Patent Description:
In recent years, interventional therapy for cardiovascular diseases has become an important means to cure patients. Interventional implants are classified into stents, occluders and other small medical devices implanted in human or animal bodies. Taking the stent as an example, with the continuous development of interventional techniques in the medical field, the advantages of using a covered stent in the treatment of aortic aneurysm and arterial dissection are increasingly prominent. The covered stent is an artificial blood vessel adaptive to the size of blood vessels and mainly includes a membrane and a stent supporting the membrane, where the membrane is generally made of terylene or e-PTFE membrane, and the supporting stent is mainly formed by weaving stainless steel wires or nickeltitanium alloy wires. When the covered stent is used, the covered stent is compressed into a lumen of a sheath of a stent delivery device.

A blood vessel is generally punctured at a femoral artery or iliac artery position, and a guide wire is used for establishing a track, and the delivery device is used for establishing a conveying path through the iliac artery-abdominal aorta-thoracic aorta-aortic arch-ascending aorta, and then is transmitted to a specified position of a lesion, and then the covered stent is released. The covered stent is tightly attached to the wall of the arterial aneurysm after being released and extending, and the membrane of the covered stent isolates the blood flow from the lesion, so that the impact of the blood flow on the wall of the arterial aneurysm at the lesion is eliminated, and a channel for normal circulation of blood is established. Finally, the guide wire and the delivery device are withdrawn to realize the interventional treatment on the aortic aneurysm and arterial dissection.

<CIT> discloses a method of deploying a stent including engaging a hub assembly of a handle with a threaded outer surface of a slide shaft to initiate the deployment. Removing the delivery device includes disengaging the hub assembly from the threaded outer surface by pivoting a thread tooth out of engagement with the threaded outer surface. No elastic components are used for engagement or disengagement of the threaded members.

A delivery device of an existing stent system generally includes a TIP head, a sheath core tube, a push rod, a sheath, a holder, a sliding handle and other components. A common stent release mode is that the stent is first conveyed to a pre-specified position of a hemangioma through the delivery device to be positioned, and then the sheath is withdrawn to release the stent until the stent is completely released and extends. However, after the pre-specified position of the hemangioma is positioned, the delivery device should cooperate with the stent for safe release so as to ensure that the stent is uniform and stable in the release process, so that the stent is gradually controllable in the release process to avoid stent displacement or stent release failure due to operator's unstable operation during the release process of the stent.

At the same time, for a clinic in which a number of stents are to be implanted simultaneously in a patient, it is necessary to operate another stent after the partial release of a prior stent is stopped. Thus, it is needed for a device that can effectively lock and control the release of a stent during the release of the stent so as to achieve gradual release of the stent, and meanwhile after the stent is partially released and extends, the release process of the stent can be position-locked and maintains a suspended state, and the whole stent system remains in a safe and effective state during the position--locked process. When the position-locked state of the stent release process is removed, the stent can also be released stepwise safely and effectively, i.e. the unreleased part of the stent can still be released.

An object of the present invention is to provide a delivery device with a release position locking function, which meets the needs of positional locking of interventional implants during a release process.

According to the present invention a delivery device for conveying an implant is provided as defined in claim <NUM>. The delivery device for conveying an implant, includes:.

In one embodiment, the tooth block includes a U-shaped support member and a baffle connected to an open end of the support member, and the second engagement structure of the tooth block is provided on a surface of the baffle facing an inner side of the support member; and the first engagement structures of the guide rod surround the outer surface of the guide rod, or the first engagement structures of the guide rod are positioned on a part of the outer surface of the guide rod.

In one embodiment, the position locking device further includes a guide rod sleeve, and the guide rod sleeve is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod, and an opening is formed in a side wall of the guide rod sleeve, and both ends of the opening along the axial direction of the guide rod sleeve are respectively provided with a guide rail; two opposite sliding blocks are provided on the baffle, and the tooth block is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod sleeve, and the second engagement structure on the baffle corresponds to the opening, and the two sliding blocks on the baffle respectively penetrate through the two guide rails of the guide rod sleeve.

In one embodiment, the tooth block includes a U-shaped support member and a baffle connected to an open end of the support member, and the second engagement structure of the tooth block is provided on an inner wall of the support member; and the first engagement structures of the guide rod surround the outer surface of the guide rod, or the first engagement structures of the guide rod are positioned on a part of the outer surface of the guide rod.

