阅读说明：本技术 实现由装置部段分阶段展开的展开约束护套 (Deployment-constraining sheath enabling staged deployment by device segments ) 是由 M·A·约翰逊 于 2018-04-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请的各个方面涉及医疗装置、系统和方法。医疗装置可包括这样的一部分,其具有的径向扩张力大于装置的其它部分的径向扩张力。此外,医疗装置可包括一个或多个约束机构,用于医疗装置的展开。(Various aspects of the present application relate to medical devices, systems, and methods. The medical device may include a portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of other portions of the device. In addition, the medical device may include one or more constraining mechanisms for deployment of the medical device.)

1. A medical device system, comprising:

an expandable medical device comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion;

A first constraining mechanism configured to releasably constrain the expandable medical device; and

A second constraining mechanism disposed between the expandable medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to reduce expansion of the intermediate portion of the expandable medical device in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second constraining mechanisms are configured to deploy the middle portion of the expandable medical device to an intermediate configuration and the first and second end portions of the expandable medical device to a deployed configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second restraint mechanism is configured to release and deploy the intermediate portion of the expandable medical device to a deployed configuration.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second restraint mechanism is configured to release in response to a force applied thereto.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the force is a radial force applied within the middle portion of the expandable medical device, and the second restraint mechanism is configured to remain coupled to the expandable medical device after the force is applied thereto.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end portion comprises a first flange, the second end portion comprises a second flange, and the middle portion comprises a generally cylindrical shape.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the expandable medical device includes a first inflection region between the first flange and the intermediate portion, a second inflection region between the second flange and the intermediate portion, and the second constraining mechanism is disposed between the first inflection region and the second inflection region.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second constraining mechanism is coupled to the expandable medical device, and the first constraining mechanism is configured to deploy and detach the expandable medical device from the expandable medical device in response to a tension applied to the first constraining mechanism.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first restraint mechanism is configured to releasably restrain the expandable medical device in a substantially cylindrical delivery configuration.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first constraining mechanism extends from a proximal end of the expandable medical device to a distal end of the expandable medical device and back toward a proximal end of the expandable medical device.

11. A system for deploying a medical device having a first flange, a second flange and an intermediate portion therebetween, a delivery configuration, and a deployed configuration, the system comprising:

A first constraining mechanism configured to constrain the medical device to the delivery configuration and to deploy the first and second flanges to the deployed configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism; and

A second constraining mechanism disposed between the medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to maintain the intermediate portion of the medical device in an intermediate configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a radial expansion force that is greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first flange and the second flange.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the second constraining mechanism is coupled to the medical device and secured to the intermediate portion.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the second constraining mechanism is disposed around a circumference of the intermediate portion of the medical device.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the intermediate portion in the intermediate configuration is between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the intermediate portion in the deployed configuration.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the first restraint mechanism is configured to deploy and disengage the medical device in response to release of the first restraint mechanism.

17. A method of deploying an expandable medical device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the method comprising:

Positioning the expandable medical device at a target location, the expandable medical device including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of the first end portion;

Releasing the first restraining mechanism to deploy the first and second end portions to the deployed configuration and the intermediate portion to an intermediate configuration; and is

Releasing a second restraining mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion to the deployed configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein releasing the second restraining mechanism comprises applying a force to the second restraining mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion from the intermediate configuration to the deployed configuration.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the diameter of the intermediate portion in the intermediate configuration is between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the intermediate portion in the deployed configuration.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein releasing the first constraining mechanism comprises decoupling the first constraining mechanism from the expandable medical device, and releasing the second constraining mechanism comprises maintaining at least a portion of the second constraining mechanism attached to the middle portion of the expandable medical device.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to medical devices for joining layers of tissue to create an anastomosis, implantable devices for occluding or inhibiting movement of material through tissue pores, sealing and allowing treatment of defects in tissue, and deployment of medical devices as discussed herein.

Background

An anastomosis is a cross-connection between two tissue structures, such as blood vessels or intestines. For example, in the case of a coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a graft vessel is anastomosed to a natural coronary artery so that blood can flow through the graft vessel.

Anastomosis can be created in various ways, including but not limited to: end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side anastomoses. Typically, suturing is used to create such an anastomosis.

