Embolic filter with flexible coupling
Described embodiments are directed toward an embolic filter system. The embolic filter system generally includes a filter and an elongated element that can be articulated relative to one another. In some examples, the filter includes an articulation element that facilitates articulation between a proximal and distal end of the filter. In some examples, an articulation element is positioned between the filter and the elongate element.
1 . A medical device comprising:
an elongate element having a first end and a second end; and
an embolic filter assembly comprising a frame having an attachment section, a capture section distal to the attachment section, and an intermediate section between the attachment section and the capture section,
wherein
the intermediate section forms a segment that is adapted to allow for relative articulation between the capture section of the frame and the attachment section of the frame, and
the attachment section has a body defining a first longitudinal axis and a lumen extending through the body for receiving the elongate element, the attachment section of the frame defines a plurality of apertures spaced along the first longitudinal axis and providing access to one of the first and second ends of the elongate element that is coupled to the attachment section, and the attachment section is configured to couple the elongate element to the attachment section using an attaching material received through one or more of the apertures, such that the attachment section is attached to the elongate element in such a manner as to preserve relative articulation between the capture section of the frame and the attachment section of the frame.
2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the capture section is radially expandable relative to the attachment section such that the embolic filter assembly is configured to transition between a compressed state and an expanded state in situ.
3 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the capture section is radially expandable relative to the intermediate section.
4 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured such that the capture section is self-expandable.
5 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a metallic alloy.
6 . The medical device of claim 5 , wherein the metallic alloy includes nitinol.
7 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the frame is a unibody such that the attachment section, the capture section, and the intermediate section define a single monolithic component.
8 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the segment of the intermediate section is helically shaped.
9 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the frame is a laser cut tube.
10 . The medical device of claim 9 , wherein the intermediate section is defined by a helical cut through the intermediate section that exposes a lumen of the laser cut tube.
11 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment section, the capture section, and the intermediate section are affixed to one another.
12 . The medical device of claim 11 , wherein one or more of the capture section and the intermediate section comprise a wire frame.
13 . The medical device of claim 12 , wherein the intermediate section includes a helically wound wire.
14 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the segment of the intermediate section has a slotted pattern that is adapted to bend.
15 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the capture section defines a second longitudinal axis, and wherein the intermediate section is adapted to bend such that the first longitudinal axis can be deflected up to 270 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis.
16 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the capture section defines a second longitudinal axis, and wherein the intermediate section is adapted to bend such that the first longitudinal axis can be deflected up to 180 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis.
17 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the capture section defines a second longitudinal axis, and wherein the intermediate section is adapted to bend such that the first longitudinal axis can be deflected up to 90 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis.
18 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the frame has a first end and a second end and a lumen extending through the frame from the first end of the frame to the second end of the frame.
19 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the embolic filter assembly further comprises a filter material disposed along the frame.
20 . The medical device of claim 19 , wherein the filter material is disposed along the intermediate section of the frame.
21 . The medical device of claim 19 , wherein the filter material is impermeable to embolic debris greater than about one hundred micrometers (100 μm).
22 . The medical device of claim 19 , wherein the filter material is configured to constrain elongation of the intermediate section to less than a yield point of the intermediate section.
23 . The medical device of claim 19 , wherein the filter material is configured to stretch to accommodate one or more of bending and elongation of the intermediate section of the frame, wherein a yield strength of the filter material exceeds a yield strength of the intermediate section.
24 . The medical device of claim 19 , wherein the filter material includes a polymeric material.
25 . The medical device of claim 24 , wherein the polymeric material includes ePTFE.
26 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the capture section, the attachment section, and the elongate element are operable to articulate about the intermediate section.
27 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the segment includes a helically cut portion that includes at least: a first helical portion with a first pitch providing a first degree of articulation, and a second helical portion with a second pitch providing a second degree of articulation that is greater than the first degree of articulation.
28 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment section further comprises one or more projections extending circumferentially along an interior or exterior of the attachment section.
29 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment section further comprises one or more projections extending longitudinally along an interior or exterior of the attachment section.
30 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the embolic filter assembly comprises a first filter material disposed along an exterior of the frame and a second filter material disposed at least partially along an interior of the frame.
31 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the attaching material comprises an adhesive material or a thermal bonding material.
32 . The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a filter material with a first portion of the filter material disposed about an exterior of the capture section and a second portion of the filter material disposed about an exterior of the intermediate section.
33 . The medical device of claim 32 , wherein the capture section is configured to capture embolic debris, and the filter material operates to filter and retain the captured embolic debris within the embolic filter assembly.
34 . The medical device of claim 33 , wherein the second portion of the filter material operates to increase a tensile strength of the intermediate section.
35 . A medical device comprising:
an elongate element having a first end and a second end; and
an embolic filter assembly comprising a unibody frame having an attachment section, a capture section distal to the attachment section, and an intermediate section between the attachment section and the capture section,
wherein
the intermediate section forms a helical winding that is adapted to allow for relative articulation between the capture section of the unibody frame and the attachment section of the unibody frame, and
the attachment section has a body and a lumen extending through the body for receiving the elongate element, the attachment section of the unibody frame defines a plurality of rows of apertures providing access to one of the first and second ends of the elongate element that is coupled to the attachment section, and the attachment section is configured to couple the elongate element to the attachment section using an attaching material received through one or more of the apertures, such that the attachment section is attached to the elongate element in such a manner as to preserve relative articulation between the capture section of the unibody frame and the attachment section of the unibody frame.
36 . The medical device of claim 35 , further comprising:
a filter material with a first portion of the filter material disposed about an exterior of the capture section and a second portion of the filter material disposed about an exterior of the intermediate section.
37 . The medical device of claim 36 , wherein the capture section is configured to capture embolic debris, and the filter material operates to filter and retain the captured embolic debris within the embolic filter assembly.
38 . The medical device of claim 37 , wherein the second portion of the filter material operates to increase a tensile strength of the intermediate section.
39 . A medical device comprising:
an elongate element having a first end and a second end; and
an embolic filter assembly comprising a frame having an attachment section, a capture section distal to the attachment section, and an intermediate section between the attachment section and the capture section,
wherein
the intermediate section forms a segment that is adapted to allow for relative articulation between the capture section of the frame and the attachment section of the frame, and
the attachment section has a body and a lumen extending through the body for receiving the elongate element, the attachment section of the frame defines a plurality of circular apertures providing access to one of the first and second ends of the elongate element that is coupled to the attachment section, and the attachment section is configured to couple the elongate element to the attachment section using an attaching material received through one or more of the apertures, such that the attachment section is attached to the elongate element in such a manner as to preserve relative articulation between the capture section of the frame and the attachment section of the frame.
40 . The medical device of claim 39 , further comprising:
a filter material with a first portion of the filter material disposed about an exterior of the capture section and a second portion of the filter material disposed about an exterior of the intermediate section.
41 . The medical device of claim 40 , wherein the capture section is configured to capture embolic debris, and the filter material operates to filter and retain the captured embolic debris within the embolic filter assembly.
42 . The medical device of claim 41 , wherein the second portion of the filter material operates to increase a tensile strength of the intermediate section.