510 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent504, while in other examples, thecoil stent510 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set512 of thecoil stent510 may include atraumatic point(s)514A and/or traumatic point(s)514B, individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to therecipient vessel518 and/ordonor vessel502.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent504 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent510. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent504, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent510. The concentric nature of the stent placements allow for themodifiable stent504 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent504, while thecoil stent510 can engage with the vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel518 and/or donor vessel502) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent504 and/or thecoil stent510. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• In at least one example, theengagement zone526, can have aninternal void530 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms528. The set ofengagement arms528 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents, and/or a vessel described in the present disclosure. The set ofengagement arms528 can be elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms524A/524B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms528 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with vessel. In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms528 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with a vessel via external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the set ofengagement arms528 have a set of engagement points544 (not illustrated) that can be traumatic or atraumatic to allow for further engagement with a vessel.
• In some examples, theexpansion tool540 may be called an expander tool because of its similarity in operation to an expander used in orthodontics to push two points away from one another. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause an opening action to occur. When an opening action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state532A allowing theengagement zone526 to open. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state532A and theengagement zone526 will return to its closed state.
• FIG.5B is a perspective view illustration ofstent delivery system500 engaging with a receiving vessel and donor vessel, through a modifiable stent, a coil stent, and an expansion tool in an expanded state. Thestent delivery system500, in at least one example, offers a user (medical professional) the ability to expand a vessel, such as, but not limited to arecipient vessel518 and/ordonor vessel502, and allows the insertion of one or more stents, such as but not limited to amodifiable stent504 and/or acoil stent510. In some examples, theexpansion tool540 engages with the inner diameter or radius of a vessel (sometimes called the lumen) to expand the vessel to a size large enough to allow placement of one or more stents. As illustrated inFIG.5A, theexpansion tool540 can be placed within the lumen of a vessel (illustrated as recipient vessel518).
• These stents can then engage with the vessel(s) to allow for proper placement. In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent504 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)506 and non-modifiable member(s)508, while in some examples, themodifiable stent504 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)506 or non-modifiable member(s)508. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent504 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent504 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent510, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)516 (illustrated inFIG.5A), and has apoint set512. In some examples, thecoil stent510 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent510 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent504. While in other examples, thecoil stent510 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set512 of thecoil stent510 may include atraumatic point(s)514A and/or traumatic point(s)514B (illustrated inFIG.5A), individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to therecipient vessel518 and/ordonor vessel502.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent504 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent510. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent504, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent510. The concentric nature of the stent placements allow for themodifiable stent504 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent504, while thecoil stent510 can engage with the vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel518 and/or donor vessel502) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent504 and/or thecoil stent510. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when there vessels are placed in close proximity.
• In at least one examples, theengagement zone526 can have an internal void530 (illustrated inFIG.5A) that is defied by a set ofengagement arms528. The set ofengagement arms528 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents and/or a vessel described in the present disclosure. The set ofengagement arms528 can be elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms524A/524B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms528 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with vessel. In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms528 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with a vessel via external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the set ofengagement arms528 have a set of engagement points544 (not illustrated) that can be traumatic or atraumatic to allow for further engagement with a vessel. The engagement points544 may be atraumatic points or traumatic points For simplicity, atraumatic points are those designed to not pierce or damage a lumen of a vessel, or other body part, while traumatic points may or may not pierce or otherwise damage, non-critically, a lumen of a vessel or other body part. The ability of theexpansion tool540 to engage with lumens of vessels or other body party may increase with the introduction of aflex point548 that allows a portion of theengagement zone526 to be flexible in relation to a second portion. For example, the second portion of theengagement zone526 may be coupled to the extension arm(s)542A/542B while the portion that is opposite theflex point548 and second portion is free to move and can be biased to expand outwardly to allow for better engagement with a vessel, lumen, or body part.
• In some examples, theexpansion tool540 may be called an expander tool because of its similarity in operation to an expander used in orthodontics to push two points away from one another. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause an opening action to occur. When an opening action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state allowing theengagement zone526 to open when the expansion tool is in an expandedstate532B. Upon releasing or reducing the force keeping the expansion tool in an expandedstate532B, the arms will return to the starting or open state, and theengagement zone526 will return to its closed state.
• FIG.6A is a perspective cutaway view illustration ofstent delivery system600 having a combination tool and compression tool engaging with a coil stent and a modifiable stent. Thecombination tool650 allows for delivery of one or more stents to one or more vessels with relative ease and simplicity. Traditionally, stent placement surgery can require many tedious hours and detailed surgery that can be risky to patients. Thecombination tool650 allows a user or medical professional to insert one or more stents into a vessel and allow for acompression tool620 to be included during the insert for quick use during a surgical procedure. In at least one example, thecompression tool620 can be utilized to insert the one or more stents into a second vessel after thecombination tool650 is utilized to insert thestent delivery system600 into a first vessel.
• Thecombination tool650 can include ahandle652 for ease of gripping and controlling the insertion and/or placement of one or more stents utilizing thecombination tool650. The handle of thecombination tool650, can be connected to afirst end654, and asecond end656. In at least one example the first end654 (in some examples, a distal end) may be distal from the second end656 (in some examples, a proximal end). Thesecond end656 can be proximal to the user's control and/or hand during an operation, surgery, or procedure.
• Thefirst end654, in at least one embodiment, can include a receivingaperture658 that allows for one or more stents and/or stent covers or sheaths to pass through from thefirst end654 to thesecond end656 of thecombination tool650. In some examples the receivingaperture658 can interact and/or engage with acontainer ring662. Thecontainer ring662 can be a ring or conduit that can be utilized to support one or more stents and/or stent covers or sheaths as they pass through and/or are contained within thefirst end654 of thecombination tool650. In some examples, thecontainer ring662 may have an elongated section that surrounds the one or more stents. In at least one example, acontainment void664 may be present between thefirst end654 and thesecond end656. In some examples, thecontainment void664 may be defined by a layer of material to assist in containing the one or more stents.
• Thesecond end656, in at least one embodiment, can include a receivingvoid660 that allows for the storage and/or containment of one or more stents, and/or covers or sheaths of the one or more stents. In at least one example, this allows for amodifiable stent604 and/orcoil stent610 to be contained and prevented from expanding beyond the desired first state, or unmodified state. Thesecond end656 can define the receivingvoid660 in a manner that allows it to prevent the expansion or modification of the one or more stents. In at least one example, the receivingvoid660 is in communication with one ormore receiving channels668A and/or668B. It would be understood that the receivingchannels668A/668B may be illustrated as two channels when viewed as a cross section view, but the two channels may be a single channel that is in a rounded or circular form. The receivingchannels668A/668B can surround acontact point666 that allows for engagement and/or contact with the one or more stents, and/or sheaths or covers during a insertion procedure.
• Thecompression tool620, in at least one embodiment, can allow for the compression of amodifiable stent604 and/or expansion of acoil stent610. In at least one example, thecompression tool620 can have a set ofengagement arms628 with lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure. The set ofengagement arms628 are elongated structures, that may be downwardly or upwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent604 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s) and/or non-modifiable member(s). Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent604 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent604 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen. Similarly, thecoil stent610, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)616 and has one or more point set(s)612. In some examples, thecoil stent610 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent610 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent604. While in other examples, thecoil stent610 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set612 of thecoil stent610 may include atraumatic point(s)614A and/or traumatic point(s)614B, individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent604 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent610. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent604, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent610. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent604 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent604, while thecoil stent610 can engage with the vessels to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent604 and/or thecoil stent610. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when there vessels are placed in close proximity.
• FIG.6B is a perspective cutaway view illustration ofstent delivery system600 having a combination tool and compression tool engaging with a coil stent and a modifiable stent. Thecombination tool650 allows for delivery of one or more stents to one or more vessels with relative ease and simplicity. Traditionally, stent placement surgery can require many tedious hours and detailed surgery that can be risky to patients. Thecombination tool650 allows a user or medical professional to insert one or more stents into a vessel and allows for acompression tool620 to be included during the insert for quick use during a surgical procedure. In at least one example, thecompression tool620 can be utilized to insert the one or more stents into a second vessel after thecombination tool650 is utilized to insert thestent delivery system600 into a first vessel.
