Abstract:
An intravascular delivery system includes a threaded coil. The threaded coil includes one or more wires coiled to form a spiral coil with at least one thread extending along a length of the threaded coil. The threaded coil is plastically deformable for delivery of the threaded coil to a target location in the body and is rotatable to longitudinally position an intravascular device at the target location.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/368,695, filed Jul. 29, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    Intravascular medical procedures allow the performance of therapeutic treatments in a variety of locations within a patient&#39;s body while requiring only relatively small access incisions. An intravascular procedure may, for example, eliminate the need for open-heart surgery, thereby reducing the risks, costs, and time associated with an open-heart procedure. The intravascular procedure also enables faster recovery times with lower associated costs and risks of complication. An example of an intravascular procedure which significantly reduces procedure and recovery time and cost over conventional open surgery is a heart valve replacement or repair procedure. An artificial valve is guided to the heart through the patient&#39;s vasculature. For example, a catheter is inserted into the patient&#39;s vasculature and directed to the inferior vena cava. The catheter is then urged through the inferior vena cava toward the heart by applying force longitudinally to the catheter. Upon entering the heart from the inferior vena cava, the catheter enters the right atrium. The distal end of the catheter may be deflected by one or more wires positioned inside the catheter. Precise control of the distal end of the catheter allows for more reliable and faster positioning of a medical device and/or implant and other improvements in the procedures. 
         [0003]    An intravascularly delivered device needs to be placed precisely, as the device may be difficult to reposition after the device is fully deployed from the delivery system. Additionally, the ability to recapture and/or reposition a partially deployed device is desirable in the event that the distal end of the catheter moves relative to the target location and compromises the precise positioning of the device. 
         [0004]    The precise positioning of the device is inhibited by controlling the movement of the device from the proximal end of the delivery system. An intravascular device delivery system can include an elongated body which is 75 centimeters or more in length within the patient&#39;s vasculature. Small movements, either longitudinally or rotationally, are limited by contact with the vasculature as the elongated body passed through the vasculature and around corners. Further, the internal friction of different layers and/or components of the intravascular device delivery system impairs the implementation of small movements by a medical profession or other user. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0005]    In an embodiment, a threaded device includes at least one elastically deformable wire spiraled about a longitudinal axis. The at least one elastically deformable coil defines a lumen through the device and has at least one thread on a radially outer surface. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, an intravascular device delivery system includes an elongated member, a threaded coil positioned in the elongated body, and a drive cable positioned in the elongated member and rotationally fixed to the threaded coil. The elongated member has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The threaded coil is positioned near the distal end of the elongated member and includes at least one elastically deformable wire spiraled about a longitudinal axis. The at least one elastically deformable coil defines a lumen through the device and has at least one thread on a radially outer surface. 
         [0007]    A method of delivering an intravascular device includes inserting an elongated body containing a threaded coil and a distal end cap into a patient&#39;s vasculature. The intravascular device is positioned at the distal end of the elongated body. The method further includes applying a rotational force to the threaded coil, engaging a thread of the threaded coil with a complimentary thread; and rotating the threaded coil to apply a longitudinal force between the complimentary thread and the threaded coil. 
         [0008]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify specific features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0009]    Additional features of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows. The features of such embodiments may be realized by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an intravascular device delivery system, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side cutaway detail view of the elongated member of the embodiment of an intravascular device delivery system of  FIG. 1 , according to the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3-1  is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the elongated member of the embodiment of an intravascular device delivery system of  FIG. 1  showing distal movement of an intravascular device, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3-2  is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the elongated member of the embodiment of an intravascular device delivery system of  FIG. 1  showing proximal movement of an intravascular device, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4-1  is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the elongated member of another embodiment of an intravascular device delivery system showing proximal movement of an outer sheath, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4-2  is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the elongated member of the embodiment of an intravascular device delivery system of  FIG. 4-1  and showing distal movement of an outer sheath, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a threaded coil of  FIG. 4-1 , according to the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the embodiment of a major coil of the threaded coil of  FIG. 5 , according to the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a minor coil of the threaded coil of  FIG. 5 , according to the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a threaded coil, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a threaded coil having a shaped wire, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a threaded coil having tapered threads, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a threaded coil having rounded threads, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a threaded coil flexing under a lateral force, according to the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a threaded coil, according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a side partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a threaded coil, according to the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, some features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. It should further be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0028]    One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may generally relate to manufacturing and using intravascular device delivery systems or other steerable intravascular system. An intravascular device delivery system may allow a medical professional to deliver an intravascular or other medical device to a target location in a patient&#39;s body. While the present disclosure will describe intravascular device delivery systems and applications thereof in relation to intravascular procedures in the heart, it should be understood that the devices, systems, and method described herein may be applicable to other bodily lumens and/or cavities. Additionally, elements described in relation to any embodiment depicted and/or described herein may be combinable with elements described in relation to any other embodiment depicted and/or described herein. