Abstract:
A stent delivery device has a handle and a sliding body, the sliding body is slidable with respect to the handle. The handle has a grip and a guide. The sliding body has at least two flange portions extending from the sliding body. The flange portions are offset from one another along the length of the sliding body. The operator can thereby deploy a relatively long stent by first gripping the nearest flange portion and pulling the sliding body toward the handle; subsequently, the operator can reposition his/or finger on the next-nearest flange portion and continue deployment of the stent by pulling the sliding body further toward the handle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/672,068, filed Jul. 16, 2012, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of stents and stent deployment devices are known in the art. In particular, stents of the self-expanding and balloon expandable varieties and devices for deploying such stents are used to repair blood vessels, arteries, fluid passages, airways, gastrointestinal tracts, and other bodily lumens. 
     In some instances, it is desirable to use a stent that is relatively long, for example 100 mm in length. Relatively long stents can be more difficult to deploy than their shorter counterparts. Additionally, delivery devices requiring two hands to operate can be cumbersome. Consequently, there remains a need for a stent delivery device that is capable of effectively delivering relatively long stents to body lumens. There further remains a need for such a delivery device that can be operated with a single hand. 
     The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.56(a) exists. 
     All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments, a stent delivery device comprises a handle and a sliding body. The handle has a grip, a guide, and a protruding member. Further, the handle defines a cavity and the protruding member extends into the cavity. The sliding body comprises a guide surface. The sliding body further comprises a plurality of flange portions. In some embodiments, the flange portions are longitudinally offset from one another. The guide surface is slidably engaged to the guide and the sliding body is slidable over the protruding member. 
     In some embodiments, the guide defines a channel. Moreover, in some embodiments, the sliding body comprises a ridge and the ridge has a guide surface thereon. 
     In some embodiments, the guide comprises a ridge and the sliding body defines a channel. In some embodiments, the channel further defines a guide surface. 
     In some embodiments, the handle comprises a first guide and a second guide and the sliding body comprises a first ridge and a second ridge. The first ridge is slidably engaged to the first guide and the second ridge is slidably engaged to the second guide. 
     In some embodiments, the first ridge is opposed the second ridge. 
     In some embodiments, the sliding body defines a cavity and the protruding member is insertable into the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the protruding member defines a hole extending therethrough. 
     In some embodiments, the sliding body has two flange portions. 
     In some embodiments, the sliding body has four flange portions. 
     In some embodiments, two of the flange portions are longitudinally offset from the other two flange portions. 
     In some embodiments, the grip comprises a pistol grip. 
     In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a delivery device for delivering a medical implant. The delivery device comprises a handle and a sliding body. The handle comprises a main body, a pistol grip, and a pair of arms extending from the main body. In some embodiments, each of the arms comprises a guide. In some embodiments, the sliding body comprises a plurality of guide surfaces and a plurality of flange portions. In some embodiments, the flange portions are longitudinally offset from one another and the guide surfaces are slidably engaged to the guides. In some embodiments, the sliding body defines a first hole extending therethrough and the handle defines a second hole extending therethrough. The first and second holes have a common longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the handle further comprises a protruding member and the second hole extends through the protruding member. 
     In some embodiments, the sliding body defines a cavity and the protruding member is insertable into the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the delivery device has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the sliding body is in a first position; in the second configuration, the sliding body is in a second position. The second position is longitudinally offset from the first position. 
     In some embodiments, a delivery device for delivering a medical implant comprises a handle and a sliding body. In some embodiments, the handle defines a cavity and comprises a grip and at least one guide. The at least one guide extends from the handle. In some embodiments, the sliding body comprises a body portion and a plurality of flange portions. The flange portions extend from the body portion and are longitudinally offset from one another. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sliding body is slidable along the at least one guide between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a delivery device. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the handle of the delivery device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the sliding body of the delivery device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  shows the delivery device of  FIG. 1  with the sliding body positioned away from the handle. 
         FIG. 4B  shows the delivery device of  FIG. 1  with the sliding body partially retracted. 
         FIG. 4C  shows the delivery device of  FIG. 1  with the sliding body fully retracted. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the delivery device. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the delivery device. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a delivery device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit it to the particular embodiments illustrated. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated. 
