Abstract:
Connecting mechanisms between medical device or other physical components are described. One or more plug pin connector(s) is received in a matching socket connector(s) to either permanently or temporarily join at least two components together along with associated components. Each plug connector is associated with a releasable pull line to facilitate such assembly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This filing claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/601,470 filed Feb. 21, 2012 and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/650,813 filed May 23, 2012, each of which applications are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The embodiments described herein optionally relate to medical device assembly features, such as for percutaneously-delivered heart valves or otherwise. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Medical devices often require some measure of assembly. Certainly, this is the case when the construction includes each of a support structure and a biological graft or synthetic tissue construction such as in the case of many prosthetic valves. A need exists for conveniently, accurately and securely applied fasteners that may substitute for the use of sutures in prosthetic heart valve applications and others. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The invention embodiments address the stated need and others, especially in medical device applications, where the various features described herein may prove advantageous. Inventive aspects hereof include the embodiments described, methods/processes of their use, products by such processes and larger assemblies incorporating such embodiments. 
         [0005]    Embodiments comprise a connecting mechanism/device that joins together at least two components via a pulling line advantageously used to join and secure the components together. The system also allows the pulling mechanism to be released. 
         [0006]    The fastener mechanism comprises at least one plug pin connector (alternatively referred to as a fastener itself), that is brought together by a pulling system into a matching connecting socket to, either permanently or temporarily, join at least two components together. The pulling mechanism, such as, but not limited to at least one line, wire, cable, thread, string, etc, composed of a material such as, but not limited, to Nitinol, nylon, silk, polypropylene or some other string-like material, is connected to the plug-pin-like connector and directed towards the matching socket connector. The socket may be formed in the frame of a stent-like support for a valve and used to secure a graft section thereto. Other configurations are possible as well. 
         [0007]    The pulling mechanism is operated either spontaneously or manually at a user-defined rate to bring the aforementioned components together. As the plug pin connector is linked to the matching socket connector section, the plug-like component locks itself into place so as to prevent removal or separation of the two aforementioned components. Simultaneously, or immediately after the instant of locking (in either case, upon or after linking), the pulling mechanism is spontaneously or manually released from the pin, allowing the pull line to be separated and/or recovered from the conjoined component assembly. 
         [0008]    The plug pin connector/fastener may be shaped as a conical plug which is inserted into a matching hole. The plug connector can be formed of, but not limited to, a deformable yet elastic material such as, but not limited to, Nitinol (whether set for superelastic Nitinol, or shape memory use) plastic biocompatible polymers (e.g., PTFE, FEP, PEEK, PI, etc.) or be made of other material. It may formed in such a way, such as, but not limited to, a conical shape to guide connection of the plug fastener towards the matching connector socket. Optionally, the mechanism is flexible enough to allow the pin connector to deform when inserted into the matching hole (i.e., socket connector), and then recover into an appropriate shape once the plug pin connector has been, depending on the application, fully or partially inserted through the socket connector hole in order so that the fastener cannot be removed or separated. 
         [0009]    Deformation of the plug pin connector through the socket hole optionally allows some degree of shape configuration change that triggers the release, discharge or cut of the pulling mechanism. In one variation, the tip of the plug connector is formed with at least one or more fin-like structures that close together to form a different shape, such as, but not limited to, a conical configuration, yet allows a pull-wire to pass between the fins. Also, there may be a compartment between the fins that can contain an object, larger than the cross-section of the wire-like mechanism being used, such as, but not limited to, a spherical ball. This object, or relatively enlarged termination of the pull line is firmly connected to the end of the same, and being larger than the cross-sectional area of the pull line/wire, is trapped within the pin fastener compartment, as long as the fin-like structures at the tip of the pin fastener are kept at a distance smaller than the diameter of the object. 
         [0010]    In use, the fins are kept closed together prior to insertion within the matching socket connector hole, at which point, deformation of the plug connector may allow allows sufficient space for the object to escape, subsequently allowing the release, discharge or cut of the pull-wire mechanism. Alternatively, the release of the pull line may be triggered by the partial or full locking of the plug connector and the matching socket. As an example, the aforementioned fin-like structures may be separated by the trigger of a spring-like mechanism, which allows the release, discharge, or cut of the pull line mechanism. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, at a determined time after locking has occurred, the pulling mechanism is manually released from the pin, allowing the pulling mechanism to be separated and/or recovered from the conjoined component assembly. In which case, the pulling mechanism may be connected to the pin fastener through a physical wire loop that allows the pulling mechanism to be inserted through the pin fastener and doubled back out through the pin. Release, discharge or removal of the pulling mechanism in such an embodiment is accomplished through the cutting of the line/wire which allows it to be separated from the plug fastener and overall construction. 