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3-1  may be combinable with any element of an embodiment described in  FIG. 10 , and any element described in relation to an embodiment described in  FIG. 4-2  may be combinable with any element of an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0029]    An intravascular device delivery system may include a flexible elongated member that has a distal end and a proximal end. A handle may be connected to a proximal end of the elongated member to allow a user, such as a medical professional and/or clinician, to control one or more movements of the elongated member. An intravascular device may be positioned at and/or connected to the distal end of the elongated member. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the elongated member may include a plurality of elements. For example, the elongated member may include a plurality of elements that extend from the proximal end to the distal end. In some embodiments, at least one of the elements of the elongated member may be located radially about a drive cable. In at least one embodiment, at least one element of the elongated member is located coaxially with and around a drive cable. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the handle may include one or more controls (e.g., a knob, a button, a lever, or other controls) that may move at least one part of the intravascular device delivery system relative to another. For example, the handle may include one or more controls for moving at least one element of the elongated member relative to another element of the elongated member. The handle may move an inner element relative to an outer element of the elongated member in a proximal direction, in a distal direction, in a rotational direction, or combinations thereof. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic representation of an intravascular device delivery system  100 . The system  100  may include an elongated member  102  having a proximal end  104  and a distal end  106 . A handle  108  may be connected to the proximal end  104  of the elongated member  102 . An intravascular device  110  may be positioned at and/or connected to the distal end  106 . 
         [0033]    The elongated member  102  may be flexible, allowing the elongated member  102  to traverse a patient&#39;s tortuous vasculature or other anatomy. In some embodiments, the elongated member  102  may deliver the intravascular device  110  (not visible) to a target location in the patient&#39;s body, such as delivering a heart valve repair device to the heart. In other embodiments, the system  100  and elongated member  102  may be provided without an intravascular device  110  at the distal end  106  such that the system may recapture, reposition, or otherwise move an intravascular device previously positioned in the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0034]    The elongated member  102  of the system  100  may include one or more elements therein. An element of the elongated member  102  may include a catheter, a guidewire, a sheath, a drive cable, other tubular and/or solid elements, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, an element of the elongated member  102  may extend the entire length of the elongated member  102  from a proximal end  104  to a distal end  106  of the elongated member  102 . In other embodiments, an element of the elongated member  102  may have a length less than the entire length of the elongated member  102 . For example, an element may provide support to the elongated member  102  from the proximal end  104  toward the distal end  106  without continuing the entire length to the distal end  106 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a side cutaway detail view of an embodiment of an elongated member  102  having a plurality of elements positioned radially within one another. For example, an elongated member  102  may have outer sheath  112  with one or more elements positioned radially within the outer sheath  112 . In some embodiments, the outer sheath  112  may be an outermost element of the elongated member  102 . In other embodiments, at least part of the outer sheath  112  may be within an outermost element of the elongated member  102 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, an elongated member  102  may have a delivery catheter  114  positioned radially within the outer sheath  112 . For example, at least a portion of the delivery catheter  114  may longitudinally overlap with a portion of the outer sheath  112  and the delivery catheter  114  may be within a lumen or other cavity of the outer sheath  112 . In other embodiments, the outer sheath  112  may have a plurality of elements positioned radially within the outer sheath  112 . For example, the delivery catheter  114  and an inner catheter  116  may be positioned radially within the outer sheath  112 . For example, both the delivery catheter  114  and inner catheter  116  may be radially within the outer sheath  112  and radially adjacent one another. In another example, the inner catheter  116  may be radially within the delivery catheter  114  and both may be radially within the outer sheath  112 . In yet other embodiments, the outer sheath  112  may have the delivery catheter  114 , the inner catheter  116 , and a drive cable  118  radially within the outer sheath  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the outer sheath  112  and the delivery catheter  114  may be coaxial with one another. For example, the outer sheath  112  and delivery catheter  114  may share a longitudinal axis  154  therethrough. In other embodiments, the outer sheath  112 , delivery catheter  114 , inner catheter  116 , drive cable  118 , or combinations thereof may be coaxial and/or share the longitudinal axis  154  of the elongated member  102 . In another embodiment, outer sheath  112 , delivery catheter  114 , inner catheter  116 , drive cable  118 , or combinations thereof, may not be coaxial and/or share the longitudinal axis  154  of the elongated member  102 . In at least one embodiment, the elongated member  102  may be an over-the-wire member and configured to have a guidewire  119  inserted through part of or all of the length of the elongated member  102 . For example, the drive cable  118  may have a lumen therethrough that may allow a guidewire  119  to pass through a length of the drive cable  118  and/or elongated member  102 . 
