Patent Description:
Typically, during a thrombectomy procedure, an insertion tool is used to introduce a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via a hemostasis valve, such as a rotating hemostasis valve (RHV). Examples of the neurovascular device include, but not limited to, a mechanical thrombectomy device, a neurovascular access device, a neurovascular balloon device, a neurovascular assist device, and a neurovascular clot removal/flow device.

The hemostasis valve is attached to a proximal end of the microcatheter. The proximal end of the microcatheter includes a microcatheter hub that allows for the attachment of the hemostasis valve. The geometry of these microcatheter hubs vary in design and dimensions across commercial microcatheter designs. The neurovascular device is loaded into the microcatheter via the hemostasis valve by using the insertion tool. The insertion tool is advanced through the hemostasis valve into the microcatheter hub until it cannot be advanced any further. The neurovascular device is then tracked to the treatment location through the microcatheter. When loading the neurovascular device, the neurovascular device should not expand. In other words, the neurovascular device should remain in a wrapped state as it transitions from the insertion tool to the microcatheter.

However, it has been observed that during introduction of the neurovascular device, if the insertion tool is not positioned correctly, the neurovascular device does not load correctly into the microcatheter. For example, the insertion tool is prone to moving when introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter, when the hemostasis valve is not tight enough.

Further, the different microcatheter hub geometries result in a large variation in the distance that the insertion tool can be advanced into the microcatheter hub. If the insertion tool is too distal in the microcatheter, it can result in failed delivery of the neurovascular device which can potentially damage the neurovascular device. The different proximal hub geometries and hemostasis valve seals can also result in the insertion tool being pushed distally back out of the microcatheter hub. This can result in premature deployment of the neurovascular devices in the hemostasis valve resulting in a failed introduction, potentially damaging the device.

Due to the inaccurate placement of the insertion tool, the neurovascular device becomes damaged when being deployed in a hub of the microcatheter, rather than transitioning directly into a shaft of the microcatheter. The neurovascular device is then either thrown in the trash or returned to the manufacturer as a complaint unit.

There is a need for an improved insertion tool design that possesses geometric features that will make the insertion tool more universal and compatible with a range of microcatheter hub geometries that are commercially available. There is a need for an improved insertion tool design that reduces a gap between a distal tip of the insertion tool and the microcatheter in order to prevent potential snagging of the neurovascular device in the microcatheter hub. There is a need for an improved insertion tool design that reduces the possibility of the insertion tool backing out of the hemostasis valve during the introduction of the neurovascular device into the microcatheter. For example, there is a need for an improved surface finish of the insertion apparatus to improve grip on the hemostasis valve. <CIT> discloses a Bi-directional catheter device for insertion into a body lumen where both ends are designed as distal ends. In connection with a coupling both catheter ends can be interchangeably connected to other medical devices such as cartridges for delivering vaco-occlusive coils, fibers, pellets or the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide devices to meet the above-stated needs. Generally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved insertion apparatus that simplifies loading of neurovascular device into microcatheter. In one embodiment, the insertion apparatus includes a ledge disposed on an outer surface of the longitudinal body that prevents a complete entry of the insertion apparatus into a proximal end of the RHV. In another embodiment, the insertion apparatus includes a tapered distal tip, allowing the insertion apparatus to reach the microcatheter with no gap. In yet another embodiment, the insertion apparatus includes an uneven outer surface along its longitudinal body through laser ablation of material to form protrusions, forming taper features, forming wave patterns or thread extrusions. The invention is defined by claims <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

An insertion apparatus for introducing a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via an RHV according to one embodiment of the invention includes a longitudinal body. The longitudinal body defines a lumen therethrough that allows the neurovascular device to pass through. The insertion apparatus includes a ledge disposed on an outer surface of the longitudinal body that prevents a complete entry of the insertion apparatus into a proximal end of the RHV. The microcatheter can be first coupled to the RHV before introducing the insertion apparatus into the microcatheter. When the insertion apparatus is correctly positioned relative to the microcatheter and the RHV for introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter, the ledge can be aligned with the proximal end of the RHV.

The ledge can include a width greater than a diameter of an opening of the proximal end of the RHV. The diameter of the opening can allow a partial entry of the insertion apparatus into the proximal end of the RHV.

The ledge can be disposed towards a distal end of the longitudinal body. The insertion apparatus can include a second ledge disposed towards a proximal end of the longitudinal body.

