Abstract:
Torque devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a torque device for use with an intravascular device includes a first component having a body defining a tapered opening for receiving a proximal portion of the intravascular device, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body; and a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component is movable relative to the first component between an open position where the torque device is configured to slidably receive the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between the first and second arms of the first component and a closed position where the torque device fixedly engages the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between first and second arms of the first component.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to torque devices for use with intravascular devices, systems, and methods. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Heart disease is very serious and often requires emergency operations to save lives. A main cause of heart disease is the accumulation of plaque inside the blood vessels, which eventually occludes the blood vessels. Common treatment options available to open up the occluded vessel include balloon angioplasty, rotational atherectomy, and intravascular stents. Traditionally, surgeons have relied on X-ray fluoroscopic images that are planar images showing the external shape of the silhouette of the lumen of blood vessels to guide treatment. Unfortunately, with X-ray fluoroscopic images, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the exact extent and orientation of the stenosis responsible for the occlusion, making it difficult to find the exact location of the stenosis. In addition, though it is known that restenosis can occur at the same place, it is difficult to check the condition inside the vessels after surgery with X-ray. 
         [0003]    A currently accepted technique for assessing the severity of a stenosis in a blood vessel, including ischemia causing lesions, is fractional flow reserve (FFR). FFR is a calculation of the ratio of a distal pressure measurement (taken on the distal side of the stenosis) relative to a proximal pressure measurement (taken on the proximal side of the stenosis). FFR provides an index of stenosis severity that allows determination as to whether the blockage limits blood flow within the vessel to an extent that treatment is required. The normal value of FFR in a healthy vessel is 1.00, while values less than about 0.80 are generally deemed significant and require treatment. 
         [0004]    Often intravascular catheters and guidewires are utilized to measure the pressure within the blood vessel. To date, guidewires containing pressure sensors or other electronic components have suffered from reduced performance characteristics compared to standard guidewires that do not contain electronic components. For example, the handling performance of previous guidewires containing electronic components have been hampered, in some instances, by the limited space available for the core wire after accounting for the space needed for the conductors or communication lines of the electronic component(s), the stiffness of the rigid housing containing the electronic component(s), and/or other limitations associated with providing the functionality of the electronic components in the limited space available within a guide wire. 
         [0005]    Further, in many instances a torque device is positioned over a proximal portion of the intravascular device to facilitate steering of the intravascular device through vasculature. The torque device mechanically engages the outer surface of the intravascular device to provide an interface for the surgeon to manipulate the intravascular device. While existing torque devices have been adequate for previous intravascular device designs, they do not provide adequate mechanical and ergonomic functionality for some of the recent intravascular devices with improved handling characteristics. For example, some recent intravascular devices utilized embedded electrical leads within a polymer tubing to provide electrical connections. Some existing torque devices can damage (e.g., break, kink, short, etc.) these types of electrical connections during tightening and/or torqueing of the torque device. Further, some existing torque devices do not provide adequate holding strength and do not meet the ergonomic requirements of surgeons. Further still, some existing torque devices have complicated insertion/removal techniques that make it difficult to insert and/or remove the intravascular device without potentially damaging the intravascular device. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there remains a need for improved torque devices for use with intravascular devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to torque devices for use with intravascular devices, systems, and methods. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, a torque device for use with an intravascular device is provided. The torque device can include a first component having a body defining a tapered opening for receiving a proximal portion of the intravascular device, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body; and a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component is movable relative to the first component between an open position where the torque device is configured to slidably receive the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between the first and second arms of the first component and a closed position where the torque device fixedly engages the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between first and second arms of the first component. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, an intravascular system is provided that includes an intravascular device comprising: a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; at least one sensing element secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and at least one communication line extending from the at least one sensing element to the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a torque device configured to selectively interface with the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member, the torque device including: a first component having a body defining a tapered opening for receiving a proximal end of the flexible elongate member, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body; and a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component is movable relative to the first component between an open position where the torque device is configured to slidably receive the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between the first and second arms of the first component and a closed position where the torque device fixedly engages the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between first and second arms of the first component. 