     In at least one embodiment, for example as shown in  FIG. 1 , a stent delivery device  10  comprises a handle  12  and a sliding body  14 . In some embodiments, the handle comprises a grip  16 , a guide  18 , and a protruding member  20 . Further, in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  comprises a guide surface  22  and a plurality of flange portions  24 . In some embodiments, the sliding body  14  comprises a plurality of guide surfaces  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the guide surface  22  is slidably engaged to the guide  18  and the sliding body  14  is movable over the protruding member  20  such that the protruding member  20  extends into the sliding body  14 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the handle  12  further comprises a main body  28  and at least one arm  30  extending from the main body  28 . As further shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the handle  12  comprises two arms  30  extending from the main body  28 . Further, the guides  18  extend along the at least a portion of the arms  30  and at least a portion of the main body  28 . In some embodiments, the guides  18  extend along the entire length of one or more of the arms  30 . In some embodiments, each of the guides  18  defines a channel  32 . 
     In some embodiments, the handle  12  comprises a pistol grip  44 . The pistol grip  44  allows the operator to ergonomically operate and maneuver the delivery device  10 . Although shown in  FIG. 2  with the pistol grip  44 , other suitable configurations are also contemplated. Further, in some embodiments, the pistol grip  44  comprises a soft or tacky coating or polymer. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  comprises at least one ridge  34 . The ridge  34 , in turn, comprises the guide surface  22 . In some embodiments, the ridge  34  comprises a plurality of guide surfaces  22 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the ridge  34  has three guide surfaces  22 ; each of the guide surfaces  22  is oriented at a right angle relative to the adjacent guide surface  22 . The ridge  34  can comprise any suitable shape. For example, the ridge  34  can have two guide surfaces  22 , forming a triangular cross-section. Moreover, the ridge  34  can have a rounded guide surface  22 ; the ridge  34  can be semi-circular, ovoid, or take on any other suitable configuration. Further, the ridge  34  can have any suitable number of guide surfaces  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the sliding body  14  comprises a plurality of flange portions  24  extending therefrom. At least two of the flange portions  24  are longitudinally offset from one another. In some embodiments, the sliding body  14  has four flange portions  24 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Two of the flange portions  24   a  and  24   b  are diametrically opposed to one another and longitudinally offset from flange portions  24   c  and  24   d , which are also diametrically opposed to one another. Of course, other suitable configurations, some of which are described in further detail below, are also contemplated. The flange portions  24  may be of any suitable size or shape. In some embodiments, the flange portions  24  may be sized to provide requisite leverage. The shape of the flange portions  24  is, in some embodiments, ergonomic. 
     In some embodiments, the flange portions  24  extend orthogonally from the sliding body  14 , for example as shown in  FIG. 3 . Other configurations are also suitable. For example, the flange portions  24  can comprise a rounded trigger shape, similar to a firearm trigger. In some embodiments, the flange portions  24  have a concave portion. In some embodiments, the flange portions  24  comprise hoops around which the operator&#39;s fingers can be wrapped. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4A-4C , an embodiment of the stent delivery device  10  is shown in various stages of retraction. In  FIG. 4A , the sliding body  14  is positioned away from the handle  12 . In  FIG. 4B , however, the sliding body  14  is partially retracted. Finally, in  FIG. 4C , the sliding body  14  is fully retracted. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  is attached to a sheath (not shown) which can be operably retracted to permit deployment of a stent (not shown). In particular, the delivery device  10  can be used with relatively long stents, for example up to 100 mm in length. Such stents are deployed in two steps. First, the operator grasps the proximal flange portions  24   a  and  24   b , as shown in  FIG. 4A , and retracts the sliding body  14  to the configuration shown in  FIG. 4B . Thereafter, the operator repositions his/her fingers onto the distal flange portions  24   c  and  24   d  and continues retracting the sliding body  14  until the stent is fully deployed and/or the sliding body  14  is fully retracted, as shown in  FIG. 4C . Depending upon the length of the stent to be deployed, the sliding body  14  can include any suitable number of flange portions  24 . Further, in some embodiments, the delivery device  10  can be operated with one hand, thereby freeing the operator&#39;s other hand to perform another task, as necessary. 
     In some embodiments, the delivery device  10  is used to deliver airway stents into an airway passage, for example the trachea. In some embodiments, the delivery device is used to deliver a self-expanding stent. Moreover, in some embodiments, the delivery device can be used in combination with snares, ligator bands, sphincterotomes, retrieval baskets, clips, radiofrequency ablation needles, or any other suitable device requiring, for example, delivery or actuation. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  defines a cavity  36  and a through-hole  48 . Further, in some embodiments, the protruding member  20  of the handle  12  extends into the cavity  36  as the sliding body  14  is retracted towards the handle  12 . In some embodiments, the protruding member  20  defines a hole  26  extending therethrough. A guidewire, dilator, or other device (e.g., balloon) (not shown), is permitted to pass through the hole  26  of the protruding member  20 , for the purpose of guiding a catheter. Further, the guidewire is permitted to pass through the through-hole  48  of the sliding body  14 . In some embodiments, the hole  26  of the protruding member  20  and the through-hole  48  of the sliding body  14  have a common longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the sliding body  14  comprises a body portion  46 . In some embodiments, the proximal flange portions  24   a ,  24   b  are longitudinally coterminous with one or more of the guide surfaces  22  and the body portion  46 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body portion  46  extends distally beyond the distal flange portions  24   c ,  24   d  and one or more of the guide surfaces  22 , for example as shown in  FIG. 3 . Other configurations are also suitable. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the handle  12  comprises two opposing sides  38   a ,  38   b  and a back  40 . In conjunction, the opposing sides  38   a ,  38   b  and the back  40  define a pocket  42 . Upon fully retracting the sliding body  14  into the pocket  42 , in some embodiments, one or more of the proximal flange portions  24   a ,  24   b  come into contact with the back  40 . Consequently, in some embodiments, the back  40  prevents further retraction of the sliding body  14 . 