Another insertion apparatus for introducing a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via an RHV according to another embodiment includes a longitudinal body. The longitudinal body includes a lumen therethrough that allows the neurovascular device to pass through. The longitudinal body includes a tapered distal portion sized to allow partial entry into a proximal end of a microcatheter shaft. The tapered distal portion can include an outer diameter sized to prevent complete deployment into the microcatheter. The outer diameter can be about less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The longitudinal body can include a tapered proximal portion. The tapered distal portion can include a length of approximately <NUM>.

A further embodiment of an insertion apparatus for introducing a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via an RHV according to the invention includes a longitudinal body. The longitudinal body defines a lumen therethrough that allows the neurovascular device to pass through. The insertion apparatus includes an uneven outer surface. The uneven outer surface prevents a backward movement of the insertion apparatus from the microcatheter when introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter. A distal portion of the longitudinal body can include a distalmost taper to allow the distal portion to advance partially into the microcatheter. The uneven outer surface can include a sealing relationship with respect to a seal of the RHV. The uneven outer surface can define a plurality of tapers along a length of the longitudinal body to reduce movement of the insertion apparatus during introduction of the neurovascular device into the microcatheter. The plurality of tapers can include a first plurality of tapers inclined in a first direction at a first side of the insertion apparatus. The plurality of tapers can include a second plurality of tapers inclined in a second direction at a second side of the insertion apparatus. The second direction can be opposite from the first direction. The longitudinal body can define a length in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The RHV can further include a seal. The seal can include a recess formed in the seal. The uneven outer surface can include at least one threaded extrusion engaging with the recess formed in the seal of the RHV. The threaded extrusion can include a thickness less than a width of the recess formed in the seal of the RHV. The uneven outer surface can include a plurality of protrusions. At least one protrusion can include a length from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The uneven outer surface can include a knurled surface. The uneven outer surface can include a wave pattern along a length of the longitudinal body. The RHV can further include a recess of a seal. The recess of the seal can include a complementary profile engaging with the uneven outer surface.

Another example method not forming part of the invention for introducing a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via an RHV can include one or more of the following steps presented in no particular order. The method can include applying the RHV to the microcatheter. The method can include inserting an insertion apparatus into the microcatheter through the RHV. The method can include contacting a ledge disposed on an outer surface of a longitudinal body of the insertion apparatus to a proximal end of the RHV. The method can include inserting the neurovascular device into the microcatheter through a lumen defined in the insertion apparatus. The method can include defining a width of the ledge greater than a diameter of an opening of the proximal end of the RHV. The method can include allowing a partial entry of the insertion apparatus into the proximal end of the RHV based on the diameter of the opening.

Yet another example method not forming part of the invention for introducing a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via an RHV can include one or more of the following steps presented in no particular order. The method can include applying the RHV to the microcatheter. The method can include inserting a tapered distal portion of an insertion apparatus into a proximal end of a microcatheter shaft through the RHV. The method can include configuring the tapered distal portion to restrict full insertion of the tapered distal portion into the microcatheter. The method can include inserting the neurovascular device into the microcatheter through a lumen defined in the insertion apparatus.

A further example method not forming part of the invention for introducing a neurovascular device into a microcatheter via an RHV can include one or more of the following steps presented in no particular order. The method can include applying the RHV to the microcatheter. The method can include inserting a longitudinal body of an insertion apparatus into the microcatheter through the RHV. The method can include preventing a backward movement of the insertion apparatus from the microcatheter when introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter using an uneven outer surface of the longitudinal body. The method can include inserting the neurovascular device into the microcatheter through a lumen defined in the insertion apparatus.

All the example methods described above can include additional steps as would be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The above and further aspects of this invention are further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. The figures depict one or more implementations of the inventive devices, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.

More specifically, "about" or "approximately" can refer to the range of values ±<NUM>% of the recited value, e.g. "about <NUM>%" can refer to the range of values from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

An insertion apparatus <NUM> forming part of the present invention is illustrated in <FIG> for introducing a neurovascular device <NUM> into a microcatheter <NUM> via an RHV <NUM>. The insertion apparatus <NUM> includes a longitudinal body <NUM> defining a lumen <NUM> therethrough that allows the neurovascular device <NUM> to pass through. The insertion apparatus <NUM> includes a ledge <NUM> disposed on an outer surface <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM>. Before introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>, the microcatheter <NUM> can be first coupled to the RHV <NUM>. When the insertion apparatus <NUM> is correctly positioned relative to the microcatheter <NUM> and the RHV <NUM> for introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>, the ledge <NUM> can prevent a complete entry of the insertion apparatus <NUM> into a proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>, when the ledge <NUM> is aligned with the proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the ledge <NUM> can include a width "W" greater than a diameter "d" of an opening <NUM> of the proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>. The diameter "d" of the opening <NUM> can allow a partial entry of the insertion apparatus <NUM> into the proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>.

