Instruments for delivering substances to anatomical structures

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "A Device for Delivering Substance to Anatomical Structures". The invention provides a medical device comprising a needle and an extendable member positioned at a distal end of the needle. The extendable member includes a blocking member. The extendable member is configured to move tissue away from the distal end of the needle and / or away from the distal end of a tubular member in fluid communication with a source of substance. Substance is configured to be discharged through the extendable member into the anatomical structure. The blocking member is configured to restrict or prevent the discharge of the substance through the portion of the extendable member including the blocking member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] These teachings involve instruments used to deliver substances to anatomical structures. Background Technology

[0002] Needles are used in various medical procedures to deliver substances to anatomical structures. Accurately delivering substances to the site of interest within the anatomical structure is a challenge faced by some technicians during medical procedures.

[0003] For example, the tip of the needle may be blocked or obstructed by tissue or objects within an anatomical structure, which may adversely block, deflect, or otherwise impede the delivery of material toward the anatomical structure. For instance, some needles may unintentionally deliver or expel material toward tissue in an anatomical structure not intended for treatment, potentially causing damage to other healthy tissues. Some needles may be configured to deliver or expel material into an anatomical structure, which may then unintentionally leak backward toward the distal tip of the needle and / or away from the intended area to be treated, potentially undesirably prolonging medical procedures and / or requiring technicians to reposition the needle within the anatomical structure, potentially causing trauma to the tissue within the anatomical structure.

[0004] Therefore, it may be desirable to have medical devices that overcome at least some of the aforementioned difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] These teachings provide a medical device comprising a needle and a stretchable member extending distally beyond the distal end of the needle. The stretchable member is configured to move or deflect tissue away from the distal end of the tubular member, which is in fluid communication with a fluid source. Substances are then delivered or expelled through the stretchable member into the unfolded anatomy.

[0006] To ensure that material is delivered only to the desired area within an anatomical structure, the medical device includes a blocking member capable of or configured to prevent material from being discharged through certain areas of the extendable member that include the blocking member, such as through or originating from the proximal portion of the extendable member. This is used to advantageously provide material delivery only toward tissue within the anatomical structure intended for treatment with the material (i.e., tissue located at or near the central and distal portions of the extendable member), while preventing material delivery to tissue in anatomical structures not intended for treatment with the material (i.e., tissue located at or near the proximal portion of the extendable member). This allows the technician greater control over where the material is delivered within the anatomical structure. Furthermore, by delivering or discharging material only from the central and / or distal portions of the extendable member, the possibility of material leakage backward toward the distal end of the tubular member and / or needle is reduced or prevented. This reduces the possibility of material flowing back into the needle and / or tubular member or even out of the anatomical structure through the puncture point where the needle penetrates the anatomical structure.

[0007] These teachings provide a medical device comprising: a needle; a tubular member located within the needle; an extendable member capable of extending from a distal end of the tubular member; and a blocking member disposed around a proximal portion of the extendable member. The extendable member is capable of or configured to deploy and collapse. The extendable member includes a plurality of fingers connected to the distal end of the tubular member and is capable of or configured to deploy and collapse. The blocking member is flexible and is capable of or configured to deploy and collapse along with the fingers as they deploy and collapse. The extendable member is configured to deploy to move tissue away from the distal end of the tubular member, the distal end of the needle, or both. The medical device is configured to deliver material to an anatomical structure through the extendable member. The blocking member is configured to block and prevent material from being expelled into the anatomical structure through the proximal portion of the extendable member.

[0008] These teachings provide a method comprising inserting a needle of a medical device according to any of these teachings into an anatomical structure. The method includes deploying an extendable member to move tissue away from the distal end of the needle and / or tubular member. The method includes expelling material into the anatomical structure through the extendable member. The medical device includes a blocking member configured to prevent material from passing through or being expelled from the extendable member, including a portion of the blocking member, into the anatomical structure.

[0009] These teachings provide a method comprising inserting a needle of a medical device according to any of these teachings into an anatomical structure. The method includes distally moving a tubular member such that an extendable member moves distally beyond the distal end of the needle, causing the fingers of the extendable member to unfold and move tissue away from the distal end of the tubular member. The method includes expelling material into the anatomical structure through the extendable member. The medical device includes a blocking member configured to prevent material from being expelled from the extendable member, including a portion of the blocking member, into the anatomical structure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a medical device including the medical device according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a side view of a medical device.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a partial side view of a medical device.

