Disposable ferloot insertion device with collapsible under

Abstract

According to a general aspect, an insertion device includes an elongate member defining a lumen extending from a first end of the elongate member to a second end of the elongate member, and a pusher having a first end portion. The first end portion of the pusher is configured to be disposed within a lumen defined by the elongate member and to move from a first position within the lumen defined by the elongate member to a second position within the lumen defined by the elongate member. The first end portion of the pusher defines a slot.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 18 / 760,670, filed July 1, 2024, entitled “DISPOSABLE FURLOW INSERTION DEVICE WITH COLLAPSIBLE PUSHER,” which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 512,146, filed July 6, 2023, entitled “DISPOSABLE FURLOW INSERTION DEVICE WITH COLLAPSIBLE PUSHER,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 512,146, filed July 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to devices for inserting body implants, and more specifically to disposable insertion devices for body implants (such as penile prostheses). Background Technology

[0005] One treatment for chronic organic erectile dysfunction in men is the implantation of a penile prosthesis to mechanically achieve an erection. Such prostheses can have different physical constructions (e.g., materials, mechanical structure, and function) and configurations (e.g., physical dimensions). For example, such a penile prosthesis can be in the form of a cylinder (e.g., extendable, inflatable, etc.), which is selected based on the physical requirements of the intended recipient (patient). For example, a suitable penile prosthesis can be implanted into the corpora cavernosa of the patient's penis by a medical professional trained and knowledgeable in penile prosthesis implantation and use.

[0006] Insertion devices (e.g., Furlow insertion devices) can be used to facilitate the insertion of a penile prosthesis into a patient's corpora cavernosa. Such Furlow insertion devices can be used to measure the insertion length within the corpora cavernosa and to facilitate the insertion of the penile prosthesis by deploying a needle carrying sutures, wherein the needle and / or sutures are used to guide (traction, pulling, insertion, implantation, etc.) the prosthesis into the corpora cavernosa. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a general aspect, the insertion device includes an elongated member defining a lumen extending from a first end of the elongated member to a second end of the elongated member, and a pusher having a first end portion. The first end portion of the pusher is configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongated member and to move from a first position within the lumen defined by the elongated member to a second position within the lumen defined by the elongated member. The first end portion of the pusher defines a slot.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first end portion of the actuator defines a receiving portion. In some embodiments, the first end portion of the actuator defines a receiving portion that is configured to receive part of a needle. In some embodiments, the actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion. In some embodiments, the actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion that is configured to extend from a lumen defined by an elongated member. In some embodiments, the actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion that is configured to extend from a lumen defined by an elongated member, while the first end portion of the actuator is disposed within the lumen defined by the elongated member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator. In some embodiments, the slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot. In some embodiments, the slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, the first slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator, and the second slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first end portion of the actuator defines a plurality of slots. In some embodiments, the slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first end portion of the actuator is configured in both an expanding and a collapsing configuration. In some embodiments, the first end portion of the actuator is configured in both an expanding and a collapsing configuration, wherein the first end portion of the actuator is configured to be in a collapsing configuration in response to contact of the first end portion of the actuator with the inner diameter of the elongated member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first end portion of the actuator includes a first segment disposed on a first side of the slot and a second segment disposed on a second side of the slot. The first end portion of the actuator is configured in an expanding configuration and a collapsing configuration. The first segment of the actuator is closer to the second segment of the actuator when the first end portion of the actuator is in a collapsing configuration than when the first end portion of the actuator is in an expanding configuration.

[0013] In some implementations, the elongated member defines the slot.

[0014] According to another aspect, a kit includes: a body implant; a delivery needle configured to be coupled to the body implant; and a delivery device having an elongated member defining a lumen extending from a first end of the elongated member to a second end of the elongated member; and a pusher having a first end portion configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongated member and to move from a first position within the lumen defined by the elongated member to a second position within the lumen defined by the elongated member, the first end portion of the pusher defining a slot.

[0015] In some embodiments, an elongated member defines a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the delivery needle. In some embodiments, the slot defined by a first end portion of the actuator extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator. In some embodiments, the slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot. In some embodiments, the slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, the first slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator, and the second slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator. In some embodiments, the first end portion of the actuator defines a plurality of slots. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A system according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an insertion device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the insertion device.