In one embodiment, the position locking device further includes a guide rod sleeve, and the guide rod sleeve is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod, and two opposite guide rails are provided at the bottom of the guide rod sleeve along the axial direction, and one or two openings are provided on a side wall of the guide rod sleeve; two opposite sliding blocks are provided on the baffle, and the tooth block is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod sleeve, and the second engagement structure on the support member corresponds to the opening, and the two sliding blocks on the baffle respectively penetrate through the two guide rails of the guide rod sleeve.

In one embodiment, both ends of the guide rod sleeve are respectively provided with a first fixing member for connecting to the inner wall of the sliding handle.

In one embodiment, the position locking device further includes a key assembly, and the key assembly includes a key and a key support; one end of the key support is connected to the key, the other end thereof is connected to the top of the tooth block, or the other end thereof is connected to the top of the tooth block when the key assembly is pressed; when the key assembly is pressed, the elastic component is compressed.

In one embodiment, the elastic component is provided inside of the sliding handle at the top, and a transverse plate is provided inside of the sliding handle at the top, with an opening is provided on the transverse plate; and one end, close to the tooth block, of the key support penetrates through the opening and is connected to the tooth block; and the elastic component is sleeved on the periphery of the key support and is positioned between the key and the transverse plate.

In one embodiment, the elastic component is provided inside the sliding handle, and one end of the elastic component is connected to the tooth block and the other end of the elastic component is connected to the inner wall of the sliding handle at the bottom.

In one embodiment, another elastic component is further provided inside of the sliding handle at the top; and another elastic component is sleeved on the periphery of the key support, and is positioned between the key assembly and the tooth block.

In one embodiment, the top of the sliding handle is provided with an opening which the key passes through or fills.

In one embodiment, the key assembly is provided with at least one second fixing member; when the key assembly is not pressed, the second fixing member abuts against the inner side edge of the opening at the top of the sliding handle.

In one embodiment, the number of the first engagement structures axially spaced apart from each other along the guide rod are provided parallel to one another and equidistantly spaced.

In one embodiment, the first engagement structures are perpendicular to an axial direction of the guide rod.

In one embodiment, the guide rod has a chute extending in an axial direction thereof, and the first engagement structures are positioned on outer surface of the guide rod adjacent to both sides of the chute.

By adopting the position locking device with such structure in the delivery device, when the elastic component is compressed until the first engagement structures and the second engagement structure which are engaged together before are separated from each other, the delivery device can release the constraining force on the sliding handle from sliding axially along the guide rod, so that the implant can be gradually released or recovered according to the axial sliding of the sliding handle; and when the elastic component is reset, the first engagement structures and the second engagement structure are engaged, so that the sliding handle is locked, and the release of the implant is suspended. Therefore, the delivery device has a release position locking function, so that the implant can be safely and effectively released gradually and locked in time.

In order to make the advantages of the invention more fully apparent, embodiments are set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the field of interventional medical devices, after implanting the delivery device into a blood vessel, it is defined that the end of the delivery device closest to an operator is a proximal end and the end of the delivery device furthest from the operator is a distal end. Similarly, the proximal and distal ends of the various components in the delivery device are defined in accordance with this principle. The delivery device in the embodiments may be used for, but is not limited to, delivery of interventional implants such as stents, occluders and the like, and the structure and function of the delivery device will be described in detail herein by way of example of a stent. The embodiments relate to a stent which is a covered stent, where the covered stent refers to a structure after a film is covered on the surface of a bare stent, and the bare stent refers to a structure which includes a number of waveform rings without film between the waveform rings.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a structural schematic diagram of a delivery device <NUM> in an embodiment. The delivery device <NUM> according to the invention includes a sheath core tube <NUM>, a push rod <NUM>, a sheath <NUM>, a guide rod <NUM>, an end head <NUM>, a holder <NUM>, a sliding handle <NUM> and a position locking device <NUM>, where the sheath core tube <NUM>, the push rod <NUM>, the sheath <NUM> and the guide rod <NUM> are coaxially sleeved from inside to outside, and the end head <NUM> is provided at the distal end of the sheath core tube <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> is connected to the distal end of the guide rod <NUM>, and the sliding handle <NUM> is sleeved on the guide rod <NUM>, and the position locking device <NUM> received inside the sliding handle <NUM>. The end head <NUM> and the sheath core tube <NUM> in thie embodiment are both members with a cavity inside. The end head <NUM> can be a TIP head, and the end head <NUM> and the distal end of the sheath core tube <NUM> are fixedly integrated into a passage of a guide wire, so that the delivery device <NUM> with the guide wire can smoothly enter a blood vessel under the guide of the guide wire. The push rod <NUM> is a tubular member, and the proximal end of the push rod <NUM> is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the sheath core tube <NUM>, and the inner diameter of the push rod <NUM> is larger than the outer diameter of the sheath core tube <NUM>. As the sheath core tube <NUM> slides axially, the push rod <NUM> slides synchronously with the sheath core tube <NUM>.

