阅读说明：本技术 用于取出患者的体内导管中的阻塞物的装置 (Device for removing an obstruction in an intracorporeal catheter of a patient ) 是由 维拉·辛思凯 斯科特·D·威尔逊 于 2019-01-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于捕获和去除患者的体内导管中的阻塞物的装置。该装置包括具有周向和纵向轴线的圆柱形主体。根据一些实施方式,圆柱形主体包括围绕纵向轴线布置成多个斜线行的多个封闭孔格结构。封闭孔格结构中的至少一些封闭孔格结构具有基本相同的形状和尺寸。根据一些实施方式,封闭孔格结构中的具有基本相同的形状和尺寸的至少一些孔格结构在圆柱形主体中占据相同的周向位置,并且以不少于两个斜线行的封闭孔格结构、不少于三个斜线行的封闭孔格结构、不少于四个斜线行的封闭孔格结构或更多斜线行的封闭孔格结构而彼此纵向地隔开。根据其他实施方式,封闭孔格结构包括沿斜线延伸的支杆,该支杆至少具有弯曲部分和笔直部分。(A device for capturing and removing obstructions in an intrabody catheter of a patient. The device includes a cylindrical body having a circumferential and a longitudinal axis. According to some embodiments, the cylindrical body comprises a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in a plurality of diagonal rows about the longitudinal axis. At least some of the closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size. According to some embodiments, at least some of the closed cell structures having substantially the same shape and size occupy the same circumferential position in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally spaced from each other by no less than two diagonal rows of closed cell structures, no less than three diagonal rows of closed cell structures, no less than four diagonal rows of closed cell structures, or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures. According to other embodiments, the closed cell structure comprises struts extending along oblique lines, the struts having at least curved portions and straight portions.)

1. A device for capturing an obstruction in an intrabody catheter of a patient, the device comprising:

a cylindrical body having a proximal end, a distal end, a circumferential direction, and a longitudinal axis, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of cell structures formed from struts, the plurality of cell structures having the same shape and size and arranged in a plurality of diagonal lines about the longitudinal axis, the plurality of cell structures comprising a first cell structure, a second cell structure, a third cell structure, a fourth cell structure, and a fifth cell structure, the first cell structure being surrounded by the second cell structure, the third cell structure, the fourth cell structure, and the fifth cell structure and sharing at least one strut with each of the second cell structure, the third cell structure, the fourth cell structure, and the fifth cell structure, the plurality of cell structures each comprising a first strut, a second strut, a circumferential direction, and a longitudinal axis, A third strut, a fourth strut, a fifth strut, and a sixth strut, each of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, and the sixth strut having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first strut, the proximal end of the second strut, the proximal end of the third strut, the proximal end of the fourth strut, the proximal end of the fifth strut, and the proximal end of the sixth strut being respectively located proximal of the distal end of the first strut, the distal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut, the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the fifth strut, and the distal end of the sixth strut, the proximal end of the first strut being coupled to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut being coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut, the proximal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut, a second circumferential location is spaced apart from a first circumferential location, at least a first portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved, and at least a second portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a first circumferential position and the proximal and distal ends of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a second circumferential position.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the entirety of at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the fifth and sixth struts has a proximal end and a distal end that are longitudinally aligned with each other.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal end portions, the first and second end portions being curved and the intermediate portion being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the entirety of each of the fifth and sixth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being located proximally of the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures in the cylindrical body, each of the first and second cell structures of the plurality of cell structures having a proximal end and a distal end, an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the distal end of the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures with the proximal end of the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures intersecting at least three intervening cell structures, the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being longitudinally aligned with the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures than the imaginary longitudinal straight line, Any one of another of the plurality of cell structures is closer to a first of the plurality of cell structures.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being located proximally of the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures in the cylindrical body, each of the first and second cell structures of the plurality of cell structures having a proximal end and a distal end, an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the distal end of the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures with the proximal end of the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures intersecting at least four intervening cell structures, the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being longitudinally aligned with the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures than the imaginary longitudinal straight line, Any one of another of the plurality of cell structures is closer to a first of the plurality of cell structures.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures occupies a same circumferential position as a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being closer to the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures than any one of another cell structure of the plurality of cell structures that occupies a same circumferential direction, the first cell structure and the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being longitudinally spaced apart by no less than two diagonal rows of the plurality of cell structures.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures occupies a same circumferential position as a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being closer to the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures than any one of another cell structure of the plurality of cell structures that occupies a same circumferential position, the first and second cell structures of the plurality of cell structures being longitudinally spaced apart by no less than three diagonal rows of the plurality of cell structures.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures occupies a same circumferential position as a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, the second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures being closer to the first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures than any one of another cell structure of the plurality of cell structures that occupies a same circumferential position, the first and second cell structures of the plurality of cell structures being longitudinally spaced apart by no less than four diagonal rows of the plurality of cell structures.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the fifth strut is circumferentially aligned with the proximal end of the sixth strut.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position being distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the fourth longitudinal position is circumferentially aligned with the fifth longitudinal position.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the first longitudinal position is longitudinally misaligned with the second longitudinal position.

