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Publication Number
US-11998210-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
A surgical device controls fluid flow through a vessel by releasable constriction of the vessel using a compressible “C”-shape operating member with first and second elongate flexible members respectively configured to form a first loop and a second loop, the first and second loops intersecting to define an eye surrounding the vessel, wherein the operating member has first and second arms separated by a gap, the first arm being attachable to the first elongate flexible member, the second arm being attachable to the second elongate flexible member, so as to apply tension to the first and second elongate flexible members, the eye being located in the gap, whereby compression of the operating member relaxes tension in the elongate flexible members permitting opening of the eye and fluid flow within the vessel.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for controlling fluid flow through a vessel defining a lumen through which fluid may flow. The device uses at least one elongate flexible member configured to form an eye for surrounding the vessel lumen, where the eye constricts fluid flow when the elongate flexible member is under tension. The device further includes a compressible operating member attachable to first and second attachment points of the elongate flexible member.
The compressible operating member has first and second arms separated by a gap, with each arm having a distal free end for receiving the elongate flexible member for threading attachment. The compressible operating member is compressible upon application of pressure, and is operable to act upon the elongate flexible member so that the elongate flexible member is movable between a first position under tension that constricts fluid flow and a second position relaxed such that the eye does not constrict fluid flow through the lumen.
The elongate flexible member is configured to define the eye using a first elongate flexible member forming a first loop and a second elongate flexible member forming a second loop, where the first and second loops are linked so as to define the eye for surrounding the lumen. Threading arrangements on the first and second arms each comprise an aperture, and the ends of the elongate flexible members are threaded through and back through the apertures to form the loops and to create a threaded relationship where one flexible member extends through the loop formed by the other flexible member.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim directed to a fluid-flow control device with an eye formed by linked loops of elongate flexible members and a compressible operating member that moves the flexible members between tensioned and relaxed positions. The claim includes three inventive features based on the linked-loop eye constriction mechanism, the compressible two-arm geometry, and threaded attachment via aperture-based threading arrangements.
Linked-loop eye formed by elongate flexible members
At least one elongate flexible member configured to form an eye for surrounding the vessel defining a lumen, wherein the at least one elongate flexible member comprises a first elongate flexible member configured to form a first loop and a second elongate flexible member configured to form a second loop, wherein the first and second elongate flexible members are configured such that the first and second loops are linked so as to define the eye for surrounding the lumen.
Compressible two-arm operating member with gap for tensioning and relaxation
A compressible operating member having first and second arms separated by a gap, each arm having a distal free end for receiving the at least one elongate flexible member for threading attachment, the compressible operating member being compressible upon the application of pressure and operable to act upon the at least one elongate flexible member such that the at least one elongate flexible member is movable from a first position under tension such that the eye constricts fluid flow within the lumen to a second position relaxed such that the eye does not constrict fluid flow through the lumen.
Threading arrangements with apertures on each arm
First and second attachment points on respective portions of the first and second elongate flexible members, where the first arm comprises a first threading arrangement and the second arm comprises a second threading arrangement, and wherein the first threading arrangement and the second threading arrangement each comprise an aperture, with ends of the elongate flexible members threaded through and back through the apertures to provide loop-forming length portions and each flexible member threaded such that one of the first and second elongate flexible members extends through the loop formed by the other of the first and second elongate flexible members.
Independent claim covers a vessel-fluid-flow control device in which linked loops of elongate flexible members form an eye that constricts when tensioned, while a compressible operating member with first and second arms separated by a gap moves the flexible members between a tensioned constricting position and a relaxed non-constricting position using aperture-based threading arrangements.
Stated Advantages
Simple, intuitive, quick operation.
Works with varying catheter sizes.
Can be pre-assembled ready for use or assembled/disassembled in situ.
Documented Applications
Controlling fluid flow in a vessel lumen using an eye that constricts fluid flow when tensioned and does not constrict when relaxed, including use with a tubular-branch prosthetic graft where the eye surrounds a tubular graft branch.
A surgical-use kit arrangement including the device and a tubular-branch prosthetic graft, where the device is either pre-assembled ready for use or provided as separate components for user assembly so the device’s eye surrounds the tubular branch.
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