         [0038]    A drive cable  118  may be a laterally flexible element with high torsional stiffness that is configured to transmit rotational force along a length thereof in a straight configuration and in a bent configuration. 
         [0039]    In other embodiments, the drive cable  118  may be at least partially replaced by a cut hypotube. A cut hypotube may have flexibility in one or more lateral directions while transmitting torque therethrough with little to no rotation of a proximal end relative to a distal end. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, at least one of the outer sheath  112 , delivery catheter  114 , inner catheter  116 , and drive cable  118  may be a steerable element. For example, at least one of the outer sheath  112 , delivery catheter  114 , inner catheter  116 , and drive cable  118  may have a plurality of wires, threads, sutures, or chambers that may allow a lateral force to be applied to the element, as known in the art, to allow steerability of the elongated member  102 . In at least one embodiment, the delivery catheter  114  may be a steerable catheter. 
         [0041]    In at least one embodiment, a friction-reducing layer and/or coating may be located between the outer sheath  112  and the delivery catheter  114 . For example, a friction-reducing layer and/or coating may include a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer positioned between the outer sheath  112  and the delivery catheter  114 . In other examples, other lubricious coatings, such as perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene, other fluoropolymers, other materials, or combinations thereof, may be applied between the elements of the elongated member  102  to reduce friction between the elements during longitudinal movement relative to one another. 
         [0042]    In other embodiments, a friction-reducing layer and/or coating may be located between the drive cable  118  and the inner catheter  116 , or other element radially surrounding the drive cable  118 . The friction-reducing layer and/or coating may reduce rotation friction between the drive cable  118  and another element of the elongated member  102  when the drive cable  118  is rotated relative to the other element of the elongated member  102 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3-1  and  FIG. 3-2  are side cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the distal end  106  of the elongated member  102  described in relation to  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the distal end  106  may have an intravascular device  110  positioned therein and/or connected thereto. For example, the intravascular device  110  may be longitudinally adjacent a distal end cap  120 . The distal end cap  120  may be longitudinally fixed to one or more elements of the elongated member  102 . For example, the distal end cap  120  may be longitudinally fixed relative to the drive cable  118 . In other examples, the distal end cap  120  may be longitudinally fixed relative to the delivery catheter  114  and/or inner catheter  116 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the intravascular device  110  may be removably connected to the distal end cap  120 . For example, the distal end cap  120  may have one or more retention features (e.g., threaded, pins, grooves, resilient clips, etc.) thereon and the intravascular device  110  may have one or more complimentary retention features thereon, such that the intravascular device  110  may selectively engage with the distal end cap  120 . In other embodiments, the intravascular device  110  may abut the distal end cap  120  without interlocking, adhering, or otherwise connecting to the distal end cap  120 . 
         [0045]    The distal end  106  may have an outer sheath  112  at least partially longitudinally overlapping the intravascular device  110 . In some embodiments, the intravascular device  110  may be an expandable device with a collapsed state and an expanded state. For example, the intravascular device  110  may be a MITRACLIP mitral valve repair device having one or more deployable clips that expand radially from a body of the repair device. The outer sheath  112  may protect the repair device and the patient&#39;s vasculature from one another during delivery and positioning of the device before deployment. 
