US20230330354A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20230330354A1
Application number: US18/309,260
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew E. Nickeson; Christopher Ralph
Original assignee: Gyrus ACMI Inc
Current assignee: Gyrus ACMI Inc
Priority date: 2019-09-26
Filing date: 2023-04-28
Publication date: 2023-10-19
Also published as: US20210093800A1; US11672922B2

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses and methods for using a tip member to deposit or collect a supply of material from within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a tip body defining an annular chamber. A tip receptacle is configured to be joinable with a lumen and to receive a fluid flow therethrough and to convey the fluid flow into the annular chamber. A material distribution element is fluidly coupled with the annular chamber, wherein when the fluid flow is introduced into the annular chamber. The material distribution element diffusively passes the fluid flow out of multiple egress points in at least one of a distal end and a lateral surface of the tip body.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/906,470 filed Sep. 26, 2019 and entitled “DISTAL NEEDLE AND STYLET TIPS.”

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to distal needle tips for insertion of material into a body or collection of matter from a body.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Depositing material at a particular target location in a body may be problematic. It may be difficult to convey a supply of material at the desired location and to release the material in a controlled fashion—particularly where the target location is not immediately below a surface of the skin. The material may seep out of the implement that conveys the material before the implement reaches the target location. Further, even if the material is conveyed to the target location, depositing the material in a controlled manner may be difficult.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses and methods for conveying and disbursing a supply of material into a body and collecting a supply of material within a body.

In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a tip body defining an annular chamber. A tip receptacle is configured to be joinable with a lumen and to receive a fluid flow therethrough and to convey the fluid flow into the annular chamber. A material distribution element is fluidly coupled with the annular chamber, wherein when the fluid flow is introduced into the annular chamber. The material distribution element diffusively passes the fluid flow out of multiple egress points in at least one of a distal end and a lateral surface of the tip body.

In another illustrative embodiment, a tip body defines a fluid chamber and receives a stylet therethrough. A movable member is coupleable to the stylet, wherein extension of the stylet moves the movable member to open the fluid chamber.

In a further illustrative embodiment, a tip body defines a fluid chamber and receives a rotatable auger therethrough. A movable member is coupleable to the auger, wherein rotation of the auger moves the movable member to open the fluid chamber.

In still another illustrative embodiment, a method includes positioning a distal tip defining a fluid chamber at a distal end of a lumen. The fluid chamber is movably closed with an end member coupled to a stylet received through a lumen and into the fluid chamber. A supply of material is received into the fluid chamber. The distal tip that defines the fluid chamber is inserted at a target location in the body. The stylet is extended to advance the end member to uncap the fluid chamber.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, a method includes rotatably receiving an auger within a tip member at an end of a lumen. The auger is then rotated to one of rotatably deposit a supply of material received in the tip member and rotatably collecting a supply of material from adjacent the tip member.

Further features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG.1 is a schematic view of an illustrative system for depositing a supply of material at or collecting a supply of material from a target location within a body;

FIGS.2-7 are side plan views of various illustrative tips for diffusely depositing a supply of material at the target location;

FIG.8 is a schematic view of another illustrative system for depositing a supply of material at or collecting a supply of material from a target location within a body;

FIGS.9A-24 are side plan views in partial cutaway of various tips for diffusely depositing a supply of material at or collecting a supply of material from the target location;

FIGS.25A-25B are side plan views in partial cutaway of an illustrative tip receiving a rotatable auger;

FIG.26 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method; and

FIG.27 is a flow diagram of another illustrative method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It will be noted that the first digit of three-digit reference numbers and the first two digits of four-digit reference numbers correspond to the first digit of one-digit figure numbers and the first two digits of two-digit figure numbers, respectively, in which the element first appears.