• Thecombination tool650 can include ahandle652 for ease of gripping and controlling the insertion and/or placement of one or more stents utilizing thecombination tool650. The handle of thecombination tool650 can be connected to afirst end654 and asecond end656. In at least one example the first end654 (in some examples, a distal end) may be distal from the second end656 (in some examples, a proximal end). Thesecond end656 can be proximal to the user's control and/or hand during an operation, surgery, or procedure.
• Thefirst end654, in at least one embodiment, can interact and/or engage with acontainer ring662. Thecontainer ring662 can be a ring or conduit that can be utilized to support one or more stents and/or stent covers or sheaths as they pass through and/or contained within thefirst end654 of thecombination tool650. In some examples, thecontainer ring662 may have an elongated section that surrounds the one or more stents.
• Thecompression tool620, in at least one embodiment, can allow for the compression of a modifiable stent (not illustrated) and/or expansion of acoil stent610. Theengagement section626 of the compression tool, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms624A and/or624B. Thearms624A/624B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement zone626. Theengagement zone626, can have an internal void630 (illustrated inFIG.6B) that is defined by a set ofengagement arms628. The set ofengagement arms628 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms628 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms624A/624B. The set ofengagement arms628 are elongated structures, that may be downwardly or upwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms628 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms628 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms628 can be engaged with thefirst end654 and/or receivingaperture658 to allow or storage during the procedure and/or insertion of the one or more stents. Theengagement zone626, can have an internal void630 (illustrated inFIG.6B) that is defined by a set ofengagement arms628.
• In at least one embodiment, thecoil stent610, is formed with coupling member(s)616 (illustrated inFIG.6A) and has one or more point set(s)612 (illustrated inFIG.6A). In some examples, thecoil stent610 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent610 to be modified in a similar manner as the modifiable stent. While in other examples, thecoil stent610 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set612 of thecoil stent610 may include atraumatic point(s)614A and/or traumatic point(s)614B (illustrated inFIG.6A), individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent604 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent610. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent604, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent610. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent604 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent604, while thecoil stent610 can engage with the vessels to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent604 and/or thecoil stent610. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• The modifiable stent (not illustrated) may be separated from thecoil stent610 and/orcompression tool620 by a sheath orcover670. In at least one example, the sheath or cover670 may include various tears or perforations that allow for it to be removed easier from the one or more stents. In other examples, the sheath or cover670 may be formed of a material that can define acover void672 that can receive and/or surround one or more stents.
• FIG.7A is a perspective view illustration of astent delivery system700 having adonor vessel702, amodifiable stent704, acoil stent710, and acompression tool720 in anopen state732A. Thestent delivery system700, in at least one example, provides a user (a medical professional) with the ability to compress one or more stents, such as but not limited to themodifiable stent704 and/orcoil stent710, for easy of entry and/or placement within one or more vessels such as, but not limited to thedonor vessel702 and/or a recipient vessel (not illustrated). In some examples, thecompression tool720 engages with one or both of the stents (illustrated asmodifiable stent704 and/or coil stent710), to allow for the ease of insertion into one or more vessels.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)706 and non-modifiable member(s)708, while in some examples, themodifiable stent704 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)706 or non-modifiable member(s)708. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent704 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent704 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent710, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)716, and has apoint set712. In some examples, thecoil stent710 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent710 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent704, while in other examples, thecoil stent710 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set712 of thecoil stent710 may include atraumatic point(s)714A and/or traumatic point(s)714B, individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to the recipient vessel (not illustrated) and/ordonor vessel702.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent710. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent704, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent710. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent704 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent704, while thecoil stent710 can engage with the vessels (illustrated as recipient vessel (not illustrated) and/or donor vessel702) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent704 and/or thecoil stent710. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• Theengagement section726, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms724A and/or724B. Thearms724A/724B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement zone726. Theengagement zone726, can have aninternal void730 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms728. The set ofengagement arms728 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure. In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 may also have one or more coupling points774. The coupling points774 may allow for thecompression tool720 to interact and/or engage with vessels in a manner that avoids the vessel slipping or sliding in a direction away from the one or more stents.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms724A/724B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms728 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms728 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the engagement arm(s)728 and a tapered end can allow for a user to more easily engage and/or place the stents within a vessel, such as but not limited to the recipient vessel ordonor vessel702.
• In some examples, thecompression tool720 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause a closing action to occur. When a closing action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state732A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state732A.
• FIG.7B is a perspective view illustration of astent delivery system700 having adonor vessel702, amodifiable stent704, acoil stent710, and acompression tool720 in anopen state732A. Thestent delivery system700, in at least one example, provides a user (a medical professional) with the ability to compress one or more stents, such as but not limited to themodifiable stent704 and/orcoil stent710, for ease of entry and/or placement within one or more vessels, such as, but not limited to thedonor vessel702 and/or a recipient vessel (not illustrated). In some examples, thecompression tool720 engages with one or both of the stents (illustrated asmodifiable stent704 and/or coil stent710), to allow for the ease of insertion into one or more vessels.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)706 and non-modifiable member(s)708 while in some examples, themodifiable stent704 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)706 or non-modifiable member(s)708. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent704 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent704 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen. In some examples, themodifiable stent704 may have one or more (a set of) receivingpoints776 that may receive one or more anchor points of thecoil stent710. This may allow for the positioning of the stent in a more reliable manner.
• Similarly, thecoil stent710, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)716, and has apoint set712. In some examples, thecoil stent710 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent710 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent704, while in other examples, thecoil stent710 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set712 of thecoil stent710 may include atraumatic point(s)714A and/or traumatic point(s)714B (illustrated inFIG.7A), individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to the a recipient vessel (not illustrated) and/ordonor vessel702.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent710. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent704, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent710. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent704 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent704, while thecoil stent710 can engage with the vessels (illustrated as recipient vessel (not illustrated) and/or donor vessel702) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent704 and/or thecoil stent710. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• Theengagement section726, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms724A and/or724B. Thearms724A/724B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement zone726. Theengagement zone726, can have aninternal void730 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms728. The set ofengagement arms728 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure. In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 may also have one or more coupling points774. The coupling points774 may allow for thecompression tool720 to interact and/or engage with vessels in a manner that avoids the vessel slipping or sliding in a direction away from the one or more stents.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms724A/724B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms728 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms728 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the engagement arm(s)728 and a tapered end can allow for a user to more easily engage and/or place the stents within a vessel, such as but not limited to the recipient vessel ordonor vessel702.
• In some examples, thecompression tool720 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause aclosing action732B to occur. When aclosing action732B occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state illustrated inFIG.7A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting or open state.
• FIG.7C is a perspective view illustration of astent delivery system700 having arecipient vessel718, adonor vessel702, amodifiable stent704, acoil stent710, and acompression tool720 in anopen state732C. Thestent delivery system700, in at least one example, provides a user (a medical professional) with the ability to compress one or more stents, such as but not limited to themodifiable stent704 and/orcoil stent710, for ease of entry and/or placement within one or more vessels such as, but not limited to thedonor vessel702 and/or arecipient vessel718. In some examples, thecompression tool720 engages with one or both of the stents (illustrated asmodifiable stent704 and/or coil stent710), to allow for the ease of insertion into one or more vessels.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)706 and non-modifiable member(s)708, while in some examples, themodifiable stent704 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)706 or non-modifiable member(s)708. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent704 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent704 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent710, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)716, and has apoint set712. In some examples, thecoil stent710 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent710 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent704 while in other examples, thecoil stent710 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set712 of thecoil stent710 may include atraumatic point(s)714A and/or traumatic point(s)714B (illustrated inFIG.7A), individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to the arecipient vessel718 and/ordonor vessel702.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent710. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent704, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent710. The concentric nature of the stent placements allows for themodifiable stent704 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent704, while thecoil stent710 can engage with the vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel718 and/or donor vessel702) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent704 and/or thecoil stent710. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when their vessels are placed in close proximity.