Disclosure of Invention

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to medical device systems. The medical device system may include an expandable medical device having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion of the expandable medical device may include a radial expansion force that is greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion. Further, the expandable medical device may comprise: a first constraining mechanism configured to releasably constrain the expandable medical device; and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the expandable medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to reduce expansion of the intermediate portion of the expandable medical device in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a system for deploying a medical device having a first flange, a second flange, and an intermediate portion therebetween, and a delivery configuration and a deployment configuration. The system comprises: a first constraining mechanism configured to constrain the expandable medical device to a delivery configuration and to deploy the first and second flanges to a deployed configuration in response to release thereof; and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the expandable medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to maintain the intermediate portion of the expandable medical device in the intermediate configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

Aspects of the present application also relate to methods of deploying expandable medical devices having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The method includes positioning the expandable medical device at a target location (wherein the expandable medical device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of the first end portion). The method also includes releasing the first restraining mechanism to deploy the first and second end portions to a deployed configuration and to deploy the intermediate portion to an intermediate configuration. Further, the method includes releasing the second restraint mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion to the deployed configuration.

According to one example ("example 1"), a medical device system includes an expandable medical device including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion; a first constraining mechanism configured to releasably constrain an expandable medical device; and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the expandable medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to reduce expansion of the intermediate portion of the expandable medical device in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

According to yet another example of example 1 ("example 2"), the first and second constraining mechanisms are configured to deploy an intermediate portion of the expandable medical device to an intermediate configuration and deploy first and second end portions of the expandable medical device to a deployed configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

According to yet another example of example 2 ("example 3"), the second restraint mechanism is configured to release and deploy an intermediate portion of the expandable medical device to a deployed configuration.

According to a further another example of example 3 ("example 4"), the second restraint mechanism is configured to release in response to a force applied thereto.

According to yet another example of example 4 ("example 5"), the force is a radial force applied within a middle portion of the expandable medical device, and the second restraint mechanism is configured to remain coupled to the expandable medical device after the force is applied thereto.

According to a further example ("example 6") of example 1, the first end portion comprises a first flange, the second end portion comprises a second flange, and the middle portion comprises a substantially (cylindrical) shape.

According to yet another example of example 6 ("example 7"), the expandable medical device includes a first inflection region between the first flange and the intermediate portion, a second inflection region between the second flange and the intermediate portion, and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the first inflection region and the second inflection region.

According to a further example of example 1 ("example 8"), the second constraining mechanism is coupled to the expandable medical device, and the first constraining mechanism is configured to deploy and detach the expandable medical device from the expandable medical device in response to a tension applied to the first constraining mechanism.

According to yet another example of example 1 ("example 9"), a first constraining mechanism is configured to releasably constrain an expandable medical device to a substantially cylindrical delivery configuration.

According to yet another example of example 9 ("example 10"), the first constraining mechanism extends from a proximal end of the expandable medical device to a distal end of the expandable medical device and back towards the proximal end of the expandable medical device.

According to one example ("example 11"), a system for deploying a medical device having a first flange, a second flange, and an intermediate portion therebetween, a delivery configuration, and a deployment configuration. In example 11, a system includes: the first constraining mechanism is configured to constrain the medical device to a delivery configuration and to deploy the first and second flanges to a deployed configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism; and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to maintain the intermediate portion of the medical device in the intermediate configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

According to a further another example of example 11 ("example 12"), the intermediate portion comprises a radial expansion force that is greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first flange and the second flange.

According to a further example of example 11 ("example 13"), the second restraint mechanism is coupled to the medical device and is secured to the intermediate portion.

According to a further example of example 11 ("example 14"), the second restraint mechanism is disposed around a circumference of the medial portion of the medical device.

According to yet another example of example 11 ("example 15"), the diameter of the middle portion in the middle configuration is between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the middle portion in the deployed configuration.

According to yet another example of example 11 ("example 16"), the first restraint mechanism is configured to deploy and disengage the medical device in response to a release of the first restraint mechanism.

According to one example ("example 17"), a method of deploying an expandable medical device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. In example 17, the method includes positioning an expandable medical device at a target location, the expandable medical device including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of the first end portion; releasing the first restraining mechanism to deploy the first and second end portions to the deployed configuration and the intermediate portion to the intermediate configuration; and releasing the second restraining mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion to the deployed configuration.