The following description explains, by way of illustration only and not of limitation, various embodiments of apparatuses and methods for depositing a supply of material at or collecting a supply of material from locations within a body. Various embodiments include distal tips fluidly coupleable to a supply of fluid, such as may be supplied via a lumen from a syringe or other source, where the distal tips are configured to diffusely disperse a flow of fluid. Other embodiments include a movable tip controlled by an elongated stylet to open a fluid chamber to deploy the material. Still other embodiments include a tip that received a rotatable auger to deposit or collect a supply of material. Other embodiments include methods of using the same.

Referring toFIG.1, asystem100 includes adistal tip102 fluidly couplable to afluid source110 via alumen130. Thedistal tip102, as further described with reference toFIGS.2-7, is configured to disburse a flow offluid103 at atarget location105 within abody101. Thedistal tip102 is fluidly couplable to thefluid source110 via thelumen130, which may include a flexible tube, such as a plastic, rubber, or metal tube. Thelumen130 is coupled to thefluid source110 at aport114. Where thefluid source110 is a syringe, for example, the fluid source includes afluid reservoir112 that is actuated by aplunger116 to drive a flow of fluid (not shown inFIG.1) from thefluid reservoir112 to theport114 and into thelumen130 where it is conveyed to thedistal tip102.

Referring toFIGS.2-7, various embodiments of distal tips provide for a diffuse disbursement of fluid at a target location within a body. For example, the distal tips may include various configurations for distributing material received into an annular chamber within the distal tip and diffusively disbursing that material.

Referring toFIG.2, adistal tip200 includes a pointeddistal end202 opposite afluid receptacle end203. Thedistal tip200 defines an annular chamber therein that receives a flow of fluid from thefluid receptacle end203. The material distribution element includes a number offluid holes204 in thedistal end202 through which fluid supplied into the annular chamber may be diffusely disbursed. With the pointeddistal end202, thedistal tip200 is suited for applications where thedistal tip200 may need to pierce tissue to reach a target location.

It will be appreciated that each of the distal tips ofFIGS.3-7 includes a fluid receptacle end to receive a flow of fluid and supply the flow of fluid into an annular chamber defined by the tips. The following description of the distal tips ofFIGS.3-7 thus will focus on the material distribution element of each of the distal tips.

Referring toFIG.3, adistal tip300 includes a roundeddistal end302. The material distribution element includes a number of fluid holes304 in thedistal end302 through which fluid supplied into the annular chamber may be diffusely disbursed. With the roundeddistal end302, thedistal tip300 is suited for applications where it is undesirable to potentially pierce or cut tissue, as may occur with the pointeddistal end202 of the distal tip ofFIG.2.

Referring toFIG.4, adistal tip400 includes a partially blunteddistal end402. In contrast to the end-based material distribution element of

distal tips

200 and300 ofFIGS.2 and3, respectively, the material distribution element includes a number of laterally-disposedslots404 alongsides406 of thedistal tip400. In contrast to the

distal tips

200 and300, which distribute fluid from the

ends

202 and302, respectively, thedistal tip400 distributes fluid from thesides406. The partially bluntedend402 may be useful where some penetration of thedistal tip400 is desirable.

It will be appreciated that features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined to achieve desirable results for various applications. For example, and referring toFIG.5, adistal tip500 includes a rounded distal end502 (like that of thedistal tip300 ofFIG.3). However, thedistal tip500 includes laterally-disposedslots504 along sides506 (like thedistal tip400 ofFIG.4). Referring toFIG.6, adistal tip600 includes a rounded distal end602 (like that of the

distal tips

300 and500 ofFIGS.5 and6, respectively). Thedistal tip600 also includes end-based fluid holes304 (like the

distal tips

200 and300 ofFIGS.2 and3, respectively) as well as laterally-disposedslots604 along the sides of the distal tip600 (like the

distal tips

400 and500 ofFIGS.400 and500). Desirable features of different embodiments may be combined to reach a desirable configuration without limitation.

In addition, other types of material distribution elements may be used. Referring toFIG.7, diagonally cut slots704 (which may be molded or mechanically cut or drilled, as in other material distribution elements) are arrayed alonglateral sides706 of thedistal tip700. Theslots704, which may be larger than the holes204 (FIG.2) or theslots504 and604 (FIGS.5 and6) may provide for a large volume of fluid distribution or a very diffuse distribution to suit a particular application where these aspects are desirable.