• Theengagement section726, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms724A and/or724B illustrated inFIG.7A. Thearms724A/724B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement zone726. Theengagement zone726, can have aninternal void730 that is defined by a set ofengagement arms728. The set ofengagement arms728 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure. In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 may also have one or more coupling points774 (illustrated inFIG.7A). The coupling points774 may allow for thecompression tool720 to interact and/or engage with vessels in a manner that avoids the vessel slipping or sliding in a direction away from the one or more stents.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms724A/724B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms728 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms728 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the engagement arm(s)728 and a tapered end can allow for a user to more easily engage and/or place the stents within a vessel, such as but not limited to the recipient vessel ordonor vessel702.
• In some examples, thecompression tool720 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause aclosing action732C to occur. When aclosing action732C occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state illustrated inFIG.7A. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting or open state.
• FIG.7D is a perspective view illustration of astent delivery system700 having arecipient vessel718, adonor vessel702, amodifiable stent704, acoil stent710, and acompression tool720 in anclosed state732D. Thestent delivery system700, in at least one example, provides a user (a medical professional) with the ability to compress one or more stents, such as but not limited to themodifiable stent704 and/orcoil stent710, for easy of entry and/or placement within one or more vessels such as, but not limited to thedonor vessel702 and/or arecipient vessel718. In some examples, thecompression tool720 engages with one or both of the stents (illustrated asmodifiable stent704 and/or coil stent710), to allow for the ease of insertion into one or more vessels.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is formed with a combination of modifiable member(s)706 and non-modifiable member(s)708, while in some examples, themodifiable stent704 may be comprised of only modifiable member(s)706 or non-modifiable member(s)708. Additionally, in at least one example, themodifiable stent704 may also have additional traumatic or atraumatic anchor points (not illustrated) that allow for themodifiable stent704 to be anchored to a specific location or position within the vessel(s) or lumen.
• Similarly, thecoil stent710, in at least one embodiment, is formed with coupling member(s)716, and has a point set712 (illustrated inFIG.7A). In some examples, thecoil stent710 may also include modifiable member(s) (not illustrated) that would allow for thecoil stent710 to be modified in a similar manner as themodifiable stent704. While in other examples, thecoil stent710 may be formed from only modifiable member(s). The point set712 of thecoil stent710 may include atraumatic point(s)714A and/or traumatic point(s)714B (illustrated inFIG.7A), individually or in combination, to allow for engagement with one or more vessels, such as but not limited to the arecipient vessel718 and/ordonor vessel702.
• In at least one embodiment, themodifiable stent704 is co-axially located or concentric to thecoil stent710. For clarity, in some examples, there can be a covering or sheath between the stents and/or vessels. Themodifiable stent704, in at least one example, is housed within the inner diameter of thecoil stent710. The concentric nature of the stent placements allow for themodifiable stent704 to expand outwardly, to allow for proper fluid passage through themodifiable stent704, while thecoil stent710 can engage with the vessels (illustrated asrecipient vessel718 and/or donor vessel702) to prevent the movement of themodifiable stent704 and/or thecoil stent710. In some examples, the lack of movement of the stents also allows for quicker healing when there vessels are placed in close proximity.
• Theengagement section726, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms724A and/or724B. Thearms724A/724B as seen inFIG.7A, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress and/or close theengagement zone726. Theengagement zone726, can have an internal void730 (illustrated inFIG.7C) that is defied by a set ofengagement arms728. The set ofengagement arms728 can have lengths that allow for engagement with various portions of one or both of the stents described in the present disclosure. In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 may also have one or more coupling points774 (illustrated inFIG.7A). The coupling points774 may allow for thecompression tool720 to interact and/or engage with vessels in a manner that avoids the vessel slipping or sliding in a direction away from the one or more stents.
• In at least one example, the set ofengagement arms728 are elongated structures that are generally perpendicular to thearms724A/724B. In some examples, the set ofengagement arms728 can be downwardly sloped to allow for additional engagement with one or more stents (not illustrated). In yet other examples, the set ofengagement arms728 may be upwardly sloped to allow for engagement with one or more stents with external protrusions. In at least one embodiment, the engagement arm(s)728 and a tapered end can allow for a user to more easily engage and/or place the stents within a vessel, such as but not limited to the recipient vessel ordonor vessel702.
• In some examples, thecompression tool720 may be called a tweezer tool because of its similarity in operation to a tweezer. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause a closing action to occur. When a closing action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting oropen state732D. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting oropen state732D.
• FIG.8A is a perspective view illustration ofstent delivery system800 having adelivery tool820 and acoil stent810. Thedelivery tool820 allows for a vessel (not illustrated) to be guided into a position that thecoil stent810 can be delivered. Thedelivery tool820 has a first end or engagement section that is opposite and distal from an inflection point. The inflection point allows for the spring and/or resistive force that allows thedelivery tool820 to remain in a neutral state when not compressed by a user or external force (not illustrated).
• The engagement section and the inflection point, in at least one embodiment, can be connected byarms882A and/or882B. Thearms882A/882B, in at least one example, may be of a length that allows for a reasonable force to be applied by a user to compress thearms882A/882B and/or open the engagement zone.Transfer arms884A and/or884B can allow a for the transfer of the compression or reasonable force applied by a user toextension arms886A and/or886B. Thetransfer arms884A/884B may be of a length that allows for the closing of the engagement zone when thedelivery tool820 is in a neutral state and are generally perpendicular to thearms882A/882B and/orextension arms886A/886B. In some examples, engagement zone may also be referenced as an engagement section. Theextension arms886A/886B can act as an extension of thearms882A/882B but are in opposite planes in order to allow for the expansion of the delivery tool880. For example,arm882A corresponds to theextension arm886B, andarm882B corresponds toextension arm886A. This cross over is possible because of thetransfer arms884A/884B.
• In some examples, thedelivery tool820 may be called an expander tool because of its similarity in operation to an expander used in orthodontics to push two points away from one another. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause an opening action to occur. When an opening action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state allowing the engagement zone to open. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting or open state and the engagement zone will return to it's closed state.
• The engagement zone, in at least one embodiment, may include a set ofguides890 that provide direction for the coupling of thedelivery tool820 to a vessel (not illustrated). The set ofguides890, in at least one example, can includeengagement points892 that can engage with the vessel to prevent it from moving during the delivery and/or insertion of thestent810. Thedelivery tool820 can also include atransfer guide894 that allows for guiding thestent810 into position within a vessel. Thetransfer guide894 can include a portion that goes within thestent810 and a portion that surrounds the outside of thestent810. In at least one example, there can be a transfer guide engagement zone891 (seeFIG.8B) between the outer portion of thetransfer guide894 and thestent810. In at least one embodiment, thetransfer guide894 is removable with thestent810 from the engagement zone of thedelivery tool820.
• FIG.8B is a perspective view illustration of adelivery tool820 and acoil stent810. Thedelivery tool820 allows for a vessel (not illustrated) to be guided into a position that thecoil stent810 can be delivered. Thedelivery tool820 has a first end or engagement section that is opposite and distal from an inflection point. The inflection point allows for the spring and/or resistive force that allows thedelivery tool820 to remain in a neutral state when not compressed by a user or external force (not illustrated).
• Transfer arms can allow a for the transfer of the compression or reasonable force applied by a user toextension arms886A and/or886B. In some examples, engagement zone may also be referenced as an engagement section. Theextension arms886A/886B can act as an extension of the arms but are in opposite planes in order to allow for the expansion of thedelivery tool820.
• In some examples, thedelivery tool820 may be called an expander tool because of its similarity in operation to an expander used in orthodontics to push two points away from one another. In a similar operation, a user can apply a force to the arms to cause an opening action to occur. When an opening action occurs, the arms move closer together from the starting or open state allowing the engagement zone to open. Upon releasing or reducing the force, the arms will return to the starting or open state and the engagement zone will return to it's closed state.
• The engagement zone, in at least one embodiment, may include a set ofguides890 that provide direction for the coupling of thedelivery tool820 to a vessel (not illustrated). The set ofguides890, in at least one example, can includeengagement points892 that can engage with the vessel to prevent it from moving during the delivery and/or insertion of thestent810. Thedelivery tool820 can also include atransfer guide894 that allows for guiding thestent810 into position within a vessel. Thetransfer guide894 can include a portion that goes within thestent810 and a portion that surrounds the outside of thestent810. In at least one example, there can be a transferguide engagement zone891 between the outer portion of thetransfer guide894 and thestent810. In at least one embodiment, thetransfer guide894 is removable with thestent810 from the engagement zone of thedelivery tool820.
• Thetransfer guide894, in at least one example, may also includeengagement neck893 that can prevent the expansion of thestent810, and/or engage with a vessel to allow for ease of insertion. Aninternal void896 of thetransfer guide894 can be present and allow for additional stents and/or tools to be inserted into the vessel. For example, a first stent may be inserted while thecoil stent810 is wrapped around it as a specific point. Alternatively, thecoil stent810 may be delivered onto a first vessel that may or may not have a stent within in it, while a second vessel is engage with the guides allowing thecoil stent810 to engage the first and second vessels for potential healing together. As part of this example, atransfer guide notch898 may be utilized to push and/or guide thestent810 away from thetransfer guide894 and/ordelivery tool820.
• FIG.9A is a perspective view illustration of a dual stent delivery tool901 (in some examples a stent delivery tool901) that can be utilized as an apparatus and system, and as part of a method of using the dual stents. In at least one embodiment, the dualstent delivery tool901 may be utilized to place two stents with a single button press, allowing for the first portion of an amitosis surgery to be completed in just a few seconds, rather than the current methods which can take up to ten to twenty minutes per vessel. In some examples, the dualstent delivery tool901 be included as part of a set of delivery tools or in sterilized blister packs that can be opened and utilized in rapid succession during intensive surgery.
• The dualstent delivery tool901 can have amain body903 for housing the internal workings of thestent delivery tool901, and in at least one example, partially housing and/or containing one or more stents. In at least one embodiment, themain body903 can be cylindrical, with a first end having aback stop905, and a second end opposing the first end, the second end having an opening to receive the one or more stents. In some examples, themain body903 may have additional openings, apertures, or other structures that pass through or along portions of themain body903. Theback stop905 may be threaded, friction fit, or otherwise coupled to themain body903 in a manner that prevents it from being removed from themain body903 without additional outside forces.