According to a further example of example 17 ("example 18"), releasing the second restraint mechanism includes applying a force to the second restraint mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion from the intermediate configuration to the deployed configuration.

According to a further example of example 17 ("example 19"), the diameter of the middle portion in the middle configuration is between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the middle portion in the deployed configuration.

According to a further another example of example 17 ("example 20"), releasing the first constraining mechanism includes decoupling the first constraining mechanism from the expandable medical device, and releasing the second constraining mechanism includes maintaining at least a portion of the second constraining mechanism attached to an intermediate portion of the expandable medical device.

According to one example (example "21"), a medical device system includes an expandable medical device including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion; a first constraining mechanism configured to releasably constrain an expandable medical device; and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the expandable medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to reduce expansion of the intermediate portion of the expandable medical device in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

According to yet another example of example 21 ("example 22"), the first and second constraining mechanisms are configured to deploy an intermediate portion of the expandable medical device to an intermediate configuration and deploy first and second end portions of the expandable medical device to a deployed configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

According to yet another example of any of examples 21-22 ("example 23"), the second restraint mechanism is configured to release and deploy an intermediate portion of the expandable medical device to a deployed configuration.

according to a further example of example 23 ("example 24"), the second restraint mechanism is configured to release in response to a force applied thereto.

According to a further example of example 24 ("example 25"), the force is a radial force applied within a middle portion of the expandable medical device, and the second restraint mechanism is configured to remain coupled to the expandable medical device after the force is applied thereto.

According to a further example ("example 26") of any one of examples 21-25, the first end portion comprises a first flange, the second end portion comprises a second flange, and the middle portion comprises a substantially (cylindrical) shape.

According to yet another example of example 26 ("example 27"), the expandable medical device includes a first inflection region between the first flange and the intermediate portion, a second inflection region between the second flange and the intermediate portion, and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the first inflection region and the second inflection region.

According to yet another example of any of examples 21-27 ("example 28"), the second constraining mechanism is coupled to the expandable medical device, and the first constraining mechanism is configured to deploy and decouple the expandable medical device in response to a tension applied to the first constraining mechanism.

According to yet another example ("example 29") of any one of examples 21-28, the first constraining mechanism is configured to releasably constrain the expandable medical device in a substantially (cylindrical) delivery configuration.

According to yet another example of example 29 ("example 30"), the first constraining mechanism extends from a proximal end of the expandable medical device to a distal end of the expandable medical device and back towards the proximal end of the expandable medical device.

according to one example ("example 31"), a system for deploying a medical device having a first flange, a second flange, and an intermediate portion therebetween, a delivery configuration, and a deployed configuration, wherein the system comprises: a first constraining mechanism configured to constrain the medical device to a delivery configuration and deploy the first and second flanges to a deployed configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism; and a second constraining mechanism disposed between the medical device and the first constraining mechanism and configured to maintain the intermediate portion of the medical device in the intermediate configuration in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

According to a further example of example 31 ("example 32"), the intermediate portion comprises a radial expansion force that is greater than a radial expansion force of at least one of the first flange and the second flange.

According to another further example of any of examples 31-32 ("example 33"), the second restraint mechanism is coupled to the medical device and is secured to the intermediate portion.

According to another further example of any of examples 31-33 ("example 34"), the second restraint mechanism is disposed about a circumference of the medial portion of the medical device.

According to another further example of any of examples 31-34 ("example 35"), the diameter of the middle portion in the middle configuration is between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the middle portion in the deployed configuration.

According to a further example of any of examples 31-35 ("example 36"), the first restraint mechanism is configured to deploy and disengage the medical device in response to a release of the first restraint mechanism.

According to one example ("example 37"), a method of deploying an expandable medical device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the method comprising: positioning an expandable medical device at a target location, the expandable medical device including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion having a radial expansion force greater than a radial expansion force of the first end portion; releasing the first restraining mechanism to deploy the first and second end portions to the deployed configuration and the intermediate portion to the intermediate configuration; and releasing the second restraining mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion to the deployed configuration.