         [0012]    Portions of the plug connector may formed such as, but not limited to, an annular snap ring with a conical end configuration and include a center hole that allows a pull-wire/line to pass between the conical snap. As such, the conical snap may include a channel or pathway cut or otherwise formed along its length in order to allow the pulling mechanism to travel in scenarios where the pulling force occurs at an angle of, such as, but not limited to, 90 degrees relative to the pin insertion direction. 
         [0013]    A medical device (e.g., a prosthetic valve) assembly is advantageously produced employing any of the subject fastener embodiments. In the case of a valve-type device, the plug connector may be pulled into connector sockets formed in a support frame for the valve, passing through and “sandwiching” valve leaflet material. Alternatively, the valve material may be secured to the to the plug connector body (e.g. by suture, medical adhesive or other means) and then the sub-assembly attached to the support frame. Irrespective of the means for any other material attachment, the pull line used for attaching the plug and socket connectors may include a separate or integral needle tip (as typical with sutures) for threading through the tissue-emulating portion of the construction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The figures diagrammatically illustrate inventive embodiments. Variations other than those shown in the figures are contemplated as described in a broader sense per the Summary above, as generically claimed, or otherwise. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1A-1C  are perspective views of a finned plug pin connector being inserted and locked into a matched socket connecting hole without the referenced pull-wire/line mechanism. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a prosthetic valve with its frame and leaflet construction as may be secured together with the subject fastener arrangements, with one option for the same provided in a detail top view. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are side cross-section views illustrating an example of a pull line retention and release mechanism embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side cross-section views illustrating a spring loaded example of a pull line retention and release mechanism. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of another plug connector embodiment, again, without the pull line shown. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are perspective views of the plug connector arrangement of  FIG. 5  being inserted and locked into two matched socket connecting holes. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are side views and  FIGS. 8A-8C  are perspective views of the pull line release mechanism for the construct shown in  FIG. 6C  in stages of use/release. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side and top detail views of the  FIG. 5  plug connector/fastener embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Various exemplary embodiments are described below. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting sense, as it should be noted that they are provided to illustrate more broadly applicable aspects of the devices, systems and methods. Various changes may be made to these embodiments and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the various embodiments. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims made herein. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1A-1C  are perspective views of a fastener system  10  according to one embodiment. In each figure, a plug connector  20  and a socket connector  30  defined as a hole in a section of material  32  is shown. Notably, material  30  may a single plane of material or a multi-layered construct to be held together by engagement/linking of the connector portions. 
         [0025]    Plug connector is illustrated with a plurality of fins  22  arranged to define a conical taper “C” as a lead-in to socket connector  30 . An annular suction  24  visible in  FIG. 1A  locks in place as shown in  FIG. 10 , stopping at flange  26 . Given flexibility imparted by the annulus-side struts/fins  28  it may be possible to compress and release the connectors once linked. 
         [0026]    In any case,  FIG. 2  illustrates an artificial valve  100  for percutaneous delivery in a partially assembled state. It includes a stent frame  102  and valve  104  comprising leaflets  106 . The referenced stent frame may be constructed from Nitinol hypotube using conventional laser cutting and electropolishing techniques and/or be otherwise constructed. Various delivery system components and other options for such devices may be appreciated in reference to PCT/US12/49645 filed Aug. 3, 2012, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0027]    The detail view in  FIG. 2  shows socket connector  30  and the material  32  it is formed with a plug connector  20 / 50  attached thereto. In this case, the socket is viewed along the axis of a stent frame strut  34 . In this view, the valve material  106  is connected by suture  108  to the plug connector. Further description of options for such attachment is addressed in connection with  FIGS. 5 and 9A .  FIG. 3A  also shows another manner of attaching graft material  106  to the frame material  32 / 102 . Namely, it can be pierced and sandwiched using the flange/base  26  of the plug connector. 