         [0010]    Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic side view of an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic schematic view of an intravascular system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of components of a torque device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective proximal view of a component of the torque device of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective distal view of the component of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the component of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side, partial phantom view of the component of  FIGS. 4-6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a proximal end view of the component of  FIGS. 4-7 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a distal end view of the component of  FIGS. 4-8 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective proximal view of another component of the torque device of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective distal view of the component of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the component of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side, partial phantom view of the component of  FIGS. 10-12 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a proximal end view of the component of  FIGS. 10-13 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a distal end view of the component of  FIGS. 10-14 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the torque device of  FIG. 3  in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the torque device of  FIGS. 3 and 16  in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, systems, and methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated and included within the present disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations of these combinations will not be described separately. 
         [0030]    As used herein, “flexible elongate member” or “elongate flexible member” includes at least any thin, long, flexible structure that can be inserted into the vasculature of a patient. While the illustrated embodiments of the “flexible elongate members” of the present disclosure have a cylindrical profile with a circular cross-sectional profile that defines an outer diameter of the flexible elongate member, in other instances all or a portion of the flexible elongate members may have other geometric cross-sectional profiles (e.g., oval, rectangular, square, elliptical, etc.) or non-geometric cross-sectional profiles. Flexible elongate members include, for example, intravascular catheters and intravascular guidewires. In that regard, intravascular catheters may or may not include a lumen extending along its length for receiving and/or guiding other instruments. If the intravascular catheter includes a lumen, the lumen may be centered or offset with respect to the cross-sectional profile of the device. 
         [0031]    In most embodiments, the flexible elongate members of the present disclosure include one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components. For example, without limitation, a flexible elongate member may include one or more of the following types of components: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an fro electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. Generally, these components are configured to obtain data related to a vessel or other portion of the anatomy in which the flexible elongate member is disposed. Often the components are also configured to communicate the data to an external device for processing and/or display. In some aspects, embodiments of the present disclosure include imaging devices for imaging within the lumen of a vessel, including both medical and non-medical applications. However, some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly suited for use in the context of human vasculature. Imaging of the intravascular space, particularly the interior walls of human vasculature can be accomplished by a number of different techniques, including ultrasound (often referred to as intravascular ultrasound (“IVUS”) and intracardiac echocardiography (“ICE”)) and optical coherence tomography (“OCT”). In other instances, infrared, thermal, or other imaging modalities are utilized. Further, in some instances the flexible elongate member includes multiple electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, imaging elements, optical fibers, ultrasound transducers, reflectors, mirrors, prisms, ablation elements, fro electrodes, conductors, etc.). 
         [0032]    The electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components of the present disclosure are often disposed within a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. As used herein, “distal portion” of the flexible elongate member includes any portion of the flexible elongate member from the mid-point to the distal tip. As flexible elongate members can be solid, some embodiments of the present disclosure will include a housing portion at the distal portion for receiving the electronic components. Such housing portions can be tubular structures attached to the distal portion of the elongate member. Some flexible elongate members are tubular and have one or more lumens in which the electronic components can be positioned within the distal portion. 
         [0033]    The electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components and the associated communication lines are sized and shaped to allow for the diameter of the flexible elongate member to be very small. For example, the outside diameter of the elongate member, such as a guidewire or catheter, containing one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components as described herein are between about 0.0007″ (0.0178 mm) and about 0.118″ (3.0 mm), with some particular embodiments having outer diameters of approximately 0.014″ (0.3556 mm) and approximately 0.018″ (0.4572 mm)). As such, the flexible elongate members incorporating the electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component(s) of the present application are suitable for use in a wide variety of lumens within a human patient besides those that are part or immediately surround the heart, including veins and arteries of the extremities, renal arteries, blood vessels in and around the brain, and other lumens. 
         [0034]    “Connected” and variations thereof as used herein includes direct connections, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect connections where one or more elements are disposed between the connected elements. 