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first whisker having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body coupled to the distal end of the first whisker, at least a portion of the first whisker being straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or at least one of the sixth struts.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a second tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the second tentacle is straight when the device is longitudinally incised and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion of the second tentacle being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, or the sixth strut with one another in the plurality of cell structures, the adjacent cell structures being offset from one another in both a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to devices for removing obstructions from a bodily conduit.

Background

Obstructions in a patient's bodily conduit (if the obstruction remains in place) can lead to chronic health problems and even death.

An example of such an obstruction is an embolism located in a blood vessel of a patient. The embolism may be a blood clot (thrombus), a fat globule (fat embolism), or a foreign body. An embolism can cause partial or complete occlusion of blood flow in an affected blood vessel, such as a blood vessel in the neurovasculature of a patient. Capturing and removing such blockages can prevent the occurrence of a stroke or at least partially reverse the effects of a stroke.

Urinary obstruction is another example, in which an obstruction prevents urine from flowing through its normal path (the urinary tract), including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The blockage may be complete or partial and if not removed, may result in kidney damage, kidney stones, and infection.

Disclosure of Invention

Disclosed herein is a device for capturing and removing an obstruction from an intracorporeal catheter of a patient.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for removing an obstruction in an intracorporeal catheter of a patient, the device comprising a cylindrical body having a circumferential direction and a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of cell structures of substantially the same shape and size arranged in diagonal lines about the longitudinal axis. According to some embodiments, the plurality of cell structures each comprise a first strut, a second strut, a third strut, a fourth strut, a fifth strut, and a sixth strut, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end. According to some embodiments, the proximal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut, and the proximal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut. According to some embodiments, the proximal and distal ends of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a first circumferential position, the proximal and distal ends of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a second circumferential position, the second circumferential position spaced apart from the first circumferential position. According to some embodiments, when the extraction device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a first portion of each of the first, second, third and fourth struts is curved and at least a second portion of each of the first, second, third and fourth struts is straight.

According to other embodiments, each of the first, second, third and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is located between the proximal and distal end portions, the first and second end portions are curved and the intermediate portion is straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface.

According to other embodiments, there is provided a device for capturing and removing an obstruction in a bodily conduit of a patient, the device comprising a cylindrical body having a circumferential direction and a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in a plurality of diagonal rows disposed about the longitudinal axis. At least some of the plurality of closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size, at least some of the closed cell structures having substantially the same shape and size occupy the same circumferential position in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally spaced from each other by no less than two diagonal rows of closed cell structures, no less than three diagonal rows of closed cell structures, no less than four diagonal rows of closed cell structures, or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures.

These and other advantages and features will become apparent in view of the drawings and detailed description.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a blockage extraction system, in accordance with some embodiments;

fig. 2A is a perspective view of a blockage removal device, according to some embodiments;

fig. 2B is a view of the obstruction extraction device of fig. 2A as it is cut along a line parallel to its longitudinal axis and laid flat on a surface;

FIGS. 2C and 2D are enlarged views of a portion of the cell structure depicted in FIG. 2B, respectively;

figure 2E illustrates dimensional characteristics of a cell structure of a blockage removal device, according to some embodiments;

fig. 3A is a perspective view of a blockage removal device according to another embodiment;

fig. 3B is a view of the obstruction extraction device of fig. 3A as it is cut along a line parallel to its longitudinal axis and laid flat on a surface;

fig. 4 illustrates the obstruction extraction device of fig. 2B with radiopaque elements interspersed therein;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a strut of an obstruction extraction device having a feature for receiving a portion of a radiopaque element in the feature.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a blockage extraction system 10, according to one embodiment. The retrieval system includes a self-expanding retrieval device 12 that includes a cylindrical body (such as those depicted in fig. 2A and 3A) having a proximal end 14 coupled to a distal end 18 of an elongate wire 16 via a plurality of whiskers 15. Each of the plurality of whiskers 15 is connected at a proximal end to a distal end 18 of an elongate wire 16 and at a distal end to the proximal end 14 of the elongate body. As discussed in more detail below, according to some embodiments, the proximal end of the cylindrical body is coupled to the distal end of the elongate wire by a single whisker that extends proximally from one side of the cylindrical body.