According to a further example of example 37 ("example 38"), releasing the second restraint mechanism includes applying a force to the second restraint mechanism to deploy the intermediate portion from the intermediate configuration to the deployed configuration.

According to another further example of any of examples 37-38 ("example 39"), the diameter of the middle portion in the middle configuration is between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the middle portion in the deployed configuration.

According to a further example ("example 40") of any one of examples 37-39, releasing the first constraining mechanism includes decoupling the first constraining mechanism from the expandable medical device, and releasing the second constraining mechanism includes maintaining at least a portion of the second constraining mechanism attached to an intermediate portion of the expandable medical device.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a cut-away perspective view of an exemplary expandable medical device implanted in a patient according to aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a delivery system for an expandable medical device according to aspects of the present application.

Fig. 3 shows an expandable medical device in a delivery configuration according to aspects of the present application.

Fig. 4 shows the expandable medical device shown in fig. 3 in a step of delivery, according to aspects of the present application.

Fig. 5 shows the expandable medical device shown in fig. 3 and 4 in another delivery step, according to aspects of the present application.

Fig. 6A illustrates a medical device and a constraining mechanism in an intermediate configuration, according to aspects of the present application.

Fig. 6B illustrates the expandable medical device shown in fig. 6A in a fully deployed configuration, according to aspects of the present application.

Detailed Description

those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that aspects of the present application may be implemented by any number of methods and apparatuses configured to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the drawings referred to herein are not all drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate aspects of the present application, and the drawings should not be construed as limiting in this regard.

aspects of the present application relate to medical devices for joining layers of tissue, for example, to avoid a tract or organ blockage, such as by forming a direct channel between tissue structures to form an anastomosis that facilitates material flow therebetween. The expandable medical device may be endoscopically deployable or catheterally deliverable, and may be self-expanding to facilitate a secure connection between tissue structures. The present application discusses one or more constraining mechanisms that facilitate deployment of an expandable medical device, facilitate delivery of an expandable medical device, and reduce mis-deployment.

FIG. 1 shows a cut-away perspective view of an exemplary expandable medical device 100 implanted in a patient according to aspects of the present application. The expandable medical device 100 is configured to be implanted within a patient to form a fluid connection between a space, tissue structure, conduit, organ, or the like, and combinations thereof. As shown in fig. 1, for example, an expandable medical device 100 may be used to connect a gallbladder 102 (which defines an internal gallbladder space 104) with an intestine 106 (which defines an internal intestinal space 108). Thus, the expandable medical device 100 acts as a fluid diversion device between the inner gallbladder space 104 and the inner intestinal space 108.

Such an embodiment may provide beneficial treatment to the patient when, for example, there is a flow blockage in the native anatomical conduit connecting inner gallbladder space 104 and inner intestinal space 108. In some cases, a patient may have one or more gallstones that cause blockage of the patient's cystic duct 110 and/or common bile duct 112. In this case, the expandable medical device 100 may provide a fluid passage such that bile from the gallbladder 102 may flow into the intestine 106.

The expandable medical device 100 may include a first end portion 114, a second end portion 116, and an intermediate portion 118 therebetween. The intermediate portion 118 defines a cavity 120 that extends longitudinally from the first end portion 114 to the second end portion 116. The lumen 120 may serve as a connection (e.g., shunt channel) between two spaces (e.g., tissue structures, conduits, organs) to which the expandable medical device 100 is connected. In the example shown in fig. 1, the lumen 120 serves as a connection between the inner gallbladder space 104 and the inner intestinal space 108, such that the inner gallbladder space 104 is in fluid communication with the inner intestinal space 108 via the expandable medical device 100.

Although fig. 1 shows the expandable medical device 100 connecting the gallbladder 102 and the intestine 106 of a patient, the expandable medical device 100 may be used in conjunction with various bodily tissue structures and organs, such as, but not limited to, the stomach, colon, small intestine, pancreas, blood vessels, bladder, kidney, and ducts.

Fig. 2 shows a delivery system 200 for an expandable medical device according to aspects of the present application. The delivery system 200 may include a catheter body 202, and an expandable medical device (not shown) may be disposed on the catheter body 202. The delivery system 200 also includes a first constraining mechanism 204 configured to constrain the expandable medical device to a delivery configuration or a constraining configuration the first constraining mechanism 204 may be used in conjunction with a second constraining mechanism (as shown and discussed in more detail below with reference to fig. 3-6).