         [0035]    “Secured” and variations thereof as used herein includes methods by which an element is directly secured to another element, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect techniques of securing two elements together where one or more elements are disposed between the secured elements. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , shown therein is a portion of an intravascular device  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, the intravascular device  100  includes a flexible elongate member  102  having a distal portion  104  adjacent a distal end  105  and a proximal portion  106  adjacent a proximal end  107 . A component  108  is positioned within the distal portion  104  of the flexible elongate member  102  proximal of the distal tip  105 . Generally, the component  108  is representative of one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components. In that regard, the component  108  is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an RF electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. The specific type of component or combination of components can be selected based on an intended use of the intravascular device. In some instances, the component  108  is positioned less than 10 cm, less than 5, or less than 3 cm from the distal tip  105 . In some instances, the component  108  is positioned within a housing of the flexible elongate member  102 . In that regard, the housing is a separate component secured to the flexible elongate member  102  in some instances. In other instances, the housing is integrally formed as a part of the flexible elongate member  102 . 
         [0037]    The intravascular device  100  also includes a connector  110  adjacent the proximal portion  106  of the device. In that regard, the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end  107  of the flexible elongate member  102  by a distance  112 . Generally, the distance  112  is between 0% and 50% of the total length of the flexible elongate member  102 . While the total length of the flexible elongate member can be any length, in some embodiments the total length is between about 1300 mm and about 4000 mm, with some specific embodiments have a length of 1400 mm, 1900 mm, and 3000 mm. Accordingly, in some instances the connector  110  is positioned at the proximal end  107 . In other instances, the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end  107 . For example, in some instances the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end  107  between about 0 mm and about 1400 mm. In some specific embodiments, the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end by a distance of 0 mm, 300 mm, and 1400 mm. 
         [0038]    The connector  110  is configured to facilitate communication between the intravascular device  100  and another device. More specifically, in some embodiments the connector  110  is configured to facilitate communication of data obtained by the component  108  to another device, such as a computing device or processor. Accordingly, in some embodiments the connector  110  is an electrical connector. In such instances, the connector  110  provides an electrical connection to one or more electrical conductors that extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  and are electrically coupled to the component  108 . In other embodiments, the connector  110  is an optical connector. In such instances, the connector  110  provides an optical connection to one or more optical communication pathways (e.g., fiber optic cable) that extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  and are optically coupled to the component  108 . Further, in some embodiments the connector  110  provides both electrical and optical connections to both electrical conductor(s) and optical communication pathway(s) coupled to the component  108 . In that regard, it should again be noted that component  108  is comprised of a plurality of elements in some instances. In some instances, the connector  110  is configured to provide a physical connection to another device, either directly or indirectly. In other instances, the connector  110  is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the intravascular device  100  and another device. Generally, any current or future developed wireless protocol(s) may be utilized. In yet other instances, the connector  110  facilitates both physical and wireless connection to another device. 
         [0039]    As noted above, in some instances the connector  110  provides a connection between the component  108  of the intravascular device  100  and an external device. Accordingly, in some embodiments one or more electrical conductors, one or more optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  between the connector  110  and the component  108  to facilitate communication between the connector  110  and the component  108 . Generally, any number of electrical conductors, optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof can extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  between the connector  110  and the component  108 . In some instances, between one and ten electrical conductors and/or optical pathways extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  between the connector  110  and the component  108 . For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the embodiments of the present disclosure described below include three electrical conductors. However, it is understood that the total number of communication pathways and/or the number of electrical conductors and/or optical pathways is different in other embodiments. More specifically, the number of communication pathways and the number of electrical conductors and optical pathways extending along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  is determined by the desired functionality of the component  108  and the corresponding elements that define component  108  to provide such functionality. 