According to some embodiments, in an example of retrieval of an embolus from a blood vessel in the neurovasculature of a patient, a self-expanding retrieval device is loaded, in use, into a distal end portion of a delivery catheter (not shown) and delivered down the delivery catheter to the site of the embolus. According to some embodiments, the distal end portion of the delivery catheter is positioned over the embolus and then withdrawn proximally to deploy the retrieval device into the embolus. According to other embodiments, the distal end portion of the delivery catheter carrying the retrieval device is positioned distal of the embolus and then withdrawn proximally to deploy the retrieval device at a location distal of the embolus. In this case, the plug is captured by proximally retracting the retrieval device 12 into the plug. This is achieved by the clinician pulling on the proximal end portion 17 of the elongate wire 14, which is located outside the patient.

Consistent with the example of a neurovasculature obstruction, after the embolus is at least partially captured within the retrieval device 12, the retrieval device and delivery catheter are withdrawn proximally, either individually or together, to effect removal of the obstruction from the patient. According to some embodiments, the retrieval device 12 is at least partially withdrawn into the lumen of the delivery catheter during the removal process.

According to some embodiments, the retrieval device 12 has a length between about 10 millimeters and about 100 millimeters and the elongate wire 14 has a length between about 150 centimeters and about 250 centimeters.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the anatomy of certain intracorporeal catheters is curved, with a sharp turn region. A problem with many existing extraction devices is that as the extraction device is manipulated through this tortuous path, the captured obstruction tends to disengage from the extraction device. The retrieval devices disclosed herein include features that enhance the ability of the retrieval device to capture and more effectively remove obstructions from a patient through a tortuous path that includes sharp turns.

Fig. 2A and 3A illustrate exemplary extraction devices 20 and 60, respectively. Fig. 2B and 3B show the extraction devices 20 and 60, respectively, as if they were cut along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extraction device and laid flat on a surface. Each of the extraction devices 20 and 60 comprises a cylindrical body 21 and 61, respectively, having a central longitudinal axis 22 and 62. Each of the cylindrical bodies 20 and 60 is comprised of a plurality of closed cell structures 24 and 64, respectively, disposed about the longitudinal axis of each cylindrical body. Fig. 2A and 3A show the extraction device in an as-cut configuration, which is typically produced by laser cutting a cylindrical tube of metal, such as a nickel-titanium alloy. It is important to note, however, that other manufacturing methods may also be used to construct the extraction devices disclosed herein.

In the example of fig. 2A and 2B, the takeout apparatus 20 includes a twelve-diagonal row of cell structures R1-R12, and has a central body portion 25 extending between rows R3 and R11. According to some embodiments, the cell structures forming the central body portion 25 are of substantially the same size and shape. According to some embodiments, each row of cell structures in the central body portion 25 comprises four cell structures which together surround the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21.

In the example of fig. 3A and 3B, the take-out device 60 includes eight diagonal rows of cell structures R1-R8, and has a central body portion 65 extending between rows R2 and R7. According to some embodiments, the cell structures forming the central body portion 65 are of substantially the same size and shape. According to some embodiments, each row of cell structures in the central body portion 65 comprises three cell structures which together surround the longitudinal axis 62 of the cylindrical body 61.

Extraction devices having less than eight rows of cell structures, extraction devices having more than twelve rows of cell structures, and extraction devices having more than four cell structures in a given row are also contemplated.

As explained above in the discussion of fig. 1, the cylindrical body portion of the retrieval device 12 is coupled to the distal end of the elongate wire 16 via the use of one or more whiskers 15 that extend proximally from the proximal end 14 of the cylindrical body.

In the embodiment of fig. 2A and 2B, the extraction device 20 comprises three tentacles 28a, 28B and 28c, which are straight and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21 in the cutting configuration as shown in fig. 2A. After the extractor 20 has been formed and polished, the tabs or rings 29 a-29 c, which may be located at the proximal-most ends of the whiskers 28 a-28 c, are removed. The tentacles 28 a-28 c are then attached to the distal side of the elongate member 16, as disclosed above in connection with the description of figure 1. That is, the proximal ends of the whiskers 28 a-28 c converge to a common region where the proximal ends of the whiskers 28 a-28 c are attached to the distal end 18 of the elongate wire 16. The tentacles 28a to 28c result in the extraction device 20 having a partially closed proximal end due to their convergence. According to other embodiments, the extraction device 20 comprises a single whisker. For example, according to some embodiments, the extraction device 20 comprises a single whisker extending from one side of the cylindrical body 61, so that the proximal end of the extraction device is completely open.