Referring toFIG.8, asystem800 includes adistal tip802 that is optionally couplable to afluid source110 via alumen830. Thedistal tip802, as further described with reference toFIGS.9A-24, is configured to provide a diffuse flow offluid803 at atarget location805 within abody801. Thedistal tip302 may be fluidly couplable to thefluid source110 via thelumen830, or thedistal tip802 may be charged with a supply of fluid or other material prior to thedistal tip803 being inserted into thebody801. According to various embodiments further described below, the distal tip is opened or otherwise manipulated to disgorge its contents with a stylet mechanism820 that extends a stylet (not shown inFIG.8) through thelumen830 to thedistal tip802. Aplunger822 or other mechanism may be used to actuate the stylet to extend the stylet to cause thedistal tip802 to disburse its contents. In applications where it is desirable to supply the distal tip with fluid from thefluid source110, thefluid source110 and the stylet mechanism820 may be coupled at ajunction810 that is coupled to an interior of thelumen830. As a result, both a supply of fluid from the fluid source and the stylet may coextend to thedistal tip802 through thelumen830.

Referring toFIGS.9A-24, any number of configurations of distal tips may be activated or controlled by a stylet to deploy a fluid or other supply of material. Referring toFIGS.9A and9B, adistal tip900 includes a pointeddistal end902 that is coupleable with astylet910 and is at an end of thedistal tip900 opposite of a base903 that is configured to receive thestylet910. It will be appreciated that each of the embodiments of distal tips described with reference toFIGS.9A-24 includes a base end configured to slidably receive a stylet therethrough.

Between the pointeddistal end902 and thebase903, a number of baffles912 are arrayed along thestylet910. Adestructible membrane914, such as a layer of heat shrink, is affixed from thedistal end902 across the baffles904 to thebase903, thereby forming afluid chamber920. In some embodiments thefluid chamber920 could be filled from the base903 in fluid communication with the lumen or another fluid supply (not shown inFIG.9A). In some other embodiments, thefluid chamber920 could be filled before thedestructible membrane914 is installed to seal thefluid chamber920.

Referring toFIG.9B, aforce940 is applied to thestylet910 to cause thestylet910 to be extended. Extension of thestylet910 moves thedistal tip902, thereby straining and rupturing thedestructible membrane914. The rupturing of thedestructible membrane914 thus allows the contents of the fluid chamber (FIG.9A) to seep out of the fluid chamber. The contents of thefluid chamber920 are thus released all around thedistal tip900 and are not driven out of one or more hypodermic ports under pressure.

Referring toFIG.10A, another embodiment of adistal tip1000 includes atip member1001 that defines afluid chamber1018 and through which astylet1010 extends to acap1002. Thecap1002 is formed of a semi-permeable membrane that sealably closes thefluid chamber1018 within thetip member1001 until thedistal tip1002 is distended. Referring toFIG.10B, thestylet1010 is extended upon application of aforce1040 to thestylet1010. As thestylet1010 is extended against the semi-permeable membrane at thetip1002, the semi-permeable membrane becomes distended and ruptures or becomes permeable, thereby permitting the release of fluid contained in thefluid chamber1018.

Referring toFIG.11A, acollapsible tip1100 includes a flexible, annular member that includessemi-permeable membranes1103 along alength1105 of thecollapsible tip1100. Like thecap1002 of thedistal tip1000, semi-permeable membranes may become porous or rupture upon being distended. Referring toFIG.11B, thecollapsible tip1100 can be made rigid by insertion of astylet1110 therein. Thecollapsible tip1100 also can receive a supply of fluid therein. Upon application of aforce1140 to extend thestylet1110, thesemi-permeable membranes1103 become distended and release the fluid contents of thedistal tip1103 into the surrounding area.