         [0040]    In some instances, the intravascular device  100  may include one or more features as described in one or more of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0187874, filed Dec. 30, 2013 and titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS”, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0217090, filed Feb. 2, 2015 and titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS HAVING A CORE WIRE WITH EMBEDDED CONDUCTORS”, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0273187, filed Mar.19, 2015 and titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS HAVING A CORE WIRE FORMED OF MULTIPLE MATERIALS,” U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0058977, filed Aug. 27, 2015 and titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS HAVING AN ADHESIVE FILLED DISTAL TIP ELEMENT,”U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0067456, filed Sep. 3, 2015and titled “PRESSURE GUIDE WIRE PULLBACK CATHETER,” U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0073957, filed Sep. 10, 2015 and titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS HAVING A SENSING ELEMENT EMBEDDED IN ADHESIVE,” each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , shown therein is a system  150  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system  150  includes an instrument  152 . In that regard, in some instances instrument  152  is an intravascular device as described above in the context of  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, in some instances the instrument  152  includes features similar to those discussed above with. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument  152  is a guide wire having a distal portion  154  and a housing  156  positioned adjacent the distal portion. In that regard, the housing  156  is spaced approximately 3 cm from a distal tip of the instrument  152 . The housing  156  is configured to house one or more sensors, transducers, and/or other monitoring elements configured to obtain the diagnostic information about the vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  156  contains at least a pressure sensor configured to monitor a pressure within a lumen in which the instrument  152  is positioned. A shaft  158  extends proximally from the housing  156 . A torque device  160  is positioned over and coupled to a proximal portion of the shaft  158 . A proximal end portion  162  of the instrument  152  is coupled to a connector  164 . Connector  164  will be described in greater detail below with reference to at least  FIGS. 3-10 . A cable  166  extends from connector  164  to a connector  168 . In some instances, connector  168  is configured to be plugged into an interface  170 . In that regard, interface  170  is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances. In some instances, the cable  166  is replaced with a wireless connection. In that regard, it is understood that various communication pathways between the instrument  152  and the interface  170  may be utilized, including physical connections (including electrical, optical, and/or fluid connections), wireless connections, and/or combinations thereof 
         [0042]    The interface  170  is communicatively coupled to a computing device  172  via a connection  174 . Computing device  172  is generally representative of any device suitable for performing the processing and analysis techniques discussed within the present disclosure and, in particular, the processing and analysis techniques for the intravascular devices described in the context of  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the computing device  172  includes a processor, random access memory, and a storage medium. In that regard, in some particular instances the computing device  172  is programmed to execute steps associated with the data acquisition and analysis described herein. Accordingly, it is understood that any steps related to data acquisition, data processing, instrument control, and/or other processing or control aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented by the computing device using corresponding instructions stored on or in a non-transitory computer readable medium accessible by the computing device. In some instances, the computing device  172  is a console device. In some particular instances, the computing device  172  is similar to the s5™ Imaging System or the s5i™ Imaging System, each available from Volcano Corporation. In some instances, the computing device  172  is portable (e.g., handheld, on a rolling cart, etc.). Further, it is understood that in some instances the computing device  172  comprises a plurality of computing devices. In that regard, it is particularly understood that the different processing and/or control aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented separately or within predefined groupings using a plurality of computing devices. Any divisions and/or combinations of the processing and/or control aspects across multiple computing devices are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0043]    Together, connector  164 , cable  166 , connector  168 , interface  170 , and connection  174  facilitate communication between the one or more sensors, transducers, and/or other monitoring elements of the instrument  152  and the computing device  172 . However, this communication pathway is exemplary in nature and should not be considered limiting in any way. In that regard, it is understood that any communication pathway between the instrument  152  and the computing device  172  may be utilized, including physical connections (including electrical, optical, and/or fluid connections), wireless connections, and/or combinations thereof. In that regard, it is understood that the connection  174  is wireless in some instances. In some instances, the connection  174  includes a communication link over a network (e.g., intranet, internet, telecommunications network, and/or other network). In that regard, it is understood that the computing device  172  is positioned remote from an operating area where the instrument  152  is being used in some instances. Having the connection  174  include a connection over a network can facilitate communication between the instrument  152  and the remote computing device  172  regardless of whether the computing device is in an adjacent room, an adjacent building, or in a different state/country. Further, it is understood that the communication pathway between the instrument  152  and the computing device  172  is a secure connection in some instances. Further still, it is understood that, in some instances, the data communicated over one or more portions of the communication pathway between the instrument  152  and the computing device  172  is encrypted. 