• A firing tab orbutton907 may be utilized by a user or medical professional to activate the mechanisms to transfer one or both of the stents. It would be understood, that while one button is illustrated, in at least one example, two or more buttons may be utilized to trigger the transfer and/or insertion of one or more stents, and/or other activities related to these and similar procedures. In some examples of the dualstent delivery tool901, there may be additional firing tab(s) or button(s)907 to allow for vessels to be engaged or disengaged, along with the engagement or disengagement of one or more stents.
• When thefiring tab907 is pressed, a lead in909, in some examples called an olive tip lead in, can extend or retract based on the design of the dualstent delivery tool901. The lead in909 can be shaped like a rounded bullet with a tapered front end, coupled to a cylindrical section, and a tapered rear section that coupled to a plunger and/or rod. While the olive shape is illustrated, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
• In at least one embodiment, the lead in909 can engage and/or interact with aninner stent911. In at least one example, theinner stent911 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent911 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent911 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering913 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent911 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering913. In some examples, the inner stent covering913 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Similarly, theouter stent915 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent915 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent915 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering917 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent915 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering917. In some examples, the inner stent covering917 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Theinner stent911 can be co-axially related to theouter stent915 such that theinner stent911 is within the inner radius or diameter of theouter stent915.
• FIG.9B is a perspective view illustration of a dualstent delivery tool901 in a zoomed view of the front section of the dualstent delivery tool901. In at least one embodiment, the dualstent delivery tool901 may be utilized to place two stents with a single button press, allowing for the first portion of an amitosis surgery to be completed in just a few seconds, rather than the current methods which can take up to ten to twenty minutes per vessel. In some examples, the dualstent delivery tool901 can be included as part of a set of delivery tools or in sterilized blister packs that can be opened and utilized in rapid succession during intensive surgery.
• The dualstent delivery tool901 can have amain body903 for housing the internal workings of thestent delivery tool901, and in at least one example, partially housing and/or containing one or more stents. In at least one embodiment, themain body903 can be cylindrical, with a first end having a back stop905 (seeFIG.9A), and a second end opposing the first end, and the second end having an opening to receive the one or more stents. In some examples, themain body903 may have additional openings, apertures, or other structures that pass through or along portions of themain body903. Theback stop905 may be threaded, friction fit, or otherwise coupled to themain body903 in a manner that prevents it from being removed from themain body903 without additional outside forces.
• A firing tab or button907 (seeFIG.9A) may be utilized by a user or medical professional to activate the mechanisms to transfer one or both of the stents. It would be understood, that while one button is illustrated, in at least one example two or more buttons may be utilized to trigger the transfer and/or insertion of one or more stents, and/or other activities related to these and similar procedures. In some examples of the dualstent delivery tool901, there may be additional firing tab(s) or button(s)907 to allow for vessels to be engaged or disengaged, along with the engagement or disengagement of one or more stents.
• When thefiring tab907 is pressed, a lead in909, in some examples called an olive tip lead in, can extend or retract based on the design of the dualstent delivery tool901. The lead in909 can be shaped like a rounded bullet with a tapered front end, coupled to a cylindrical section, and a tapered rear section that coupled to a plunger and/or rod. While the olive shape is illustrated, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
• In at least one embodiment, the lead in909 can engage and/or interact with aninner stent911. In at least one example, theinner stent911 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent911 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent911 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering913 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent911 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering913. In some examples, the inner stent covering913 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Similarly, theouter stent915 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent915 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent915 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering917 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent915 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering917. In some examples, the inner stent covering917 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Theinner stent911 can be co-axially related to theouter stent915 such that theinner stent911 is within the inner radius or diameter of theouter stent915.
• Themain body903 can include abody aperture919 that allows for access to the internal portions of themain body903. In at least one example, thebody aperture919 is sized and/or configured to allow for the passage and/or storage of one or both stents, a plunger or rod, a firing mechanism (not illustrated), and/or the lead in909.
• FIG.9C is a cross-sectional view illustration of a dualstent delivery tool901. In at least one embodiment, the dualstent delivery tool901 may be utilized to place two stents with a single button press, allowing for the first portion of an amitosis surgery to be completed in just a few seconds, rather than the current methods which can take up to ten to twenty minutes per vessel. In some examples, the dualstent delivery tool901 be included as part of a set of delivery tools or in sterilized blister packs that can be opened and utilized in rapid succession during intensive surgery.
• The dualstent delivery tool901 can have amain body903 for housing the internal workings of thestent delivery tool901, and in at least one example, partially housing and/or containing one or more stents. In at least one embodiment, themain body903 can be cylindrical, with a first end having aback stop905, and a second end opposing the first end, and the second end having an opening to receive the one or more stents. In some examples, themain body903 may have additional openings, apertures, or other structures that pass through or along portions of themain body903. Theback stop905 may be threaded, friction fit, or otherwise coupled to themain body903 in a manner that prevents it from being removed from themain body903 without additional outside forces.
• A firing tab orbutton907 may be utilized by a user or medical professional to activate the mechanisms to transfer one or both of the stents. It would be understood that while one button is illustrated, in at least one example two or more buttons may be utilized to trigger the transfer and/or insertion of one or more stents, and/or other activities related to these and similar procedures. In some examples of the dualstent delivery tool901, there may be additional firing tab(s) or button(s)907 to allow for vessels to be engaged or disengaged, along with the engagement or disengagement of one or more stents.
• When thefiring tab907 is pressed, a lead in909, in some examples called an olive tip lead in can extend or retract based on the design of the dualstent delivery tool901. The lead in909 can be shaped like a rounded bullet with a tapered front end, coupled to a cylindrical section, and a tapered rear section that coupled to a plunger and/or rod. While the olive shape is illustrated, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
• In at least one embodiment, the lead in909 can engage and/or interact with aninner stent911. In at least one example, theinner stent911 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent911 may also have one or more anchor points that, when engaged, can allow theinner stent911 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering913 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent911 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering913. In some examples, the inner stent covering913 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Similarly, theouter stent915 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent915 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent915 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering917 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent915 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering917. In some examples, the inner stent covering917 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Theinner stent911 can be co-axially related to theouter stent915 such that theinner stent911 is within the inner radius or diameter of theouter stent915.
• Themain body903 can include abody aperture919 that allows for access to the internal portions of themain body903. In at least one example, thebody aperture919 is sized and/or configured to allow for the passage and/or storage of one or both stents, a plunger or rod, a firing mechanism (not illustrated), and/or the lead in909.
• Thecover carrier921, in some examples a sheath carrier, can allow for a coupling to the one or more sheaths or coverings for the stents of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the covers or sheaths are coupled to thecover carrier921 in a manner that when the firing button ortab907 is pressed, it releases thecover carrier921, causing it to move and thereby moving the stent covers or sheaths as well. Thecover carrier921 may also have a covercarrier engagement aperture923 that allows portions of the firing tab orbutton907 to pass through and/or interact with thecover carrier921. In some examples, the covercarrier engagement aperture923 may be formed in such a way that it must be positioned correctly in order to engage or interact with portion of the firing tab orbutton907, while in other examples, the covercarrier engagement aperture923 may have a consistent configuration around the entire perimeter of thecover carrier921. Thecover carrier921, in at least one embodiment, can have a covercarrier retention zone925. The covercarrier retention zone925 can be an area to receive a spring or other retention mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the covercarrier retention zone925 may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier921 away from theback stop905. The covercarrier retention zone925, and/or the covercarrier engagement aperture923 can surround and/or device a cover carrier pass throughvoid927 that allows a rod or plunger to pass through thecover carrier921.
• The lead in909 can be coupled to a lead inshaft929. The lead inshaft929 can be a rod or plunger that passes through thebody aperture919. In some examples, it can couple with aplunger rod931. In at least one example theplunger rod931 surrounds the lead inshaft929 to provide additional support. In other examples, theplunger rod931 can be an extension of the lead inshaft929.
• In at least on embodiment, aretention mechanism933 can be utilized to engage thecover carrier921 backwards towards theback stop905 or forwards towards thebody aperture919. In at least one example, theretention mechanism933 is a spring, while in other examples, other forms of mechanism that can impart kinetic energy may be utilized. When the firing tab orbutton907 is engaged by the user and passes a portion of the firing tab or button through the main bodyfiring tab aperture943, the kinetic energy stored in theretention mechanism933 can be released.
• Theretention mechanism933 can be coupled between the covercarrier retention zone925 and the backstop retention zone945. The backstop retention zone945 can be an area to receive a spring or other retention mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the backstop retention zone945 may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier921 away from theback stop905. The lead in909 interaction depth with a vessel (not illustrated) can be adjusted with adepth adjustment935. In at least one example, thedepth adjustment935 interacts with theback stop905 though a threaded connection, while other connections that allow for changes of positioning between two elements would not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure. The threaded connection may be illustrated by a depthadjustment engagement surface939 along the outer perimeter of thedepth adjustment935, and the inner perimeter of theback stop905.