         [0046]    In other embodiments, the intravascular device  110  may be a self-expanding intravascular device  110  with a contracted state and an expanded state. The intravascular device  110  may be biased toward the expanded state such that the outer sheath  112  holds the intravascular device  110  in the contracted state, and a removal of the outer sheath  112  (e.g., moving the outer sheath  112  in a proximal direction) from a longitudinally overlapping position, such as shown in  FIG. 3-1 , may allow the expansion of the intravascular device  110  toward an expanded state. In some embodiments, the intravascular device  110  may include a shape memory material (“SMM”) such as a shape memory polymer and/or a shape-memory metal. For example, the intravascular device  110  may include or be made of a nickel titanium alloy. In some embodiments, the intravascular device  110  in a contracted state may apply an expansive force to the outer sheath  112 . The force experienced between the intravascular device  110  and the outer sheath  112  may create and/or increase a frictional force the outer sheath  112  and the intravascular device  110  and/or the delivery catheter  114 . 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, a longitudinal position of the intravascular device  110  may be at least partially controlled by a longitudinally moveable member within with the distal end  106  of the elongated member  102 . Friction within the elongated member  102  and/or between the elongated member  102  and the patient&#39;s vasculature may inhibit and/or limit fine movements of the intravascular device  110  (i.e., due partially to elastic and/or plastic deformation along the length of the elongated member  102 ). To control the precise location of the intravascular device  110 , a longitudinal force may be applied to the intravascular device  110  that originates locally to the distal end  106  of the elongated member  102 . For example, after approximate placement of the distal end  106  of the elongated member  102  by overall movement of the elongated member  102  through the vasculature, a secondary positioning system in the elongated member  102  may provide fine adjustments to the position of the intravascular device  110 . For example,  FIG. 3-1  illustrates an embodiment of a secondary positioning system that may convert a rotation of the drive cable  118  to a longitudinal movement of the intravascular device  110 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the drive cable  118  may be rotationally fixed relative to a threaded coil  122 . The threaded coil  122  may be made of or include a coiled wire or other member that allows the threaded coil  122  to elastically deform during passage through the patient&#39;s vasculature. In some embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may be biased to a substantially straight orientation. In other embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may be shapeable to provide a shapeable distal end  106  to the elongated member  102 . The threaded coil  122  may have a plurality of threads thereon, such that the threaded coil  122  may function as a screw gear, as will be described in more detail in relation to  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 12 . 
         [0049]    During delivery to and/or positioning of the intravascular device  110  at or near a target location in the patient&#39;s body, the intravascular device  110  may be at least partially or entirely radially within the outer sheath  112 . Upon approximate positioning of the distal end  106  and the intravascular device  110  at or near the target location, a user may rotate the drive cable  118 . The drive cable  118  may be rotationally fixed relative to the threaded coil  122 . In some embodiments, the drive cable  118  may be welded to the threaded coil  122 . In other embodiments, the drive cable  118  may be fixed relative to the threaded coil  122  by an adhesive or by a mechanical connection, such as interlocking features. In yet other embodiments, the drive cable  118  may be fixed relative to the threaded coil  122  by one or more intermediate elements, such as a pin, a staple, a clip, or other mechanical link between the drive cable  118  and the threaded coil  122 . 
         [0050]    The threaded coil  122  may engage with a complimentary thread  124  on the distal end cap  120  of the elongated member  102 . The complimentary thread  124  may apply a longitudinal force to the threaded coil  122  upon rotation of the threaded coil  122 . For example,  FIG. 3-1  illustrates a clockwise rotation  128  (from a proximal perspective) of the drive cable  118 . The rotation of the drive cable  118  is transmitted to the threaded coil  122  and the threaded coil  122  may rotate relative to the distal end cap  120 . The threaded coil  122  may engage with the complimentary threads  124  of the distal end cap  120 , which may, in turn, urge the threaded coil  122  in a distal direction  130 . In other embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may engage with one or more complementary threads on the delivery catheter  114  and/or the inner catheter  116 . The movement of the threaded coil  122  may urge the intravascular device  110  in a distal direction  130 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may be connected to the intravascular device  110 . In other embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may be longitudinally fixed to the intravascular device  110  and rotationally independent from the intravascular device  110 . For example, the threaded coil  122  may be connected to the intravascular device  110  with a rotational bearing  126 , such that the threaded coil  122  and intravascular device  110  are rotationally independent. In some embodiments, the bearing  126  may be a ball bearing. In other embodiments, the bearing  126  may be a slide bearing. In yet other embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may be rotationally independent from the intravascular device  110 , and the intravascular device  110  may be rotationally keyed to the outer sheath  112 , distal end cap  120 , or other element of the elongated member  102 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 3-2 , the counter-clockwise rotation  132  (from a proximal perspective) of the drive cable  118  may be transmitted to the threaded coil  122 . The threaded coil  122  may rotate relative to the distal end cap  120 . The threaded coil  122  may engage with the complimentary threads  124  of the distal end cap  120 , which may, in turn, urge the threaded coil  122  in a proximal direction  134 . In other embodiments, the threaded coil  122  may engage with one or more complementary threads on the delivery catheter  114  and/or the inner catheter  116 . The movement of the threaded coil  122  may urge the intravascular device  110  in a proximal direction  134 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 4-1 , another embodiment of an elongated member  202  according to the present disclosure is shown. Rotation of a drive cable  218  coupled to a threaded coil  222  in a clockwise direction  228  may cause the threaded coil  222  to engage with complimentary threads  224  and move the threaded coil  222  longitudinally. The threaded coil  222  may apply a longitudinal force to and move an outer sheath  212  or other element of the elongated member  202  in the proximal direction  234 . The outer sheath  212  or other element of the elongated member  202  may move relative to the delivery catheter  214 , inner catheter  216 , distal end cap  220 , or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the outer sheath  212  or other element of the elongated member  202  may move longitudinally relative to the intravascular device  210 . 