The sheath <NUM> is a member which is sleeved on the outer edge of the push rod <NUM> and can slide axially with respect to the push rod <NUM>. When the distal end of the sheath <NUM> is in contact with the proximal end of the end head <NUM>, the sheath <NUM>, the sheath core tube <NUM> and the distal end face of the push rod <NUM> cooperate to form a space for receiving a stent, and the proximal end of the stent (not shown) abuts against the distal end face of the push rod <NUM>, and the distal end face of the push rod <NUM> limits the axial movement of the stent during the release of the stent. Since the distal end of the guide rod <NUM> is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the holder <NUM>, and the sliding handle <NUM> penetrates through the guide rod <NUM> at the proximal end of the guide rod <NUM>, the sliding handle <NUM> can move axially relative to the holder <NUM> along the guide rod <NUM>. When the sliding handle <NUM> is closed towards the holder <NUM>, a part of the sheath core tube <NUM> between the push rod <NUM> and the end head <NUM> is exposed outside the push rod <NUM>, and the exposed length is the effective length of the stent after compression, i.e. the maximum distance that the sliding handle <NUM> moves away from the holder <NUM>. When the sliding handle <NUM> is pulled proximally, the sheath <NUM> is withdrawn, and the stent loses the constraint from the sheath <NUM> and is released and extends.

The holder <NUM> is of a housing construction and is a fixed member of the delivery device <NUM> in order to facilitate gripping by a surgeon during a clinical procedure, so that the delivery device <NUM> is in a stable condition as a whole. The sheath core tube <NUM> and the push rod <NUM> extend through the holder <NUM> and the sliding handle <NUM>. The guide rod <NUM> is a guide mechanism for axial release of the stent, the distal end of which is fixed in the holder <NUM>, and the proximal end of which passes out of the sliding handle <NUM>. The sliding handle <NUM> is sleeved on the guide rod <NUM> and according to the invention is integral with the proximal end of the sheath <NUM>. For example, the proximal end of the sheath <NUM> is fixed within the sliding handle <NUM>, the distal end of which passes out of the holder <NUM>. The sliding handle <NUM> can slide along the axial direction of the guide rod <NUM> to drive the sheath <NUM> to slide, so that the stent can be released and extend by withdrawing the sheath <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM> is provided with a number of first engagement structures <NUM> axially spaced apart from each other along the guide rod <NUM>, and the inside of the guide rod <NUM> is a cavity. Further, the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM> is provided with at least one chute <NUM> extending in the axial direction of the guide rod <NUM>, and the chute <NUM> is communicated with the cavity inside the guide rod <NUM>. Further, the first engagement structures <NUM> are positioned on the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM> adjacent to both sides of the chute <NUM>. Further, the number of first engagement structures <NUM> provided on the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM> are provided parallel to one another and equidistantly spaced. Further, the first engagement structures <NUM> are perpendicular to an axial direction of the guide rod <NUM>. The first engagement structures <NUM> may be a toothed structure, or may be any other structure capable of effecting engagement.

The sliding handle <NUM> is connected to the proximal end of the sheath <NUM> by a connecting member (not shown) provided in the chute <NUM>, and the position locking device <NUM> can be placed wholly inside the sliding handle <NUM> or partly inside the sliding handle <NUM>. Further, the top of the sliding handle <NUM> is provided with an opening at which the top of the position locking device <NUM> can protrude, as shown in the position of <FIG>. In another embodiment, the opening may be covered by a layer of flexible membrane on the sliding handle, and the size of the flexible membrane is adapted to the size of the opening, in which case the position locking device <NUM> is considered to be entirely positioned inside the sliding handle <NUM>. When the sliding handle <NUM> slides axially along the guide rod <NUM>, the sheath <NUM> and the position locking device <NUM> slide synchronously with the sliding handle <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the position locking device <NUM> includes a key assembly <NUM>, a tooth block <NUM> and an elastic component <NUM>, and the tooth block <NUM> is sleeved on the outer side of the guide rod <NUM>, and the elastic component <NUM> is provided inside the sliding handle <NUM>. One end of the elastic component <NUM> is connected to the tooth block <NUM>, and the other end of the elastic component <NUM> is connected to the inner wall of the sliding handle <NUM> at bottom. The inside of the tooth block <NUM> is provided with at least one second engagement structure <NUM> (referring to <FIG>). The position locking device <NUM> is used for driving the tooth block <NUM> to compress the elastic component <NUM> when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, so that the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> and the second engagement structure <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> which are engaged together are separated from each other, and the constraining force of the axial movement of the sliding handle <NUM> is eliminated; and when the key assembly <NUM> is released, the elastic component <NUM> returns to act on the tooth block <NUM>, so that the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> are engaged with the second engagement structure <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> so as to realize the position locking of the sliding handle <NUM>. It may be noted that when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed and the first engagement structures162 are not separated from the second engagement structure <NUM>, the elastic component <NUM> is in a partially compressed state, and since the first engagement structures <NUM> are still partially engaged with the second engagement structure <NUM>, the stent is still in a release-locked state; when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed and the elastic component <NUM> is compressed until the first engagement structures <NUM> are separated from the second engagement structure <NUM>, the stent is in a releasable state.