• The lead inshaft929, and/orplunger rod931 can pass through and/or engage with aback stop aperture937 defined by theback stop905, and/or thedepth adjustment aperture941 defined by thedepth adjustment935. In at least one example, theback stop aperture937 can allow for the passage of the lead inshaft929 and theplunger rod931 while thedepth adjustment aperture941 only allows for the passage of the lead inshaft929. Further to this example, the depth of the lead in909 engagement with a vessel can be controlled by the amount of the shaft and/or rod that is allowed to pass through them.
• FIG.10 is an exploded view illustration of a dualstent delivery tool1001. In at least one embodiment, the dualstent delivery tool1001 may be utilized to place two stents with a single button press, allowing for the first portion of an amitosis surgery to be completed in just a few seconds, rather than the current methods which can take up to ten to twenty minutes per vessel. In some examples, the dualstent delivery tool1001 be included as part of a set of delivery tools or in sterilized blister packs that can be opened and utilized in rapid succession during intensive surgery.
• The dualstent delivery tool1001 can have amain body1003 for housing the internal workings of thestent delivery tool1001, and in at least one example, partially housing and/or containing one or more stents. In at least one embodiment, themain body1003 can be cylindrical, with a first end having aback stop1005, and a second end opposing the first end, and the second end having an opening to receive the one or more stents. In some examples, themain body1003 may have additional openings, apertures, or other structures that pass through or along portions of themain body1003. Theback stop1005 may be threaded, friction fit, or otherwise coupled to themain body1003 in a manner that prevents it from being removed from themain body1003 without additional outside forces. Themain body1003 may house all of the components with the exception of portions of the lead in1009 and/or lead inshaft1029, firing tab orbutton1007, theback stop1005, and/ordepth adjustment1035.
• A firing tab orbutton1007 may be utilized by a user or medical professional to activate the mechanisms to transfer one or both of the stents. It would be understood, that while one button is illustrated, in at least one example, two or more buttons may be utilized to trigger the transfer and/or insertion of one or more stents, and/or other activities related to these and similar procedures. The firing tab orbutton1007 may include firing tab orbutton engagement extensions1047 that can engage with thecover carrier1021. In at least one example, the firing tab orbutton1007, when pressed, thefiring tab extension1047 passes through the cover carrier engagement aperture releasing thecover carrier1021 and causing it to move. In some examples of the dualstent delivery tool1001, there may be additional firing tab(s) or button(s)1007 to allow for vessels to be engaged or disengaged, along with the engagement or disengagement of one or more stents.
• When thefiring tab1007 is pressed, a lead in1009, in some examples called an olive tip lead in, can extend or retract based on the design of the dualstent delivery tool1001. The lead in1009 can be shaped like a rounded bullet with a tapered front end, coupled to a cylindrical section, and a tapered rear section that coupled to a plunger and/or rod. While the olive shape is illustrated, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
• In at least one embodiment, the lead in1009 can engage and/or interact with aninner stent1011. In at least one example, theinner stent1011 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent1011 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent1011 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering1013 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent1011 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering1013. In some examples, the inner stent covering1013 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Similarly, theouter stent1015 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent1015 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent1015 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering1017 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent1015 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering1017. In some examples, the inner stent covering1017 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Theinner stent1011 can be co-axially related to theouter stent1015 such that theinner stent1011 is within the inner radius or diameter of theouter stent1015.
• Themain body1003 can include abody aperture1019 that allows for access to the internal portions of themain body1003. In at least one example, thebody aperture1019 is sized and/or configured to allow for the passage and/or storage of one or both stents, a plunger or rod, a firing mechanism (not illustrated), and/or the lead in1009.
• Thecover carrier1021, in some examples a sheath carrier, can allow for a coupling to the one or more sheaths or coverings for the stents of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the covers or sheaths are coupled to thecover carrier1021 in a manner that when the firing button ortab1007 is pressed it releases thecover carrier1021 to move and thereby moving the stent covers or sheaths as well. Thecover carrier1021 may also have a cover carrier engagement aperture that allows portions of the firing tab orbutton1007, such as but not limited to firing tab orbutton extensions1047 to pass through and/or interact with thecover carrier1021. In some examples, the cover carrier engagement aperture may be formed in such a way that it must be positioned correctly in order to engage or interact with portion of the firing tab orbutton1007, while in other examples, the cover carrier engagement aperture may have a consistent configuration around the entire perimeter of thecover carrier1021. Thecover carrier1021, in at least one embodiment, can have a cover carrier retention zone. The cover carrier retention zone can be an area to receive a spring or other retention mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the cover carrier retention zone may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier1021 away from theback stop1005. The cover carrier retention zone, and/or the cover carrier engagement aperture can surround and/or device a cover carrier pass through void that allows a rod or plunger to pass through thecover carrier1021.
• The lead in1009 can be coupled to a lead inshaft1029. The lead inshaft1029 can be a rod or plunger that passes through thebody aperture1019. In some examples, it can couple with aplunger rod1031. In at least one example theplunger rod1031 surrounds the lead inshaft1029 to provide additional support. In other examples, theplunger rod1031 can be an extension of the lead inshaft1029.
• In at least on embodiment, aretention mechanism1033 can be utilized to engage thecover carrier1021 backwards towards theback stop1005 or forwards towards thebody aperture1019. In at least one example, theretention mechanism1033 is a spring, while in other example, other forms of mechanism that can impart kinetic energy may be utilized. When the firing tab orbutton1007 is engaged by the user and passes a portion of the firing tab or button through the main body firing tab aperture, the kinetic energy stored in theretention mechanism1033 can be released.
• Theretention mechanism1033 can be coupled between the cover carrier retention zone and the back stop retention zone. The back stop retention zone can be an area to receive a spring orother retention mechanism1033. In at least one embodiment, the back stop retention zone may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier1021 away from theback stop1005. The lead in1009 interaction depth with a vessel (not illustrated) can be adjusted with adepth adjustment1035. In at least one example, thedepth adjustment1035 interacts with theback stop1005 though a threaded connection, while other connections that allow for changes of positioning between two elements would not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure. The threaded connection may be illustrated by a depth adjustment engagement surface along the outer perimeter of thedepth adjustment1035 and the inner perimeter of theback stop1005.
• The lead inshaft1029, and/orplunger rod1031 can pass through and/or engage with a back stop aperture defined by theback stop1005 and/or the depth adjustment aperture defined by thedepth adjustment1035. In at least one example, the back stop aperture can allow for the passage of the lead inshaft1029 and theplunger rod1031, while the depth adjustment aperture only allows for the passage of the lead inshaft1029. Further to this example, the depth of the lead in1009 engagement with a vessel can be controlled by the amount of the shaft and/or rod that is allowed to pass through them.
• FIG.11A is a partially exploded view illustration of a dualstent delivery tool1101 in apre-delivery state1151A. In at least one embodiment, the dualstent delivery tool1101 may be utilized to place two stents with a single button press, allowing for the first portion of an amitosis surgery to be completed in just a few seconds, rather than the current methods which can take up to ten to twenty minutes per vessel. In some examples, the dualstent delivery tool1101 be included as part of a set of delivery tools or in sterilized blister packs that can be opened and utilized in rapid succession during intensive surgery. In at least one embodiment, thepre-delivery state1151A is the state before a pressure orforce1155 is applied to a firing tab orbutton1107. Thepre-delivery state1151A, in at least one example, is the state where thefiring tab extensions1147 are engaged with thecover carrier1121.
• The dualstent delivery tool1101 can have amain body1103 for housing the internal workings of thestent delivery tool1101, and in at least one example, partially housing and/or containing one or more stents. In at least one embodiment, themain body1103 can be cylindrical, with a first end having aback stop1105, and a second end opposing the first end, and the second end having an opening to receive the one or more stents. In some examples, themain body1103 may have additional openings, apertures, or other structures that pass through or along portions of themain body1103. Theback stop1105 may be threaded, friction fit, or otherwise coupled to themain body1103 in a manner that prevents it from being removed from themain body1103 without additional outside forces. Themain body1103 may house all of the components with the exception of portions of the lead in1109 and/or lead inshaft1129, firing tab orbutton1107, theback stop1105, and/ordepth adjustment1145.
• A firing tab orbutton1107 may be utilized by a user or medical professional to activate the mechanisms to transfer one or both of the stents. It would be understood, that while one button is illustrated, in at least one example two or more buttons may be utilized to trigger the transfer and/or insertion of one or more stents, and/or other activities related to these and similar procedures. The firing tab orbutton1107 may include firing tab orbutton engagement extensions1147 that can engage with thecover carrier1121. In at least one example, the firing tab orbutton1107, when pressed, thefiring tab extension1147 passes through the cover carrier engagement aperture, releasing thecover carrier1121 and causing it to move. In some examples of the dualstent delivery tool1101, there may be additional firing tab(s) or button(s)1107 to allow for vessels to be engaged or disengaged, along with the engagement or disengagement of one or more stents.
• When thefiring tab1107 is pressed a lead in1109, in some examples called an olive tip lead in, can extend or retract based on the design of the dualstent delivery tool1101. The lead in1109 can be shaped like a rounded bullet with a tapered front end, coupled to a cylindrical section, and a tapered rear section that coupled to a plunger and/or rod. While the olive shape is illustrated, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
• In at least one embodiment, the lead in1109 can engage and/or interact with aninner stent1111. In at least one example, theinner stent1111 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent1111 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent1111 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering1113 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent1111 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering1113. In some examples, the inner stent covering1113 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Similarly, theouter stent1115 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent1115 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent1115 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering1117 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent1115 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering1117. In some examples, the inner stent covering1117 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Theinner stent1111 can be co-axially related to theouter stent1115 such that theinner stent1111 is within the inner radius or diameter of theouter stent1115.