         [0054]    The outer sheath  212  may be shortened to longitudinally overlap the intravascular device  210  and a portion of the delivery catheter  214 . In other embodiments, the outer sheath  212  may extend from a proximal end of the elongated member  202  to the distal end of the elongated member  202 , such as in the elongated member  102  described in relation to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0055]    Referring again to  FIG. 4-1 , in some embodiments, the threaded coil  222  may be longitudinally fixed relative to the outer sheath  212  by a distal connection member  227 . The distal connection member  227  may be continuous between the threaded coil  222  and the outer sheath  212  (i.e., a continuous disc). In other embodiments, the distal connection member  227  may be one or more struts or other radial connection members that connect the threaded coil  222  and the outer sheath  212 . 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the distal connection member  227  that connects the threaded coil  222  to the outer sheath  212  may be connected to a bearing  226 . The distal connection member  227  may be rotationally independent of the threaded coil  222  and located between the bearing  226  and the outer sheath  212 . In other embodiments, the distal connection member  227  may be rotationally fixed relative to the threaded coil  222  and a bearing  226  may be located between the distal connection member  227  and the outer sheath  212 . In yet other embodiments, the outer sheath  212  and distal connection member  227  may be both rotationally fixed relative to the threaded coil  222 . 
         [0057]    In self-expanding embodiments, the intravascular device  210  may expand radially outward beyond the outer sheath  212  upon proximal movement of the outer sheath  212  relative to the intravascular device  210 . In embodiments with one or more retention features on the distal end cap  220  and the intravascular device  210 , the longitudinal position of the intravascular device  210  relative to the distal end cap  220  may be fixed. For example, after a partial expansion of the intravascular device  210 , the intravascular device  210  may be urged back to a contracted state. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 4-2 , the counter-clockwise rotation  232  (opposite that in  FIG. 4-1 ) of the drive cable  218  may be transmitted to the threaded coil  222 . The rotation may cause the threaded coil  222  to engage with complimentary threads  224  and move the threaded coil  222  longitudinally. The threaded coil  222  may apply a longitudinal force to and move an outer sheath  212  or other element of the elongated member  202  in the distal direction  230 . The outer sheath  212  or other element of the elongated member  202  may move relative to the delivery catheter  214 , inner catheter  216 , distal end cap  220 , or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the outer sheath  212  or other element of the elongated member  202  may move longitudinally relative to the intravascular device  210 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the bearing  226  may be a one-way bearing, allowing rotation in a first direction and resisting rotation in a second direction. A one-way bearing may be used to allow only deployment of an intravascular device, if recapture or other proximal movement of the intravascular device is undesirable. 
         [0060]    While the depicted embodiments in  FIG. 3-1  through  FIG. 4-2  illustrate the threaded coil engaging with a complimentary thread on the distal end cap, it should be understood that the threaded coil may engage with a complimentary thread on the distal connection member, intravascular device, or other component of the intravascular device delivery system. For example, the threaded coil may be longitudinally fixed by a bearing relative to the distal end cap, the threaded coil may engage with a complimentary thread on the intravascular device. In other words, the threaded coil may rotate while remaining in the same longitudinal position relative to the distal end cap, and the rotation of the threaded coil may urge the intravascular device proximally or distally. In another example, the threaded coil may rotate while remaining in the same longitudinal position relative to the distal end cap, and the rotation of the threaded coil may urge the outer sheath proximally or distally. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, a threaded coil may include a plurality of coils helixed together, such as embodiments described in relation to  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 9 . In other embodiments, a threaded coil may include a single coil. For example, the single coil may be a shaped coil to create threads, which engage with complimentary threads on the distal end cap. 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a threaded coil  222  according to the present disclosure. The threaded coil  222  may include a major coil  236  and a minor coil  238  that may be helixed together (i.e., interlocked spiral coils) to create a substantially continuous spiral coil. The major coil  236  and minor coil  238  may have different radial widths, such that the major coil  236  projects radially outward farther than the minor coil  238 , creating a spiral recess in the threaded coil  222  that may act as a thread to engage with a complimentary thread and transfer forces. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the major coil  236  may have a major coil length  240  in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the minor coil  238  may have a minor coil length  242  in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the major coil length  240  and/or the minor coil length  242  may be constant along a length of the threaded coil  222 . In other embodiments, the major coil length  240  and/or the minor coil length  242  may vary along a length of the threaded coil  222 . For example, lateral flexibility at a distal end of the threaded coil  222  may be increased or altered by decreasing the major coil length  240  and/or minor coil length  242  closer to the distal end of the threaded coil  222 . 