In the embodiment, one end of the elastic component <NUM> is connected to the bottom of the tooth block <NUM>, and the other end thereof is connected to the inner wall of the sliding handle <NUM> in an unrestricted manner. Referring also to <FIG>, when the key assembly <NUM> is not pressed, the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> is engaged with the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> under the support of the elastic component <NUM>, where upon the axial movement of the sliding handle <NUM> is constrained by this engagement, i.e. the sliding handle <NUM> cannot slide axially along the guide rod <NUM>, thereby realizing the position locking of the stent in the current release state. Referring to <FIG>, when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, the key assembly <NUM> pushes the tooth block <NUM> to move towards the bottom of the sliding handle <NUM> by the pressing force, thereby compressing the elastic component <NUM>, where upon the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> moves away from the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> until the first engagement structures <NUM> are completely disengaged from the second engagement structure <NUM>, the constraining force on the axial movement of the sliding handle <NUM> is released, i.e., the sliding handle <NUM> can slide axially along the guide rod <NUM>, thereby effecting the gradual release of the stent.

Further, referring collectively to <FIG>, the tooth block <NUM> includes a U-shaped support member <NUM> and a baffle <NUM> connected to an open end of the support member <NUM>, and the second engagement structure <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> is provided on a surface of the baffle <NUM> facing the inside of the support member <NUM>; and the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> surround the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM>, or the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> are positioned on a portion of the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM>. Further, the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> are positioned on both sides of one of the chutes <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM>, and the length of the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> is adapted to the length of the second engagement structure <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> may have a square configuration.

It can be appreciated that the support member <NUM> may also be an arc body whose opening is the same as the length of the baffle <NUM> in <FIG>, and whose distance between the opening and the top is the same as that between the opening and top of the support member <NUM> in <FIG>. Further, the baffle <NUM> may be an arc body having a certain radian at both ends and a length corresponding to the size of the opening of the support member <NUM>. The second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> may be provided in a number according to the length or width of the tooth block <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> on the second engagement structure <NUM> may be provided in any number. Referring to collectively <FIG>, the support member <NUM> may be connected to the baffle <NUM> in a manner that is not limited to structural fixed connection, bolted connection, metal welding, adhesive connection, and the like, in addition to a snap connection.

By adopting the position locking device <NUM> of the delivery device <NUM> according to this embodiment, when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, it the position locking device <NUM> drives the tooth block <NUM> to compress the elastic component <NUM> so that the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> and the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> which are originally engaged together are separated from each other, thereby releasing the constraining force of the sliding handle <NUM> from sliding axially along the guide rod <NUM>, so that the stent can be gradually released or recovered according to the axial sliding of the sliding handle <NUM>; and when the key assembly <NUM> is released, the tooth block <NUM> is driven to move towards the direction close to the key assembly <NUM> by the return of the elastic component <NUM>, so that the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> and the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> are restored to the engagement state to generate a constraining force on the sliding handle <NUM> from sliding axially along the guide rod <NUM>, namely, the sliding handle <NUM> is locked at the current position and the release of the stent is then suspended.

It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the key assembly <NUM> may be omitted and the support member <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> may protrude at least partially from the sliding handle <NUM>, and the elastic component <NUM> may be compressed or reset by pressing or releasing the support member <NUM>.

