Catheter for use with clot treatment system

Abstract

Catheters for use with clot treatment systems, and associated devices and methods, are disclosed herein. The catheter may include an outer sheath, an outer sheath drive member operably coupled to the outer sheath, a guidewire sheath slidably disposed within the outer sheath, a guidewire sheath drive member operably coupled to the guidewire sheath and slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive member, and a clot handling member. During a clot treatment procedure, the outer sheath drive member may be moved proximally and / or the guidewire sheath drive member may be moved distally to cause respective movement of the outer sheath and / or guidewire sheath, respectively, and transition of the catheter between a first configuration in which the outer sheath and / or guidewire sheath drive member may be moved proximally and / or the guidewire sheath drive member may be moved distally, and a second configuration in which the outer sheath and / or guidewire sheath drive member may be moved distally, respectively, to cause respective movement of the outer sheath and / or guidewire sheath drive member. The clot handling member may be positioned within the outer sheath, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot handling member may extend beyond the outer sheath.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 437,885, filed on January 9, 2023, entitled “CATHETER FOR USE WITH CLOT TREATMENT SYSTEMS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present technology generally relates to thrombectomy catheters and associated devices and methods for use with clot management systems. Background Art

[0004] Thromboembolic events are characterized by vascular obstruction. Thromboembolic diseases such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, peripheral thrombosis, and atherosclerosis affect many people. These diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

[0005] When an artery is blocked by a clot, tissue ischemia develops. If the blockage persists, the ischemia progresses to tissue infarction. However, if blood flow is quickly restored, the infarction will not develop or will be greatly limited. Failure to restore blood flow can therefore lead to limb loss, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, or even death.

[0006] In the venous circulation, obstructing material can also cause serious harm. Blood clots can form in the large veins of the legs and pelvis, a common condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT often occurs in areas where there is a tendency for blood to clot (e.g., long-distance air travel, inactivity, etc.) or to clot (e.g., cancer, recent surgery such as orthopedic surgery, etc.). DVT can block the drainage of venous blood from the legs, leading to swelling, ulcers, pain, and infection. DVT can also create reservoirs where blood clots can collect and then travel to other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, brain (which can lead to stroke), abdominal organs, and / or limbs.

[0007] There are various thrombectomy devices used to remove obstructive material (e.g., a blood clot) to restore blood flow within a patient. A thrombectomy device typically has a catheter containing a mechanical clot-disposing component for engaging and removing obstructive material contained within a blood vessel. Such thrombectomy devices are typically delivered to the obstructive material within the blood vessel via a guidewire, which typically extends through the entire length of the catheter lumen. The guidewire may be too short for some procedures, such that the guidewire is insufficiently long to deliver the thrombectomy device to the obstructive material. Additionally, a long thrombectomy device may require excessive time to replace the guidewire. This may complicate the thrombectomy procedure, such as insufficiently removing the obstructive material or otherwise failing to restore adequate blood flow within the patient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Many aspects of the present invention technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The accompanying drawings depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to limit its scope unless expressly stated. The sizes of the various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be enlarged to improve readability. Component details can be separated in the drawings to exclude these details, such as the position of components and certain precise connections between such components, for a complete understanding of how to make and use the present technology without necessarily excluding these details. In addition, for clarity of illustration only, components may be shown as transparent in certain views, rather than indicating that components must be transparent. Many of the details, sizes, angles and other features shown in the drawings are merely specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, without departing from the present technology, other embodiments may have other details, sizes, angles and features. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the present technology may be implemented without some of the details described below.

[0009] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a side view of a clot management catheter in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0010] Figure 1C According to the embodiment of the present technology Figure 1A The line 1C-1C is intercepted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter is shown.

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are in a first configuration and a second configuration respectively according to an embodiment of the present technology Figure 1A and Figure 1B An enlarged side view of a portion of a clot handling catheter.

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a side view of another clot management catheter in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0013] Figure 3C According to the embodiment of the present technology Figure 3A The line 3C-3C is intercepted Figure 3A and Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a clot handling catheter is shown.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are in a first configuration and a second configuration respectively according to an embodiment of the present technology Figures 1A to 1C Side view of the clot handling catheter.

[0015] Figure 5 is in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the present technology Figure 3A and Figure 3B Side view of the clot handling catheter.

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B According to the embodiments of the present technology, Figure 1A and Figure 1B Side cross-sectional view of a clot management catheter.

[0017] Figure 7 is in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the present technology Figure 3A and Figure 3B Side view of the clot handling catheter.

[0018] Figure 8 is in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the present technology Figure 3A and Figure 3B Side view of the clot handling catheter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present technology generally relates to thrombectomy catheters for use with clot management systems and associated devices and methods. In some of the embodiments described in detail below, a thrombectomy catheter ("catheter") can include an outer sheath, an outer sheath drive component operably coupled to the outer sheath, a guidewire sheath slidably disposed within the outer sheath, and a guidewire sheath drive component operably coupled to the guidewire sheath and slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component. Additionally, the catheter can include a clot management component. The clot management component can be coupled to the guidewire sheath and positionable within the outer sheath. In these and other embodiments, the catheter can include at least one clot management drive component operably coupled to the clot management component. The clot management drive component can be positioned (e.g., radially, telescopically, etc.) between the outer sheath drive component and the guidewire sheath drive component.

[0020] During a clot management procedure (e.g., to remove obstructing material), the catheter can be transitioned between a first (e.g., sheathed) configuration in which a clot management component is contained within an outer sheath, and a second (e.g., deployed) configuration in which the clot management component is deployed from within the outer sheath by moving the outer sheath and / or the guidewire sheath relative to each other. For example, to transition the catheter from the first configuration to the second configuration, a user can move a guidewire sheath actuator relative to the outer sheath in a first direction (e.g., distally) to cause corresponding movement of the guidewire sheath and thereby extend at least a portion of the guidewire sheath outward from within the outer sheath. The clot management component can be coupled to or positioned about the portion of the guidewire sheath such that extending the portion of the guidewire sheath outward from within the outer sheath can allow the clot management component to expand or deploy. Additionally or alternatively, to transition the catheter from the first configuration to the second configuration, the user can move the outer sheath drive component in a second direction (e.g., proximally) relative to the guidewire sheath to cause corresponding movement of the outer sheath and thereby withdraw the outer sheath over the guidewire sheath, e.g., to expose a portion of the guidewire sheath. To transition the catheter from the second configuration to the first configuration, the movement of the guidewire sheath drive component and / or the outer sheath drive component can be reversed, e.g., the user can move the guidewire sheath drive component in the second direction and / or move the outer sheath drive component in the first direction.