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, the major coil length  240  and the minor coil length  242  may be substantially equal. For example, the major coil length  240  and the minor coil length  242  may both be about 1 millimeter. In other embodiments, the major coil length  240  may be greater than the minor coil length  242 . For example, the major coil length  240  may be about 1.0 millimeter and the minor coil length  242  may be less than 1.0 millimeter. In yet other embodiments, the major coil length  240  may be less than the minor coil length  242 . For example, the major coil length  240  may be about 1.0 millimeter and the minor coil length  242  may be more than 1.0 millimeter. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, the threaded coil  222  may be tightly packed such that the major coil  236  and minor coil  238  abut one another along at least a length of the threaded coil  222 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, the distal end and/or proximal ends of threaded coil  222  are tightly packed such that major coil  236  and minor coil  238  abut one another. In another embodiment, at the distal end and/or proximal end of the coil  222  the minor coil  238  is tightly packed. Such an arrangement of the distal and/or proximal end of a coil may enhance the ability to attach the proximal end or the distal end of the coil to other elements of the delivery device by such methods as welding, brazing, adhesives or other fixation methods. 
         [0066]    In other embodiments, the threaded coil  222  may be tightly packed such that the major coil  236  and minor coil  238  abut one another along the entire length of the threaded coil  222 . In yet other embodiments, the threaded coil  222  may be loosely packed, such that there is a space between the major coil  236  and the minor coil  238  in the longitudinal direction. For example, in an embodiment that is tightly packed, such as that shown in  FIG. 5 , the major coil length  240  and the minor coil length  242  may be substantially equal to the pitch  244 . In other examples, such as a loosely packed embodiment, the pitch  244  may be greater than the sum of the major coil length  240  and the minor coil length  242 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, the major coil  236  and the minor coil  238  may define a lumen therethrough with a lumen diameter  250 . The lumen diameter  250  may be sized to permit a guidewire or other elongated element to extend at least partially through the threaded coil  222 . In some embodiments, the lumen diameter  250  may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, or any values therebetween. For example, the lumen diameter  250  may be greater than 0.025 inches. In another example, the lumen diameter  250  may be less than 0.100 inches. In other examples, the lumen diameter  250  may be in a range of 0.025 inches to 0.100 inches. In at least one example, the lumen diameter  250  may be about 0.035 inches. 
         [0068]    The minor coil  238  has a minor coil height  246  that is a radial distance from an inner surface (i.e., the surface that partially defines the lumen) of the minor coil  238  and an outer surface of the minor coil  238 . The major coil  236  has a major coil height  248  that is a radial distance from an inner surface (i.e., the surface that partially defines the lumen) of the major coil  236  and an outer surface of the major coil  236 . The difference between the minor coil height  246  and the major coil height  248  may partially define a thread depth of the threaded coil  222 . In some embodiments, a thread depth may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of 0.005 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches. In some examples, the thread depth is greater than 0.005 inches. In other examples, the thread depth is less than 0.040 inches. In yet other examples, the thread depth is between 0.005 inches and 0.040 inches. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the embodiment of the major coil  236  of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0070]    The major coil  236  may have a major coil outer diameter  252  that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  254  of the major coil  236  (and, hence, the threaded coil). In some embodiments, the major coil outer diameter  252  may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.085 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.095 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.105 inches, or any values therebetween. For example, the major coil outer diameter  252  may be greater than 0.030 inches. In another example, the major coil outer diameter  252  may be less than 0.105 inches. In other examples, the major coil outer diameter  252  may be in a range of 0.030 inches to 0.105 inches. In at least one example, the major coil outer diameter  252  may be about 0.045 inches. 
         [0071]    The major coil  236  may have a plurality of coils angled relative to the longitudinal axis  254  at a coil angle  256 . In some embodiments, the pitch of the threaded coil may be at least partially related to the coil angle  256 . The coil angle  256  may be the angle of the coil as the coil crosses the longitudinal axis  254 , viewed radially (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the radial direction). In some embodiments, the coil angle  256  may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 87°, 89°, or any value therebetween. For example, the coil angle  256  may be greater than 45°. In another example, the coil angle  256  may be less than 89°. In other examples, the coil angle  256  may be between 45° and 89°. In at least one example, the coil angle  256  may be about 75°. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  illustrates the embodiment of a minor coil  238  of  FIG. 5  in side cross-sectional view. The minor coil  238  may have a minor coil outer diameter  258  that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  254  of the minor coil  238  (and, hence, the threaded coil). In some embodiments, the minor coil outer diameter  258  may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.085 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.095 inches, 0.100 inches, or any values therebetween. For example, the minor coil outer diameter  258  may be greater than 0.025 inches. In another example, the minor coil outer diameter  258  may be less than 0.100 inches. In other examples, the minor coil outer diameter  258  may be in a range of 0.025 inches to 0.100 inches. In at least one example, the minor coil outer diameter  258  may be about 0.078 inches. 