         [0044]    It is understood that one or more components of the system  150  are not included, are implemented in a different arrangement/order, and/or are replaced with an alternative device/mechanism in other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, the system  150  does not include interface  170 . In such instances, the connector  168  (or other similar connector in communication with instrument  152 ) may plug into a port associated with computing device  172 . Alternatively, the instrument  152  may communicate wirelessly with the computing device  172 . Generally speaking, the communication pathway between the instrument  152  and the computing device  172  may have no intermediate nodes (i.e., a direct connection), one intermediate node between the instrument and the computing device, or a plurality of intermediate nodes between the instrument and the computing device. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , shown therein is a side view of the torque device  160  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The torque device  160  can include a component  182  and a component  184 . The components  182  and  184  of the torque device  160  can engage each other via a snap feature. The snap feature can allow the components  182  and  184  to remain connected together while allowing the torque device  160  to move freely along the intravascular device  100 , which can include frontline guide wires, sensing guide wires, peripheral guide wires, and/or other types of intravascular devices described above. Mating threaded features on the components  182  and  184  can allow a user to manually tighten the torque device onto the intravascular device  100 . In this regard, projections, ridges, or other features on the outside surface(s) of the component(s)  182  and/or  184  can aid in rotating the components  182  and  184  with respect to one another, allowing the torque device  160  to tighten onto the intravascular device  100 . Further, in some instances the components  182  and  184  have different grip diameters. In this regard, dual or multiple grip diameters can allow for selective coarse and fine rotation of intravascular device  100  based on the grip diameter of the torque device  160  being used by the user. The component  182  can include a tapered bore/opening that allows for easy insertion of the intravascular device  100 . In this regard, a larger opening at an end of the component  182  can facilitate easier insertion of an end of the intravascular device  100  into the torque device  160 . Further, in some instances the bore can be at least partially defined by multi-taper conforming extensions to provide an increased surface area for engaging with the intravascular device  100 , which can allow for greater holding grip and prevent damage to embedded electrical leads or other components of the intravascular device. In this regard, the elongated contact area of the torque device  160 , which can be in the range of ⅛″ to ½″ in length (e.g., an average engagement length of 3/16″ in some implementations) or longer, can provide significant improvement in grip strength compared to the point contact designs employed on current torque device designs. Additional details of the torque device  160 , including features of the components  182  and  184 , will be discussed below. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-9 , shown therein are details of the component  182 . In this regard,  FIG. 4  is a perspective proximal view of the component  182 ;  FIG. 5  is a perspective distal view of the component  182 ;  FIG. 6  is a side view of the component  182 ;  FIG. 7  is a side, partial phantom view of the component  182 ;  FIG. 8  is a proximal end view of the component  182 ; and  FIG. 9  is a distal end view of the component  182 . As shown, the component  182  includes a body  186 . Gripping features  188  extend from the body  186 . The gripping features  188  can include projections, ridges, textures (e.g., knurled surfaces), other features, and/or combinations thereof. In this regard, the gripping features  188  can aid a user in rotating the component  182  to either tighten the torque device  160  onto the intravascular device  100  and/or manipulate the intravascular device  100  with the torque device  160  when the torque device  160  is engaged with the intravascular device  100 . In some instances the gripping features  188  of the component  182  have a different diameter (e.g., larger or smaller) than gripping features of the component  184 . In this regard, dual or multiple grip diameters can allow for selective coarse or fine rotation of intravascular device  100  based on the grip diameter of the torque device  160  being used by the user. 