[0013] Figure 4 In the anatomical structure Figure 3 A side view of a medical device.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a partial side view of a medical device.

[0015] Figure 6 In the anatomical structure Figure 5 A side view of a medical device.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a partial side view of a medical device.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a partial side view of a medical device.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a partial side view of a medical device.

[0019] Figure 10 In the anatomical structure Figure 7 , Figure 8 and / or Figure 9 A side view of a medical device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] These teaching materials provide medical devices. Medical devices can be used in any suitable medical or non-medical protocol. Medical devices can be used to treat the lungs. For example, a medical device can be used to uniformly and consistently deliver, dispense, and / or provide therapeutic substances to the lungs for the treatment of lung cancer. Medical devices may include bronchoscopes, observation devices, medical instruments such as needles, tubular components, extendable components, blocking components, material sources, or combinations thereof.

[0021] Medical devices may include bronchoscopes. Bronchoscopes can be used to remove foreign bodies, tissue samples, blood, or combinations thereof from anatomical structures; to visually examine areas of interest within anatomical structures, or both. Bronchoscopes can be used to examine, treat, and / or diagnose lung enlargement, lung problems, lung cancer, lymph nodes (one or more), atelectasis, suspected interstitial lung disease, lung rejection after lung transplantation, and / or to remove fluids or secretions from a patient's airway. Bronchoscopes can provide for the insertion, manipulation, and / or operation of any medical instrument within anatomical structures; delivery of one or more substances into anatomical structures, or both.

[0022] Medical devices may include observation devices. Observation devices can be used to view or observe internal portions of an anatomical structure, view medical instruments within an anatomical structure at a site of interest, or both. Observation devices may allow a technician or surgeon to observe at least a portion of a needle within an anatomical structure; help indicate the depth of needle penetration into the site of interest within the anatomical structure; help orient a needle or extendable member relative to the site of interest within the anatomical structure; view unfolding tissue within the anatomical structure through an extendable member; or combinations thereof. Observation devices can be any device configured to receive echo signals reflected and / or deflected from any markings, notches, echo features, etc., disposed on a needle, tubular member, extendable member, blocking member, or combination thereof. Exemplary observation devices may include one or more ultrasound, radiographic instruments, fluoroscopic devices, X-ray devices, transducers, emitters, etc.

[0023] One or more medical devices may be used in conjunction with a medical apparatus. Alternatively, a medical device may be used without the medical apparatus disclosed herein. For example, a medical device includes a needle, a tubular member, an extendable member, and a blocking member. The needle, tubular member, extendable member, and blocking member may be used as a standalone instrument without a bronchoscope, observation device, or both. The medical device includes a sheath. However, the needle, tubular member, extendable member, and blocking member may be used as a standalone instrument without a sheath (i.e., the outer surface of the needle's length is exposed and not covered by a sheath).

[0024] Medical devices may include needles. Needles can be used to puncture or penetrate anatomical structures. Needles can be used to provide a pathway or conduit for a tubular, extendable, blocking, or combination thereof that is to be inserted into an anatomical structure and then guided to a site of interest within the anatomical structure. Needles can be used to provide a pathway to deliver one or more substances from a source of substance to a site of interest within an anatomical structure. Needles may be cardiac needles, sampling needles, transbronchial aspiration needles, puncture needles, guide needles, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0025] The needle may be at least partially elastic, stretchable, foldable, shapeable, deformable, or a combination thereof. The needle may be at least partially flexible, bendable, articulated, or a combination thereof to allow the needle to flex, bend, and / or articulate as it is inserted into an anatomical structure and guided to the site of interest.

[0026] Needles can have any length suitable for use in any medical procedure. Needles can have any size or specification suitable for use in any medical procedure. For example, needles can be approximately size 25 or larger, approximately size 22, approximately size 21, or approximately size 19 or smaller, etc. Needles can have any cross-section suitable for use in any medical procedure. For example, the cross-section of a needle can be approximately circular, oval, square, or other suitable shapes.

[0027] The needle may be generally hollow to provide a tubular member and an extendable member to be positioned inside the needle and movable within the needle. The tubular member and / or the extendable member may be movable along the longitudinal length of the needle and / or may be rotated within the needle about its longitudinal axis.

[0028] The needle can move within the sheath. The needle can move axially, proximally, distally, rotatably, or in combination thereof relative to the sheath or anatomical structure. Distal movement of the needle can be used to expose the distal end or tip of the needle from within the sheath, while proximal movement of the needle can be used to conceal, secure, or protect the distal end or tip of the needle within the sheath.