To deploy an expandable medical device disposed with the delivery system 200, tension may be applied to a deployment wire 206 coupled to the first restraint mechanism 204. Deployment wire 206 is accessible by a user, such as a physician, and is disposable in catheter body 202 through port 208. In response to tension applied to the deployment wire 206, the primary restraint mechanism 204 can be opened, withdrawn (withdrawn), or everted from an end (e.g., distal tip 210) of the delivery system 200 toward the port 208. In some embodiments, the first constraining mechanism 204 may have multiple layers that constrain the expandable medical device, and may then move multiple times from one end of the delivery region to the other during deployment. In some cases, delivery system 200 can further include a skirt 212, skirt 212 being disposed about first constraining mechanism 204 prior to movement of delivery system 200 to a target location within a patient.

Fig. 3 shows an expandable medical device 300 in a delivery configuration according to aspects of the present application. As shown in fig. 3, the first restraint mechanism 302 is configured to restrain the expandable medical device 300 to a delivery configuration. The first restraint mechanism 302 extends between a proximal end 306 of the expandable medical device 300 and a distal end 308 of the expandable medical device 300. Further, expandable medical device 300 may be disposed on a delivery catheter or delivery system 310. In some cases, a delivery catheter or delivery system 310 is guided within the patient to a target location for delivery of expandable medical device 300.

To deploy the expandable medical device 300, tension may be applied to a deployment wire 312, the deployment wire 312 coupled to the first restraint mechanism 302, the deployment wire 312 accessible to a user, such as a physician. In response, the first restraint mechanism 302 may be opened, withdrawn (withdrawn), or flipped from the proximal end 306 toward the distal end 308, and then continue back toward the proximal end 306 of the expandable medical device 300. Releasing the first restraint mechanism 302 in this manner may deploy the distal end 308 of the expandable medical device 300 and then the remainder of the expandable medical device 300.

Fig. 4 shows the expandable medical device 300 after deployment of the distal end 308 of the expandable medical device 300. As shown therein, expandable medical device 300 may include a first flange 314 disposed at distal end 308. The first flange 314 may be deployed after the first restraint mechanism 302 is withdrawn past the first flange. The user may continue to apply tension to the deployment line 312 of the first restraint mechanism 302 to continue the deployment of the expandable medical device 300.

Fig. 5 shows the expandable medical device 300 after deployment of the proximal end 306 of the expandable medical device 300. As shown in the figures, expandable medical device 300 may include a second flange 316 disposed at proximal end 306. The first restraint mechanism 302 has been released through the proximal end 306 of the expandable medical device 300 and released and disengaged from the expandable medical device 300. Thus, the first restraint mechanism 302 is configured to release and deploy the first and second flanges 314, 316 to a fully deployed configuration in response to release thereof. However, the middle portion 318 of expandable medical device 300 remains in the intermediate configuration as shown in fig. 5.

In the delivery configuration shown in fig. 2 and 3, a second constraining mechanism 304 disposed between the expandable medical device 300 and the first constraining mechanism 302 is configured to maintain a mid-portion 318 of the expandable medical device 300 in an intermediate configuration after release of the first constraining mechanism 302. When first flange 314 and second flange 316 are constrained by first constraining mechanism 302, intermediate portion 318 of expandable medical device 300 may have a radial expansion force that is greater than the radial expansion force of one or both of first flange 314 and second flange 316. As seen with reference to fig. 6A and 6B, for example, expandable medical device 300 may include a plurality of elongate elements. The density and/or winding pattern of the plurality of elongate elements in the intermediate portion 318 of the expandable medical device 300 may be greater than the density and/or winding pattern (more winding) in one or both of the first flange 314 and the second flange 316. In addition, and as a result, intermediate portion 318 of expandable medical device 300 has a greater resistance to compressive forces (greater radial strength) than one or both of first flange 314 and second flange 316.