Referring toFIGS.12A-24, various embodiments of distal tips include a movable member at an end of the distal tip that may be used to cap an end of the tip body to seal a fluid chamber defined therein. Extending a stylet extends the movable member to open the fluid chamber, and retracting the stylet retracts the movable member to close the fluid chamber. The movable members have different shapes both facing outward away from the tip body and facing toward the tip body to seal the fluid chamber and to redirect fluid flow from the fluid chamber to diffusely disperse the contents thereof. The embodiments ofFIGS.12A-24 may be used with afluid source110, as described with reference toFIG.8, to diffusely disburse a fluid flow from thefluid source110 or to disburse material captured within the fluid chamber defined by the tip body.

Referring toFIG.12A, amovable member1202 is coupleable with astylet1210 and is disposed to sealably close anend1211 of atip body1207 that defines afluid chamber1218. Referring toFIG.12B, aforce1240 is applied to thestylet1210 to cause thestylet1210 to be extended. Extension of thestylet1210 moves themovable member1202, thereby uncapping theend1211 of thetip body1207. The contents of thefluid chamber1218 are thus released through theend1211 of thetip body1207.

A shape of themovable member1202 may be useful in diffusing the flow of fluid—particularly when a significant flow of fluid is provided from the fluid source110 (FIG.8). Referring toFIG.12B, afluid flow1232 expelled from theend1211 of thetip body1207 impacts arearward surface1213 of themovable member1202 instead of jetting straight out of thetip body1207. As a result, thefluid flow1232 is scattered into a diffuseflow1234.

Referring toFIG.13A, amovable member1302 is coupleable with astylet1310 and is disposed to sealably close anend1311 of atip body1307 that defines afluid chamber1318. Themovable member1302 includes anannular seal1310 that seals against theend1311 of thetip body1307 and around an edge of thetip body1307. Referring toFIG.13B, aforce1340 is applied to thestylet1310 to cause thestylet1310 to be extended. Extension of thestylet1310 moves themovable member1302, thereby uncapping theend1311 of thetip body1307. The contents of thefluid chamber1318 are thus released through theend1311 of thetip body1307.

Referring toFIG.14A, amovable member1402 is coupleable with astylet1410 and is disposed to sealably close anend1411 of atip body1407 that defines afluid chamber1418. Like themovable member1302 of thedistal tip1300 ofFIG.13, themovable member1402 includes anannular seal1410 that seals against theend1411 of thetip body1407 and around an edge of thetip body1407. Unlike the movable member1302 (which has a blunt end1305), however, themovable member1402 includes apointed end1405. As previously described with reference toFIGS.2-4, apointed end1405 may be desirable for some applications where tissue is to be pierced, while a bluntedend1305 may be desirable for applications where piercing is desirably avoided.

Referring toFIG.14B, aforce1340 is applied to thestylet1310 to cause thestylet1310 to be extended. Extension of thestylet1310 moves themovable member1302, thereby uncapping theend1311 of thetip body1307. The contents of thefluid chamber1318 are thus released through theend1311 of thetip body1307.

Referring toFIG.15A, amovable member1502 is coupleable with astylet1510 and is disposed to sealably close anend1511 of atip body1507 that defines afluid chamber1518. However, instead of sealably closing against edges of aflat end1511 of thetip body1507, arearward surface1513 of themovable member1502 is matably shaped to engage aninner surface1515 of thetip body1507 to seal thefluid chamber1518. Specifically, themovable member1502 has a conicalrearward surface1513 to engage a conicalinner surface1515 of thetip body1507. Themovable member1502 also has aconical end1505 which may be useful to pierce tissue or other uses where a pointed tip is desirable.

Referring toFIG.15B, aforce1540 is applied to thestylet1510 to cause thestylet1510 to be extended. Extension of thestylet1510 moves themovable member1502, thereby uncapping theend1511 of thetip body1507. The contents of thefluid chamber1518 are thus released through theend1511 of thetip body1507. As previously described with reference toFIG.12, the shape of therearward surface1513 may be useful in diffusing the flow of fluid. Thefluid flow1532 expelled from thetip body1507 impacts arearward surface1513 of themovable member1502. As a result, thefluid flow1532 is scattered into a diffuseflow1534.