[0029] Medical devices may include sheaths. Sheaths may be used to cover or protect at least a portion of a needle. Sheaths may be used to provide an area for grasping or handling the medical device without direct contact with the needle, its distal end or tip, or both. When the needle is retracted within the sheath, the sheath may be used to protect or cover the distal tip of the needle. During medical procedures, the sheath may or may not be inserted into anatomical structures or sites of interest.

[0030] The sheath may be at least partially elastic, stretchable, foldable, shapeable, deformable, or a combination thereof. The sheath may be at least partially flexible, bendable, articulated, or a combination thereof to allow the needle to flex, bend, and / or articulate as it is inserted into the anatomical structure and guided to the site of interest.

[0031] The needle may be axially movable or distally extended relative to the sheath, such that the distal end or tip of the needle may protrude from the distal end of the sheath. The needle may be axially movable or proximally retracted relative to the sheath, such that the distal end or tip of the needle may be surrounded by and thus protected by the sheath. The needle may rotate about or around the longitudinal axis of the needle, the sheath, or both. The needle may be axially and / or rotatably moved relative to the sheath by manipulating one or more user controls located on a medical device, medical instrument, remote position, or combination thereof. For example, the needle may be axially and / or rotatably moved relative to the sheath by moving, pressing, or otherwise manipulating one or more buttons, levers, triggers, knobs, foot switches, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Medical devices may include tubular components. Tubular components may be used to provide a pathway between one or more sources of substances and an extendable component to allow or provide one or more substances to be delivered, flow, or pass through therebetween.

[0033] The proximal end of the tubular member may be in fluid communication with a material source, or one or more tubes or passages in fluid communication with a material source. The distal end of the tubular member may be connected to an extendable member, a blocking member, or both.

[0034] The tubular member may be at least partially elastic, stretchable, foldable, shapeable, deformable, or a combination thereof. The tubular member may be at least partially flexible, bendable, hinged, or a combination thereof to allow the tubular member to flex, bend, and / or hinge as the needle is inserted into the anatomical structure and guided to the site of interest.

[0035] The tubular member is movable within the needle. The tubular member can be moved axially, proximally, distally, rotatably, or in combination thereof relative to the needle, sheath, and / or anatomical structures. Distal movement of the tubular member, allowing the extendable member to move beyond the distal end or distal tip of the needle, can be used to expose the extendable member from within the needle and / or allow the extendable member to move into an extended configuration. Proximal movement of the tubular member, allowing the extendable member to move proximally to or beyond the distal end or distal tip of the needle, or to move therein, can be used to conceal the extendable member and / or provide the extendable member to move into a collapsed configuration. The tubular member can be moved by manipulating one or more user controls located on a medical device, medical instrument, remote location, or combination thereof. For example, the tubular member can be moved by moving, pressing, or otherwise manipulating one or more buttons, levers, triggers, knobs, foot switches, or combinations thereof. The tubular member can be moved by pushing, pulling, or rotating the traction line connected to it, thereby correspondingly pushing, pulling, or rotating the tubular member and the extendable member located at the distal end of the tubular member.

[0036] Medical devices include extendable components. These extendable components can be opened or deployed to move or push tissue, objects, or other features away from the distal end of the needle and / or the distal end of the tubular component. The extendable components can be opened or deployed to move or push tissue, objects, or other features within the anatomical structure away from the distal end of the needle and / or the distal end of the tubular component, such that one or more substances can be discharged or delivered from the tubular component without the tissue, objects, or other features within the anatomical structure contacting, obstructing, deflecting, interfering with, or otherwise hindering the delivery or flow of the substance.

[0037] The extendable member can be opened or deployed to move or push tissues, objects, or other features within the anatomical structure away from the distal end of the needle and / or the distal end of the tubular member to clear or open the path of the needle and / or tubular member, allowing the needle and / or tubular member to be guided unobstructed to the site of interest within the anatomical structure. The extendable member can be opened or deployed to move or push tissues, objects, or other features within the anatomical structure away from the distal end of the needle and / or the distal end of the tubular member, allowing unobstructed observation of the location or position of the distal end of the needle and / or tubular member through the observation component of the medical device.