In the embodiment of fig. 3A and 3B, the extraction device 60 comprises two tentacles 68a and 68B, which are straight and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 62 of the cylindrical body 61 in the cutting configuration. After the extractor 60 has been cut and polished, the proximal ends of the tentacles 68 a-68 b, which may include tabs 69 a-69 b, are connected to the distal end of the elongate member 16, as disclosed above in connection with the description of fig. 1. That is, the proximal ends of the whiskers 68 a-68 b converge to a common region where the proximal ends of the whiskers 68 a-68 b are attached to the distal end 18 of the elongate wire 16. The tentacles 28 a-28 b cause the retrieval device 20 to have a partially closed proximal end due to their convergence. According to other embodiments, the extraction device 60 comprises fewer or more than three tentacles. For example, according to some embodiments, the extraction device 60 comprises a single whisker extending from one side of the cylindrical body, such that the proximal end of the extraction device is completely open.

In the embodiment of fig. 2A and 3A, the distal end of each of the extraction devices 20 and 60 includes an open distal end 26 and 66, respectively. According to other embodiments, the distal end of the extraction device may be partially closed, for example, by joining the distal-most end segments 27 and 67 of the device together. In the example of fig. 2A and 3A, according to some embodiments, distal-most end segments 27 and 67 include features on which radiopaque markers may be affixed.

According to some embodiments, the cylindrical body 21 of the extraction device 20 has a length of about 30 mm and an expanded outer diameter of about 5 mm. According to some embodiments, the cylindrical body of the extraction device 60 has a length of about 20 mm and an expanded outer diameter of about 3 mm.

In the case of obstruction (e.g., plug) capture in stent-like retrieval devices like those disclosed herein, the effectiveness of the obstruction capture in current prior art retrieval devices is compromised due to the frequency with which the longitudinal and circumferential positions of similar (e.g., same size and shape) cell structures are repeated. To address this issue, according to some embodiments, similar cell structures occupying the same circumferential position in the extraction devices 20 and 60 are separated by no less than two diagonal lines. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 2B and 3B, similar cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are separated by no less than four diagonal lines. These configurations have the advantage that there is a greater degree of irregularity in the structure of the retrieval device along its length, which enhances the retrieval device's ability to capture obstructions. This is a result of the obstruction being exposed to more different geometries along the length of the extraction device, which reduces slippage and improves the integration of the obstruction into the extraction device.

Referring to fig. 2B, similar cell structures a1 and a2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 25 of the cylindrical body 21, with cell structure a1 in diagonal rows R4 and cell structure a2 in diagonal rows R9, with four intermediate rows R5-R8 separating cell structures a1 and a 2. Likewise, similar cell structures B1 and B2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 25 of the cylindrical body 21, with cell structure B1 being in diagonal row R6 and cell structure B2 being in diagonal row R11, with four intermediate rows R7-R10 separating cell structures B1 and B2. Furthermore, similar cell structures C1 and C2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 25 of the cylindrical body 21, with cell structure C1 being located in diagonal rows R3 and cell structure C2 being located in diagonal rows R8, with four intermediate rows R4-R7 separating cell structures C1 and C2. According to other embodiments, similar cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are separated by no less than three intermediate diagonal rows of cell structures.

Referring to fig. 3B, similar cell structures a1 and a2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 65 of the cylindrical body 61, with cell structure a1 in diagonal rows R2 and cell structure a2 in diagonal rows R7, with four intermediate rows R3-R6 separating cell structures a1 and a 2. Likewise, similar cell structures B1 and B2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 65 of the cylindrical body 61, with cell structure B1 being in diagonal row R3 and cell structure B2 being in diagonal row R8, with four intermediate rows R4-R7 separating cell structures B1 and B2. According to other embodiments, similar cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are separated by no less than three intermediate diagonal rows of cell structures.

Fig. 2C is an enlarged view of rows R3-R5 located in the central body portion 25 of the retrieval device 20, wherein the cell structure a1 is located in row R4. The configuration of the cell structure a1 represents at least a majority of the cell structures within the retrieval device 20. The cellular structure a1 includes a first strut 1, a second strut 2, a third strut 3, a fourth strut 4, a fifth strut 5, and a sixth strut 6, wherein each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of first strut 1 is coupled to the proximal end of second strut 2 at a first longitudinal position L1, the distal end of third strut 3 is coupled to the distal end of fourth strut 4 at a second longitudinal position L2 distal to first longitudinal position L1, the distal end of first strut 1 is coupled to the proximal end of fifth strut 5 at a third longitudinal position L3 located between first longitudinal position L1 and second longitudinal position L2, the proximal end of third strut 3 is coupled to the distal end of fifth strut 5 at a fourth longitudinal position L4 located between second longitudinal position L2 and third longitudinal position L3, the distal end of second strut 2 is coupled to the proximal end of sixth strut 6 at a fifth longitudinal position L5 located between second longitudinal position L2 and third longitudinal position L3, the proximal end of fourth strut 4 is coupled to the distal end of sixth strut 6 at a sixth longitudinal position L6 located between second longitudinal position L2 and fifth longitudinal position L5.