• Themain body1103 can include abody aperture1119 that allows for access to the internal portions of themain body1103. In at least one example, thebody aperture1119 is sized and/or configured to allow for the passage and/or storage of one or both stents, a plunger or rod, a firing mechanism (not illustrated), and/or the lead in1109.
• Thecover carrier1121, in some examples a sheath carrier can allow for a coupling to the one or more sheaths or coverings for the stents of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the covers or sheaths are coupled to thecover carrier1121 in a manner that when the firing button ortab1107 is pressed, it releases thecover carrier1121 and causes it to move, thereby moving the stent covers or sheaths as well. Thecover carrier1121 may also have a cover carrier engagement aperture that allows portions of the firing tab orbutton1107, such as but not limited to firing tab orbutton extensions1147 to pass through and/or interact with thecover carrier1121. In some examples, the cover carrier engagement aperture may be formed in such a way that it must be positioned correctly in order to engage or interact with portion of the firing tab orbutton1107, while in other examples, the cover carrier engagement aperture may have a consistent configuration around the entire perimeter of thecover carrier1121. Thecover carrier1121, in at least one embodiment, can have a cover carrier retention zone. The cover carrier retention zone can be an area to receive a spring or other retention mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the cover carrier retention zone may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier1121 away from theback stop1105. The cover carrier retention zone, and/or the cover carrier engagement aperture can surround and/or device a cover carrier pass through void that allows a rod or plunger to pass through thecover carrier1121.
• The lead in1109, can be coupled to a lead inshaft1129. The lead inshaft1129 can be a rod or plunger that passes through thebody aperture1119. In some examples, it can couple with aplunger rod1131. In at least one example theplunger rod1131 surrounds the lead inshaft1129 to provide additional support. In other examples, theplunger rod1131 can be an extension of the lead inshaft1129.
• In at least on embodiment, aretention mechanism1133 can be utilized to engage thecover carrier1121 backwards towards theback stop1105 or forwards towards thebody aperture1119. In at least one example, theretention mechanism1133 is a spring, while in other examples, other forms of mechanism that can impart kinetic energy may be utilized. When the firing tab orbutton1107 is engaged by the user and passes a portion of the firing tab or button through the main body firing tab aperture, the kinetic energy stored in theretention mechanism1133 can be released.
• Theretention mechanism1133 can be coupled between the cover carrier retention zone and the back stop retention zone. The back stop retention zone can be an area to receive a spring orother retention mechanism1133. In at least one embodiment, the back stop retention zone may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier1121 away from theback stop1105. The lead in1109 interaction depth with a vessel (not illustrated) can be adjusted with a depth adjustment1135. In at least one example, the depth adjustment1135 interacts with theback stop1105 though a threaded connection, while other connections that allow for changes of positioning between two elements would not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure. The threaded connection may be illustrated by a depth adjustment engagement surface along the outer perimeter of the depth adjustment1135, and the inner perimeter of theback stop1105.
• The lead inshaft1129, and/orplunger rod1131 can pass through and/or engage with a back stop aperture defined by theback stop1105, and/or the depth adjustment aperture defined by the depth adjustment1135. In at least one example, the back stop aperture can allow for the passage of the lead inshaft1129 and theplunger rod1131, while the depth adjustment aperture only allows for the passage of the lead inshaft1129. Further to this example, the depth of the lead in1109 engagement with a vessel can be controlled by the amount of the shaft and/or rod that is allowed to pass through them.
• FIG.11B is a partially exploded view illustration of a dualstent delivery tool1101 in a deliveredstate1151B. In at least one embodiment, the dualstent delivery tool1101 may be utilized to place two stents with a single button press, allowing for the first portion of an amitosis surgery to be completed in just a few seconds, rather than the current methods which can take up to ten to twenty minutes per vessel. In some examples, the dualstent delivery tool1101 can be included as part of a set of delivery tools or in sterilized blister packs that can be opened and utilized in rapid succession during intensive surgery. In at least one embodiment, the deliveredstate1151B is the state after a pressure or force is applied to a firing tab orbutton1107. The deliveredstate1151B, in at least one example, is the state where thefiring tab extensions1147 are disengaged with thecover carrier1121. Allowing for amovement1157 to occur that allows theretention mechanism1133 to be returned to a neutral state and allows the stent(s) to be delivered. When theretention mechanism1133 returns to a neutral state, thecover carrier1121 moves with it causing the covers or sheaths of the stent(s) to be removed, allowing them to be placed within and/or around a vessel.
• The dualstent delivery tool1101 can have amain body1103 for housing the internal workings of thestent delivery tool1101, and in at least one example, partially housing and/or containing one or more stents. In at least one embodiment, themain body1103 can be cylindrical, with a first end having aback stop1105, and a second end opposing the first end, and the second end having an opening to receive the one or more stents. In some examples, themain body1103 may have additional openings, apertures, or other structures that pass through or along portions of themain body1103. Theback stop1105 may be threaded, friction fit, or otherwise coupled to themain body1103 in a manner that prevents it from being removed from themain body1103 without additional outside forces. Themain body1103 may house all of the components with the exception of portions of the lead in1109 and/or lead inshaft1129, firing tab orbutton1107, theback stop1105, and/ordepth adjustment1145.
• A firing tab orbutton1107 may be utilized by a user or medical professional to activate the mechanisms to transfer one or both of the stents. It would be understood that, while one button is illustrated, in at least one example, two or more buttons may be utilized to trigger the transfer and/or insertion of one or more stents, and/or other activities related to these and similar procedures. The firing tab orbutton1107 may include firing tab or button engagement extensions1147 (illustrated inFIG.11A) that can engage with thecover carrier1121. In at least one example, the firing tab orbutton1107, when pressed, thefiring tab extension1147 passes through the cover carrier engagement aperture releasing thecover carrier1121 and causing it to move. In some examples of the dualstent delivery tool1101, there may be additional firing tab(s) or button(s)1107 to allow for vessels to be engaged or disengaged, along with the engagement or disengagement of one or more stents.
• When thefiring tab1107 is pressed a lead in1109, in some examples called an olive tip lead in can extend or retract based on the design of the dualstent delivery tool1101. The lead in1109 can be shaped like a rounded bullet with a tapered front end, coupled to a cylindrical section, and a tapered rear section that coupled to a plunger and/or rod. While the olive shape is illustrated, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
• In at least one embodiment, the lead in1109 can engage and/or interact with aninner stent1111. In at least one example, theinner stent1111 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent1111 may also have one or more anchor points that when engaged can allow theinner stent1111 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an inner stent covering1113 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent1111 prior to the removal of the inner stent covering1113. In some examples, the inner stent covering1113 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Similarly, theouter stent1115 can be a modifiable stent that is capable of expanding and/or retracting on itself. In yet other examples, theinner stent1115 may also have one or more anchor points that, when engaged, can allow theinner stent1115 to be secured to a vessel (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, an outer stent covering1112 can compress and/or prevent the modification of theinner stent1115 prior to the removal of the outer stent covering1112. In some examples, the outer stent covering1112 can be a flexible material with perforations that allow it to be ripped and/or removed in a quick movement without leaving any material behind. Theinner stent1111 can be co-axially related to theouter stent1115 such that theinner stent1111 is within the inner radius or diameter of theouter stent1115.
• Themain body1103 can include abody aperture1119 that allows for access to the internal portions of themain body1103. In at least one example, thebody aperture1119 is sized and/or configured to allow for the passage and/or storage of one or both stents, a plunger or rod, a firing mechanism (not illustrated), and/or the lead in1109.
• Thecover carrier1121, in some examples a sheath carrier, can allow for a coupling to the one or more sheaths or coverings for the stents of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the covers or sheaths are coupled to thecover carrier1121 in a manner that when the firing button ortab1107 is pressed, it releases thecover carrier1121 and causes it to move, thereby moving the stent covers or sheaths as well. Thecover carrier1121 may also have a cover carrier engagement aperture that allows portions of the firing tab orbutton1107, such as but not limited to firing tab or button extensions1147 (illustrated inFIG.11A), to pass through and/or interact with thecover carrier1121. In some examples, the cover carrier engagement aperture may be formed in such a way that it must be positioned correctly in order to engage or interact with portion of the firing tab orbutton1107, while in other examples, the cover carrier engagement aperture may have a consistent configuration around the entire perimeter of thecover carrier1121. Thecover carrier1121, in at least one embodiment, can have a cover carrier retention zone. The cover carrier retention zone can be an area to receive a spring or other retention mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the cover carrier retention zone may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier1121 away from theback stop1105. The cover carrier retention zone, and/or the cover carrier engagement aperture can surround and/or device a cover carrier pass through void that allows a rod or plunger to pass through thecover carrier1121.
• The lead in1109 can be coupled to a lead inshaft1129. The lead inshaft1129 can be a rod or plunger that passes through thebody aperture1119. In some examples, it can couple with a plunger rod1131 (illustrated inFIG.11A). In at least one example theplunger rod1131 surrounds the lead inshaft1129 to provide additional support. In other examples, theplunger rod1131 can be an extension of the lead inshaft1129.
• In at least on embodiment, aretention mechanism1133 can be utilized to engage thecover carrier1121 backwards towards theback stop1105 or forwards towards thebody aperture1119. In at least one example, theretention mechanism1133 is a spring, while in other example, other forms of mechanism that can impart kinetic energy may be utilized. When the firing tab orbutton1107 is engaged by the user and passes a portion of the firing tab or button through the main body firing tab aperture, the kinetic energy stored in theretention mechanism1133 can be released.
• Theretention mechanism1133 can be coupled between the cover carrier retention zone and the back stop retention zone. The back stop retention zone can be an area to receive a spring orother retention mechanism1133. In at least one embodiment, the back stop retention zone may also be able to engage with a pushing or acceleration mechanism that can push thecover carrier1121 away from theback stop1105. The lead in1109 interaction depth with a vessel (not illustrated) can be adjusted with a depth adjustment1135. In at least one example, the depth adjustment1135 as shown inFIG.11A interacts with theback stop1105 though a threaded connection, while other connections that allow for changes of positioning between two elements would not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure. The threaded connection may be illustrated by a depth adjustment engagement surface along the outer perimeter of the depth adjustment1135 and the inner perimeter of theback stop1105.