In some cases, middle portion 318 is approximately cylindrical, and first flange 314 and second flange 316 are deployed approximately perpendicular to middle portion 318, such that expandable medical device 300 includes an hourglass shape having a lumen therethrough in the middle configuration (as shown in fig. 5). A second constraining mechanism 304 is coupled to expandable medical device 300 and is fixed to intermediate portion 318. The second restraint mechanism 304 is disposed about a periphery of a middle portion 318 of the expandable medical device 300.

to facilitate staged deployment of the expandable medical device 300, the second restraint mechanism 304 may be configured to mitigate (mitigate) premature expansion of the intermediate portion 318. in some instances, the expandable medical device 300 is self-expanding and, thus, biased to deploy from a delivery configuration to a fully deployed configuration. In some cases, intermediate portion 318 and first flange 314 and/or second flange 316 have different radial forces, which may cause forces from intermediate portion 318 (expected in a deployed configuration) to force first constraining mechanism 302 away from expandable medical device 300. Second restraint mechanism 304 is configured to reduce expansion of intermediate portion 318 by deploying intermediate portion 318 to an intermediate configuration, rather than directly to the deployed configuration.

The second restraint mechanism 304 is configured to release in response to a force applied thereto. In some cases, a force is applied from within intermediate portion 318 of expandable medical device 300 to break, fracture, or expand second restraint mechanism 304. In some cases, second constraining mechanism 304 remains coupled to intermediate portion 318 of expandable medical device 300 after it is released. For example, upon release of the second restraint mechanism 304, the middle portion 318 of the expandable medical device 300 may be deployed to a fully deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 6B.

Fig. 6A illustrates a medical device 600 and a restraint mechanism 602 in an intermediate configuration according to aspects of the present application. Expandable medical device 600 may include a first end portion 604 having a flange shape, a second end portion 606 having a flange shape, and a middle portion 608 extending therebetween.

Further, the first end portion 604, the second end portion 606 and the middle portion 608 are formed by a frame of an elongated element 610. As shown in fig. 6A, the elongate elements 610 in the intermediate portion 608 include a greater density than the first end portion 604 and the second end portion 606. Expandable medical device 600 may include a covering material 612 (which may also be referred to herein as a "covering"). In some cases, the cover material 612 is disposed on some or all of the first end portion 604, the second end portion 606, and the intermediate portion 608. The elongate elements 610 in the intermediate portion 608 include a greater concentration (density) or more windings (more windings) than the first and second end portions 604, 606. Thus, the middle portion 608 has greater resistance to radial forces than the first and second end portions 604, 606. In some cases, the difference in density of the intermediate portion 608 and the elongate elements 610 in the first end portion 604 and the second end portion 606 (causing the first end portion 604 and the second end portion 606) results in the intermediate portion 608 having a greater radial expansion force than the first end portion 604 and the second end portion 606.

Further, in some instances, in the delivery (constrained) configuration, middle portion 608 includes a greater radial expansion force than one or both of first end portion 604 and second end portion 606. Expandable medical device 600 is deployed by releasing a first restraint mechanism (e.g., as shown in fig. 3). A second constraining mechanism, such as the constraining mechanism 602 shown in fig. 6A, may be configured to reduce expansion of the middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600 in response to release of the first constraining mechanism. In some cases and as shown in fig. 6A, a second constraining mechanism 602 may be provided to extend across an intermediate portion 608 of an expandable medical device 600. Further, as shown in fig. 6A, second constraining mechanism 602 is configured to deploy an intermediate portion 608 of expandable medical device 600 to an intermediate configuration between the delivery configuration (shown in fig. 2 and 3) and the fully deployed configuration shown in fig. 6B in response to release of the first constraining mechanism.

In addition to deploying the middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600 to the intermediate configuration, upon release of the first restraint mechanism (e.g., as shown in fig. 3-5), the first and second end portions 604, 606 are also deployed to the deployed configuration.