[0021] The clot handling component can be completely enclosed within the outer sheath in a first configuration, for example, for transvascular delivery to an obstruction. In a second configuration, at least a portion of the clot handling component can be deployed from or extend beyond the outer sheath. For example, in the second configuration, the clot handling component can be positioned to engage an obstruction during clot handling. In some embodiments, a user can deploy, enclose, and / or change at least one dimension (e.g., length, width, diameter, cross-sectional area, etc.) of the clot handling component and / or change at least one characteristic or mechanical property (e.g., radial force, tension, compression, shape, etc.) of the clot handling component by moving the clot handling actuator.

[0022] In some aspects of the present technology, the catheter can occupy a relatively short length of the guidewire, so that the length of the guidewire can be increased, for example, to allow for the delivery of an additional clot-handling device within a patient's blood vessel. This is expected to reduce at least some complications that may arise during a clot handling and / or removal procedure, such as when the length of the guidewire available to the user is insufficient to adequately address the patient's clot. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the catheters are expected to be easier for the user to switch between configurations, so that the user can more easily perform multiple passes over the clot material during a procedure. For example, at least some of the catheters can be configured so that the clot-handling component can be fully or at least partially re-wrapped after the clot-handling component has been deployed. In these and other embodiments, compared to other clot-handling devices, the catheters of the present technology are expected to occupy and / or engage a shorter length of the guidewire, which enables the catheter to be more easily loaded and unloaded from the guidewire when performing multiple passes over the clot material within the patient.

[0023] In the following description and in Figures 1A to 8 Certain details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems generally associated with intravascular procedures, blood filtration, clot removal procedures, catheters, and the like are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the present technology. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein and / or with other structures, methods, components, and the like. Furthermore, although many of the devices and systems are described herein in the context of removing and / or treating clotted material from a blood vessel, the present technology can be used to remove and / or treat any unwanted material within a blood vessel, such as thrombi, emboli, plaque, and the like, in addition to or in place of clotted material. Therefore, the terms "clot" and "clotted material" as used herein can refer to any of the aforementioned materials within a blood vessel, and the like.

[0024] The terms used below should be interpreted in their broadest reasonable manner, even though they are used in conjunction with the detailed description of certain examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In fact, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any term that is intended to be interpreted in any limited manner will be openly and specifically defined in this detailed description.

[0025] Regarding the terms "distal" and "proximal" in this specification, unless otherwise indicated, these terms may refer to the relative position of various parts of the tubing system with respect to the operator and / or the position within the vasculature. Furthermore, as used herein, the designations "rearward," "forward," "upward," "downward," etc. are not intended to limit the referenced components to a particular orientation. It should be understood that such designations refer to the orientation of the referenced components as shown in the accompanying drawings; the systems of the present technology can be used with the user in any orientation.

[0026] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are side views of a clot management catheter ("catheter 100") in a first configuration 101a and a second configuration 101b, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 1C According to the embodiment of the present technology Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter 100 taken along line 1C-1C is shown. Figure 6A and Figure 6B are cross-sectional views of a catheter 100 in a first configuration 101a and a second configuration 101b, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6B , various aspects of the catheter 100 are shown as transparent for clarity.

[0027] In some embodiments, the catheter 100 includes a first or distal portion 102a and a second or proximal portion 102b (the various end / end portions described herein are in Figure 1C During a clot management procedure, catheter 100 can be advanced intravascularly to a treatment site within a blood vessel of patient P. In at least some embodiments, for example, catheter 100 is advanced through the vasculature until all or a portion of clot management component 150 ( Figure 6A and Figure 6B ) are located in or distal to the clot material within the vessel.

[0028] The catheter 100 may include one or more sheaths and / or components. In some embodiments, the catheter 100 includes an outer sheath 110, an outer sheath drive component 120, a guidewire sheath 130, a guidewire sheath drive component 140, and a clot handling component 150 (shown schematically). Figure 1A and Figure 6A The outer sheath 110 may include an elongated tube or member including a first or distal portion 112a, a second or proximal portion 112b opposite the distal portion 112a, and a lumen 114 extending from the distal portion 112a to the proximal portion 112b ("outer sheath lumen 114"). The outer sheath drive component 120 may include an elongated tube or member including a distal portion 122a, a proximal portion 122b opposite the distal portion 122a, and a lumen 124 extending from the distal portion 122a to the proximal portion 122b ("outer sheath drive component lumen 124"). At least a portion of the outer sheath drive component 120 (e.g., at least a portion of the distal portion 122a) may be positioned within the outer sheath lumen 114 and coupled to the outer sheath 110. The proximal portion 122b of the outer sheath drive component 120 can extend proximally from the proximal portion 112b of the outer sheath 110 and / or can be integral with a handle or other user interface, e.g., to allow a user to grasp, manipulate, move, etc. the outer sheath drive component 120, thereby moving the outer sheath 110 relative to one or more other portions of the catheter 100.

[0029] A guidewire sheath 130 can be positioned at least partially within the outer sheath lumen 114, e.g., proximate to / adjacent the outer sheath drive component 120. The guidewire sheath 130 can include a tube having a first or distal end or tip portion 132a ("distal tip 132a"), a second or proximal end portion 132b, and a lumen 134 ("guidewire sheath lumen 134") extending from the distal tip 132a to the proximal end portion 132b. The distal tip 132a can be integral with the guidewire sheath 130 or a separate component coupled to the distal end of the guidewire sheath 130. The distal tip 132a of the guidewire sheath 130 can define a distal tip 136 of the catheter 100. The guidewire sheath lumen 134 can be configured to receive a guidewire (not shown) therethrough. In at least some embodiments, for example, a guidewire can be inserted into the guidewire sheath lumen 134 via the distal tip 132a and extend completely beyond the proximal portion 132b of the guidewire sheath 130. The length of the guidewire sheath 130 can be relatively short. For example, the guidewire sheath 130 can be shorter than the total length of the catheter 100 between the distal portion 102a and the proximal portion 102b. Additionally or alternatively, in the first configuration 101a and the second configuration 101b, the proximal end 122b of the outer sheath drive component 120 can extend proximally beyond the proximal end 132b of the guidewire sheath 130. In some aspects of the present technology, it is expected that a shorter guidewire sheath 130 allows for an increased guidewire length, which can be used to deliver additional clot management devices within a patient's blood vessel. This, in turn, can reduce congestion within the vessel, improve navigability within the vessel, and / or increase the amount of clot material that can be removed from the patient.