         [0047]    The component  182  can include a tapered surface  190  that defines a tapered lumen  192 . In some implementations, the component  182  can be configured to be positioned distal of the component  184  along the intravascular device  100  when in use. Accordingly, in such implementations the tapered surface  190  may extend toward a distal end of the component  182  such that the tapered lumen  192  can receive the proximal end of the intravascular device  100  when coupling the torque device  160  to the intravascular device  100 . The tapered surface  190  may have a conical shape (as in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 4-9 ) or other suitable tapered shapes. In this regard, the tapered surface  190  allows the torque device  160  to have a relatively large opening for receiving the intravascular device  100 , which can make inserting the intravascular device  100  into the torque device much easier. For example, adjacent the distal end of the component  182  the diameter of the lumen  192  can be three, four, five, six, or more times larger than the outer diameter of the intravascular device. The tapered surface  190  can guide the intravascular device  100  to a centered position with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the torque device  160  for subsequent engagement. 
         [0048]    The body  186  of the component  182  includes a section  194  that leads to extensions  196  and  198 . The extension  196  includes a tapered flange  200 , while the extension  198  includes a tapered flange  202 . The tapered flanges  200  and  202  can be utilized to facilitate snap-fit engagement of the component  182  with the component  184 . In this regard, engagement of the component  182  with the component  184  via the tapered flanges  200  and  202  can cause the components  182  and  184  to remain coupled together in a loose, but connected fashion. For example, the components  182  and  184  can still be translated and/or rotated with respect to one another within a limited range, but the tapered flanges  200  and  202  can prevent or at least resist complete separation of the components  182  and  184  from one another. 
         [0049]    The extensions  196  and  198  are configured to selectively engage with the intravascular device  100 . In this regard, the extensions  196  and  198  are separated from one another in an open or neutral position (as shown by gap  210 ) and can be displaced towards one another (as indicated by arrows  212  and  214 ) for engagement with the intravascular device  100 . For example, in some instances selective engagement of a tapered structure of the component  184  with the extensions  196  and  198  is utilized to selectively engage/disengage the torque device  160  with the intravascular device  100 . In this regard, the tapered structure of the component  184  can cause the extensions  196  and  198  to move towards one another (as indicated by arrows  212  and  214 ) thereby pinching and/or clamping onto an intravascular device  100  positioned between the extensions  196  and  198 . 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment the extension  196  includes a thread feature  204  and the extension  198  includes a thread feature  206 . As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the thread features  204  and  206  can be arranged to define a single continuous thread feature for engagement with a corresponding thread feature of the component  184 . In this regard, the amount of threaded engagement between component  182  and the component  184  can be used to selectively control the amount of displacement of the extensions  196  and  198  and, thereby, the amount of grip the torque device  160  exerts on the intravascular device  100 . For example, rotation of the components  182  and  184  relative to one another about the thread features  204  and  206  can cause translation of the components  182  and  184  with respect to one another to vary which part of a tapered structure (e.g., a conical bore, tapered planar surface(s), etc.) of the component  184  engages the extensions  196  and  198 . 
         [0051]    One or both of the extensions  196  and  198  can include a surface feature to facilitate engagement and/or alignment of the intravascular device  100  with the torque device. For example, as best shown in  FIG. 9 , a recess  208  can be formed in the extension  198 . The recess  208  can be sized and shaped to receive the intravascular device  100  such that when the intravascular device  100  is gripped between the extensions  196  and  198  the intravascular device  100  is maintained within the recess  208 . This can prevent expulsion of the intravascular device from between the extensions  196  and  198  and/or prevent unwanted kinking of the intravascular device  100  within the torque device  160 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-15 , shown therein are details of the component  184 . In this regard,  FIG. 10  is a perspective proximal view of the component  184 ;  FIG. 11  is a perspective distal view of the component  184 ;  FIG. 12  is a side view of the component  184 ;  FIG. 13  is a side, partial phantom view of the component  184 ;  FIG. 14  is a proximal end view of the component  184 ; and  FIG. 15  is a distal end view of the component  184 . As shown, the component  184  includes a body  220 . Gripping features  222  extend from the body  220 . The gripping features  222  can include projections, ridges, textures (e.g., knurled surfaces), other features, and/or combinations thereof. The component  184  can include an extension  236  extending proximally from the body  220 . Gripping features  238  can extend from the extension  236 . The gripping features  238  can also include projections, ridges, textures (e.g., knurled surfaces), other features, and/or combinations thereof In this regard, the gripping features  188 ,  222 , and  238  of the components  182  and  184  can aid a user in rotating the components  182  and  184  to either tighten the torque device  160  onto the intravascular device  100  and/or manipulate the intravascular device  100  with the torque device  160  when the torque device  160  is engaged with the intravascular device  100 . In some instances one or more of the gripping features  188 ,  222 , and  238  have a different diameter (e.g., larger or smaller) than another of the gripping features  188 ,  222 , and  238 . In this regard, dual or multiple grip diameters can allow for selective coarse or fine rotation of intravascular device  100  based on the grip diameter of the torque device  160  being used by the user. 