As best seen in fig. 2B and 3B, in the plurality of cell structures in the extraction devices 20 and 60, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, and the sixth strut with one another, and adjacent cell structures are offset from one another in the longitudinal and circumferential directions.

In the embodiment of fig. 2C, when the cylindrical body 21 of the extraction device 20 is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, the third longitudinal position L3 and the fourth longitudinal position L4 are longitudinally aligned with each other (that is to say, the line drawn between the longitudinal position L3 and the longitudinal position L4 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21) and are located at a common first circumferential position, and the fifth longitudinal position L5 and the sixth longitudinal position L6 are longitudinally aligned with each other (that is to say, the line drawn between the longitudinal position L5 and the longitudinal position L6 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21) and are located at a common second circumferential position, wherein the second circumferential position is spaced apart from the first circumferential position.

According to some embodiments, at least one of the fifth and sixth struts 5, 6 is straight when the cylindrical body 21 of the extraction device 20 is cut longitudinally and laid flat on a surface. According to other embodiments, each of the fifth and sixth struts 5, 6 is straight, as shown in fig. 2C. An advantage of one or both of the fifth and sixth struts being straight is that this advantageously gives the retriever 20 greater stiffness along its length than if the struts were curved.

According to some embodiments, the fourth longitudinal position L4 and the fifth longitudinal position L5 are not circumferentially aligned with each other, as shown in fig. 2C. According to other embodiments, the fourth longitudinal position L4 and the fifth longitudinal position L5 are circumferentially aligned with each other. The circumferential alignment of the fourth and fifth longitudinal positions circumferentially aligns the distal end of the fifth strut 5 with the proximal end of the sixth strut 6 to create a longitudinally continuous straight section within the cell structure a1 that, despite being circumferentially offset, helps provide the extractor with a region of increased stiffness.

As described above, a problem associated with removing a captured obstruction from a patient's body through a tortuous path is that the obstruction is susceptible to at least partially exiting the extractor when the extractor device carrying the obstruction encounters and conforms to a sharp turn. An advantage of providing an extractor with increased longitudinal stiffness is that it enables the extractor to at least partially straighten the bend through which it passes during the obstruction removal process. This reduces the risk of the blockage leaving the extraction device when being carried through the bend.

Another advantage of providing a region of increased longitudinal stiffness within the retrieval device is that it reduces the risk of buckling of the retrieval device during procedures requiring the retrieval device to be pushed through a delivery catheter and/or through an intracorporeal catheter of a patient.

According to some embodiments, when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface, as shown in fig. 2D, one or more or all of the first strut 1, the second strut 2, the third strut 3, and the fourth strut 4 have a curved proximal end portion, a curved distal end portion, and a straight portion between the curved proximal end portion and the curved distal end portion. According to some embodiments, the straight portion is located in the middle portion of the strut. The curved proximal and distal end portions 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the struts 1-4 help provide a smooth transition between the connecting struts of the lattice structure and also provide the necessary flexibility for the retrieval device 20 to be able to navigate through the anatomy of the patient. The straight portions 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of the struts 1-4 enhance the longitudinal stiffness of the retrieval device 20, thereby providing the retrieval device with the ability to at least partially straighten the curve through which it passes during an obstruction removal procedure. As explained above, this reduces the risk of a blockage leaving the extraction device when carried through the bend. Another advantage of the straight middle portion is that it reduces the risk of buckling of the extraction device (compared to a fully curved strut) during procedures that require the extraction device to be pushed through the delivery catheter and/or through the intracorporeal catheter of the patient.

According to some embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 comprise one or more straight portions that cumulatively occupy 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut. According to other embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 comprise one or more straight portions that cumulatively occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut. According to some embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 comprise a single continuous straight portion that occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut. According to other embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 comprise a single continuous straight portion that occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

As described above, according to some embodiments, the cylindrical body 21 of the extraction device 20 has a length of about 30 mm and an expanded outer diameter of about 5 mm. Referring to fig. 2E, according to some embodiments, the cell structure in the central body portion 25 of the retrieval device 20 has a cell height H of between about 4.3 millimeters and about 4.6 millimeters, a cell length L1 of between about 4.6 millimeters and about 4.8 millimeters, a circumferential offset CO of between about 0.7 millimeters and about 0.8 millimeters, a longitudinal offset LO of between about 0.7 millimeters and about 0.9 millimeters, a strut width W of between about 0.07 millimeters and about 0.08 millimeters, wherein the struts 5 and 6 have a length L2 of between about 0.9 millimeters and about 1.0 millimeters.