[0030] The guidewire sheath drive component 140 can be at least partially positioned within the outer sheath drive component lumen 124 and can be coupled to the guidewire sheath 130. The guidewire sheath drive component 140 can include an elongated shaft, tube, or member including a first or distal portion 142a and a second or proximal portion 142b opposite the distal portion 142a. The distal portion 142a of the guidewire sheath drive component 140 extends distally from the distal portion 122a of the outer sheath drive component 120 and is coupled to the guidewire sheath 130, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown and described in further detail, the proximal portion 142b can extend proximally from the proximal portion 122b of the outer sheath drive component 120 and / or can be integral with a handle or user interface, e.g., to allow a user to grasp, manipulate, move, etc. the guidewire sheath drive component 140, thereby moving the guidewire sheath 130 relative to one or more other portions of the catheter 100.

[0031] The clot handling component 150 can include one or more of the clot handling components described in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,784,434; 10,342,571; and / or 10,912,577, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In at least some embodiments, for example, the clot handling component 150 can include one or more stents, baskets, discs, spheres, funnels, balloons, and / or tubes, the individual components of which can be laser cut, braided, extruded, woven components, etc. The clot handling component 150 can be positioned within the outer sheath lumen 114, for example, between the inner surface of the outer sheath 110 and the outer surface of the guidewire sheath 130. Reference Figure 1B, which shows a clot-managing component 150 in a deployed or expanded configuration. The clot-managing component 150 can include a distal portion 152a and a proximal portion 152b opposite the distal portion 152a. The clot-managing component 150 can be coupled to the catheter 100, for example, at one or both of the end portions 152a, 152b and / or at one or more other suitable portions between the end portions 152a, 152b of the clot-managing component 150. In at least some embodiments, for example, the distal portion 152a of the clot-managing component 150 can be coupled to the guidewire sheath 130 (e.g., distal tip 132a) and / or any other suitable sheath and / or component of the catheter 100. Additionally or alternatively, the proximal portion 152b of the clot-managing component 150 can be coupled to the guidewire sheath 130 and / or any other suitable sheath and / or component of the catheter 100. In embodiments where one end of the clot management component 150 (e.g., the distal portion 152a) is coupled to the guidewire sheath 130 of the catheter 100 and / or another suitable sheath and / or component, the other end of the clot management component 150 (e.g., the proximal portion 152b) can be moved or slid relative to the catheter 100, e.g., along the outer surface of the guidewire sheath 130 and / or at least partially between the distal portion 112a and the proximal portion 138 of the distal tip 132a of the outer sheath 110. In at least some embodiments, the clot management component 150 is not coupled to the catheter 100 (e.g., is free-floating), and both the distal portion 152a and the proximal portion 152b can be moved or slid relative to each other and / or the catheter 100, e.g., while being retained on the guidewire sheath 130 via mechanical interference with the proximal portion 138 of the distal tip 132a and / or the distal portion 112a of the outer sheath 110. In these and other embodiments, the clot management component 150 can be configured to: Figure 1A ) switches to the second configuration 101b ( Figure 1B ). The clot management component 150 can automatically expand, for example, in response to movement of one or more of the sheath and / or other components of the catheter 100 (e.g., caused by the user).

[0032] Reference together Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6B During a clot management procedure, the catheter 100 may be in a first configuration 101a ( Figure 1A ) and the second configuration 101b ( Figure 1B ). Figure 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, for example, the outer sheath drive component 120 has been moved proximally relative to the guidewire sheath 130 to move the outer sheath 110 in a proximal direction and / or away from the distal end 136. This causes the catheter 100 to transition from the first configuration 101a to the second configuration 101b and / or at least partially toward the second configuration. As the outer sheath 110 moves proximally, the clot handling component 150 is gradually exposed in a distal-to-proximal motion, which allows the clot handling component 150 to transition from a first (e.g., delivery) state (e.g., delivery) to a second configuration 101b. Figure 1A ) expands / expands to a second (eg, expanded) state ( Figure 1B ) and / or at least partially unfolded / expanded toward the second state. Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the clot handling component 150 is positioned entirely within the outer sheath lumen 114, between the inner surface of the outer sheath 110 and the outer surface of the guidewire sheath 130, such that the outer sheath 110 restricts expansion (e.g., radial expansion, longitudinal expansion, etc.) of the clot handling component 150. Thus, moving the outer sheath 110 in a proximal direction removes the constraint around the clot handling component 150, allowing it to be moved from the first state ( Figure 1A ) expands (e.g., automatically expands) to a second state ( Figure 1B ) and / or at least partially expand toward the second state. The clot treatment component 150 can be configured to automatically expand due to material properties such as memory (e.g., shape memory), mechanically expand in response to application of a tensile or compressive force via a balloon, and / or another suitable configuration. With the clot treatment component 150 in the second state and / or the catheter 100 in the second configuration 101b, the catheter 100 can be used to treat / remove clotted material within a patient.

[0033] The catheter 100 can be returned from the second configuration 101b to the first configuration 101a by moving the outer sheath 110 in a distal direction and / or toward the distal tip 136, for example, by moving the outer sheath drive component 120 in a distal direction. The clot management component 150 can be configured to return to the first state ( Figure 1AIn at least some embodiments, for example, the proximal portion 152b of the clot-handling component 150 can be radially inclined or tapered such that when the outer sheath 110 is moved distally, the proximal portion 152b can be received within the outer sheath lumen 114, and continued distal movement of the outer sheath 110 can cause the clot-handling component 150 to collapse, seal, and / or otherwise encase the clot-handling component 150 (e.g., within the outer sheath 110). Additionally or alternatively, the clot-handling component 150 can be encased by applying a tensile or compressive force to the clot-handling component 150, such as by moving the guidewire sheath 130 relative to the outer sheath 110 when the clot-handling component 150 is coupled to one or both of the sheaths 110, 130.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the catheter 100 can be transitioned between the first configuration 101a and the second configuration 101b by moving the guidewire sheath 130 relative to the outer sheath 110. In at least some embodiments, for example, the guidewire sheath actuator 140 can be moved distally relative to the outer sheath 110 to move the guidewire sheath 130 distally and / or outwardly from the distal end portion 112a of the outer sheath 110. This can transition the catheter 100 from the first configuration 101a to the second configuration 101b and / or at least partially toward the second configuration. When the guidewire sheath 130 is moved distally, the clot handling component 150 can be removed from the outer sheath lumen 114 for expansion / deployment, as described above. The catheter 100 can also be transitioned from the second configuration 101b to the first configuration 101a by moving the guidewire sheath actuator 140 proximally to move the guidewire sheath 130 proximally. This can reposition the clot handling component 150 within the outer sheath lumen 114, as described above. In these and other embodiments, the catheter 100 can be transitioned between the first configuration 101a and the second configuration 101b by, for example, sequentially and / or simultaneously moving a combination of the outer sheath actuation component 120 and the guidewire sheath actuation component 140.