Embodiment <NUM> differs from Embodiment <NUM> in that the position locking device <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM> may further include a guide rod sleeve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) having a hollow interior and open at both ends, and the baffle <NUM> is provided with two opposing sliding blocks <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, the guide rod sleeve <NUM> is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod <NUM>, an opening <NUM> is provided on a side wall of the guide rod sleeve <NUM>, and both ends of the opening <NUM> in the axial direction of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> are respectively provided with a guide rail <NUM>; the tooth block <NUM> is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> and the second engagement structure <NUM> on the baffle <NUM> corresponds to the opening <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> such that the second engagement structure <NUM> can pass through the opening <NUM> to be engaged with the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM>. The two sliding blocks <NUM> on the baffle <NUM> pass through the two guide rails <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM>, respectively. Further, the openings at both ends of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> are respectively provided with a first fixing member <NUM> for fixedly connecting to the inner wall of the sliding handle <NUM>.

It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first fixing member <NUM> may be omitted, so long as a connection structure capable of being connected to the inner wall of the sliding handle <NUM> may be provided at other portions of the surface of the guide rod sleeve <NUM>.

The guide rod sleeve <NUM> is a member which can be sleeved on the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM> and can slide axially and synchronously with the sliding handle <NUM> along the guide rod <NUM>, where two first fixing members <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> are fixedly connected to the proximal end and the distal end of the sliding handle <NUM>, respectively, inside the sliding handle <NUM>. The opening <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> enables at least one first engagement structure <NUM> on the surface of the guide rod <NUM> to appear within the opening <NUM> and enables the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM> and be engaged with the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> when the key assembly <NUM> is not pressed. The length and width of the opening <NUM> may depend on the area occupied by all of the second engagement structures <NUM> on the baffle <NUM>.

The shape of the sliding blocks <NUM> may be square, may be cylindrical, or any other shape, as desired, with the shape and size depending on the shape and size of the accommodation space of the guide rails <NUM>. The opposite sides of the two guide rails <NUM> are provided with openings, and further, one side of the two guide rails <NUM> facing outwards in the radial direction of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> may be provided with openings, as shown in <FIG>. The guide rails <NUM> function to slide the two sliding blocks <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> along the two guide rails <NUM>, respectively, so that the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> can be smoothly engaged with or disengaged from the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM>.

According to the delivery device in Embodiment <NUM>, the guide rod sleeve <NUM> is additionally provided in the position locking device <NUM>, so that other components in the position locking device <NUM> are more fixed in position under the cooperation of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> and not easy to deviate when moving, and can slide steadily with the guide rod sleeve <NUM> in sync with the sliding handle, and therefore the stability of the stent release can be guaranteed.

Embodiment <NUM> differs from Embodiment <NUM> in that the delivery device of Embodiment <NUM> includes a different tooth block <NUM> from the tooth block <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>. Accordingly, the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> of this embodiment differ from the first engagement structures <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>. Referring collectively to <FIG>, in this embodiment, the tooth block <NUM> is generally a hollow cuboid and includes a U-shaped support member <NUM> and a baffle <NUM> connected to an open end of the support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> includes a base plate and two side plates respectively connected to both ends of the base plate. The second engagement structures <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> are provided on the inner side walls of the two side plates of the support member <NUM> or on the inner side wall of only one of the side plates. The number of first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> surround the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM>, and the number of first engagement structures <NUM> are engaged with the number of second engagement structures <NUM> on the two side plates of the support member <NUM>. Alternatively, the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> are only positioned on a part of the outer surface of the guide rod <NUM>, and the first engagement structures <NUM> are engaged with the second engagement structures <NUM> on one of the side plates of the support member <NUM>. It can be appreciated that the provision of the second engagement structures <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> on only one of the side plates of the support member <NUM> also enables the position locking and unlocking of the sliding handle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram of the second engagement structures <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> provided on only one of the side plates of the support member <NUM>.

It can be appreciated that the support member <NUM> may also be an arc body whose opening is the same as the length of the baffle <NUM> in <FIG>, and whose distance between the opening and the top is the same as that between the opening and the top of the support member <NUM> in <FIG>. Further, the baffle <NUM> may be an arc body having a certain radian at both ends and a length corresponding to the size of the opening of the support member <NUM>. The second engagement structures <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> may be provided in a number according to the length or width of the tooth block <NUM>, and the teeth (not shown) on the second engagement structures <NUM> may be provided in rectangular or cylindrical structures whose size corresponds to the gap of the adjacent first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be connected to the baffle <NUM> in a manner that is not limited to structural fixed connection, bolted connection, metal welding, adhesive connection, snap connection and the like. It may be appreciated that the body structure of the tooth block <NUM> may be configured as a solid structure or a hollow structure.