[0019] Figure 5 and Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the insertion device.

[0020] Figure 7yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the slender component of the insertion device.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a slender member.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Side view of the connector of the insertion device.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the connector.

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the pusher of the insertion device.

[0025] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the end portion of the actuator.

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 Side view of the insertion device.

[0027] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the insertion device is taken by line AA.

[0028] Figure 15 It is along Figure 13 The BB line is a cross-sectional view of the insertion device.

[0029] Figures 16-18 A method of using an insertion device according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This document discloses detailed embodiments. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the embodiments in various ways in virtually any suitable detailed structure. Furthermore, the terminology and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of this disclosure.

[0031] The term “a” or “an” as used herein is defined as one or more. The term “another” as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “comprising” and / or “having” as used herein are defined as including (i.e., open translation). The terms “link” or “movable link” as used herein are defined as a connection, although not necessarily a direct and mechanical connection.

[0032] Typically, these embodiments relate to medical devices, such as insertion devices for penile prostheses or other body implants. The term "patient" may hereby be used for a person who benefits from the medical device or method disclosed in this disclosure. For example, a patient may be a person whose body has been implanted with a medical device of this disclosure or who benefits from the disclosed methods for operating a medical device. For example, in some embodiments, a patient may be a human male, a human female, or any other mammal.

[0033] In the following text of this disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” in relation to various devices, apparatuses, and components refer to the use of a reference point. As used in this specification, a reference point is the viewpoint of a person using the disclosed insertion device to implant a body implant (such as a penile prosthesis). This person can be a surgeon, physician, nurse, doctor, technician, or any other person capable of performing the implantation procedure. The term “proximal” refers to the area or portion closer to or closest to the person during the implantation procedure. The term “distal” refers to the area or portion farther from or furthest from the person.

[0034] The embodiments discussed herein can provide improvements to penile prosthesis insertion devices (e.g., Furlow insertion devices, Furlow insertion tools, insertion tools, apparatuses, instruments, etc.). For example, such insertion devices can be configured for use in a single procedure and then discarded or disposed of. Some such insertion devices may have components that are coupled together, and the insertion device may be damaged when these components are removed from each other.

[0035] Figure 1 A system according to one embodiment is schematically illustrated. The system includes a delivery or insertion device 100, an implant 195, and a needle 190 coupled to the implant 195. In some embodiments, the implant 195 may be a penile implant or another type of implant configured for placement in the pelvic region of a patient. In other embodiments, the implant 195 is configured for placement at different locations within the patient's body. In some embodiments, the needle 190 is coupled to the implant 195 via sutures. In other embodiments, the needle 190 is directly coupled to the implant 195 or coupled to the implant 195 via another mechanism.

[0036] The insertion device 100 includes an elongated member 110, a connector 140, and a pusher or occluder 170. The elongated member 110 is coupled to the connector 140, and the pusher or occluder 170 is coupled to the connector 140. In some embodiments, the elongated member 110 is fixedly coupled to the connector 140. In some embodiments, the occluder 170 is movably, for example, slidably, coupled to the connector 140. The pusher or occluder 170 has a portion configured to be disposed within a lumen defined by the elongated member 110.

[0037] In use, needle 190 or a portion thereof may be placed or positioned within a lumen defined by an elongated member. Delivery device 100, including needle 190, may be placed at a desired location within the patient's body. A pusher or occluder 170 may then be advanced or moved distally within the lumen defined by the elongated member 110. The pusher or occluder 170 is configured to engage needle 190 and displace it from the lumen defined by the elongated member 110. Delivery device 100 may then be removed from the patient's body, and the needle may then be pulled or otherwise moved within the patient's body until implant 195 is positioned at the desired location.

[0038] Figures 2-6 An insertion device 200 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the insertion device 200. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the insertion device. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the insertion device.

[0039] The insertion device 200 includes an elongated member 210, a connector 240, and a pusher or occluder 270. The elongated member 210 is coupled to the connector 240, and the pusher or occluder 270 is coupled to the connector 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member 210 is fixedly coupled to the connector 240.