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are in a first configuration 101a and a second configuration 101b, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An enlarged side view of a portion of the catheter 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B, various aspects of the catheter 100 are shown as transparent for clarity. The guidewire sheath 130 can include a distal segment 231a, a proximal segment 231b opposite the distal segment 231a, and a third segment 233 (which can also be referred to as a "center segment," "inner segment," "transition segment," "bridge segment," etc.) extending between the distal segment 231a and the proximal segment 231b. The distal segment 231a can be roughly or substantially aligned / coincident with the longitudinal axis L of the catheter 100 such that the distal segment 231a can be roughly or substantially concentric with the catheter 100 and / or centered within the outer sheath lumen 114. The proximal segment 231b can be offset relative to the axis of the distal segment 231a, and the third segment 233 can be an angled center segment that provides a sufficiently smooth transition between the distal segment 231a and the proximal segment 231b for tracking along a guidewire (not shown). Clot handling component 150 ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) can be coupled to the distal segment 231a so that the clot handling component 150 can be centered within the outer sheath lumen 114. In some aspects of the present technology, it is contemplated that centering the clot handling component 150 within the outer sheath lumen 114 can improve the operator's ability to repeatedly and / or consistently withdraw and re-sheath the clot handling component 150 (e.g., out of or back into the outer sheath 110) during a clot handling procedure, as described above with reference to Figure 1A and Figure 1B Described in detail.

[0036] The proximal segment 231b can be generally or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In at least some embodiments, for example, the proximal segment 231b is not concentric / collinear with the longitudinal axis L and / or the distal segment 231a. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown. The outer sheath drive component 120 can be generally or substantially parallel to the proximal segment 231b and / or on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis L from the proximal segment 231b. Although for clarity of illustration, the outer sheath drive component 120 can be generally or substantially parallel to the proximal segment 231b and / or on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis L from the proximal segment 231b. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sheath drive component 120 and the guidewire sheath 130 are shown as being spaced apart, but it should be understood that in practice, the outer sheath drive component 120 may or may not contact the guidewire sheath 130. The outer sheath drive component 120 can be sized such that a region 221 of the outer sheath drive component 120 remains in overlapping alignment with at least a portion of the guidewire sheath lumen 134. Thus, when the catheter 100 is in the first configuration 101a and the second configuration 101b, the outer sheath drive component 120 can be at least partially coextensive with, in contact with, and / or otherwise positioned adjacent to the guidewire sheath lumen 134. In some embodiments, for example, when the catheter 100 is in the first configuration 101a and the second configuration 101b (respectively), the outer sheath drive component 120 may be positioned adjacent to the guidewire sheath lumen 134. Figure 1A and Figure 1B ), region 221 can be coextensive and / or abutting with at least a portion of the proximal segment 231b. In some aspects of the present technology, it is contemplated that the coextensive and / or abutting alignment between the outer sheath actuation component 120 and the guidewire sheath 130 improves a user's ability to repeatedly and / or consistently withdraw and re-sheath the clot management component 150 during a clot management procedure while also maintaining an open lumen (e.g., the guidewire sheath lumen 134) through the catheter 100. For example, in the second configuration 101b, the coextensive and / or abutting relationship between the proximal segment 231b of the guidewire sheath 130 and region 221 of the outer sheath actuation component 120 can maintain the guidewire sheath 130 and the outer sheath actuation component 120 in a slidable relationship relative to each other and allow the guidewire sheath 130 to move proximally to return the catheter 100 to the first configuration 101a. It is contemplated that the relatively short length of the guidewire sheath 130 allows the user to reload the guidewire and / or insert other devices along the guidewire during a clot management procedure. In other embodiments, when the catheter 100 is in the first configuration 101a and the second configuration 101b, the region 221 of the outer sheath drive component 120 may not be in overlapping alignment with at least a portion of the guidewire sheath lumen 134, while still maintaining the advantages described above.

[0037] The center segment 233 can be angled or tilted relative to the longitudinal axis L, as described above. For example, the center segment 233 can be angled radially inward, e.g., toward the longitudinal axis L, from the proximal segment 231b toward the distal segment 231a and / or toward the guidewire sheath drive component 140. The center segment 233 can connect the distal segment 231a and the proximal segment 231b so that the guidewire sheath lumen 134 and / or the guidewire (not shown) can extend completely through the guidewire sheath 130, as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the guidewire sheath drive component 140 can be operably coupled to the guidewire sheath 130 at or near the center segment 233.

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a side view of another clot management and / or clot removal catheter 300 ("catheter 300") in a first configuration 301a and a second configuration 301b, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 3A and Figure 3B , various aspects of the catheter 300 are shown as transparent for clarity. Figure 3C It is along Figure 3A The section view of the catheter 300 is shown as a portion thereof taken along line 3C-3C. The catheter 300 may include Figures 1A to 2B In some aspects of the catheter 100 that are substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function, similar reference numerals (e.g., outer sheath 310 and Figures 1A to 2B110) indicates substantially similar or identical aspects. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 300 includes a clot handling drive component 360. The clot handling drive component 360 can be positioned (e.g., radially, telescopically, etc.) between the outer sheath drive component 320 and the guidewire sheath drive component 340 such that each of the outer sheath drive component 320, the guidewire sheath drive component 340, and the clot handling drive component 360 can be independently moved in the proximal direction and / or distal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the guidewire sheath drive component 340 can be slidably disposed within the clot handling drive component lumen 364 ( Figure 3B ), and the clot handling drive component 360 is slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component lumen 324.

[0039] The clot handling drive component 360 may include an elongated tube or member having a distal portion 362 and an inner lumen 364 ("clot handling drive component inner lumen 364"). The clot handling drive component 360 may be operably coupled to the clot handling component 350 (at Figure 3A and Figure 3B In at least some embodiments, for example, the distal portion 362 of the clot handling drive component 360 can be coupled to the proximal portion 352b of the clot handling component 350, such as Figure 3B In these and other embodiments, any other suitable portion or end of the clot handling drive component 360 can be coupled to any other suitable portion or end of the clot handling component 350. Additionally or alternatively, any other suitable portion or end of the clot handling component 350 (e.g., the distal portion 352a) can be coupled to the guidewire sheath 330 and / or the proximal portion 338 of the distal tip 332a of the guidewire sheath 330.