         [0028]    In any case,  FIG. 3A  illustrates the manner in which a plug connector  20  is pulled into socket  30  in frame  102  (or more generically material  32 ) using a pull line  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , pull line  40  is able to draw the connector into a linked engagement with socket  30  given the attached object/end  42  of the pull line constrained in a pocket/cavity/chamber  44  within the plug connector. As shown in  FIG. 3C , after the connectors are linked, fins  22  are able to open and release object  42  (be it a spherical attachment, an enlargement of the line produced with a laser-created blob, or body otherwise constructed) as chamber  44  is opened. 
         [0029]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  the operative action in  FIG. 3D  may be urged by an included spring  46  in a spring-loaded mechanism. A locking mechanism of any type known to those of skill in the art (such as a bail, clasp or other feature) may be incorporated in plug connector  20  so as to secure the spring-loaded mechanism until automatically unlatched upon linking with socket  30 . As yet another alternative, a delivery sheath, specialized forceps/pliers, etc. may be used to constrain either the spring-loaded or a non spring-loaded plug connector during installation. Such techniques for device and subcomponent delivery and assembly are well known in the art. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a side view of another plug connector embodiment  50 . Here, two plug connectors  52  are joined by a bridge or base  54 . Ports or holes  56  may be provided therein for looping suture through for graft connection as described in  FIG. 2 . Also, through-holes or channels  58  are advantageously provided for pull lines (as later illustrated). Channels  58  may be angled within the base (e.g. comparing their axis of orientation to that of the plug connectors) to provide leverage when pulling plug connector  50  into linked arrangement (e.g., by upward/relatively aligned pulling of draw lines as illustrated in  FIG. 7A ) with socket material  32 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrates such action. Namely: linking plug connector  50  with a matching-pattern set of socket connectors  30 . This action is accomplished as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  and  8 A- 8 C. Here, pull line loops  60  run around bars or bosses  62  incorporated in connector plug base  54 . The pull line loops  60  pass through holes  48  and then through slots  64  in the plug connector  52 . They are thus secured for use in pulling the plug connectors into linked engagement with the socket connector sections as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 8A . Once accomplished, the loops may be cut as portrayed in  FIGS. 7B and 8B . Then, the loops (now single strands  60 ′) may then be removed by pulling on one end as shown in FIGS.  7 Ca and  8 C. 
         [0032]    Optional details of plug connector(s) suitable for such are shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In  FIG. 9A , semi-circular troughs  68  are seen in side view. These may be used for centering/locating graft attachment suture  108 . Without the inclusion of circular ports  56  (as in the previous embodiment), the height of the plug connection base  54 ′ can be reduced with no loss of functionality. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 9B , a difference in the angular orientation of slots  64  and  64 ′ is seen in top view. The angling helps provide clearance for the lower loop  60  when pulling vertically as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8C . More or less variation may be desirable for any given application. 
         [0034]    Use of the fasteners as described and as may be further understood by those with skill in the art also form inventive embodiments hereof. The subject methods may include each of technician or physician assembly activities associated with implant preparation and/or its delivery, positioning, re-positioning, retrieval and/or release. Regarding these methods, including methods of manufacture and use, these may be carried out in any order of the events which is logically possible, as well as any recited order of events. 
         [0035]    Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in the stated range is encompassed within the invention. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. 
         [0036]    Though invention embodiments have been described in reference to several examples, optionally incorporating various features, the invention is not to be limited to that which is described or indicated as contemplated with respect to each variation. Changes may be made to the variations described and equivalents (whether recited herein or not included for the sake of some brevity) may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0037]    Reference to a singular item includes the possibility that there are a plurality of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “said,” and “the” include plural referents unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, use of the articles allow for “at least one” of the subject item in the description above as well as the claims below. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
         [0038]    Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term “comprising” in the claims shall allow for the inclusion of any additional element—irrespective of whether a given number of elements are enumerated in the claim, or the addition of a feature could be regarded as transforming the nature of an element set forth in the claims. Except as specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein are to be given as broad a commonly understood meaning as possible while maintaining claim validity. 
         [0039]    The breadth of the different inventive embodiments or aspects described herein is not to be limited to the examples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather only by the scope of the issued claim language. It should be understood, that the description of specific example embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, this patent is to cover all modifications and equivalents as illustrated, in part, by the appended claims.