• The lead inshaft1129, and/orplunger rod1131 can pass through and/or engage with a back stop aperture defined by theback stop1105, and/or the depth adjustment aperture defined by the depth adjustment1135. In at least one example, the back stop aperture can allow for the passage of the lead inshaft1129 and theplunger rod1131 while the depth adjustment aperture only allows for the passage of the lead inshaft1129. Further to this example, the depth of the lead in1109 engagement with a vessel can be controlled by the amount of the shaft and/or rod that is allowed to pass through them.
• FIG.12 is a perspective view illustration of a sheath orcover carrier1221. Thecover carrier1221 can be coupled to one or more covers or sheaths for one or more stents. These covers or sheaths can couple to any number of points of thecover carrier1221. The covercarrier engagement aperture1223 can allow for the positioning of thecover carrier1221 within a stent delivery system or device. In at least one example, the covercarrier engagement aperture1223 can be utilized to secure thecover carrier1221 to a shaft or rod through a fastener, such as, but not limited to, a screw, bolt, or other securing mechanism. The covercarrier retention zone1225 allows for retention mechanisms, springs, or other kinetic devices to be coupled to thecover carrier1221. The cover carrier pass-throughvoid1227, allows for shafts and/or rods to pass through thecover carrier1221. A covercarrier engagement zone1253 can be utilized to allow thecover carrier1221 to engage with a firing tab or button. In at least one example, thecover carrier1221 can be secured when the covercarrier engagement zone1253 is engaged, and when released and the covercarrier engagement zone1253 is not engaged, thecover carrier1221 is released to move based on the kinetic energy of a securing mechanism.
• It should be noted that while vascular, and/or microvascular surgeries and/or surgical methods will be described herein, the present disclosure could also be utilized in any number of surgeries, including, but not limited to those for, the head, neck, sinus, nasal, ear, heart, lung, arteries, veins, brain, nerves, organs, vessels, and/or any other human or animal surgery. While the description will be related to operations on human, it would be understood that those in the veterinarian field could also benefit from the present disclosure. Some examples of the disclosure may also benefit the plumbing, electrical, or other related fields.
• Descriptions herein will be made with respect to a gravitational reference, but such descriptions should not be considered limiting. As it would be understood, unless otherwise noted a reference to a left, or right of an object could be mirrored or flipped, similarly unless otherwise noted a reference to up or down could be mirrored or flipped. The stents, and/or stent delivery mechanisms disclosed herein can be manufactured, made, and/or formed with any number of materials, including, but not limited to, wood, plastics, silicon, metal, metal alloys, synthetic materials, polymers, absorbable polymers, Teflon, Mylar, carbon fiber, other like materials, or combinations thereof. In at least one example, the stent of the present disclosure are manufactured and/or constructed of biodegradable materials to allow for the disintegration of the stent within a few days, weeks, or months after delivery, such as, but not limited to 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 1.5 weeks, 2 weeks, 2.5 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, 5 weeks, six weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 2 months, 9 weeks, 10 weeks, 11 weeks, 12 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, or 12 months.
• In some versions, the body of a stent is a hollow cylinder, hollow tubular body, or other hollow structure that may have an inner diameter and corresponding inner circumference, and an outer diameter and corresponding outer circumference. The stents of the present disclosure may also include an aperture on one or more ends defined by the body of the stent and more particularly by the inner diameter, and/or inner circumference of the stent. It would be understood that the aperture(s) can have many cross-sections and/or profiles, such as but not limited to, a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a polygon, a cone, a pyramid, other shapes or profiles, and/or combinations thereof. In one example, the body of the stent(s) may have a top, and a bottom that can be in planes parallel to each other, and a first end, and a second end, wherein the second end is distal from the first end. In alternative examples, the top and bottom of the body of the stent may not be in parallel planes. For example, a vessel may have a narrowed or narrowing section that requires the body of the stent to be smaller at one end, and larger at the other end. Creating a situation where the top would be in a plane that converges with a plane parallel to the bottom of the body of the stent.
• Additionally, in at least one version, the stent may include sections that fore the stent body, and each of the stent body sections may be constructed of a different material. The different materials can allow for different expansion or deformation rates for each stent body section for an expandable or modifiable stent. The stent body sections can also be a first stent end section (proximal section), a central stent section (attachment section), and a second stent end section (distal section). It would be understood that the proximal and distal sections may also be reversed in some examples. Each of the end sections may also have their own proximal, attachment, and/or distal sections.
• The compression of a modifiable stent can be generated by the materials utilized to form, construct, and/or manufacture the stent. The materials can have an elasticity, or tensile strength based on the modular, sectional, and/or geometrical structure chosen for the specific stent. The modifiable stent body may also have atraumatic anchor(s), and/or traumatic anchor(s) that may be modifiable as well. A device can be utilized to deliver the stent to a donor and/or recipient vessel and initiate a decompression, expansion, and/or modification of the stent properties, the stent body, and/or anchor(s).
• The stents of the present disclosure may include a modifiable structure that may be manufactured of a material, such as plastics, silicon, metal, metal alloys, synthetic materials, polymers, absorbable polymers, Teflon, Mylar, carbon fiber, other like materials, or combinations thereof. The material can allow for the modifiable structure to be approximately one-half its normal size, be approximately one-quarter of its normal size, or any other fraction of one whole portion of the modifiable structure. The modifiable structure may also be formed, constructed, and/or manufactured utilizing a material that may have a memory effect or expansion memory such as a pliable plastic or silicon material, but other materials such as plastics, silicon, metal, metal alloys, synthetic materials, polymers, absorbable polymers, Teflon, Mylar, carbon fiber, other like materials, or combinations thereof, may also be utilized. A memory effect or expansion memory can be described as a material that can be manipulated from a first position to a second position and then return to the first position upon release from the second position.
• The structure node can provide a connection point for the expandable structure. In at least one example the structure node may be utilized with the expandable structure to create a mesh of nodes. The structure node may be constructed, formed, or manufactured utilizing a material such as, but not limited to, plastics, silicon, metal, metal alloys, synthetic materials, polymers, absorbable polymers, Teflon, Mylar, carbon fiber, other like materials, or combinations thereof. In at least one example, the structure node can be constructed, formed, and/or manufactured with the expandable structure. In alternative examples, the structure node may be connected to, or affixed to the expandable structure through an adhesive, fastener, glue, connector, cement, epoxy, binder,
• In at least one example, the expandable or modifiable member and/or expandable connection node can be manufactured with magnetic, and/or shape memory properties. In at least one example, the connection node may interact with other connection nodes to cause a transformation or modification of expandable or structural member.
• The expandable structure element, can be formed, constructed, and/or manufactured utilizing materials, such as, but not limited to, plastics, silicon, metal, metal alloys, synthetic materials, polymers, absorbable polymers, Teflon, Mylar, carbon fiber, other like materials, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the expandable structure element, in one example, may also have a memory effect that can allow the expandable structure element to compressed or stretched from a first position to a second position, and then upon release from the second position to return to the first position.
• In alternative examples, the connection node can be formed, constructed, and/or manufactured of a different material than the expandable structure element. The non-expandable structure element may be formed, constructed, and/or manufactured utilizing materials, such as, but not limited to plastics, silicon, metal, metal alloys, synthetic materials, polymers, absorbable polymers, Teflon, Mylar, carbon fiber, other like materials, or combinations thereof. In at least one example, a section of a stent apparatus or a first or second end of a stent apparatus, having a proximal end section, an attachment end section, and a distal end section that can couple to a hollow tubular section or structure of the stent apparatus. An expansion may include a linear expansion or radial expansion.
• A cover or sheath that encloses the modifiable stent can maintain the unmodified state, or the properties of the stent elements may be modified to create a memory effect. The stent elements may also be interconnected elements or interconnecting elements. These properties can include, but are not limited to, the chemical structure, magnetic structure, and/or electrical conductivity structure of stent elements. These properties can be modified, to change the geometry of the modifiable stent to a modified state. For example, the transition from an unmodified state to a modified state, can allow for an expansion of the modifiable stent to secure it to the lumen or wall of a vessel, or set of vessels.
• The sheath, cover, or transport device may be coupled to a needle to assist in removal of the sheath, cover, or transport device after placing the expandable stent body in a proper location. In one example, the needle removes the sheath, cover, or transport device from a proximal end of the stent body. A donor vessel, and/or a recipient vessel can receive the expandable stent.
• The expandable stent can be expanded in an accordion, twisting, and/or turning motion. In other examples, the at least one atraumatic anchor(s) can be pliable and/or flexible, allowing one or both ends of the stent to be placed within a vessel (not illustrated) without an expansion, and/or delivery tool.
• The stents of the present disclosure may comprise spike(s), barb(s), atraumatic anchor(s), prong(s), point(s), pin(s), and/or any combination(s) thereof along an inner or outer surface of the stent. The anchors may be atraumatic or non-puncturing, or a form of puncturing or traumatic anchor. For example, in a low pressure or slow blood flow vessel atraumatic anchors may be used to avoid damage to the vessels with low blood flow through them. In another example, the stent(s) may be utilized in a high pressure or fast blood flow vessel utilizing the anchors to secure the stent in place through the use of a puncturing anchor and/or a combination of puncturing and atraumatic anchors.
• During surgeries that allow for end-to-end anastomoses the donor vessel and the recipient vessel can be affixed to the stent via the stent anchor(s) and/or the stent end anchor(s). The vessels do not have to be prepared in a traditional manner because the anchor(s) allow for the securing of the donor vessel and/or the recipient vessel with no need for suturing of the vessels. There is also a decrease in the amount of time required preparing the ends of the vessels. The stent body anchor(s) can be manufactured with a length sufficient to puncture through the lumen or wall of both the donor vessel and the recipient vessel. Similarly, the stent end anchor(s) can be manufactured with a length sufficient to puncture through the lumen or wall of the donor vessel or the recipient vessel. Traumatic anchor(s) would reference an anchor that can puncture or be invasive to the wall or lumen of a vessel, but this would be an acceptable level of injury and/or be minimally invasive to secure the stent in place within a donor and/or recipient vessel. The atraumatic anchor(s) and/or traumatic anchor(s) may be in a compressed or unexpanded state prior to and during initial delivery or installation of the stent.
• While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
• While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.
• Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology as background information is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any embodiment(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Brief Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the embodiment(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