According to some embodiments, the cylindrical body 61 of the extraction device 60 has a length of about 20 mm and an expanded outer diameter of about 3 mm. Referring to fig. 2E, according to some embodiments, the cell structure in the central body portion 65 of the retrieval device 60 has a cell height H of between about 3.7 millimeters and about 3.95 millimeters, a cell length L1 of between about 4.9 millimeters and about 5.5 millimeters, a circumferential offset CO of between about 0.7 millimeters and about 0.8 millimeters, a longitudinal offset LO of between about 1.15 millimeters and about 1.25 millimeters, a strut width W of between about 0.07 millimeters and about 0.08 millimeters, wherein the struts 5 and 6 have a length L2 of between about 0.9 millimeters and about 1.0 millimeters.

As discussed above, extraction devices 20 and 60 may be coupled to the distal end of elongate wire 16 by one or more tentacles that extend proximally from the proximal ends of cylindrical bodies 21 and 61, respectively. According to some embodiments, in the cutting configuration of the extraction devices 20 and 60, one or more tentacles are straight and aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body, as shown in fig. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, wherein at least one of the tentacles is longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth plurality of struts 5 and/or with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth plurality of struts 6. That is, the line extending between the straight whiskers and passing through the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth and sixth struts is straight and disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the extraction device. For example, as shown in fig. 2B, each of the tentacles 28a and 28B is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth and sixth struts of the lattice structure located in the central body portion 25 of the extraction device 20. An advantage of this configuration is that it reduces the risk of buckling of the extraction device when pushed by the elongate wire 16.

It is sometimes important for the treating clinician to visualize the retrieval device during the occlusion removal procedure to ensure that the device is properly placed prior to deployment. To this end, according to some embodiments, the extraction device 20 is equipped with a radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 that meanders between the inside and the outside of the cylindrical body 21 in a manner that preferably extends along a substantial part of the length of the cylindrical body. According to some embodiments, at least some of the legs of the extraction device include retention features 36, as shown in figure 5, through which radiopaque wires or ribbons 35 pass as they wriggle through the cylindrical body 21 of the extraction device 20. According to some embodiments, the retention features 36 are formed during a laser cutting operation of the struts used to construct the extraction device. As discussed above, according to some embodiments, the device is constructed by laser cutting a cylindrical metal tube to form struts of the extraction device. In the embodiment of fig. 5, the retention feature 36 comprises two L-shaped members 37 separated by a gap 38 through which the radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 passes when assembled on the strut.

According to some embodiments, the radiopaque wire or band 35 is assembled to the extraction device when the extraction device is in the fully expanded state, such that the outward radial force of the extraction device is not affected during use of the extraction device. Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 is assembled on the extraction device in a manner that does not affect the flexural rigidity of the extraction device.

While the foregoing disclosure contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular example embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Variations, modifications, and enhancements to the described examples and embodiments, as well as other embodiments, may be made based on the disclosure.

The following clauses, each of which represents an embodiment, disclose additional embodiments in a non-limiting manner. Additional embodiments are represented by one or more embodiments of one or more sets of clauses with one or more embodiments of another one or more sets of clauses. The group a to group C clauses are provided.

Group a clauses:

clause 1, a device for capturing and removing an obstruction in an intracorporeal catheter of a patient, the device comprising:

a cylindrical body having a circumferential direction and a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in a plurality of diagonal rows disposed about the longitudinal axis, at least some of the plurality of closed cell structures having substantially the same shape and size, at least some of the closed cell structures having substantially the same shape and size occupying the same circumferential position within the cylindrical body and being longitudinally spaced from each other by no less than two diagonal rows of closed cell structures.

Clause 2, the device of clause 1, wherein the plurality of closed cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are longitudinally spaced apart by no less than three diagonal rows of closed cell structures.

Clause 3, the device of clause 1, wherein the plurality of closed cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are longitudinally spaced apart by no less than four diagonal rows of closed cell structures.

Clause 4, the device of clause 1, wherein the plurality of cell structures each comprise a first strut, a second strut, a third strut, a fourth strut, a fifth strut, and a sixth strut, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first strut being coupled to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut being coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut being coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut being coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut being coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut, the proximal end of the fourth strut being coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut.

Clause 5, the device of clause 4, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the fifth struts are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a first circumferential position, the proximal and distal ends of the sixth struts are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a second circumferential position, the second circumferential position spaced apart from the first circumferential position.