[0038] Without such a deploying component, tissues and / or objects within the anatomical structure can be positioned close to or in contact with the needle or tubular component, which can adversely obstruct or deflect the delivery of material to the tissue or anatomical structure. This may adversely require technicians to repeatedly insert and remove the needle, manipulate and / or reposition the needle within the anatomical structure, or combinations thereof, to deliver material to the anatomical structure, which may prolong medical procedures, contribute to increased waste material, contribute to patient trauma, and / or contribute to technician frustration. Furthermore, tissues or objects within the anatomical structure that obstruct the distal end of the needle and / or tubular component can inhibit or make it difficult or challenging to guide the needle and / or tubular component to the site of interest. Additionally, tissues or objects within the anatomical structure that obstruct the distal end of the needle and / or tubular component can inhibit or make it difficult to observe the distal end of the needle and / or tubular component through an observation device.

[0039] The extendable member is movable between an open or extended configuration and a closed or collapsed configuration. The extendable member can be configured to move; can be capable of movement; can be set to move, etc., the movement being between an open or extended configuration and a closed or collapsed configuration. The closed or collapsed configuration may be referred to as the first state, which is when the extendable member does not extend or move beyond the distal end of the needle. The open or extended configuration may be referred to as the second state, which is when at least a portion of the extendable member extends beyond the distal end of the needle.

[0040] By moving the extendable member, tubular member, or both, the extendable member is moved or deployed into an open or unfolded configuration such that a force or object no longer contacts or acts on the extendable member. By moving the extendable member, tubular member, or both distally and distally beyond the distal end of the needle, the extendable member is moved or deployed into an open or unfolded configuration such that the needle no longer contacts the extendable member or applies a lower force thereon. In the open or unfolded configuration, the extendable member is at least partially located outside or distal to the distal end of the needle.

[0041] By moving the extendable member, tubular member, or both, the extendable member moves into a closed or collapsed configuration, causing a force or object to contact or apply a force to the extendable member. By moving or pulling the extendable member, tubular member, or both into the needle and proximally beyond the distal end of the needle, the extendable member moves into a closed or collapsed configuration, causing the needle to contact or apply a force to the extendable member. In the closed or collapsed configuration, the extendable member is at least partially positioned within the needle.

[0042] In an open or unfolded configuration, the extendable member can have a spherical or cylindrical cross-section. The cross-section of the extendable member in an open or unfolded configuration is larger than that of the extendable member in a closed or collapsed configuration.

[0043] The extendable component may be a balloon. The extendable component may also be a basket or cage, which can also be used to capture and remove objects within an anatomical structure.

[0044] The extendable member may include one or more fingers. The one or more fingers may be used, become, or be configured to deploy and collapse, respectively, between an open or extended configuration and a closed or collapsed configuration. Multiple fingers may be able to deploy after at least a portion of the extendable member has moved distally beyond the distal end of the needle. Multiple fingers may be able to collapse after at least a portion of the extendable member has moved proximally to the needle or proximally within the distal end of the needle.

[0045] The fingers or thread can be made of metal. For example, the fingers or thread can be made of memory or shape memory alloys, nickel-titanium based alloys (e.g., nitinol), stainless steel, and / or chromium-cobalt alloys. The fingers or thread can be made of shape memory plastics such as thermoplastics or polyurethane. Memory or shape metals can be used to allow the fingers and / or extendable members to unfold into an open or unfolded configuration after the extendable member and / or finger has moved distally beyond the needle so that the needle no longer applies force to it. Memory or shape metals can be used to allow the fingers and / or extendable members to collapse into a closed or collapsed configuration after the extendable member and / or finger has moved proximally within the needle so that the needle applies force to it and forces, moves, or deflects the finger or thread into a closed or collapsed configuration.

[0046] The fingers may be helically oriented between the proximal and distal ends of the extendable member. The fingers may connect or interlock with each other between the proximal and distal ends of the extendable member. The fingers may be wrapped or intertwined between the proximal and distal ends of the extendable member. The fingers may be connected to each other between the proximal and distal ends of the extendable member via mechanical fasteners. The fingers may be generally straight between the proximal and distal ends of the extendable member. Generally straight means that the individual fingers do not contact or interlock with each other between the proximal and distal ends of the extendable member.