In one example as illustrated in <FIG>, the ledge <NUM> can be disposed towards a distal end <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM>. A second ledge <NUM> can be disposed towards a proximal end <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM>. As such, the ledge can be positioned at each end of the insertion apparatus <NUM> to allow the physician to know when the insertion apparatus <NUM> has been correctly seated in the microcatheter hub <NUM>. During loading, the physician can see if the insertion apparatus <NUM> begins to slip out of location when the ledge <NUM> or <NUM> does not sit directly at the correct location. In one example, at least one of the ledges <NUM>, <NUM> can sit on the RHV <NUM>.

Another embodiment of an insertion apparatus <NUM> forming part of the present invention is illustrated in <FIG> for introducing a neurovascular device <NUM> into a microcatheter <NUM> via an RHV <NUM>. The insertion apparatus <NUM> includes a longitudinal body <NUM>. The longitudinal body <NUM> includes a lumen <NUM> therethrough that allows the neurovascular device <NUM> to pass through. The longitudinal body <NUM> includes a tapered distal portion <NUM> sized to allow partial entry into a proximal end <NUM> of a microcatheter shaft <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the tapered distal portion <NUM> can include an outer diameter "d1" sized to prevent complete deployment into the microcatheter <NUM>.

In one example, the outer diameter "d1" can be about less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), while an inner diameter of the microcatheter <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or greater, so that the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be inserted into the microcatheter <NUM>.

In one example, the tapered distal portion <NUM> can have a length "TL" of approximately <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, the longitudinal body <NUM> can include a tapered proximal portion <NUM>.

The insertion apparatus <NUM> can be tapered on each end so that that each end can have an outer diameter "d1" less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to allow it to sit inside a lumen of the microcatheter <NUM>. This can prevent the insertion apparatus <NUM> being inadvertently deployed in the microcatheter hub.

Referring to <FIG>, the insertion apparatus <NUM> can have a length "L" in a range between approximately <NUM> and approximately <NUM>. The longitudinal body <NUM>, <NUM> can define the same length "L" in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In one example, the length "L" can be approximately <NUM>. Physicians can prefer to wrap the insertion apparatus around their hand while gripping the RHV. The length "L", such as <NUM>, can allow for a more secure grip while introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter.

Still another embodiment of an insertion apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the present invention is illustrated in <FIG> for introducing a neurovascular device <NUM> into a microcatheter <NUM> via an RHV <NUM>. The insertion apparatus <NUM> includes a longitudinal body <NUM>, <NUM>. The longitudinal body <NUM>, <NUM> defines a lumen <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> therethrough that allows the neurovascular device <NUM> to pass through. The longitudinal body includes an uneven outer surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> preventing a backward movement of the insertion apparatus <NUM> from the microcatheter <NUM> when introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>.

<FIG> represents a longitudinal cross section of a full assembly of the insertion apparatus <NUM>, the microcatheter <NUM> and the neurovascular device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the neurovascular device <NUM> can move forward into a microcatheter shaft <NUM> in a direction as represented by an arrow "F". In <FIG>, a shaded or hatched region enclosing the microcatheter shaft <NUM> and the microcatheter hub <NUM> can represent a microcatheter hub wall <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the microcatheter shaft <NUM> can define a microcatheter shaft lumen <NUM> for receiving the neurovascular device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the insertion apparatus <NUM> defines a lumen <NUM> therein for accommodating the neurovascular device <NUM>. The lumen <NUM> can have an inner diameter of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The insertion apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has one or more geometric features along its outer surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to improve the contact between an RHV seal <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the insertion apparatus. These geometric features are a roughened outer surface on the insertion apparatus. The roughened outer surface prevents the insertion apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from moving distally back out of the microcatheter hub <NUM>, therefore significantly reducing the possibility of a failed introduction or premature deployment of the neurovascular device <NUM>.