[0040] During a clot handling procedure, the outer sheath drive component 320 and / or the guidewire sheath drive component 340 may be moved to transition the catheter 300 between the first configuration 301a and the second configuration 301b, such as described above with reference to FIG. Figures 1A to 2B In addition, the clot handling drive component 360 and / or the guidewire sheath drive component 340 may be moved to move the clot handling component 350 in the first state ( Figure 3A ) and the second state ( Figure 3B). In at least some embodiments, for example, the clot handling drive component 360 can be moved distally to expand / deploy the clot handling component 350 from a first (e.g., delivery) state to a second (e.g., deployment) state and / or at least partially toward the second state. In other embodiments, the clot handling drive component 360 can be moved proximally to expand / deploy the clot handling component 350 from a first state to a second state and / or at least partially toward the second state. Additionally or alternatively, the clot handling drive component 360 can be moved distally to return the clot handling component 350 from the second state to the first state and / or at least partially toward the first state, for example, to position / encase the clot handling component 350 within the outer sheath lumen 314, as Figure 3A In other embodiments, the clot handling drive component 360 can be moved proximally to return the clot handling component 350 from the second state to the first state and / or at least partially toward the first state. In these and other embodiments, the clot handling component 350 can automatically transition between the first state and the second state, such as described above with respect to Figure 1A and Figure 1B In at least some embodiments, for example, the clot handling component 350 can be biased toward one state (e.g., the second state), and the clot handling drive component 360 and / or the guidewire sheath drive component 340 can be moved to control the extent and / or rate at which the clot handling component 350 transitions toward the biased state. In these and other embodiments, the clot handling drive component 360 and / or the guidewire sheath drive component 340 can be moved to adjust (e.g., increase and / or decrease) one or more dimensions (e.g., length, width, diameter, cross-sectional area, etc.) and / or adjust one or more characteristics / mechanical properties (e.g., radial force, tension, compression, shape, etc.) of the clot handling component 350. For example, as described above, distally moving the clot handling drive component 360 to expand / deploy the clot handling component 350 can also decrease the length of the clot handling component 350 and / or increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the clot handling component 350.

[0041] Despite Figures 3A to 3C In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 300 includes one clot handling drive component 360, but in other embodiments, the catheter 300 may include more clot handling drive components, such as at least two, three, four, five, or any other suitable number of clot handling drive components. Each additional clot handling drive component may be positioned (e.g., radially, telescopically, etc.) between the outer sheath drive component 320 and the guidewire sheath drive component 340, at least approximately similar to the position of the clot handling drive component 360. For example, the second clot handling drive component ( Figures 3A to 3C360) can be slidably disposed within the clot-handling drive component lumen 364, between an inner surface of the clot-handling drive component 360 and an outer surface of the guidewire sheath drive component 340. Each additional clot-handling drive component can be operably coupled to a corresponding portion or end of the clot-handling component 350, such that each additional clot-handling drive component can increase the user's ability to adjust / control the clot-handling component 350. In at least some embodiments, for example, each additional clot-handling drive component can be configured to adjust at least one dimension of the clot-handling component 350.

[0042] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a side view of a clot management catheter 100 in a first configuration 101a and a second configuration 101b, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 4A and Figure 4B , various aspects of the catheter 100 are shown as transparent for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 100 includes a clot-management component 450 having a plurality of struts 454. Each of the struts 454 can extend at least partially between a distal portion 452a and a proximal portion 452b of the clot-management component 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 452b is coupled to the guidewire sheath 130 (e.g., configured to move therewith), and the distal portion 452a is configured to move / slide along the guidewire sheath 130. When the catheter 100 is in the second configuration 101b, the clot-management component 450 can expand / deploy radially outward from the guidewire sheath 130. In some embodiments, for example, the struts 454 can be shape memory struts and can automatically expand / deploy in response to movement of the guidewire sheath 130 and / or the outer sheath 110. The clot handling component 450 may further include an apex or radially extending portion 456 that defines the maximum outer dimension (e.g., width, radius, etc.) of the clot handling component 405. When expanded / deployed, the clot handling component 450 may be used to remove clotted material from a patient. Additional details regarding clot handling components may be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,784,434, which was previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 100 carries a single clot management component 450, but in other embodiments, the catheter 100 may carry multiple clot management components.

[0043] Figure 5 is a side view of a clot management catheter 300 in a second configuration 301b in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 5, various aspects of the catheter 300 are shown as transparent for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 300 includes a clot handling component 550 that includes a coring element 551. The coring element 551 includes a cylindrical, porous structure defined by a plurality of struts 554. Each of the struts 554 can extend at least partially between a distal portion 552a and a proximal portion 552b of the coring element 551. The coring element 551 can include a leading edge 558 located at or near the proximal portion 552b and configured to coring or otherwise remove clotted material from the patient. For example, the coring element 551 can expand distally from the clotted material and retract proximally so that the leading edge 558 engages the clotted material, thereby capturing and / or otherwise removing at least a portion of the clotted material. In some embodiments, the clot handling component 550 further includes an expandable bag or cylindrical portion that is coupled to and extends distally from the distal portion 552a of the coring element 551. The expandable bag can be a braided and / or mesh structure (e.g., a braided filament mesh structure) and can be configured to capture and retain clot material after it is cored by the coring element 551. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the expandable bag can be coupled to the distal tip 332a ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B ), such that movement of the guidewire sheath 330 relative to the coring element 551 can extend / contract the expandable bag. Additional details regarding the clot handling component 550 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,342,571 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,912,577, both of which were previously incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 552b of the coring element 551 is coupled to the clot handling drive component 360. Specifically, the catheter 300 includes a first coupling component 570a configured to couple the proximal portion 552b of the coring element 551 to the distal portion 362 of the clot handling drive component 360. Continuing with reference to the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 300 can include a second coupling component 570b configured to couple the coring element 551 to the guidewire sheath drive component 340 and / or the guidewire sheath 330. In other embodiments, the catheter 300 can include another clot handling drive component ( Figure 5). In embodiments where both the first coupling member 570a and the second coupling member 570b are coupled to the coring element 551, the components / sheaths associated with the first coupling member 570a and the second coupling member 570b can be moved relative to each other to manipulate the coring element 551. For example, the distance between the first coupling member 570a and the second coupling member 570b can be decreased (e.g., by distally advancing the clot management drive member 360 and / or proximally retracting the guidewire sheath drive member 340 and / or the guidewire sheath 330) to cause the coring element 551 to shorten longitudinally and / or expand radially outward from the guidewire sheath 330. As another example, the distance between the first coupling member 570a and the second coupling member 570b can be increased (e.g., by proximally retracting the clot management drive member 360 and / or distally advancing the guidewire sheath drive member 340 and / or the guidewire sheath 330) to cause the coring element 551 to longitudinally extend and / or compress radially inward toward the guidewire sheath 330. In at least some embodiments, at least a portion of the clot management member 550 (e.g., the expandable bag described above) can be coupled to the distal tip 332a ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B ), such that (i) moving the guidewire sheath 330 distally can longitudinally extend the clot handling component 550 and / or radially compress the clot handling component 550 toward the guidewire sheath 330, and (ii) moving the guidewire sheath 330 proximally can longitudinally shorten the clot handling component 550 and / or radially expand the clot handling component 550 away from the guidewire sheath 330, thereby supplementing or replacing the movement of one or more of the other sheaths / components of the catheter 300.