In the intermediate configuration, a diameter of intermediate portion 608 of expandable medical device 600 may be smaller than a diameter of intermediate portion 608 of expandable medical device 600 in the deployed configuration. The diameter of the middle portion 608 in the middle configuration may be between about 40% and 80% smaller than the diameter of the middle portion 608 in the deployed configuration. The second restraint mechanism 602 may restrain the intermediate portion 608 in the intermediate configuration until the second restraint mechanism 602 is released. For example, the second restraint mechanism 602 is configured to release and deploy the intermediate portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600 to a fully deployed configuration. The second restraint mechanism 602 is released in response to a force applied thereto. In some cases, the force may be a radial force exerted within middle portion 608 of expandable medical device 600. Further, the force may be applied by an inflatable balloon or other force applied from within the middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600.

the second restraint mechanism 602 may release, rupture, expand, or otherwise break in response to the force. Further, the second restraint mechanism 602 may be configured to remain coupled to the expandable medical device 600 after a force is applied thereto, while the first restraint mechanism is configured to deploy the expandable medical device 600 and disengage from the expanded medical device 600 in response thereto. The second restraint mechanism 602 may surround or enclose (enclose ) the periphery of a middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600. Further, the second restraint mechanism 602 may be a flexible membrane (e.g., formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)) and attached (and remain attached after release of the first restraint mechanism) to one or more portions of the middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600 via a medical adhesive (e.g., polymers of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride (THV), and other biocompatible adhesives).

As noted above, in the constrained (delivery) configuration, the middle portion 608 includes a greater radial expansion force than one or both of the first end portion 604 and the second end portion 606. Accordingly, the second restraint mechanism 602 may be configured to mitigate premature deployment of the expandable medical device 600. The middle portion 608 has a greater radial expansion force than one or both of the first end portion 604 and the second end portion 606, which may force the first restraint mechanism (not shown) to be removed/released from the expandable medical device 600 without requiring the user to apply tension to remove the first restraint mechanism. The second restraint mechanism 602 may be configured to reduce the expansion of the intermediate portion 608, thereby mitigating the possibility of the intermediate portion 608 forcing the first restraint mechanism out of the expandable medical device 600 without requiring the user to remove the first restraint mechanism.

Further, a second constraining mechanism 602 may be disposed between the first constraining mechanism (prior to its release) and the intermediate portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600. Further, the second restraint mechanism 602 may be disposed within the boundaries of the medial portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600, as shown in fig. 6A. Expandable medical device 600 may include a first curved (inflection) region 614 between first end portion 604 and intermediate portion 608, and a second curved (inflection) region 616 between second end portion 606 and intermediate portion 608. First and second inflection regions 614 and 616 may transition the generally cylindrical shape of middle portion 608 to first and second end portions 604 and 606, respectively. Further, second constraining mechanism 602 may be disposed to extend between first inflection region 614 and second inflection region 616. Second constraining mechanism 602, which extends between first inflection region 614 and second inflection region 616 but does not cover first inflection region 614 and second inflection region 616, may facilitate deployment of first end portion 604 and second end portion 606 by not interfering or encroaching on first end portion 604 and second end portion 606 while maintaining staged deployment of each portion of expandable medical device 600.

In some cases, middle portion 608 of expandable medical device 600 is configured to have a specifically designed radial strength, for example, by varying the amplitude, angle, number of vertices per row, number of rows, and/or wire diameter (or other similar structure) of elongate element 610. Furthermore, a middle portion 608 of expandable medical device 600 includes radial strength against circumferential loading from surrounding tissue. In some cases, the radial strength of middle portion 608 of expandable medical device 600 facilitates the shaping of tissue outside of middle portion 608 such that it approximates in size the outer diameter of middle portion 608. When expandable medical device 600 (and other expandable medical devices discussed herein) is implanted to form an anastomosis, the radial strength of medial portion 608 may provide resistance to the hoop force exerted by surrounding tissue. Thus, expandable medical device 600 substantially maintains an open (open) cavity at a desired size.

Fig. 6B shows the expandable medical device 600 shown in fig. 6A in a fully deployed configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present application. The middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600 is no longer constrained by the second constraining mechanism 602. Thus, the middle portion 608 is in the fully deployed configuration. As shown by comparing fig. 6A and 6B, the middle portion 608 expands from a middle configuration to a larger diameter. In some cases, the second constraining mechanism 602 remains coupled to the middle portion 608 of the expandable medical device 600 after the constraining force is released.