Claims (21)

1. A dual stent delivery system comprising:

a delivery tool with a main body having a first end and a second end;

a back stop removably coupled to the second end of the main body;

a body aperture defined by the first end of the main body;

a shaft passing through the body aperture, a cover carrier with a void that allows for the passage of the shaft through the cover carrier;

a retention mechanism coupled to the back stop and the cover carrier; and a firing button that is removably engaged with the cover carrier until a force is applied to it such that the cover carrier moves towards the backstop;

a modifiable stent coaxially positioned around the shaft with a modifiable stent cover surrounding the modifiable stent; and

a coil stent coaxially positioned around the shaft, the modifiable stent, and a coil stent cover that is positioned closer to the shaft than the coil stent.

2. (canceled)

3. The dual stent delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the deliver tool is generally cylindrical.

4. The dual stent delivery system ofclaim 1, the firing button causes a potential energy of the retention mechanism to be converted into a kinetic energy when the force is applied to the firing button.

5. The dual stent deliver system ofclaim 1, wherein the modifiable stent expands radially outward after the firing button has the force applied to it.

6. The dual stent delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the coil stent retracts radially inward after the firing button has the force applied to it.

7. A stent delivery system comprising:

a combination tool;

a compressible stent;

a coil stent; and

a tweezer tool;

wherein the combination tool receives a first end of the compressible stent, and a portion of the tweezer tool, and the tweezer tool engages a first end of the coil stent.

8. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool is configured to receiving at least a first end of the compressible stent.

9. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool further comprises a stent receiving aperture.

10. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool further comprises at stent receiving channel.

11. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool further comprises a stent deployment point.

12. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool further comprises a handle.

13. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool further comprises a main body.

14. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the compressible stent is contained within a sheath.

15. The stent delivery system ofclaim 14, wherein the combination tool engages the sheath to allow for complete removal of the sheath from the stent.

16. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool receives at least a first end of the compressible stent.

17. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool receiving at least a first end of the compressible stent within a main body of the combination tool.

18. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool engages with a first end of the tweezer tool.

19. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool engages with a first end of the tweezer tool at a stent receiving aperture.

20. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the compressible stent is coaxial to the tweezer tool that is at least partially coaxial to the combination tool at a first end of the tweezer tool, and the tweezer tool is coaxial to the coil stent at a second end of the tweezer tool.

21. The stent delivery system ofclaim 7, wherein the combination tool further comprises a main body configured to receive a portion of the compressible stent with a stent receiving channel, and the combination tool engages the compressible stent with a stent deployment point; wherein the combination tool engages with a first end of the tweezer tool at a stent receiving aperture; and wherein the tweezer tool is engages with the compressible stent to apply a compression force to it, while providing an engagement surface for the coil stent at a second end of the tweezer tool.

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