[0040] As in Figures 3-6 As best shown, connector 240 defines a lumen 242. A proximal end portion 212 of elongated member 210 is configured to be disposed within the lumen 242 defined by connector 240. The proximal end portion 212 of elongated member 210 includes an engagement portion or engagement member 217. This engagement portion or member 217 extends from the outer surface 211 of elongated member 210. Connector 240 also includes an engagement member 244. The engagement member 244 of connector 240 extends into the lumen 242 defined by connector 240. The engagement member 244 of connector 240 is configured to engage or interact with elongated member 210 to connect elongated member 210 to connector 240. As in Figure 6 As best illustrated, the engaging member 244 of the connector 240 is configured to engage or interact with the engaging member 217 of the elongated member 210. In some embodiments, the engaging member 244 of the connector 240 is configured to bend or flex to provide a snap-fit ​​connection with the elongated member 210. In other embodiments, the elongated member 210 is connected to the connector via different mechanisms or different types of couplings.

[0041] As in Figures 3-5As best shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the pusher or blocker 270 is movably coupled to the connector 240. At least a portion of the pusher or blocker 270 is disposed within a lumen 242 defined by the connector 240 and is configured to slide, translate, or otherwise move relative to the connector 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 240 includes an engagement member 246. As will be discussed in more detail below, the engagement member 246 extends into the lumen 242 defined by the connector 240 and is configured to engage or contact a portion of the pusher or blocker 270.

[0042] At least a portion of the pusher or occluder 270 extends into the lumen 216 defined by the elongated member 210. The pusher or occluder 270 is configured to slide or otherwise move within the lumen 216 defined by the elongated member 210.

[0043] In use, a needle attached to a body implant can be placed or positioned within a lumen 216 defined by an elongated member 210. A delivery device 200 including the needle can be placed at a desired location within the patient's body. A pusher or occluder 270 can then be advanced or moved distally within the lumen 216 defined by the elongated member 210. The pusher or occluder 270 is configured to engage the needle and expel it from the lumen 216 defined by the elongated member 210. The delivery device 200 can then be removed from the patient's body, and the needle can then be pulled or otherwise moved within the patient's body until the implant is set or positioned at the desired location.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An elongated member 210 is shown. The elongated member 210 includes or defines a slot 218. The slot 218 is located at a distal end portion 214 of the elongated member 210 and communicates with a lumen 216 defined by the elongated member 210. The slot 218 is configured to receive a needle for placement into the lumen 216 defined by the elongated member 210. The elongated member 210 also includes a tapering or narrowing portion 213 of the lumen 216 at the distal end portion 214 of the elongated member 210. In some embodiments, the tapering or narrowing of the lumen 216 (the inner diameter of the lumen decreasing towards the end of the elongated member 210) helps to eject or position the needle more accurately according to the user's expectations. For example, the narrowing or tapering of the lumen 216 of the elongated member 210 can limit or minimize the withdrawal angle of the needle from the lumen 216.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member 210 includes a handle portion 215. The handle portion 215 extends from the outer surface 211 of the elongated member 210. During insertion of the delivery device 200 into the patient's body, and during advancement or movement of the pusher or occluder 270 relative to the elongated member 210, the user can grasp the handle portion 215.

[0046] The elongated member 210 includes measuring marks 219. The measuring marks 219 can be configured to indicate to the user how far the elongated member 210 (or delivery device 200) has been inserted into the patient's body. In some embodiments, the measuring marks 219 are laser-etched onto the material of the elongated member 210. In such embodiments, the surface of the elongated member 210 including the measuring marks 219 can be smooth. In other embodiments, the measuring marks 219 can be formed in different ways. For example, the measuring marks 219 can be painted, colored, or otherwise marked on the surface of the elongated member 210.

[0047] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A connector 240 is shown. In the illustrated implant, connector 240 defines a lumen 242. Lumen 242 is configured to receive at least a portion of an elongated member 210 and at least a portion of an occluder 270. The connector includes an engaging member 244 configured to engage the elongated member 210 to attach the elongated member 210 to the connector 240. Engaging member 244 extends into the lumen 242 defined by connector 240. In some embodiments, engaging member 244 is configured to bend or flex.

[0048] The connector includes an engagement member 246. The engagement member 246 extends into a lumen 242 defined by the connector 240 and is configured to engage a pusher or blocker 270. In some embodiments, the engagement member 246 is configured to contact or engage the pusher or blocker 270 to help prevent the pusher or blocker 270 from being removed from the connector 240. Thus, the pusher or blocker 270 can move or slide within the lumen 242 defined by the connector 240, but in some embodiments, it may not be completely removed from the lumen 242 of the connector 240.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 240 includes a ridge or protrusion 248 extending from the outer surface of the connector 240. The ridge or protrusion 248 facilitates gripping or securing the connector 240 or the conveying device 200 during use of the device.