As discussed herein, an expandable medical device may form a connection between two regions. This connection may also be referred to herein as a "shunt," channel, "" shunt channel, "or" tunnel. In some cases, the expandable medical devices discussed herein are configured to be removable after implantation. For example, an expandable medical device is implanted and held in place until the gallbladder and/or its associated ducts are emptied of obstructions, after which the device is removed. In another example, an expandable medical device remains implanted until the body has grown a tissue anastomosis around the device, and the device is then removed. In other cases, the ingrowth of tissue into and/or around the device permanently implants the expandable medical device, and the expandable medical device is not removed. The expandable medical devices discussed herein may provide alternative treatment to patients who are not suitable candidates for other types of treatment (e.g., cholecystectomy) and/or avoid known complications of other types of treatment (e.g., external biliary drainage).

In certain instances, the frame or elongate element of the expandable medical device may be treated in various ways to increase the radiopacity of the expandable medical device for enhanced radiographic visualization. In certain embodiments, the expandable medical device is at least partially a drawn filled NiTi comprising a different material at the core, such as a material with enhanced radiopacity. In certain embodiments, the device includes an impermeable coating or plating on at least a portion of the expandable medical device. In some cases, one or more radiopaque markers are attached to an expandable medical device. In certain instances, the elongate elements and/or other portions of the expandable medical devices presented herein are also visible via ultrasound waves, and may include portions having increased echogenic intensity.

Further, the cover material disposed over the expandable medical device may be generally fluid impermeable. For example, the cover material may be made of a material that prevents or reduces blood, bile, and/or other bodily fluids, as well as the passage of materials through the cover material. In some cases, the cover material has a material composition and configuration that inhibits or prevents tissue ingrowth and/or endothelialization or epithelialization into the cover material. Further, the covering is configured to inhibit or prevent tissue ingrowth and/or endothelialization such that the expandable medical device may be more easily removed from the patient at a future time. In some cases, the cover material or portions thereof may include a microporous structure that provides a tissue ingrowth framework for durable sealing and/or supplemental anchoring strength of the expandable medical device.

The covering material and constraining mechanism may comprise a fluoropolymer membrane, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) polymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or polyvinylidene acetate (PVDA). In other cases, the cover material includes polyester, silicone, polyurethane, biocompatible polymer(s), polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., pet), bioabsorbable materials, copolymers, or combinations thereof. Further, the cover material may comprise a bioabsorbable mesh. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes prepared according to the methods described in U.S. patent No. 7,306,729 to Bacino et al, U.S. patent No. 3,953,566 to Gore, U.S. patent No. 5,476,589 to Bacino et al, or U.S. patent No. 5,183,545 to Branca et al may be used herein as a covering material. Additionally, expanded modified PTFE and expanded PTFE copolymers such as those described in U.S. patent No. 5,708,044 to Branca, U.S. patent No. 6,541,589 to bailie, U.S. patent No. 7,531,611 to Sabol et al, U.S. patent application No. 8,637,144 to Ford, and U.S. patent No. 9,139,669 to Xu et al may be used herein. In other embodiments, the bioabsorbable material may also provide anti-migration properties by facilitating attachment between the expandable medical device and the tissue until the bioabsorbable material is absorbed. .

The covering material (or portions thereof) may be modified by one or more chemical or physical processes that enhance one or more characteristics of the material. For example, a hydrophilic coating may be applied to the covering material to improve the wettability and echogenicity of the material. In some cases, the cover material or portions thereof may be modified with a chemical composition that promotes one or more of endothelial cell attachment, endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell proliferation, and anti-thrombosis or promotes thrombosis. In some cases, the cover material or portions thereof may be modified to be anti-biofouling. In addition, the covering material or portions thereof may be modified by one or more covalently bonded pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g., heparin, antibiotics, etc.) or impregnated by one or more pharmaceutical ingredients. The pharmaceutical composition may be released in situ to promote healing, reduce tissue inflammation, reduce or inhibit infection, and facilitate various other therapeutic treatments and outcomes. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical ingredient may be, but is not limited to, a corticosteroid, a human growth factor, an anti-mitotic agent, an anti-thrombotic agent, stem cell material, or dexamethasone sodium phosphate. In addition, pharmacological agents are delivered separately from the covering material to the target site to promote tissue healing or tissue growth.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that aspects of the present application may be implemented by any number of methods and apparatuses configured to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the drawings referred to herein are not all drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate aspects of the present application, and the drawings should not be construed as limiting in this regard.