In one example, a distal portion <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM> can include a distalmost taper <NUM> to allow the distal portion <NUM> to advance partially into the microcatheter <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the distalmost taper <NUM> can form an angle θ in a range of approximately <NUM>°-<NUM>° with respect to a longitudinal axis "A" of the insertion apparatus <NUM>. The distalmost taper <NUM> can enable a distal tip of the insertion apparatus <NUM> to further advance into the microcatheter hub <NUM>. The distalmost taper <NUM> can allow the insertion apparatus <NUM> to advance to a most distal end of the microcatheter hub <NUM>, therefore significantly reducing the possibility of a failed delivery of the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>, which can otherwise occur due to a geometry of the microcatheter hub <NUM> or a partial deployment of the neurovascular device <NUM> in the microcatheter hub <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the longitudinal body <NUM> can have a proximal most taper <NUM>. The distalmost taper <NUM> and the proximal most taper <NUM> each can have a length "TL" greater than <NUM>. In one example, the length "TL" can be approximately <NUM>. Each of the distalmost taper <NUM> and the proximal most taper <NUM> can taper from a maximum outer diameter of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to a minimum outer diameter of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

In one example, the uneven outer surface <NUM>, <NUM> can form a sealing relationship with respect to a seal <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>.

In one example, the uneven outer surface <NUM> can include a plurality of tapers <NUM>, <NUM> along the length of the insertion apparatus outer surface <NUM> to reduce movement of the insertion apparatus <NUM> during introduction of the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>. The plurality of tapers <NUM>, <NUM> can be applied to both sides of the insertion apparatus to allow the insertion apparatus to be used from both sides. In one example, the plurality of tapers can include a first plurality of tapers <NUM> inclined in a first direction at a first side of the insertion apparatus <NUM>, and a second plurality of tapers <NUM> inclined in a second direction at a second side of the insertion apparatus. The second direction can be opposite from the first direction. The tapers <NUM>, <NUM> can server to reduce movement of the insertion apparatus when introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter.

In one example, the tapers <NUM> can be positioned at a distal end of the insertion apparatus <NUM>, while tapers <NUM> can be positioned at a proximal end of the insertion apparatus <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the taper directions of tapers <NUM>, <NUM> can be mirrored at a midpoint of the insertion apparatus, so that the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be used either way.

Each of the tapers <NUM>, <NUM> along the length of the insertion apparatus can have a length shorter than the length "TL" of the distalmost taper <NUM> or the proximal most taper <NUM> in order to improve the grip the closed RHV seal <NUM> has on the insertion apparatus <NUM>.

In one example as illustrated in <FIG>, when the RHV seal <NUM> closes on the insertion apparatus <NUM>, tapers <NUM> or tapers <NUM> can be locked or gripped by the RHV seal <NUM> or embedded into the RHV seal <NUM> to provide additional grip, preventing the insertion apparatus <NUM> from backing out of RHV <NUM> during device delivery. The RHV seal <NUM> can close tight to the insertion apparatus outer diameter. The RHV seal <NUM> can deform to form a tight grip on the outer surface of the insertion apparatus <NUM>. The RHV seal <NUM> can deflect to conform with the outer surface of the insertion apparatus <NUM>. At this point, the RHV seal <NUM> can be tightened down onto the insertion apparatus <NUM> to aid holding it in place in the microcatheter hub. As a result, the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be prevented from backing out of the RHV <NUM> when introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, tapers <NUM> or <NUM> prevent the insertion apparatus <NUM> moving backwards in a direction as represented by an arrow "B" when introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter shaft <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, when the RHV seal <NUM> closes on the insertion apparatus <NUM>, the RHV seal <NUM> can deform around the insertion apparatus <NUM> to form a firm grip on the insertion apparatus <NUM>. As a result, the RHV seal <NUM> prevents the insertion apparatus <NUM> from backing out of the RHV <NUM> when introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter shaft <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the RHV <NUM> can include a seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can include a recess <NUM> formed in the seal <NUM>. The uneven outer surface <NUM> can include at least one threaded extrusion <NUM> engaging with the recess <NUM> formed in the seal <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>.

In one example, the threaded extrusion <NUM> can include a thickness "T1" less than a width "W1" of the recess <NUM> formed in the seal <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, laser engraved pattern on an outer surface of the insertion apparatus <NUM> can improve RHV grip, preventing movement. The uneven outer surface <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions <NUM>. At least one protrusion <NUM> can include a length "PL" from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The length "PL" can be slightly small than an approximate size of the RHV seal.

Referring to <FIG>, the threaded extrusion <NUM> is formed along the outer surface of the insertion apparatus to improve tightness between the RHV seal and the insertion apparatus when the RHV seal grips the insertion apparatus.

In one example as illustrated in <FIG>, the uneven outer surface <NUM> can include a knurled surface to improve RHV grip.