[0050] Figure 11 and Figure 12A pusher or stopper 270 of a conveying device 200 is shown. The pusher or stopper 270 includes a distal end portion 276 and a handle portion disposed opposite to the distal end portion 276. The pusher or stopper 270 includes ramps or ridges 272A and 272B. The ramps or ridges extend from the outer surface 271 of the stopper 270 and are configured to engage a connector 240. For example, in some embodiments, the ramps or ridges 272A and 272B are configured to engage the engagement member 246 of the connector 240. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal ramp 272A can engage the engagement member 246 of the connector 240 when the pusher or stopper 270 is positioned at its distal end. The distal ramp 272B can be configured to engage the engagement member 246 of the connector 240 when the stopper is positioned at its proximal end. In addition, in some embodiments, the distal ramp 272B may engage the engagement member 246 of the connector 240 to help prevent the pusher or blocker 270 from being removed from the connector 240.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher or blocker 270 includes an association ramp or ridge 274. The association ramp or ridge 274 is configured to facilitate association between the pusher or blocker 270 and the connector 240, and is configured to help prevent the pusher or blocker 270 from being removed from the connector 240. For example, in some embodiments, the association ramp or ridge 274 is configured to contact or engage the connector 240 to prevent the pusher or blocker 270 from being removed or separated from the connector 240.

[0052] The distal end 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 defines a series of slots 273. The slots 273 extend longitudinally. In other words, the slots 273 extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the pusher or blocker 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher or blocker 270 defines six slots. In other embodiments, the pusher or blocker 270 defines more than six slots. For example, the distal end portion 276 may define 8, 10, 12, or more slots. In other embodiments, the pusher or blocker 270 may define fewer than six slots. For example, the distal end portion 276 may define 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 slots.

[0053] The slot 273 defined by the distal end portion 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 allows the distal end portion 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 to be in an expanded or collapsed configuration. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the pusher or blocker 270 adjacent to the slot 273 is configured to flex or bend to allow the outer diameter or other dimensions of the distal end portion to become smaller. In some embodiments, the pusher or blocker 270 can move to its contracted or collapsed configuration when another surface of the pusher or blocker 270 contacts the inner surface of the elongated member 210. In some embodiments, portions of the elongated member 210 may have a slightly larger or slightly smaller inner diameter. These variations may be due to the manufacturing process or due to heating and expansion or contraction after the manufacturing process.

[0054] When the distal end portion 276 of the actuator or occluder 270 is configured to expand and collapse, the distal end portion 276 of the actuator or occluder 270 can accommodate small changes in the inner diameter of the elongated member 210. Therefore, when the actuator or occluder 270 moves within the lumen defined by the elongated member 210, the actuator or occluder 270 can move smoothly even if the inner diameter of the elongated member 210 changes.

[0055] Figure 13 This is a side view of the insertion device 200. Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the insertion device is taken by line AA. Figure 15 It is along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the insertion device taken by line BB. (As in...) Figure 14 As best illustrated, when the distal end portion 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 is located at the position of the larger inner diameter of the elongated member 210, the distal end portion 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 can exhibit an expanded configuration (a larger space between the larger outer diameter and the portion adjacent to the slot). As... Figure 15 As shown, when the distal end portion 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 is located at the position of the smaller inner diameter of the elongated member 210, the distal end portion 276 of the pusher or blocker 270 may present a collapsed or compressed configuration (a smaller space between the smaller outer diameter and the portion adjacent to the slot).

[0056] Figures 16 to 18 The steps for placing an implant into a patient using a delivery device are shown. (As...) Figure 16 As shown, needle 290 can be associated with or attached to implant 195. In some cases, needle 290 can be associated with implant 195 via sutures. As... Figure 17As shown, the needle 290 can be placed within a lumen defined by the elongated member 210 of the delivery device 200. In some cases, the needle 290 can be inserted into the lumen via a slot defined by the elongated member 210. As... Figure 18 As shown, the delivery device 200 can be inserted into a patient's body, such as into the patient's penis P. Once the delivery device 200, including the needle 290, is placed in the desired location within the patient's body, the pusher or occluder 270 can then be advanced or moved distally within the lumen defined by the elongated member 210. The pusher or occluder 270 is configured to engage the needle 290 and push the needle 290 out of the lumen defined by the elongated member 210. The delivery device 200 can then be removed from the patient's body, and the needle 290 can then be pulled or otherwise moved within the patient's body until the implant 295 is positioned in the desired location.