Referring toFIG.16A, amovable member1602 is coupleable with astylet1610 and is disposed to sealably close anend1611 of atip body1607 that defines afluid chamber1618. Like thedistal tip1500 ofFIG.15, instead of sealably closing against edges of aflat end1611 of thetip body1607, arearward surface1613 of themovable member1602 is matably shaped to engage aninner surface1615 of thetip body1607 to seal thefluid chamber1618. Specifically, themovable member1602 has a conicalrearward surface1613 to engage a conicalinner surface1615 of thetip body1607. However, unlike thedistal tip1500 ofFIG.15, themovable member1602 has a blunt, slightly roundedtip1605 which may be useful when it is not desirable to potentially pierce tissue with thetip1605.

Referring toFIG.16B, aforce1640 is applied to thestylet1610 to cause thestylet1610 to be extended. Extension of thestylet1610 moves themovable member1602, thereby uncapping theend1611 of thetip body1607. The contents of thefluid chamber1618 are thus released through theend1611 of thetip body1607. As previously described with reference toFIGS.12 and15, the shape of therearward surface1613 may be useful in diffusing the flow of fluid. Thefluid flow1632 expelled from thetip body1607 impacts arearward surface1613 of themovable member1602. As a result, thefluid flow1632 is scattered into a diffuseflow1634.

Referring toFIGS.17-24, various other forms of movable members may be used to seal an end of tip body of a distal tip to close a fluid chamber defined therein and, when desired, to deflect a flow of fluid existing the distal tip. It will be appreciated that the configuration and operation of the embodiments ofFIGS.17 and24 are similar to that of previously described embodiments.

Referring toFIG.17, amovable member1702 in adistal tip1700 may be generally spherical in shape. Thus, themovable member1702 has arearward surface1713 that matably engages a sphericalinner surface1715 of thetip body1707 to seal thefluid chamber1718. The sphericalfront surface1705 is well-suited to applications where a smooth leading edge is desired. Therearward surface1713 of themovable member1702 may be used to diffusely redirect a fluid flow passing out of thedistal tip1700, as previously described with reference toFIGS.15B and16B.

Referring toFIG.18, amovable member1802 in adistal tip1800 may have a shape of a flattened spheroid. Thus, themovable member1802 has arearward surface1813 that matably engages a flattened spheroidalinner surface1815 of thetip body1807 to seal thefluid chamber1818. The roundedfront surface1805 is well-suited to applications where a smooth leading edge is desired. Therearward surface1813 of themovable member1802 may be used to diffusely redirect a fluid flow passing out of thedistal tip1800, as previously described.

Referring toFIG.19, amovable member1902 in adistal tip1900 may be in the shape of a sphere and may be sized to sealably engage aninner surface1815 of thefluid chamber1918—but not be as wide as anend1911 of thedistal tip1900. Themovable member1902 has a hemisphericalrearward surface1913 that matably engages a hemisphericalinner surface1915 of thefluid chamber1918 to seal thefluid chamber1918. The roundedfront surface1905 is well-suited to applications where a smooth leading edge is desired. Therearward surface1913 of themovable member1902 still may be used to diffusely redirect a fluid flow passing out of thedistal tip1900—even if therearward surface1913 is not as wide as theend1911 of thedistal tip1900.

Referring toFIG.20, amovable member2002 in adistal tip2000 may be in the shape of a hemisphere and may be sized to sealably engage aninner surface2015 of the fluid chamber2018 (but not be as wide as an end2011 of the distal tip2000). Themovable member2002 has a hemisphericalrearward surface2013 that matably engages a hemisphericalinner surface2015 of thefluid chamber2018 to seal the fluid chamber2018 (as in the case of thedistal tip1900 ofFIG.19). The bluntfront surface2005 is suited to applications where a blunt leading edge is desired. Again, therearward surface2013 of themovable member2002 may be used to diffusely redirect a fluid flow passing out of thedistal tip2000—even if therearward surface2013 is not as wide as the end2011 of thedistal tip2000.