In one example as illustrated in <FIG>, the uneven outer surface <NUM> can include a wave pattern <NUM> along a length of the longitudinal body <NUM> to improve grip of RHV on the insertion apparatus. The RHV seal <NUM> can include a recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> can include a complementary profile <NUM> engaging with the uneven outer surface <NUM>. The RHV seal <NUM> can be closed tight to the insertion apparatus <NUM>. The RHV seal <NUM> is deformable to conform with the wave pattern <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating an example method <NUM> not forming part of the present invention for inserting the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>. The method <NUM> can include one or more of the following steps presented in no particular order.

At step <NUM>, the neurovascular device <NUM> can be loaded into the insertion apparatus <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the RHV <NUM> can be attached to the microcatheter hub <NUM>. A physician can apply the RHV <NUM> to the microcatheter hub <NUM> before inserting the insertion apparatus <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>. In one example, in order to ensure that the below designs work correctly the RHV <NUM> of a specific length must be provided.

At step <NUM>, the insertion apparatus <NUM>, with the neurovascular device <NUM> preloaded therein, can be introduced into the RHV <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be positioned tight against a proximal end <NUM> of a microcatheter shaft <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

At step <NUM>, the RHV seal <NUM> can be closed down on the insertion apparatus <NUM> to hold the insertion apparatus <NUM> in place.

At step <NUM>, the neurovascular device <NUM> can be moved forward from the insertion apparatus <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM> until the neurovascular device <NUM> is fully introduced into the microcatheter <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, once the neurovascular device <NUM> is fully introduced into the microcatheter <NUM>, the RHV seal <NUM> can be loosened in order to remove the insertion apparatus <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be pulled proximally off a shaft <NUM> of the neurovascular device <NUM>.

<FIG> is yet another flow diagram illustrating an example method <NUM> not forming part of the present invention for inserting the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM> via the RHV <NUM>. The method <NUM> can include one or more of the following steps presented in no particular order.

At step <NUM>, the RHV <NUM> can be applied to the microcatheter <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be inserted into the microcatheter <NUM> through the RHV <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the ledge <NUM> disposed on the outer surface <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM> of the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be contacted to the proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the neurovascular device <NUM> can be inserted into the microcatheter <NUM> through the lumen <NUM> defined in the insertion apparatus <NUM>.

In one example, the ledge <NUM> can have a width "W" greater than a diameter "d" of the opening <NUM> of the proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM>, allowing a partial entry of the insertion apparatus <NUM> into the proximal end <NUM> of the RHV <NUM> based on the diameter "d" of the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating an example method <NUM> not forming part of the present invention for introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM> via the RHV <NUM>. The method <NUM> can include one or more of the following steps presented in no particular order.

At step <NUM>, the tapered distal portion <NUM> of the insertion apparatus <NUM> can be inserted into the proximal end <NUM> of the microcatheter shaft <NUM> through the RHV <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the tapered distal portion <NUM> can be configured to restrict full insertion of the tapered distal portion <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the longitudinal body <NUM>, <NUM> of the insertion apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be inserted into the microcatheter <NUM> through the RHV <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, a backward movement of the insertion apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be prevented from the microcatheter <NUM> when introducing the neurovascular device <NUM> into the microcatheter <NUM> using the uneven outer surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the longitudinal body <NUM>, <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the neurovascular device <NUM> can be inserted into the microcatheter <NUM> through the lumen <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defined in the insertion apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Any of the example methods <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can include additional steps as would be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The example method can be performed by an example system or a physician as disclosed herein, a variation thereof, or an alternative thereto as would be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the insertion apparatus may have a spiral profile. Both ends of the insertion apparatus may have a tapered profile to enhance ease of use and microcatheter capability.

Claim 1:
An insertion apparatus (<NUM>) for introducing a neurovascular device (<NUM>) into a microcatheter (<NUM>) via a rotating hemostatis valve (<NUM>), comprising:
a longitudinal body (<NUM>) defining a lumen (<NUM>) therethrough that allows the neurovascular device to pass through,
a ledge (<NUM>) disposed on an outer surface (<NUM>) of the longitudinal body that prevents a complete entry of the insertion apparatus into a proximal end of the rotating hemostatis valve, when the ledge is aligned with the proximal end (<NUM>) of the rotating hemostasis valve (<NUM>), the insertion apparatus is correctly positioned relative to the microcatheter and the rotating hemostasis valve for introducing the neurovascular device into the microcatheter, and the microcatheter is coupled to the rotating hemostasis valve.