Stylet apparatuses and methods of manufacture
A stylet capable of being at least partially disposed within a lumen of a device is disclosed. This stylet may include an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one magnetic material. In certain embodiments, the elongated body may also include at least one core element, a tubular member circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the core element, and/or at least one support member circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the core element. In addition, a matrix material may be disposed between the core element and the tubular member to retain the magnetic material within the elongated body. A catheter assembly including a stylet and a corresponding method of manufacture are also disclosed.
1. A stylet, comprising:
an elongated core element surrounded by a polymer member from a proximal end of the core element to a distal end thereof, the distal end of the elongated core element comprising an enlarged end fixed relative to a portion of the polymer member, the enlarged end having a diameter greater than a diameter of the proximal end of the core element, the polymer member extending distal of the core element distal end;
a closure element affixed to a distal end of the polymer member; and
a plurality of field emitting permanent magnetic elements disposed distal of the core element distal end and proximal of the closure element, adjacent magnetic elements spaced from one another creating a gap therebetween, the polymer member surrounding the magnetic elements.
2. The stylet according to claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve surrounding the magnetic elements and a distal section of the core element, the sleeve surrounded by the polymer member.
3. The stylet according to claim 2 , wherein the sleeve is contracted to engage the magnetic elements and the distal section of the core element.
4. The stylet according to claim 1 , wherein the enlarged end is cylindrical.
5. The stylet according to claim 4 , wherein the magnetic elements each have a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the enlarged end.
6. The stylet according to claim 5 , further comprising a sleeve surrounding the magnetic elements and the enlarged end, the sleeve surrounded by the polymer member.
7. The stylet according to claim 1 , wherein the closure element includes a generally rounded distal end.
8. The stylet according to claim 1 , wherein the closure element is formed from one or more adhesive materials and is bonded to the polymer member.
9. The stylet according to claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing member extending along a length of the elongated core element.
10. The stylet according to claim 9 , wherein the reinforcing member is integrally formed with the polymer member.
11. The stylet according to claim 1 , wherein the polymer member includes a plurality of circumferential grooves spaced from one another along a distal section of the stylet.
12. The stylet of claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve circumferentially surrounding and directly contacting the enlarged end of the elongate core element and the plurality of field emitting permanent magnets, wherein the polymer member circumferentially surrounds and directly contacts the sleeve.
13. A catheter assembly, comprising:
a catheter defining a lumen; and
the stylet according to claim 1 at least partially disposed in the catheter lumen.
14. A stylet, comprising:
an elongated core element surrounded by a polymer member from a proximal end of the core element to a distal end thereof, wherein the core element distal end has a diameter greater than a diameter of the core element proximal end and is fixed relative to a portion of the polymer member, the polymer member extending distal of the core element distal end;
a closure element affixed to a distal end of the polymer member; and
a plurality of field emitting permanent magnetic elements disposed distal of the core element distal end and proximal of the closure element, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements comprises three or more magnetic elements, each adjacent magnetic element spaced apart by a gap, the polymer member surrounding the magnetic elements.
15. The stylet according to claim 14 , wherein the polymer member is indirectly affixed to at least a portion of the core element and separated from at least another portion of the core element proximal the affixed portion.
16. The stylet according to claim 14 , wherein one or more of the gaps are filled with a pliant filling material.
17. The stylet according to claim 14 , wherein a portion of the polymer member extends into one or more of the gaps.
18. A stylet, comprising:
an elongated core element surrounded by a polymer member from a proximal end of the core element to a distal end thereof, the distal end of the elongated core element fixed relative to a portion of the polymer member, the polymer member extending distal of the core element distal end;
a closure element consisting essentially of one or more adhesive materials bonded to a distal end of the polymer member; and
a plurality of field emitting permanent magnetic elements disposed distal of the core element distal end and proximal of the closure element, the polymer member surrounding the magnetic elements;
wherein the polymer member is indirectly affixed to the core element distal end by a sleeve that terminates distal the polymer member proximal end, and wherein the polymer member is separated by a gap of material from at least another portion of the core element proximal to the core element distal end.
19. A stylet, comprising:
an elongated core element surrounded by a polymer member from a proximal end of the core element to a distal end thereof, the distal end of the elongated core element fixed relative to a portion of the polymer member, the distal end of the elongated core element comprising an enlarged end, the polymer member extending distal of the core element distal end;
a closure element consisting essentially of one or more adhesive materials bonded to a distal end of the polymer member;
a plurality of field emitting permanent magnetic elements disposed distal of the core element distal end and proximal of the closure element, the polymer member surrounding the magnetic elements; and
a sleeve circumferentially surrounding and directly contacting the enlarged end of the elongate core element and the plurality of field emitting magnets, wherein the polymer member circumferentially surrounds and directly contacts the sleeve.