Devices and methods for clearing occlusions and for providing irrigation in in-situ artificial and natural lumens
Inventors
Mulvihill, Maureen L. • Hernandez Meza, Gabriela
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9308348-B2
Publication Date
2016-04-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, for example, in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide a controller comprising at least one actuator for generating repetitive motion, and a stem coupled to the at least one actuator. The stem includes at least one fluid source, a conduit member in fluidic communication with the fluid source, and a reciprocating member at least partially disposed within the conduit member and configured to accept the repetitive motion. The fluid source includes a deformable reservoir and/or a port.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an occlusion clearing device configured to clear an occlusion in an artificial lumen and to deliver a flowable medium at the occlusion site. The device includes a controller comprising at least one actuator for generating repetitive motion, and a stem coupled to the at least one actuator.
The stem comprises at least one fluid source implemented as a deformable reservoir having an open proximal end and an open distal end, and a conduit member in fluidic communication with the fluid source. A reciprocating member is at least partially disposed within the conduit member and is configured to accept the repetitive motion.
The reciprocating member includes a shaft that extends through the open proximal end of the deformable reservoir and through the deformable reservoir and out of the open distal end, wherein the shaft of the reciprocating member is located inside of the deformable reservoir. The controller-driven repetitive motion is used in-situ for occlusion clearing together with fluid delivery, including embodiments that provide irrigation/aspiration at the distal end.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim provides a core occlusion clearing device architecture with a controller that drives repetitive motion into a stem having a deformable, bidirectionally open reservoir and a conduit that delivers a flowable medium to a distal end. Dependent claims further specify actuator type, actuator operating frequency, distal delivery flow characteristics, and additional fluid-port features.
Controller with actuator for repetitive motion
A controller comprising at least one actuator for generating repetitive motion.
Deformable reservoir fluid source with open proximal and distal ends
A stem comprising at least one fluid source, said fluid source being a deformable reservoir that has an open proximal end and an open distal end.
Conduit member in fluidic communication with deformable reservoir
A stem comprising a conduit member in fluidic communication with said fluid source.
Reciprocating member accepting repetitive motion within conduit
A reciprocating member at least partially disposed within said conduit member and configured to accept the repetitive motion, wherein the reciprocating member includes a shaft that extends through the open proximal end of the deformable reservoir and through the deformable reservoir and out of the open distal end of the deformable reservoir wherein the shaft of the reciprocating member is located inside of the deformable reservoir.
Actuator frequency range
The occlusion-clearing device configured so that its at least one actuator operates at approximately 15 to 40 Hz.
Distal delivery flow rate constraint
The occlusion-clearing device includes a conduit configured to deliver a flowable medium at the distal end at a rate of 0.4–0.5 ml/min.
Specified actuator types
The occlusion-clearing device uses at least one actuator chosen from a piezoelectric actuator, an electromagnetic motor, or a linear-displacement voice-coil motor.
Second fluid source via a port
The occlusion clearing device further includes a second fluid source configured as a port in fluid communication with the conduit member.
Deformable reservoir material
The occlusion clearing device of claim 1 includes a deformable reservoir made of a polymer.
Claim coverage centers on an occlusion clearing device combining controller-driven repetitive motion with fluidic delivery using a conduit and a deformable reservoir that has open proximal and distal ends, where the reciprocating member’s shaft extends through and remains located inside the deformable reservoir. Dependent refinements further specify actuator operating frequency, distal flow rate for the delivered flowable medium, possible actuator types, and additional fluid-port features such as a second fluid source.
Stated Advantages
Fast clearing (e.g., <6 minutes).
Cleaner tube walls.
Compatibility with curved lumens.
Reduced need for tuning/complex setup.
Safety and anti-puncture features, including depth-control collar and torque/fault monitoring.
Documented Applications
In-situ clearing of occlusions in artificial lumens, including feeding tubes and NG/PEG/GJ/NJ tubes.
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