         [0073]    The minor coil  238  may have a plurality of coils angled relative to the longitudinal axis  254  at the coil angle  256 . The coil angle  256  is the same between the major coil  236  and the minor coil  238  in order to helix the major coil  236  and minor coil  238  together. 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, a threaded coil may have a plurality of major coils and/or a plurality of minor coils.  FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of a threaded coil  322 , according to the present disclosure. The threaded coil  322  has a major coil  336  and a plurality of minor coils  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2  helixed together. The major coil  336  may have a major coil length  340 , such as described in relation to  FIG. 5 . The first minor coil  338 - 1  may have a first minor coil length  342 - 1  and the second minor coil  338 - 2  may have a second minor coil length  342 - 2 . In some embodiments, the first minor coil length  342 - 1  and the second minor coil length  342 - 2  may be substantially equal. In other embodiments, the first minor coil length  342 - 1  may be greater than the second minor coil length  342 - 2 . In other embodiments, the first minor coil length  342 - 1  may be less than the second minor coil length  342 - 2 . 
         [0075]    The pitch  344  of the threaded coil  322 , therefore, may be a longitudinal length between the major coil  336  projections with both the first minor coil  338 - 1  and the second minor coil  338 - 2  therebetween. In some embodiments, the threaded coil  322  may be tightly packed with a pitch  344  that is substantially equal to the sum of the major coil length  340 , the first minor coil length  342 - 1 , and the second minor coil length  342 - 2 , similar to as described in relation to  FIG. 5 . In other embodiments, the threaded coil  322  may be loosely packed with a pitch  344  greater than the sum of the major coil length  340 , the first minor coil length  342 - 1 , and the second minor coil length  342 - 2 , similar to as described herein. 
         [0076]    In other embodiments, a threaded coil  322  may have a plurality of major coils  336 . For example, the plurality of major coils  336  may be adjacent one another, such as the minor coils  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2  of  FIG. 8 . In another example, the plurality of major coils  336  may be spaced apart from on another by one or more minor coils, and may provide a double thread for the threaded coil  322 , such as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, a coil angle  356  of the threaded coil  322  relative to the longitudinal axis  354  may be constant along a length of the threaded coil  322 . In other embodiments, the coil angle  356  may vary along a length of the threaded coil  322  to alter the flexibility of the threaded coil  322 . In yet other embodiments, the coil angle  356  may be constant along the entire length of the threaded coil  322 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 9  illustrates yet another embodiment of a threaded coil  422 . In some embodiments, the threaded coil  422  may include a shaped wire coil  460 . The shaped wire coil  460  may be formed in a spiral coil wherein the shaped wire coil  460  has a radially outward projection  461  that extends away from the longitudinal axis  454  of the threaded coil  422 . The projection  461  may have one or more dimensions similar to the major coil described in  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the projection  461  may have a projection length  462  in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0079]    While the shaped wire coil  460  is depicted in  FIG. 9  as having a substantially L-shaped cross-section, other embodiments of a shaped wire coil may have other shapes in cross-section. For example, other embodiments may have an inverted T-shaped cross-section, a U-shaped cross-section, or other shapes in cross-section. 