[0045] Figure 7 is a side view of a clot management catheter 300 in a second configuration 301b in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, various aspects of the catheter 300 are shown as transparent for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 300 includes the previously referenced Figure 5 The coring element 551 is described. However, in Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling member 570b is not coupled to the guidewire sheath drive member 340. Instead, the guidewire sheath drive member 340 is coupled to a drive cuff 772 (e.g., a stop member) positioned distally of the second coupling member 570b around the guidewire sheath 330. The guidewire sheath drive member 340 can be slidably disposed through the second coupling member 570b, such that the drive cuff 772 and / or the second coupling member 570b can be moved relative to each other. This relative movement of the drive cuff 772 and the second coupling member 570b can be used to change the configuration of the coring element 551 and / or the clot management member 550. For example, the drive cuff 772 can be moved proximally (e.g., by proximally retracting the guidewire sheath drive member 340 and / or the guidewire sheath 330) to contact and move the second coupling member 570b proximally. This, in turn, can reduce the distance between the first coupling member 570a and the second coupling member 570b and thereby cause the coring element 551 to shorten longitudinally and / or expand radially outward from the guidewire sheath 330. In some embodiments, the guidewire sheath drive member 340 can be biased in a proximal direction such that the drive cuff 772 is biased proximally into engagement with the second coupling member 570b to shorten and / or expand radially outward from the guidewire sheath 330.

[0046] Figure 8 is a side view of a clot management catheter 300 in a second configuration 301b in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 8 , various aspects of the catheter 300 are shown as transparent for clarity. Figure 8 The catheter 300 shown may include the same Figure 7 The catheter 300 described herein may be at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to at least some features. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive cuff 772 is positioned proximal to the second coupling member 570b about the guidewire sheath 330. Accordingly, the drive cuff 772 can be moved distally (e.g., by distally advancing the guidewire sheath drive member 340 and / or the clot management drive member 360) to contact the second coupling member 570b and increase the distance between the first coupling member 570a and the second coupling member 570b, thereby causing the coring element 551 to longitudinally extend and / or compress radially inward toward the guidewire sheath 330. In some embodiments, the guidewire sheath drive member 340 can be biased in a distal direction such that the drive cuff 772 is distally biased into engagement with the second coupling member 570b, thereby causing the coring element 551 to extend and / or compress radially inward toward the guidewire sheath 330.

[0047] Therefore, in some aspects of the present technology, catheter can include an outer sheath, an outer sheath drive component that can be operably coupled to the outer sheath, a guide wire sheath that can be slidably arranged in the outer sheath, and a guide wire sheath drive component that can be operably coupled to the guide wire sheath and can be slidably arranged in the outer sheath drive component. The outer sheath drive component can be made to move proximally and / or distally to cause the corresponding movement of the outer sheath. The guide wire sheath drive component can be made to move proximally and / or distally to cause the corresponding proximally and / or distally of the guide wire sheath to move. The movement of the outer sheath and / or the guide wire sheath can make the catheter converted between a first configuration and a second configuration. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a clot handling component carried in the outer sheath, and during a procedure, the clot handling component can be expanded and / or repositioned in the outer sheath from the outer sheath by moving one or both of the outer sheath drive component and the guide wire sheath drive component. For example, when the catheter is in a first configuration, the clot handling component can be carried within the outer sheath, and when the catheter is in a second configuration, the clot handling component can be deployed from the outer sheath. In these and other embodiments, the catheter can include at least one clot handling drive component operably coupled to the clot handling component. The clot handling drive component can be positioned (e.g., radially, telescopically, etc.) between the outer sheath drive component and the guidewire sheath drive component. During a procedure, the clot handling drive component can be moved proximally and / or distally to deploy, wrap, and / or change at least one dimension (e.g., length, width, diameter, cross-sectional area, etc.) of the clot handling component.

[0048] Several aspects of the present technology are illustrated in the following examples:

[0049] 1. An intravascular catheter for treating clotted material from a blood vessel of a human patient, the intravascular catheter comprising:

[0050] an outer sheath having an outer sheath inner cavity;

[0051] an outer sheath drive component having an outer sheath drive component lumen, wherein the outer sheath drive component is operably coupled to the outer sheath;

[0052] a guidewire sheath comprising a guidewire sheath lumen configured to receive a guidewire, wherein at least a portion of the guidewire sheath is slidably disposed within the outer sheath lumen;

[0053] a guidewire sheath drive component slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath drive component, wherein the guidewire sheath drive component is operably coupled to the guidewire sheath; and

[0054] A clot handling component coupled to the guidewire sheath, wherein the clot handling component is configured to transition between (i) a first configuration in which the clot handling component is positioned within the outer sheath lumen and (ii) a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot handling component is exposed from the outer sheath lumen in response to movement of the outer sheath drive component, the guidewire sheath drive component, or both the outer sheath drive component and the guidewire sheath drive component.

[0055] 2. According to the catheter of Example 1, the catheter further includes a clot handling drive component, which is slidably disposed in the inner cavity of the outer sheath drive component and is operably connected to the clot handling component, wherein the clot handling component is configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to the movement of the clot handling drive component, the outer sheath drive component, the guidewire sheath drive component, or any two or more of the outer sheath drive component, the guidewire sheath drive component and the clot handling drive component.

[0056] 3. The catheter of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the outer sheath actuation component includes a region configured to overlap a portion of the guidewire sheath when the clot management component is in the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0057] 4. The catheter of embodiment 3, wherein the guidewire sheath comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein at least a portion of the proximal segment is configured to interface with a portion of the outer sheath drive component, and wherein the distal segment is centered within the outer sheath lumen.

[0058] 5. The catheter of Example 4, wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

[0059] 6. The catheter of Example 5, wherein the distal segment of the guidewire sheath comprises a distal tip of the catheter, and wherein at least the portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal tip.

[0060] 7. The catheter of any one of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is slidably disposed on the distal segment.

[0061] 8. The catheter of any one of embodiments 4 to 7, wherein the guidewire sheath further comprises a medial segment extending between the distal segment and the proximal segment, wherein the medial segment slopes radially inward from the proximal segment toward the distal segment.

[0062] 9. The catheter of Example 1, wherein the guidewire sheath includes a distal segment centered within the outer sheath lumen, and wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

[0063] 10. The catheter of Example 9, wherein the distal segment of the guidewire sheath comprises a distal tip of the catheter, and wherein at least the portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal tip.

[0064] 11. The catheter of Example 9 or Example 10, wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is slidably disposed on the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

[0065] 12. The catheter of any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the guidewire sheath further comprises a proximal segment positioned radially outward from the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

[0066] 13. The catheter of Example 12 wherein the proximal segment is not centered within the outer sheath lumen.