In the embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the position locking device <NUM> includes a key assembly <NUM>, a tooth block <NUM> sleeved outside the guide rod <NUM>, and an elastic component <NUM> provided at the bottom of the tooth block <NUM>, where at least one second engagement structure <NUM> is provided inside the tooth block <NUM> (referring to <FIG>). The position locking device <NUM> is used for driving the tooth block <NUM> to compress the elastic component <NUM> when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, so that the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> and the second engagement structure <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> engaged together are separated from each other, and the constraining force of the axial movement of the sliding handle <NUM> is eliminated; and when the key assembly <NUM> is released, the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> are engaged with the second engagement structure <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> by the support force of the elastic component <NUM> acting on the tooth block <NUM> by returning so as to realize the position locking of the sliding handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> are schematic diagrams of engagement and separation of the first engagement structures <NUM> and the second engagement structure <NUM>, respectively.

One end of the elastic component <NUM> is connected to the bottom of the tooth block <NUM>, and the other end thereof is connected to the inner wall of the sliding handle <NUM> in an unrestricted manner. Referring to <FIG>, when the key assembly <NUM> is not pressed, the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> is engaged with the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> under the support of the elastic component <NUM>, in which case the axial movement of the sliding handle <NUM> is constrained by the engagement, that is, the sliding handle <NUM> cannot slide axially along the guide rod <NUM>, thereby realizing the position locking of the stent in the current release state. Referring to <FIG>, when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, the key assembly <NUM> pushes the tooth block <NUM> to move towards the bottom of the sliding handle <NUM> by the pressing force, thereby compressing the elastic component <NUM>, where upon the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> moves away from the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> until the first engagement structures <NUM> are completely disengaged from the second engagement structure <NUM>, so that the constraining force on the axial movement of the sliding handle <NUM> is released, i.e., the sliding handle <NUM> can slide axially along the guide rod <NUM>, thereby achieving the gradual release of the stent.

It can be appreciated that at least one second engagement structure <NUM> may be provided on only one of the side plates of the support member <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM>, and accordingly, the first engagement structures <NUM> of the guide rod <NUM> may need to be provided on the side of the guide rod <NUM> that is in contact with the side plates of the support member <NUM>.

With the adoption of the position locking device <NUM> of such structure, when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, the position locking device <NUM> of the delivery device according to Embodiment <NUM> drives the tooth block <NUM> to compress the elastic component <NUM>, so that the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> and the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> which are originally engaged together are separated from each other, thereby releasing the constraining force of the sliding handle <NUM> from sliding axially along the guide rod <NUM>, and further the stent can be gradually released or recovered according to the axial sliding of the sliding handle <NUM>; and when the key assembly <NUM> is released, the tooth block <NUM> is driven to move towards the direction close to the key assembly <NUM> by the return of the elastic component <NUM>, so that the second engagement structure <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> and the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> are restored to the engagement state to generate a constraining force on the sliding handle <NUM> from sliding axially along the guide rod <NUM>, namely, the sliding handle <NUM> is locked at the current position, and the release of the stent is then suspended.

Taking the case where both side plates of the support member <NUM> are provided with the second engagement structures <NUM>, Embodiment <NUM> differs from Embodiment <NUM> in that the position locking device <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM> can further include a guide rod sleeve <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) which is hollow inside and open at both ends, and the baffle <NUM> is provided with two opposite sliding blocks <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). Referring collectively to <FIG>, the guide rod sleeve <NUM> is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod <NUM>, two opposite guide rails <NUM> are provided at the bottom of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> (i.e., the end of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> opposite the baffle <NUM>) in the axial direction, and one or two openings <NUM> are provided on the side wall of the guide rod sleeve <NUM>. Further, one or two openings <NUM> are formed in the side wall of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> perpendicular to the plane of the two opposite guide rails <NUM>; the tooth block <NUM> is sleeved on the surface of the guide rod sleeve <NUM>, and the second engagement structure <NUM> on the support member <NUM> corresponds to the openings <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM>, and the two sliding blocks <NUM> on the baffle <NUM> respectively penetrate through the two guide rails <NUM> on the guide rod sleeve <NUM>. Further, both ends of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> are respectively provided with a first fixing member <NUM> for fixedly connecting to the inner wall of the sliding handle <NUM>.