Referring toFIG.21, amovable member2102 in adistal tip2100 may have a compound shape including a hemispherical rearward portion sized to sealably engage aninner surface2115 of thefluid chamber2118 and apanel2105 sized to cover theend2111 of thedistal tip2100. Themovable member2102 has a hemisphericalrearward surface2113 that matably engages a hemisphericalinner surface2115 of thefluid chamber2118 to seal the fluid chamber2118 (as in the

distal tips

1900 and2000 ofFIGS.19 and20). The blunt front surface presented by thepanel2105 is suited to applications where a blunt leading edge is desired. Theflat panel2105 blocks a flow of fluid from the end of thedistal tip2100 from flowing straight forward out of thedistal tip2100. Thus, therearward surface2113 of themovable member2102 and thepanel2105 are useful in diffusely redirecting a fluid flow passing out of thedistal tip2100.

Referring toFIG.22, amovable member2202 in adistal tip2200 may include only apanel2205 sized to cover the end2211 of thedistal tip2200. The blunt front surface presented by thepanel2205 is suited to applications where a blunt leading edge is desired. Theflat panel2205 is useful in partially blocking a fluid flow from passing straight forward out of thedistal tip2200 as well as for redirecting the fluid flow.

Referring toFIG.23, it will be appreciated that adistal tip2300 may have a forward end2309 that does not have a flattened shape. For example, the forward end2309 of thedistal tip2300 has a narrowed shape. Like themovable member1902 of thedistal tip1900 ofFIG.19, themovable member2302 has a spherical shape sized so that therearward surface2313 matably seals the partially hemisphericalinner surface2315 forward of thefluid chamber2318. Therearward surface2313 of themovable member2302 may be useful in diffusely redirecting a flow of fluid out of thedistal tip2307.

Referring toFIG.24, it will be appreciated that adistal tip2400 may have an angled forward end2409. Also, the movable member2402 (which is shown to be generally spherical) may be sized to fit within the angled forward end2409 yet still block the end of thefluid chamber2418. The rearward surface4313 of themovable member2402 may be useful in diffusely redirecting a flow of fluid out of thedistal tip2407.

Referring toFIGS.25A and25B, a distal tip may receive a rotatable auger within the distal tip to move material out of or into the distal tip instead of depositing or collecting material from a distal tip with a movable member that is moved by a stylet. Referring toFIG.25A, thedistal tip2500 has atip body2507 that defines achamber2518 through which arotatable auger2550 extends. If thechamber2518 is pre-filled with material or receives material via a coupled lumen (not shown), rotation of theauger2550 will expel the material. Conversely, if thedistal tip2500 is to be used to collect a sample, rotating the auger in the opposite direction will draw material at theforward end2511 of thedistal tip2500 into thechamber2518. Theauger2550 may be mated with a flat panel orother end cap2505 configured to seal thechamber2518 before deposition of materials or after collection of materials. Theflat panel2505 may be sized and shaped to sealably engage theforward end2511 of thedistal tip2500.

Referring toFIG.25B, theauger2550 may extend rearward out of thedistal tip2500 to a location where theauger2550 can be slid to extend theauger2550 beyond theforward end2511 of thedistal tip2500 to deposit or collect materials. Alternatively, theauger2550 may be joined to a rotatable stylet or cable (not shown inFIG.25) rearward of thedistal tip2500 to rotatably and slidably motivate theauger2550.

Referring toFIG.26, a flow diagram represents an illustrative method2600 of using a distal tip with a fluid chamber sealable by a movable member coupled to a stylet to deposit materials. The method2600 starts at ablock2605. At ablock2610, a fluid chamber is positioned at a distal end of a lumen. At ablock2620, the fluid chamber is movably closed with an end member coupled to a stylet received through a lumen and into the fluid chamber. At ablock2630, a supply of material is received into the fluid chamber. At ablock2640, the distal tip that defines the fluid chamber is inserted in the body at a target location. At ablock2650, the stylet is advanced to move the movable member to uncap the fluid chamber. Themethod1600 ends at ablock2655.