[0067] 14. The catheter of Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the guidewire sheath further comprises a medial segment extending between the distal segment and the proximal segment, wherein the medial segment slopes radially inward from the proximal segment toward the distal segment.

[0068] 15. A method for intravascular treatment of clotted material from a blood vessel of a human patient, the method comprising:

[0069] advancing the catheter distally through the blood vessel; and

[0070] transitioning the catheter from (i) a first configuration in which a clot-managing component of the catheter is positioned within an outer sheath lumen of an outer sheath of the catheter and (ii) a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot-managing component is exposed from the outer sheath lumen,

[0071] wherein the catheter comprises (a) an outer sheath drive component including an outer sheath drive component lumen and coupled to the outer sheath, and (b) an elongated member operably coupled to the clot handling component and slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component lumen, and

[0072] wherein converting the catheter comprises at least one of:

[0073] moving the outer sheath driving component relative to the clot management component in a first direction to cause the outer sheath to expose at least the portion of the clot management component, and / or

[0074] The elongated member is moved relative to the outer sheath in a second direction to cause at least the portion of the clot management component to extend beyond the outer sheath lumen.

[0075] 16. The method of embodiment 15, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0076] 17. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising causing the clot handling component to expand when the catheter is in the second configuration.

[0077] 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein causing the clot handling component to expand comprises transitioning the catheter to the second configuration to allow the clot handling component to expand.

[0078] 19. The method of embodiment 17, wherein causing the clot handling component to expand comprises moving a clot handling drive component operably coupled to the clot handling component relative to a guidewire sheath positioned within the catheter and adjacent the outer sheath drive component.

[0079] 20. The method of example 17, wherein causing the clot handling component to expand comprises moving a drive cuff of the catheter to cause the expansion of the clot handling component.

[0080] 21. The method of embodiment 20, wherein moving the drive cuff comprises moving the drive cuff relative to the clot handling component in the first direction to drive the expansion of the clot handling component.

[0081] 22. The method of embodiment 20, wherein moving the drive cuff comprises moving the drive cuff relative to the clot handling component in the first direction to allow the clot handling component to expand.

[0082] 23. A method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 22, wherein the slender member includes a guidewire sheath drive component, and wherein moving the slender member includes moving the guidewire sheath drive component in the second direction relative to the outer sheath to cause at least the portion of the clot handling component to extend beyond the inner cavity of the outer sheath.

[0083] 24. A method according to embodiment 23, wherein causing the guidewire sheath drive component to move includes causing movement of a guidewire sheath that is capable of being operably connected to the guidewire sheath drive component, and wherein the clot handling component is capable of being operably connected to the guidewire sheath, so that causing movement of the guidewire sheath includes causing at least the portion of the clot handling component to extend beyond the inner cavity of the outer sheath.

[0084] 25. A catheter for treating a human patient, the catheter comprising:

[0085] an outer sheath having an outer sheath inner cavity;

[0086] an outer sheath drive component having an outer sheath drive component lumen, wherein the outer sheath drive component is slidably disposed within the outer sheath lumen and operably coupled to the outer sheath;

[0087] a guidewire sheath comprising a guidewire sheath lumen configured to receive a guidewire, wherein at least a portion of the guidewire sheath is slidably disposed within the outer sheath and laterally adjacent the outer sheath drive component; and

[0088] a guidewire sheath drive component slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component, wherein the guidewire sheath drive component is operably coupled to the guidewire sheath;

[0089] a clot handling component coupled to the guidewire sheath; and

[0090] a clot handling drive component slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component lumen and operably coupled to the clot handling component,

[0091] in:

[0092] The catheter is configured to transition between (i) a first configuration in which the clot handling component is positioned within the outer sheath lumen and (ii) a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot handling component is exposed from the outer sheath lumen in response to at least one of (a) a first movement of the outer sheath drive component relative to the guidewire sheath in a first direction, and (b) a second movement of the guidewire sheath drive component relative to the outer sheath in a second direction, and

[0093] The clot handling drive component is configured to transition the clot handling component between (i) a first state in which the clot handling component has a first size and (ii) a second state in which the clot handling component has a second size that is larger or smaller than the first size.

[0094] 26. The catheter of embodiment 25, wherein:

[0095] In the first state, the clot handling component has a first mechanical property, and

[0096] In the second state, the clot handling component has a second mechanical property.

[0097] 27. The catheter of embodiment 26, wherein:

[0098] The first mechanical property comprises at least one of a first radial force, a first tensile force, a first compressive force and / or a first shape, and

[0099] The second mechanical property includes at least one of a second radial force, a second tensile force, a second compressive force, and / or a second shape.

[0100] 28. The catheter of any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein the clot management component comprises a mechanical thrombectomy component extending radially outward from the guidewire sheath.

[0101] 29. The catheter of any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein the clot management component comprises a coring element having a proximally facing leading edge.

[0102] 30. A catheter according to any one of embodiments 25 to 29, wherein the clot handling drive component is a first clot handling drive component capable of being operably connected to a first portion of the clot handling component, and the catheter further includes a second clot handling drive component capable of being slidably connected to a second portion of the clot handling component.

[0103] 31. The catheter of Example 30, wherein the first clot handling drive component comprises a first clot handling drive component lumen, and wherein the second clot handling drive component is slidably disposed within the first clot handling drive component lumen.

[0104] 32. The catheter of any one of embodiments 25 to 31, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0105] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present technology are described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various equivalent modifications can be made within the scope of the present technology. For example, although the steps are given in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0106] From the foregoing, it should be understood that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular terms, respectively.

[0107] In addition, unless the word "or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item that excludes other items in a list involving two or more items, the use of "or" in such a list should be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list. In addition, the term "comprising" refers to at least including the features mentioned from beginning to end, so that any greater number of the same features and / or other types of features are not excluded. It should also be understood that specific embodiments have been described here for illustrative purposes, but various modifications can be made without departing from the present technology. In addition, although the advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments must exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the present disclosure and related technology may include other embodiments not explicitly shown or described herein.

Claims

1. An intravascular catheter for treating clotted material from a blood vessel of a human patient, the intravascular catheter comprising: an outer sheath having an outer sheath inner cavity; an outer sheath drive component having an outer sheath drive component lumen, wherein the outer sheath drive component is operably coupled to the outer sheath; a guidewire sheath comprising a guidewire sheath lumen configured to receive a guidewire, wherein at least a portion of the guidewire sheath is slidably disposed within the outer sheath lumen; a guidewire sheath drive component slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath drive component, wherein the guidewire sheath drive component is operably coupled to the guidewire sheath; and A clot handling component coupled to the guidewire sheath, wherein the clot handling component is configured to transition between (i) a first configuration in which the clot handling component is positioned within the outer sheath lumen and (ii) a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot handling component is exposed from the outer sheath lumen in response to movement of the outer sheath drive component, the guidewire sheath drive component, or both the outer sheath drive component and the guidewire sheath drive component.