The guide rod sleeve <NUM> is a member which can be sleeved outside the guide rod <NUM> and can slide axially and synchronously with the sliding handle <NUM> along the guide rod <NUM> , where the two first fixing members <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> are fixedly connected to the proximal and distal ends of the sliding handle <NUM>, respectively. The openings <NUM> of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> enable at least one first engagement structure <NUM> on the surface of the guide rod <NUM> to be seen within the openings <NUM> and enable the second engagement structures <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> to pass through the openings <NUM> and be engaged with the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM> when the key assembly <NUM> is not pressed. The length and width of the openings <NUM> may depend on the area occupied by all of the second engagement structures <NUM> on the support member <NUM>. When the two side plates of the support member <NUM> are provided with the second engagement structures <NUM>, the side wall of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> is correspondingly provided with two openings <NUM>; when only one side plate of the support member <NUM> is provided with the second engagement structure <NUM>, the side wall of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> is correspondingly provided with only one opening <NUM>.

The shape of the sliding blocks <NUM> may be square or cylindrical and so on, as desired, with the shape and size depending on the shape and size of the accommodation space of the guide rails <NUM>. The face-to-face sides of the two guide rails <NUM> are provided with openings. Further, one side of each of the two guide rails <NUM> facing outwards in the radial direction of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> may be provided with opening, as shown in <FIG>. The guide rails <NUM> function to slide the two sliding blocks <NUM> of the tooth block <NUM> along the two guide rails <NUM>, respectively, so that the second engagement structures <NUM> on the tooth block <NUM> can be smoothly engaged with or disengaged from the first engagement structures <NUM> on the guide rod <NUM>.

According to the delivery device in Embodiment <NUM>, the guide rod sleeve <NUM> is additionally provided in the position locking device <NUM>, so that other components in the position locking device <NUM> are more fixed in position under the cooperation of the guide rod sleeve <NUM> and not easy to deviate when moving, and can slide steadily with the guide rod sleeve <NUM> in sync with the sliding handle, therefore the stability of the stent release can be guaranteed.

In Embodiment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the key assembly <NUM> of the delivery device includes a key <NUM> and a key support <NUM>, one end of the key support <NUM> is connected to the key <NUM>, and the other end thereof is connected to the top of the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>), or the other end thereof is connected to the top of the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>) when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed. The key support <NUM> serves to drive the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>) to compress the elastic component <NUM> when the key assembly <NUM> is pressed.

The key <NUM> is hollow inside, and the key support <NUM> is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the key <NUM>. One end of the key support <NUM> is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the key <NUM>, and the other end thereof is fixedly connected to the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>). The key support <NUM> may be cylindrical or rectangular and so on in configuration.

In Embodiment <NUM>, the top of the sliding handle <NUM> is provided with an opening which the key <NUM> passes through or fills.

An opening sized to just housing the key <NUM> is provided at the top of the sliding handle <NUM>, and the key <NUM> can pass through the opening from inside the sliding handle <NUM> and partially protrude outside the sliding handle <NUM>, or the key <NUM> can fill the opening upwards from inside the sliding handle <NUM> so that the top of the key <NUM> can be flush with the opening.

An advantage of providing such an opening at the top of the sliding handle <NUM> is that it is convenient for the operator to clearly identify the key assembly <NUM> and to lock the position of the sliding handle <NUM> by the key assembly <NUM>, so as to achieve gradual release or timely locking of the stent.

In Embodiment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, at least one second fixing member <NUM> is provided at the inner side edge of the key <NUM>, and when the key assembly <NUM> is not pressed, the second fixing member <NUM> abuts against the inner side edge of the opening at the top of the sliding handle <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to prevent the key assembly <NUM> from sliding out of the opening of the sliding handle <NUM>. When the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, the second fixing member <NUM> is separated from the inner side edge of the opening at the top of the sliding handle <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

In Embodiment <NUM>, another elastic component <NUM> is provided inside of the sliding handle <NUM> at the top; the elastic component <NUM> is sleeved on the periphery of the key support <NUM> and is positioned between the key assembly <NUM> and the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>). Further, the elastic component <NUM> and the elastic component <NUM> are both springs.

In this embodiment, there is a gap between the key support <NUM> and the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>), and a distance between the key support <NUM> and the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>) is less than the pressing route of the key assembly <NUM>. When the key assembly <NUM> is pressed, the elastic component <NUM> is compressed, where upon the length of the key support <NUM> is greater than or equal to the current length of the elastic component <NUM>, so that the key support <NUM> contacts the top of the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>), thereby driving the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>) to compress the elastic component <NUM>. When the key assembly <NUM> is released, the key support <NUM> may be separated from the tooth block <NUM> (or the tooth block <NUM>) under the support of the elastic component <NUM>.