[0057] While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated herein, many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. An insertion device, comprising: An elongated member defining a lumen extending from a first end of the elongated member to a second end of the elongated member; and A pusher having a first end portion configured to be disposed within a cavity defined by the elongated member, and to move from a first position within the cavity defined by the elongated member to a second position within the cavity defined by the elongated member, the first end portion of the pusher defining a slot.

2. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator defines the receiving portion.

3. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator defines a receiving portion, which is configured as part of a receiving needle.

4. The insertion device according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein, The pusher has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion.

5. The insertion device according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein, The actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion configured to extend from a lumen defined by the elongated member.

6. The insertion device according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein, The actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion configured to extend from a lumen defined by the elongated member, while the first end portion of the actuator is disposed within the lumen defined by the elongated member.

7. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

8. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot.

9. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, the first slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator, and the second slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

10. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator defines a plurality of slots.

11. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot.

12. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator is configured in both an expanding and a collapsing configuration.

13. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator is configured in both an expanding and a collapsing configuration, and the first end portion of the actuator is configured in a collapsing configuration in response to the first end portion of the actuator contacting the inner diameter of the elongated member.

14. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator includes a first segment disposed on a first side of the slot and a second segment disposed on a second side of the slot. The first end portion of the actuator is configured in an expanding configuration and a collapsing configuration. The first segment of the actuator is closer to the second segment of the actuator when the first end portion of the actuator is in a collapsing configuration than when the first end portion of the actuator is in an expanding configuration.

15. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The elongated member defines the slot.

16. An insertion device, comprising: An elongated member defining a lumen extending from a first end of the elongated member to a second end of the elongated member; and A pusher having a first end portion configured to be disposed within a cavity defined by the elongated member, and to move from a first position within the cavity defined by the elongated member to a second position within the cavity defined by the elongated member, the first end portion of the pusher defining a slot.

17. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator defines the receiving portion.

18. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator defines a receiving portion, which is configured as part of a receiving needle.

19. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The pusher has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion.

20. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion configured to extend from a lumen defined by the elongated member.

21. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The actuator has a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a handle portion configured to extend from a lumen defined by the elongated member, while the first end portion of the actuator is disposed within the lumen defined by the elongated member.

22. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

23. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot.

24. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, the first slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator, and the second slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

25. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator defines a plurality of slots.

26. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot.

27. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator is configured in both an expanding and a collapsing configuration.

28. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator is configured in both an expanding and a collapsing configuration, and the first end portion of the actuator is configured in a collapsing configuration in response to the first end portion of the actuator contacting the inner diameter of the elongated member.

29. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The first end portion of the actuator includes a first segment disposed on a first side of the slot and a second segment disposed on a second side of the slot. The first end portion of the actuator is configured in an expanding configuration and a collapsing configuration. The first segment of the actuator is closer to the second segment of the actuator when the first end portion of the actuator is in a collapsing configuration than when the first end portion of the actuator is in an expanding configuration.

30. The insertion device according to claim 16, wherein, The elongated member defines the slot.

31. A kit comprising: Body implants; A delivery needle configured to be attached to the body implant; and A conveying device having an elongated member defining a cavity extending from a first end of the elongated member to a second end of the elongated member, and a pusher having a first end portion configured to be disposed within the cavity defined by the elongated member and to move from a first position within the cavity defined by the elongated member to a second position within the cavity defined by the elongated member, the first end portion of the pusher defining a slot.

32. The kit according to claim 31, wherein, The elongated member defines a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the delivery needle.

33. The kit according to claim 31, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

34. The kit according to claim 31, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot.

35. The kit according to claim 31, wherein, The slot defined by the first end portion of the actuator is a first slot, and the first end portion of the actuator defines a second slot, the first slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator, and the second slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator.

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