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Publication Number
US-12064331-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for loading an implantable device into a container in which the implantable device is pulled using a puller element through a loading tunnel in a loading element. As the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel, it is contracted into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state. The puller element is removably attached to the implantable device via a suture while the device is being contracted through the loading tunnel.
After the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state, the invention automatically releases the suture. In one configuration, a rotator disposed on the puller element is removably attached to the suture, and the automatically releasing after contraction comprises rotation of the rotator causing the suture to detach from the rotator. Related configurations also use automatic release of the suture or detaching the suture as part of the loading sequence.
Following suture release and/or detachment, the invention pushes the implantable device through the loading tunnel and into a delivery catheter using a plunger. The described system includes a funnel-shaped loading tunnel or region that gradually contracts the implant into a reduced-size state as it travels to a container region, and includes alternative system configurations and kit components related to loading and transfer using a loading cavity or container cavity geometry.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims include four inventive method claims. The common coverage is contracting an implantable device to a compressed reduced-size state by pulling it through a loading tunnel using a puller element removably attached by a suture, automatically releasing the suture after contraction, and pushing the compressed implantable device into a delivery catheter using a plunger.
Rotator-mediated suture detachment after compression
Pulling an implantable device using a puller element through a loading tunnel in a loading element thereby contracting the implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel; removably attaching the puller element to the implantable device via a suture; automatically releasing the suture after the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state; wherein a rotator disposed on the puller element is removably attached to the suture; and wherein automatically releasing the suture after the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state comprises rotation of the rotator thereby causing the suture to detach from the rotator.
Plunger-driven advancement into a delivery catheter after auto suture release
Pulling an implantable device using a puller element through a loading tunnel in a loading element thereby contracting the implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel, wherein the puller element is removably attached to the implantable device via a suture; automatically releasing the suture after the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state; and pushing the implantable device through the loading tunnel and into the delivery catheter using a plunger.
Suture attachment anchor for removably attaching the puller
Pulling an implantable device using a puller element through a loading tunnel in a loading element thereby contracting the implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel, wherein the puller element is removably attached to the implantable device via a suture including an attachment anchor; automatically releasing the implantable device after the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state; and pushing the implantable device through the loading tunnel and into the delivery catheter using a plunger.
Automatic release comprising detaching a suture
Pulling an implantable device using a puller element through a loading tunnel in a loading element thereby contracting the implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel, wherein the puller element is removably attached to the implantable device; automatically releasing the implantable device after the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state; wherein automatically releasing the implantable device after the implantable device is contracted into the compressed state comprises detaching a suture.
Across the independent claims, the common coverage is contraction of an implantable device into a compressed reduced-size state by pulling it through a loading tunnel with a puller element removably attached by a suture, automatic release of the suture after contraction, and pushing the compressed implantable device into a delivery catheter using a plunger. Narrower claim variations specify rotator-based suture detachment, suture attachment including an attachment anchor, or detaching a suture as the release mechanism.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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