Clause 6, the device of clause 5, wherein at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 7, the device of clause 5, wherein each of the fifth and sixth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 8, the device of clause 5, wherein the proximal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position being distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, and the distal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position.

Clause 9, the apparatus of clause 8, wherein the fourth longitudinal position is circumferentially aligned with the fifth longitudinal position.

Clause 10, the device of clause 5, further comprising a first tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body coupled to the distal end of the first tentacle, at least a portion of the first tentacle being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 11, the device of clause 7, further comprising a first tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body coupled to the distal end of the first tentacle, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a portion of the first tentacle is straight, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts and/or at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 12, the device of clause 10, further comprising a second tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the second tentacle is straight when the device is longitudinally incised and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion of the second tentacle being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 13, the device of clause 10, further comprising a second tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a portion of the second tentacle is straight, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts or at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 14, the device of clause 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an open distal end.

Clause 15, the device of clause 10, further comprising an elongate filament having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first whisker being coupled to the distal end of the elongate filament.

Clause 16, the device of clause 11, further comprising an elongate filament having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first whisker being coupled to the distal end of the elongate filament.

Clause 17, the device of clause 5, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 18, the device of clause 17, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 19, the device of clause 5, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal end portions, the first and second end portions being curved and the intermediate portion being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 20, the device of clause 4, wherein, in the plurality of cell structures, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, or the sixth strut with one another, the adjacent cell structures being offset from one another in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions.

Clause 21, the device of clause 10, further comprising a second tentacle and a third tentacle, each of the second tentacle and the third tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, each of the distal ends of the first tentacle, the second tentacle, and the third tentacle coupled to the cylindrical body at different circumferential locations from one another.

Clause 22, the device of clause 21, further comprising an elongate wire coupled to a proximal end of each of the first, second, and third tentacles.

Clause 23, the apparatus of clause 8, wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are longitudinally misaligned with each other.

Clause 24, the device of clause 23, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal end portions, the first and second end portions being curved and the intermediate portion being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, the first and second longitudinal positions being longitudinally misaligned with respect to each other.

Clause 25, the device of clause 19, wherein the medial portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 26, the device of clause 19, wherein the medial portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

Group B clauses:

clause 1, a device for capturing an obstruction in an intracorporeal catheter of a patient, the device comprising:

a cylindrical body having a circumferential direction and a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of cell structures of the same size and shape arranged in a plurality of diagonal rows about the longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of cell structures comprising a first strut, a second strut, a third strut, a fourth strut, a fifth strut, and a sixth strut, each of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, and the sixth strut having a proximal end and a distal end,

the proximal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut, the proximal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut, the proximal and distal ends of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with one another and located at a first circumferential position, the proximal and distal ends of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with one another and located at a second circumferential position, the second circumferential position being spaced apart from the first circumferential position, at least a first portion of each of the first, second, third and fourth struts being curved when the device is longitudinally cut and on a surface, and at least a second portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is straight.

Clause 2, the device of clause 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal end portions, the first and second end portions being curved and the intermediate portion being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 3, the device of clause 1, wherein at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 4, the device of clause 1, wherein each of the fifth and sixth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 5, the device of clause 2, wherein at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 6, the device of clause 2, wherein each of the fifth and sixth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 7, the device of clause 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, and an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the fifth or sixth struts of the first and second cell structures intersects the at least two intervening cell structures.

Clause 8, the device of clause 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, and an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the fifth or sixth struts of the first and second cell structures intersects the at least three intervening cell structures.

Clause 9, the device of clause 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, and an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the fifth or sixth struts of the first and second cell structures intersects the at least two intervening cell structures.

Clause 10, the device of clause 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, and an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the fifth or sixth struts of the first and second cell structures intersects the at least three intervening cell structures.

Clause 11, the device of clause 1, wherein a first cell structure of the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure of the plurality of cell structures, and an imaginary longitudinal straight line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and joining the fifth or sixth struts of the first and second cell structures intersects at least four intervening cell structures.

Clause 12, the apparatus of clause 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart by no less than two diagonal lines.

Clause 13, the apparatus of clause 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart by no less than three diagonal lines.

Clause 14, the apparatus of clause 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart by no less than four diagonal lines.

Clause 15, the device of clause 1, wherein the distal end of the fifth strut and the proximal end of the sixth strut are circumferentially aligned.

Clause 16, the device of clause 1, wherein the proximal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position being distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, and the distal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position.

Clause 17, the apparatus of clause 16, wherein the fourth longitudinal position is circumferentially aligned with the fifth longitudinal position.

Clause 18, the apparatus of clause 16, wherein the first longitudinal position is longitudinally misaligned with the second longitudinal position.