Further, referring to <FIG>, a transverse plate <NUM> may be provided on the sliding handle <NUM>, and both ends of the transverse plate <NUM> are separately fixed to the sliding handle <NUM>. An opening (not shown in Figure) is provided in the middle of the transverse plate <NUM>, and both ends of the opening are separately provided with a protrusion (not shown in Figure) in the direction of the key assembly <NUM>. The key support <NUM> may be contacted with the tooth block <NUM> through the opening in the middle of the transverse plate <NUM>, and one end of the elastic component <NUM> is sleeved on the key support <NUM> and the other end thereof is sleeved on the protrusion of the transverse plate <NUM>. The provision of the transverse plate <NUM> on the sliding handle <NUM> allows the key to be more stable during movement without shifting, and also limits the distance that the tooth block <NUM> slides upwardly.

Referring to <FIG>, in Embodiment <NUM>, the elastic component <NUM> of the position locking device <NUM> (not shown in Figure) is provided inside of the sliding handle <NUM> at the top, and a transverse plate <NUM> is provided inside of the sliding handle <NUM> at the top, with an opening is provided in the transverse plate <NUM>. One end, close to the tooth block <NUM>, of the key support <NUM> passes through the opening and is fixedly connected to the tooth block <NUM>; the elastic component <NUM> is sleeved on the periphery of the key support <NUM> ,and is positioned between the key <NUM> and the transverse plate <NUM>. Further, protrusions (not shown in Figure) are provided at both ends of the opening of the transverse plate <NUM> in the direction of the key <NUM>.

Since the key support <NUM> is fixedly connected to the tooth block <NUM>, when the key assembly <NUM> (not shown in Figure) is pressed, the elastic component <NUM> is compressed, and the key assembly <NUM> drives the tooth block <NUM> to move towards the bottom of the sliding handle <NUM> (namely, the tooth block <NUM> moves downwards). When the tooth block <NUM> moves downwards until the first engagement structures <NUM> are separated from the second engagement structure <NUM>, the stent is in a releasable state and the sliding handle <NUM> can move axially along the guide rod <NUM>. When the key assembly <NUM> is released, the elastic component <NUM> returns and drives the key assembly <NUM> to move towards the top of the sliding handle <NUM> (namely, the tooth block <NUM> moves upwards), and the key assembly <NUM> drives the tooth block <NUM> to move upwards. When the tooth block <NUM> moves upwards until the first engagement structures <NUM> and the second engagement structure <NUM> are engaged together, the stent is in a release-locked state, and the sliding handle <NUM> cannot move axially along the guide rod <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A delivery device for conveying an implant, comprising:
a sheath core tube (<NUM>), a push rod (<NUM>), a sheath (<NUM>), a holder (<NUM>), a guide rod (<NUM>) , a sliding handle (<NUM>), and a position locking device (<NUM>);
wherein the sheath core tube (<NUM>), the push rod (<NUM>), the sheath (<NUM>) and the guide rod (<NUM>) are coaxially sleeved from inside to outside, and an end head (<NUM>) is provided at the distal end of the sheath core tube (<NUM>),
wherein one end of the guide rod (<NUM>) is connected to the holder (<NUM>), and the other end of the guide rod (<NUM>) penetrates through the sliding handle (<NUM>) and the sliding handle (<NUM>) is integral with the proximal end of the sheath (<NUM>);
wherein an outer surface of the guide rod (<NUM>) is provided with a plurality of first engagement structures (<NUM>) axially spaced apart from each other along the guide rod (<NUM>);
characterized in that the position locking device (<NUM>) is provided in the sliding handle (<NUM>), and the position locking device (<NUM>) comprises a tooth block (<NUM>) and an elastic component (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the tooth block (<NUM>) is sleeved on the guide rod (<NUM>), and the tooth block (<NUM>) is provided with a second engagement structure (<NUM>);
the elastic component (<NUM>, <NUM>) cooperates with the tooth block (<NUM>) to allow the first engagement structures (<NUM>) and the second engagement structure (<NUM>) to engage with each other when the elastic component (<NUM>, <NUM>) is one of not compressed or partially compressed, allowing the implant to be in a release-locked state; and
the implant is in a releasable state when the elastic component (<NUM>, <NUM>) is compressed until the first engagement structures (<NUM>) and the second engagement structure (<NUM>) are separated.