Filter apparatuses and methods
Inventors
Zandi, Abdolrahim • Goslau, J. Eric • Fariabi, Sepehr
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11246698-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to catheter-based embolic protection/filter apparatuses that employ a deployable and collapsible filter. The filter includes opposing surface areas terminating around a perimeter, and the filter is connected to a frame at the perimeter. In a deployed state, the filter expands with the frame and conforms one of the opposing surface areas to an inner sidewall of a tubular organ to seal around arterial openings while filtering blood-borne particulates.
A key aspect is an extension arm or articulated arm that engages opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ. Via the engaging, the extension arm applies compressive force to the frame by translating force applied to the extension arm via the inner sidewall to the frame. At least one strut connects an inner frame to an outer frame and is configured to translate the force applied through the extension arm to the inner frame, flexibly conforming the inner frame to the inner sidewall and facilitating sealing of the filter perimeter.
The invention further includes force- and deployment-dependent sealing and conforming behavior in which the frame and filter expand and collapse with the frame in deployed and collapsed states, respectively. The mechanical interaction enables flexure of the inner frame relative to the outer frame by providing a spring force, including facilitating conformance of the outer frame to physical features of the inner sidewall. In some embodiments, the collapsible frame and filter are retracted into the catheter in a collapsed state, including trapping particles on the filter to facilitate withdrawal and removal.
Claims Coverage
The partial document includes three independent claims, each centered on the same overall inventive concept: a catheter-based deployable filter sealed to a tubular organ inner sidewall using an engaging arm and force translated through an inner/outer frame connected by struts.
Extension arm-applied compressive force sealing via inner/outer frame struts
An apparatus comprising an extension arm; a frame connected to the extension arm including an inner frame for sealing the filter to the inner sidewall, an outer frame, and at least one strut connecting the inner frame to the outer frame; and a filter connected to the frame at a perimeter and configured to expand with the frame in a deployed state and, in the deployed state, conform one opposing surface area to an inner sidewall by engaging the extension arm with surfaces of the inner sidewall and applying compression force to the frame that seals the frame and the perimeter of the filter to the inner sidewall by translating force, wherein the at least one strut is configured to translate the force to the inner frame and flexibly conform the inner frame to the inner sidewall including facilitating flexure relative to the outer frame by providing a spring force.
Catheter with collapsible deployable frame and extension arm sealing by compressive translated force
An apparatus comprising a catheter with a shaft extending within the catheter; a frame connected to the shaft and configured to retract into the catheter in a collapsed state and extend out in a deployed state, the frame including an inner frame configured for sealing the filter to the inner sidewall, an outer frame, and at least one strut connecting the inner frame to the outer frame; and a filter connected to the frame at a perimeter and configured to expand with the frame in the deployed state to conform one opposing surface area to an inner sidewall and collapse with the frame in the collapsed state; wherein the shaft includes an extension arm configured to engage respective surfaces of the inner sidewall in the deployed state and seal the frame and perimeter of the filter to the inner sidewall by applying compressive force to the frame, including translating force applied to the extension arm via the inner sidewall to the frame, and wherein the at least one strut is configured to translate the force applied via the extension arm to the inner frame to flexibly conform the inner frame to the inner sidewall.
Articulated arm sealing using compressive translating force through inner/outer frame struts
An apparatus for use with a catheter comprising a filter with a frame forming a perimeter and separating opposing surfaces, the frame including an inner frame, an outer frame, and at least one strut connecting the inner frame to the outer frame; and an articulated arm connected to the frame and configured to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage opposing inner sidewall portions and utilize the opposing inner sidewall portions to seal the filter to the inner sidewall by applying compressive force to the frame, including translating force applied to the articulated arm via the opposing inner sidewall portions to the inner frame via the struts and therein flexibly conforming the inner frame to the inner sidewall.
Across the independent claims, the inventive structure is the combination of a deployable and collapsible filter frame with an engaging extension or articulated arm that applies compressive force. The claims require translation of force through the struts to flexibly conform the inner frame to inner sidewall portions, thereby sealing the filter perimeter in the deployed state and enabling collapse and retraction behavior in the collapsed state.
Stated Advantages
Seals the frame and the perimeter of the filter to the inner sidewall by applying compressive force via translating force through the extension or articulated arm and struts.
Filters blood-borne particulates by conforming a filter opposing surface area to an inner sidewall around arterial openings.
Facilitates flexure of the inner frame relative to the outer frame by providing a spring force to conform to physical features of the inner sidewall.
Traps particles on a surface area of the filter during collapse for withdrawal into the catheter for removal.
Documented Applications
Embolic protection/filter apparatus for use with a catheter in a tubular organ, including the human aortic arch and an aortic-arterial opening, where the apparatus seals the filter perimeter around an arterial opening and filters blood.
Interested in licensing this patent?