         [0053]    The component  184  can include a distal end  224  that defines an opening  226 . In some implementations, the component  184  can be configured to be positioned proximal of the component  182  along the intravascular device  100  when in use. Accordingly, in such implementations the distal end  224  can be configured to receive and interface with a proximal end of the component  182 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the component  184  includes projections  228  around the opening  226 . The projections  228  are configured to interface with the tapered flanges  200  and  202  of the component  182 . For example, as the component  182  is introduced into the opening  226  of the component  184 , the projections  228  can slide over the tapered surfaces of the flanges  200  and  202 . Once past the tapered flanges  200  and  202 , the engagement of the projections  228  with the flat distal side of the tapered flanges  200  and  202  can prevent or at least resist complete separation of the components  182  and  184 . 
         [0054]    The component  184  can include an internal shoulder  230 . A surface  232  can extend proximally from the shoulder  230 . The shoulder  230  and surface  232  can include a thread feature  234 . As best shown in  FIG. 13 , the thread feature  234  can be a female thread feature configured to interface with the thread features  204  and  206  of the component  182 . In other implementations, the thread feature  234  can be a male thread feature and the component  182  can include one or more female thread features. The amount of threaded engagement between component  182  and the component  184  can be used to selectively control the amount of displacement of the extensions  196  and  198  and, thereby, the amount of grip the torque device  160  exerts on the intravascular device  100 . For example, rotation of the components  182  and  184  relative to one another about the thread features  204  and  206  can cause translation of the components  182  and  184  with respect to one another to vary which part of a tapered lumen  240  engages the extensions  196  and  198 . In this regard, as best seen in  FIG. 13 , the tapered lumen  240  can be defined by surfaces  232 ,  242 , and  244 . In this regard, tapered surface  242  extends proximally from surface  232 . Tapered surface  244  extends proximally from surface  244  to a proximal end of the component  184 . In this regard, the tapered surface  244  can be configured to interface with the extensions  196  and  198  of the component  182  to cause selectively displacement of the extensions  196  and  198  towards one another. The tapered surfaces  242  and  244  may have a conical shape (as in the illustrated embodiment) or other suitable tapered shapes (e.g., opposed planar surface(s)). As the extensions  196  and  198  are advanced further proximally into the lumen  240 , the amount of displacement of the extensions  196  and  198  towards one another will be increased due to the narrower dimensions of the tapered lumen  240 . Accordingly, by controlling the displacement of the components  182  and  184  relative to one another the amount of grip on the intravascular device  100  can be correspondingly controlled. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the torque device  160  can be moved between an open position in which it can receive and slide along the intravascular device  100  and a closed positioned in which it can fixedly engage with an outer surface of the intravascular device  100 . In this regard,  FIG. 16  is a side view of the torque device  160  in an open position; and  FIG. 17  is a side view of the torque device  160  in a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 16 , rotation of the component  182  along path  250  relative to the component  184  and/or rotation of the component  184  along path  252  relative to the component  182  can cause the torque device to move from the open position to the closed position. As discussed above, by controlling the amount of rotation of the components  182  and  184  relative to one another, relative displacement of the extensions  196  and  198  of the component  182  can be controlled and, thereby, the amount of grip on the intravascular device  100  can be correspondingly controlled. 
         [0056]    Persons skilled in the art will also recognize that the apparatus, systems, and methods described above can be modified in various ways. Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary embodiments described above. In that regard, although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.