2. The catheter according to claim 1 further includes a clot handling drive component, which is slidably disposed in the inner cavity of the outer sheath drive component and is operably connected to the clot handling component, wherein the clot handling component is configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to the movement of the clot handling drive component, the outer sheath drive component, the guidewire sheath drive component, or any two or more of the outer sheath drive component, the guidewire sheath drive component and the clot handling drive component.

3. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath actuation component includes a region configured to overlap a portion of the guidewire sheath when the clot management component is in the first configuration and the second configuration.

4. The catheter of claim 3, wherein the guidewire sheath comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein at least a portion of the proximal segment is configured to interface with a portion of the outer sheath drive component, and wherein the distal segment is centered within the outer sheath lumen.

5. The catheter of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

6. The catheter of claim 5, wherein the distal segment of the guidewire sheath comprises a distal tip of the catheter, and wherein at least the portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal tip.

7. The catheter of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is slidably disposed on the distal segment.

8. The catheter of claim 4, wherein the guidewire sheath further comprises a medial segment extending between the distal segment and the proximal segment, wherein the medial segment slopes radially inward from the proximal segment toward the distal segment.

9. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the guidewire sheath includes a distal segment centered within the outer sheath lumen, and wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

10. The catheter of claim 9, wherein the distal segment of the guidewire sheath comprises a distal tip of the catheter, and wherein at least the portion of the clot management component is coupled to the distal tip.

11. The catheter of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the clot management component is slidably disposed on the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

12. The catheter of claim 9, wherein the guidewire sheath further comprises a proximal segment positioned radially outward from the distal segment of the guidewire sheath.

13. The catheter of claim 12, wherein the proximal segment is not centered within the outer sheath lumen.

14. The catheter of claim 12, wherein the guidewire sheath further comprises a medial segment extending between the distal segment and the proximal segment, wherein the medial segment slopes radially inward from the proximal segment toward the distal segment.

15. A method for intravascular treatment of clotted material from a blood vessel of a human patient, the method comprising: advancing the catheter distally through the blood vessel; as well as transitioning the catheter from (i) a first configuration in which a clot-managing component of the catheter is positioned within an outer sheath lumen of an outer sheath of the catheter and (ii) a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot-managing component is exposed from the outer sheath lumen, wherein the catheter comprises (a) an outer sheath drive component including an outer sheath drive component lumen and coupled to the outer sheath, and (b) an elongated member operably coupled to the clot handling component and slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component lumen, and wherein converting the catheter comprises at least one of: moving the outer sheath driving component relative to the clot management component in a first direction to cause the outer sheath to expose at least the portion of the clot management component, and / or The elongated member is moved relative to the outer sheath in a second direction to cause at least the portion of the clot management component to extend beyond the outer sheath lumen. The method of claim 15 , wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising causing the clot management component to expand when the catheter is in the second configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein causing the clot-managing component to expand comprises transitioning the catheter to the second configuration to allow the clot-managing component to expand.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein causing the clot handling component to expand comprises moving a clot handling drive component operably coupled to the clot handling component relative to a guidewire sheath positioned within the catheter and adjacent the outer sheath drive component.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein causing expansion of the clot handling component comprises moving an actuation cuff of the catheter to cause the expansion of the clot handling component.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein moving the drive cuff comprises moving the drive cuff relative to the clot handling component in the first direction to drive the expansion of the clot handling component.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein moving the drive cuff comprises moving the drive cuff relative to the clot handling component in the first direction to allow the clot handling component to expand.

23. A method according to claim 15, wherein the slender member includes a guidewire sheath drive component, and wherein moving the slender member includes moving the guidewire sheath drive component in the second direction relative to the outer sheath to cause at least the portion of the clot handling component to extend beyond the inner cavity of the outer sheath.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein causing the guidewire sheath drive component to move includes causing movement of a guidewire sheath that is operably connected to the guidewire sheath drive component, and wherein the clot handling component is operably connected to the guidewire sheath such that causing movement of the guidewire sheath includes causing at least the portion of the clot handling component to extend beyond the inner cavity of the outer sheath.

25. A catheter for treating a human patient, the catheter comprising: an outer sheath having an outer sheath inner cavity; an outer sheath drive component having an outer sheath drive component lumen, wherein the outer sheath drive component is slidably disposed within the outer sheath lumen and operably coupled to the outer sheath; a guidewire sheath comprising a guidewire sheath lumen configured to receive a guidewire, wherein at least a portion of the guidewire sheath is slidably disposed within the outer sheath and laterally adjacent the outer sheath drive component; a guidewire sheath drive component slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component, wherein the guidewire sheath drive component is operably coupled to the guidewire sheath; a clot handling component coupled to the guidewire sheath; and a clot handling drive component slidably disposed within the outer sheath drive component lumen and operably coupled to the clot handling component, in: The catheter is configured to transition between (i) a first configuration in which the clot handling component is positioned within the outer sheath lumen and (ii) a second configuration in which at least a portion of the clot handling component is exposed from the outer sheath lumen in response to at least one of (a) a first movement of the outer sheath drive component relative to the guidewire sheath in a first direction, and (b) a second movement of the guidewire sheath drive component relative to the outer sheath in a second direction, and The clot handling drive component is configured to transition the clot handling component between (i) a first state in which the clot handling component has a first size and (ii) a second state in which the clot handling component has a second size that is larger or smaller than the first size.

26. The catheter of claim 25, wherein: In the first state, the clot handling component has a first mechanical property, and In the second state, the clot handling component has a second mechanical property.

27. The catheter of claim 26, wherein: The first mechanical property comprises at least one of a first radial force, a first tensile force, a first compressive force and / or a first shape, and The second mechanical property includes at least one of a second radial force, a second tensile force, a second compressive force, and / or a second shape.

28. The catheter of claim 25, wherein the clot management component comprises a mechanical thrombectomy component extending radially outward from the guidewire sheath.

29. The catheter of claim 25, wherein the clot management component comprises a coring element having a proximally facing leading edge.

30. The catheter of claim 25, wherein the clot handling drive component is a first clot handling drive component operably coupled to a first portion of the clot handling component, the catheter further comprising a second clot handling drive component slidably coupled to a second portion of the clot handling component.

31. The catheter of claim 30, wherein the first clot handling drive component comprises a first clot handling drive component lumen, and wherein the second clot handling drive component is slidably disposed within the first clot handling drive component lumen.

32. The catheter of claim 25, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

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