Clause 19, the device of clause 1, further comprising a first tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body coupled to the distal end of the first tentacle, at least a portion of the first tentacle being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 20, the device of clause 19, wherein at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 21, the device of clause 19, wherein each of the fifth and sixth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 22, the device of clause 19, further comprising a second tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the second tentacle is straight when the device is longitudinally incised and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion of the second tentacle being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 23, the device of clause 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an open distal end.

Clause 24, the device of clause 19, further comprising an elongate filament having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first whisker being coupled to the distal end of the elongate filament.

Clause 25, the device of clause 22, further comprising an elongate wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each of the first and second tentacles being coupled to the distal end of the elongate wire.

Clause 26, the device of clause 1, wherein, in the plurality of cell structures, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, or the sixth strut with one another, the adjacent cell structures being offset from one another in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions.

Clause 27, the device of clause 19, further comprising a second tentacle and a third tentacle, each of the second and third tentacles having a proximal end and a distal end, each of the distal ends of the first, second, and third tentacles coupled to the cylindrical body at different circumferential locations from one another.

Clause 28, the device of clause 27, further comprising an elongate wire coupled to a proximal end of each of the first, second, and third tentacles.

Clause 29, the device of clause 1, wherein the first portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 30, the device of clause 1, wherein the first portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 31, the device of clause 2, wherein the medial portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 32, the device of clause 2, wherein the intermediate portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

Group C clauses:

clause 1, a device for capturing an obstruction in an intracorporeal catheter of a patient, the device comprising:

a cylindrical body having a circumferential direction and a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of cell structures arranged about the longitudinal axis, the plurality of cell structures each comprising a first strut, a second strut, a third strut, a fourth strut, a fifth strut, and a sixth strut, each of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, and the sixth strut having a proximal end and a distal end,

the proximal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position is distal of the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is coupled to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is coupled to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is coupled to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut is coupled to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, each of the third and fourth longitudinal positions are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a first circumferential position, each of the fifth and sixth longitudinal positions are longitudinally aligned with each other and located at a second circumferential position, the second circumferential position is spaced apart from the first circumferential position.

Clause 2, the device of clause 1, wherein at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is straight and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 3, the device of clause 1, wherein at least one of the fifth and sixth struts is straight and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 4, the apparatus of clause 1, wherein the fourth longitudinal position is circumferentially aligned with the fifth longitudinal position.

Clause 5, the device of clause 1, further comprising a first tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body coupled to the distal end of the first tentacle, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and laid on a surface, at least a portion of the first tentacle is straight and longitudinally aligned with the proximal end and the distal end of at least one of the fifth struts and/or the proximal end and the distal end of at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 6, the device of clause 2, further comprising a first tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body coupled to the distal end of the first tentacle, wherein, when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a portion of the first tentacle is straight, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts and/or at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 7, the device of clause 3, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a portion of the first tentacle is straight, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts and/or at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 8, the device of clause 5, further comprising a second tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the second tentacle is straight when the device is longitudinally incised and laid flat on a surface, the at least a portion of the second tentacle being longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and/or longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 9, the device of clause 7, further comprising a second tentacle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a portion of the second tentacle is straight, the at least a portion being longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts or at least one of the sixth struts.

Clause 10, the device of clause 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an open distal end.

Clause 11, the device of clause 5, further comprising an elongate filament having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first whisker being coupled to the distal end of the elongate filament.

Clause 12, the device of clause 5, further comprising an elongate filament having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first whisker being coupled to the distal end of the elongate filament.

Clause 13, the device of clause 8, further comprising an elongate wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each of the first and second tentacles coupled to the distal end of the elongate wire.

Clause 14, the device of clause 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 15, the device of clause 14, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is straight when the device is longitudinally slit and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 16, the device of clause 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal end portions, the first and second end portions being curved and the intermediate portion being straight when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface.

Clause 17, the device of clause 1, wherein, in the plurality of cell structures, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, the fourth strut, the fifth strut, or the sixth strut with one another, the adjacent cell structures being offset from one another in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions.

Clause 18, the device of clause 5, further comprising a second and a third tentacle, each of the second and third tentacles having a proximal end and a distal end, each of the distal ends of the first, second, and third tentacles coupled to the cylindrical body at different circumferential locations from one another.

Clause 19, the device of clause 20, further comprising an elongate wire coupled to a proximal end of each of the first, second, and third tentacles.

Clause 20, the apparatus of clause 1, wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are longitudinally misaligned with each other.

Clause 21, the apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are longitudinally misaligned with each other.

Clause 22, the device of clause 15, wherein the straight portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 23, the device of clause 15, wherein the first portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 31, the device of clause 16, wherein the intermediate portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

Clause 32, the device of clause 16, wherein the intermediate portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.