Referring toFIG.27, a flow diagram represents anillustrative method2700 of using a distal tip that receives a rotatable auger to deposit or collect materials. Themethod2700 starts at ablock2705. At ablock2710, an auger is rotatably received within a tip member at an end of a lumen. At ablock2720, the auger is rotated to one of rotatably deposit a supply of material received in the tip member and rotatably collect a supply of material from adjacent the tip member. Themethod2700 ends at ablock2725.

It will be appreciated that the detailed description set forth above is merely illustrative in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist and/or spirit of the claimed subject matter are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An apparatus comprising:

a tip body defining a fluid chamber and receiving a stylet therethrough; and

a movable member coupleable to the stylet and including a rearward surface to sealably engage a distal end of the fluid chamber;

wherein the stylet is configured to move the movable member to open the fluid chamber.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the end cap includes at least one of:

a pointed distal end;

a rounded distal end; and

a blunted distal end.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the movable member includes an annular seal configured to sealably engage an outer surface of the tip body.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the rearward surface is configured to diffuse fluid flow out of the fluid chamber upon extension of the stylet to move the moveable member.

25. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the moveable member includes symmetric distal and proximal sides.

26. The apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the distal end of the fluid chamber includes a shape configured to receive the proximal side of the movable member.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the symmetric distal and proximal sides are cone shaped.

28. The apparatus ofclaim 27, wherein the distal end of the fluid chamber includes a conical surface that engages at least a portion of the cone shaped proximal side.

29. An apparatus to deliver a fluid to a target tissue location, the apparatus comprising:

an elongate lumen terminating in a distal tip including a fluid chamber;

a stylet extending through the elongate lumen into the distal tip and the fluid chamber, the fluid chamber configured to retain fluid between the stylet and an inner surface of the distal tip of the elongate lumen, the stylet distally extendable to open the fluid chamber; and

a movable member affixed to a distal end of the stylet and configured to transition between a sealed state sealing a distal end of the fluid chamber and an unsealed state releasing a fluid from the fluid chamber, the movable member transitionable from the sealed state to the unsealed state through distal extension of the stylet.

30. The apparatus ofclaim 29, wherein the moveable member includes symmetric distal and proximal sides.

31. The apparatus ofclaim 30, wherein the distal end of the fluid chamber includes a shape configured to receive the proximal side of the movable member.

32. The apparatus ofclaim 30, wherein the symmetric distal and proximal sides are cone shaped.

33. The apparatus ofclaim 32, wherein the distal end of the fluid chamber includes a conical surface that engages at least a portion of the cone shaped proximal side.

34. An apparatus comprising:

a tip body defining a fluid chamber and receiving a stylet therethrough, wherein the fluid chamber retains fluid surrounding a length of the stylet; and

a movable member coupleable to the stylet and including a cone-shaped sealing surface configured to seal the fluid chamber, the movable member being configured to move and to open the fluid chamber responsive to extension of the stylet by:

(i) causing the cone-shaped sealing surface to prevent release of the fluid from the fluid chamber prior to the extension of the stylet, and

(ii) causing the cone-shaped sealing surface to permit release of the fluid from the fluid chamber upon the extension of the stylet.

35. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein the cone-shaped sealing surface is configured to redirect the flow of fluid dispensed from the distal opening.

36. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein the moveable member includes symmetric distal and proximal sides.

37. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein the distal end of the fluid chamber includes a shape configured to receive the proximal side of the movable member.

38. The apparatus ofclaim 37, wherein the distal end of the fluid chamber includes a conical surface that engages at least a portion of the cone-shaped sealing surface.

39. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein the movable member includes at least one of:

a pointed distal end;

a rounded distal end; and

a blunted distal end.

40. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein the cone-shaped sealing surface is an annular seal configured to sealably engage an outer surface of the tip body.