Implanted magnets retrieval system and method

Inventors

Gittard, Shaun DavisRatnayaka, Kanishka

Assignees

Cook Medical Technologies LLCUS Department of Health and Human Services

Publication Number

US-9943335-B2

Publication Date

2018-04-17

Expiration Date

2035-07-01

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Abstract

A method of retrieving a pair of previously implanted magnets from a patient's body includes maneuvering a guide catheter, which includes a guide magnet affixed to its distal end, toward the implantation site of the implanted magnets. The guide magnet is magnetically coupled to one of the implanted magnets in an orientation in which a through hole of the guide magnet is in register with through holes of the first and second implant magnets. An elongate capture member is slid through the lumen of the guide catheter until one of a proximal segment and a distal segment extends through the through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets. An abutment segment of the elongate capture member, which separates the proximal segment and the distal segment is maneuvered into contact with the magnets. Then, the abutment segment, the guide magnet and the implanted magnets are moved as a group away from the implantation site.

Core Innovation

The invention describes a method and apparatus for retrieving a pair of previously implanted magnets from a patient's body. The system includes a guide catheter with a guide magnet affixed to its distal end, which is maneuvered toward the implanted magnets arranged at an implantation site. The guide magnet magnetically couples to one of the implanted magnets in an orientation where through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets are aligned. An elongate capture member is then slid through the lumen of the guide catheter so that either its proximal or distal segment extends through the aligned through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets, with an abutment segment contacting one of these magnets, enabling the magnets and guide magnet assembly to be moved as a group away from the implantation site.

The problem addressed is the difficulty of removing implanted magnets from body volumes where natural passage or conventional removal methods are not feasible. Specifically, while prior art suggests natural passage or laparotic/endoscopic removal of implanted magnets used to create anastomoses in digestive systems, these methods may not be feasible for other body volumes such as cardiovascular passageways. This patent provides a retrieval system and method that can effectively retrieve implanted magnets from such challenging sites, including those in cardiovascular passageways, by magnetically coupling a guide magnet and capturing the implanted magnets for removal through minimally invasive entry sites.

Claims Coverage

The patent includes three independent claims covering a magnet retrieval system and a method for retrieving implanted magnets, each defining specific inventive features concerning the components and operations involved.

Magnet retrieval system with guide catheter and elongate capture member

The system comprises a guide catheter defining a lumen and including a guide magnet with a through hole at its distal end. An elongate capture member is slidably received in the lumen and has an abutment segment separating proximal and distal segments. The system includes first and second implant magnets magnetically coupled with through holes in register. The retrieval configuration involves magnetic coupling of the guide magnet to one implant magnet and extension of either proximal or distal segment of the elongate capture member through the aligned through holes, with the abutment segment contacting one of the guide magnet or implant magnets.

Use of an elongate capture member with fixed or expandable cross section abutment segment

The abutment segment of the elongate capture member either has a cross section larger than the through hole of the guide magnet or an expandable cross section with at least two configurations: one smaller than and one larger than the through holes of the guide magnet and implant magnets. This feature enables the capture member to pass through the through holes in a low profile configuration and expand to secure the magnets for retrieval.

Method of retrieving implanted magnets using magnetically coupled guide magnet and elongate capture member

The method involves maneuvering a guide catheter with an affixed guide magnet to the implantation site, magnetically coupling the guide magnet to one of the implanted magnets with through holes in register, sliding the elongate capture member through the lumen so a proximal or distal segment extends through the aligned through holes, and moving the abutment segment, the guide magnet, and the implant magnets as a group away from the site. It includes steps of coupling a grasping element to the elongate capture member and optionally using an outer catheter to assist detachment from tissue.

The inventive features cover a coordinated system and method employing a guide catheter with a magnet, an elongate capture member with an abutment segment of fixed or expandable size, and the procedural steps to magnetically couple and withdraw implanted magnets from body passageways, addressing challenges in accessing implants not amenable to conventional removal techniques.

Stated Advantages

Enables retrieval of implanted magnets from body volumes where traditional removal methods (natural passage, laparotic or endoscopic removal) may not be feasible, such as cardiovascular passageways.

Allows minimally invasive retrieval via one or two entry sites, reducing patient trauma and procedural complexity.

Expandable abutment segment design facilitates passing through small through holes of magnets and securing them for removal, enhancing effectiveness of capture.

Use of guide magnet and magnetic coupling ensures alignment and stable attachment for retrieval.

Optional use of outer catheter assists in detaching magnets from tissue, improving safety and control during removal.

Documented Applications

Retrieving previously implanted magnets used for creating anastomoses between cardiovascular passageways in a patient.

Retrieving implanted magnets from other passageways or volumes within a patient's body, particularly where magnets include through holes in register.

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