     In some embodiments, the handle  12  comprises a frame without walls. Further, in some embodiments, the back  40  is a stop member to prevent retraction of the sliding body. 
     In addition to the foregoing, although the handle  12  of  FIG. 2  has two guides  18  in opposing relationship to one another, it will be appreciated that the handle  12  can have only a single guide  18  or any suitable number of guides, for example three, four, or more. It will further be appreciated that the guide(s)  18  can be arranged in any suitable location. For example, where a single guide  18  is used, it can be oriented as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     With regard to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  has flange portions  24  on only one side. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , retraction of the sliding body  14  can be performed using a single finger, for example an index finger. Deployment of a stent using the embodiment of  FIG. 6  may be carried out in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C , except that the operator need only use one finger. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the guide(s)  18  extend(s) into the pocket  42  and the sliding body  14  has guide surfaces  22  which mate with the guide(s)  18 . As further shown in  FIG. 7 , the guides  18  protrude from the arms  30 , facing one another. Additionally, in some embodiments, the guide surfaces  22  which mate with the guides  18  are indentations along lateral sides of the sliding body  14 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the guides  18  comprise ridges  34 . In some embodiments, the ridges  34  are rails. Further, in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  defines a channel  32 . In some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 7 , the channel  32  defines at least one guide surface  22 . 
     In light of the foregoing, it will be evident to the skilled artisan that the handle  12  and sliding body  14  can have any suitable interface such that the sliding body  14  moves longitudinally with respect to the handle  12 . In some embodiments, the interface comprises a rail, disposed on the handle  12 , sliding body  14 , or both. In some embodiments, the interface further includes a mating surface, to mate with the rail, which is disposed on the sliding body  14 , handle  14 , or both. 
     Although the delivery device  10  can be used with relatively long stents, it is not so limited. In this regard, it is capable of delivery shorter stents, as well. In some embodiments, the delivery device delivers stents between 40 mm and 100 mm in length. In some embodiments, however, the delivery device  10  can be used with even longer stents, for example iliac artery stents, that are 200 to 300 mm in length. As disclosed previously, depending upon the length of the stent to be deployed, the sliding body  14  can include any suitable number of flange portions  24 . For example, in some embodiments, the sliding body  14  has three flange portions  24  that are all longitudinally offset from the others. In some embodiments, the sliding body  14  has four, five, or six flange portions  24  that are all longitudinally offset from the others. Further, where the sliding body  14  comprises a flange portion  24  on both sides (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the sliding body  14  comprises between 6 and 12 flange portions  24 . 
     In some embodiments, the stent delivery device  10  further comprises a ratcheting mechanism along a portion of the handle  12  or sliding body  14 , for example along the guide  18 , to advance or lock the sliding body  14  in position. Further, in some embodiments, the stent delivery device  10  includes a lock to prevent movement of the sliding body  14  relative to the handle  12 . 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the sliding body  14  or handle  12  is coated with a material to reduce or increase friction between the sliding components. In some embodiments, a material or coating having a high coefficient of friction is used to minimize unintended movement of the sliding body  14  relative to the handle  12 . In some embodiments, such a material or coating includes an elastomeric material, silicone, or similar material. 
     In some embodiments, a slippery or hydrophilic coating can be applied to an inner surface of the sheath (not shown) and/or an outer surface of an inner tube (not shown) to reduce friction between the inner tube and sheath during deployment of the stent. Further, in some embodiments, a slippery or hydrophilic material can be applied to an outside surface of the sheath (not shown) to reduce friction between the sheath and the duct or vessel in which the sheath is being deployed. 
     In some embodiments, the stent delivery device  10  has markings (not shown) on the handle  12  to indicate the extent to which the sliding body  14  has been retracted. 
     The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. 
     Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim  1  should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below. 
     This completes the description of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.