         [0080]    The shaped wire coil  460  may have a recessed portion that is radially closer to the longitudinal axis  454  than the projections  461 . The recessed portion of the shaped wire coil  460  may have one or more dimensions similar to the minor coil described in  FIG. 5 . The recessed portion may define a recessed length  464  of the shaped wire coil  460 . In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 9 , the projection length  462  and the recessed length  464  may be substantially equal. In other embodiments, the projection length  462  may be greater than the recessed length  464 . In yet other embodiments, the projection length  462  may be less than the recessed length  464 . In some embodiments, a pitch  466  of the threaded coil  422  may be based upon the shaped wire coil  460 . In other embodiments, a shaped wire coil may be helixed with one or more major coils and/or minor coils to create a threaded coil having a different pitch than the shaped wire coil  460  alone. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, a coil angle  456  of the threaded coil  422  relative to the longitudinal axis  454  may be constant along a length of the threaded coil  422 . In other embodiments, the coil angle  456  may vary along a length of the threaded coil  422  to alter the flexibility of the threaded coil  422 . In yet other embodiments, the coil angle  456  may be constant along the entire length of the threaded coil  422 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of a threaded coil  522 . The threaded coil  522  may be a shaped wire coil  560  similar to that described in relation to  FIG. 9 . The threaded coil  522  may have a peaked tip  568  at a radially outermost portion of the threaded coil  522 . The peaked tip  568  of the threaded coil  522  may allow for a snug fit in the complimentary threads of the distal end cap or other structure, as described herein. In some embodiments, the peaked tip  568  may reduce rotational friction. In other embodiments, the peaked tip  568  may inhibit fluid flow between the threaded coil  522  and the complimentary threads. While  FIG. 10  illustrates a shaped wire coil  560  with a peaked tip  568 , the peaked tip  568  may be used in conjunction with other embodiments of threaded coils, such as with the major coil  236  described in relation to  FIG. 5  or the plurality of major coils  336  described in relation to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 11  illustrates yet another embodiment of a threaded coil  622 . The threaded coil  622  may include at least one major coil  636  and at least one minor coil  638  similar to that described in relation to  FIG. 5 . The threaded coil  622  may have a rounded tip  668  at a radially outermost portion of the threaded coil  622 . The rounded tip  668  of the threaded coil  622  may allow for a snug fit in the complimentary threads of the distal end cap or other structure, as described herein. In some embodiments, the rounded tip  668  may reduce rotational friction. In other embodiments, the rounded tip  668  may compress against a surface of complimentary threads and the resulting seal may inhibit fluid flow between the threaded coil  622  and the complimentary threads. While  FIG. 11  illustrates a major coil  636  with a rounded tip  668 , the rounded tip  668  may be used in conjunction with other embodiments of threaded coils, such as with the plurality of major coils  336  described in relation to  FIG. 8  or with the shaped wire coil  460  described in relation to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a threaded coil  622 , described in  FIG. 11 , flexing in a lateral direction, such that the longitudinal axis  654  is curved. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the threaded coil  622  may flex one or more components of the threaded coil  622  (e.g., a major coil, a minor coil, a shaped wire coil) elastically deforming and/or moving relative to one another. In some embodiments, the threaded coil  622  may include or be made of a SMM, such as a shape memory polymer and/or a shape-memory metal. For example, a threaded coil may include or be made of a nickel titanium alloy. In other embodiments, a threaded coil may include or be made of other materials that exhibit elastic deformation, such as steel, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, polymers, ceramics, or other materials that may flex under a lateral load and return to an original state. 
         [0085]      FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a threaded coil  722  according to the present disclosure. The threaded coil  722  may have a major coil  736  that is wrapped around an outer surface of a minor coil  738 . For example, the minor coil  738  may be radially within the inner surface of the major coil  736 . In some embodiments, the major coil  736  may be fixed relative to the minor coil  738 , such as by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other fixation methods. For example, the major coil  736  may be fixed to the minor coil  738  along a continuous longitudinal length of the major coil  736 . In other examples, the major coil  736  may be fixed to the minor coil  738  at one or more discontinuous locations along the longitudinal length of the major coil  736  (e.g., spot welded to the minor coil  738 ). 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, the pitch  744  may be determined by the major coil  736  independently of the minor coil  738 . In some embodiments, the minor coil  738  has a minor coil height  746  that is a radial distance from an inner surface (i.e., the surface that partially defines the lumen) of the minor coil  738  and an outer surface of the minor coil  738 . The major coil  736  has a major coil height  748  that is a radial distance from an inner surface (i.e., the surface that partially defines the lumen) of the minor coil  738  and an outer surface of the major coil  736 . The difference between the minor coil height  746  and the major coil height  748  may partially define a thread depth of the threaded coil  722 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 14  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment a threaded coil  822  according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the minor coil  838  may be a cable tube or a braided tube. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the threaded coil  822  may have a major coil  836  that is wrapped around an outer surface of a cable tube minor coil  838  that is made up of a plurality of wrapped and/or braided wires. In some embodiments, the major coil  836  may be fixed relative to a radially outer surface of the cable tube minor coil  838 , such as by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other fixation methods. As the cable tube minor coil  838  does not have a defined pitch, the pitch  844  of the threaded coil  822  may be defined by the pitch of the major coil  836 . 
         [0088]    The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value. 
         [0089]    A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims. 
         [0090]    The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements. 
         [0091]    The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.