[0047] The fingers may be attached to the distal end of the tubular member. The fingers may be attached to the tubular member so as not to inhibit or interfere with material passing through or exiting the distal end of the tubular member. The fingers may be attached to the thread collector at the distal end of the extendable member. The distal end of the extendable member or the thread collector may be sufficiently rigid to hold the fingers, but sufficiently flexible, resilient, bendable, and / or deflectable to reduce patient discomfort when the tubular member and / or the extendable member moves or extends in a distal direction and the distal end or the thread collector contacts tissue at the site of interest in the anatomical structure. For example, the distal end or the thread collector may be formed of rubber or polyurethane material. Alternatively, the extendable member may not have a thread collector, and instead the fingers may be interlaced or joined together at the distal end, and optionally connected together by mechanical connectors such as welding or crimping.

[0048] One or more gaps or holes may be defined between one or more fingers or one or more lines of the extendable member. The one or more gaps or holes defined between one or more fingers or one or more lines of the extendable member are used to provide a region in which material can be delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged from the tubular member, the extendable member, or both into the anatomical structure.

[0049] One or more gaps or holes may extend along the entire length of the extendable member between the proximal and distal ends. Alternatively, one or more gaps or holes may extend only a portion of the entire length of the extendable member between the proximal and distal ends. For example, a blocking member may block or cover a portion of the extendable member while keeping one or more gaps or holes confined between the exposed fingers or lines of the extendable member.

[0050] Medical devices may include blocking members. Blocking members can be used to block, deflect, or prevent the delivery of material from certain areas or portions of the medical device. For example, blocking members can be used to block, deflect, or prevent the delivery of material from the proximal portion of an extendable member, the distal portion of an extendable member, the central portion of an extendable member defined between the distal and proximal portions of the extendable member, or a combination thereof.

[0051] A blocking member can be used to block, deflect, or prevent the delivery of material to certain areas or portions of an anatomical structure. That is, a blocking member can be used to block, deflect, or prevent the delivery of material toward an area or portion of an anatomical structure located near the blocking member. For example, a blocking member can be used to block, deflect, or prevent the delivery of material toward a portion of an anatomical structure adjacent to or near the proximal portion of an extendable member, the distal portion of an extendable member, the central portion of an extendable member defined between the distal and proximal portions, or a combination thereof.

[0052] Barrier components can be used to more evenly expel material from the entire area or portion of a medical device or extendable component. Barrier components can also be used to increase the pressure and / or accuracy of material delivered or expelled from a medical device or extendable component.

[0053] A blocking member can be used to assist in moving tissue or an object away from the distal end of a tubular member, the distal end of a needle, or both. By adding additional surface area to the extendable member that contacts the tissue or object when it is deployed into an extended configuration, a blocking member can be used to assist in moving tissue or an object away from the distal end of a tubular member, the distal end of a needle, or both.

[0054] The barrier component can be a sleeve or a retaining ring. The barrier component can be a diaphragm or fabric. The barrier component can be made of elastic, resilient, stretchable, flexible, tensile, and / or compliant components. The barrier component can be substantially or completely impermeable to fluids or substances. The barrier component can be made of plastic, rubber, or elastic materials. The barrier component can be made of EPDM, TPO, or TPU materials.

[0055] A blocking member may be provided or provided along or about the entire length, perimeter, and / or circumference of the extendable member. Such a blocking member preferably has at least one hole defined in the blocking member, as further described below.

[0056] The blocking member may be located on or only along a portion of the length, perimeter, and / or circumference of the extendable member. For example, the blocking member may be located only at the distal end or portion of the extendable member, only at the proximal end or portion of the extendable member, or only at the center or portion of the extendable member, or a combination thereof.

[0057] A blocking member may be positioned above or on top of at least a portion of the fingers of the extendable member, such that the fingers are not exposed to the site of interest within the anatomical structure during medical procedures. The blocking member may also be positioned below, inside, or within at least a portion of the extendable member, such that the fingers are exposed to the site of interest within the anatomical structure during medical procedures. The blocking member may intersect with adjacent fingers, such that some fingers are exposed within the anatomical structure during medical procedures, while other fingers are blocked or covered by the blocking member.

[0058] The blocking member may be directly connected to one or more fingers, connected to the distal end of a tubular member, connected to the distal end of a needle, connected to the internal portion of the needle, connected to the distal end of an extendable member, or a combination thereof. The blocking member may be a separate strip disposed between and connected to adjacent fingers.

[0059] A blocking member may include one or more orifices. One or more orifices in the blocking member may be used to provide a region or opening through which material can be delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged by the blocking member. One or more orifices defined in the blocking member may be circular, elliptical, slit, cut, or a combination thereof. All orifices in the blocking member may be the same size. One or more orifices in the blocking member may have different sizes and / or be randomly arranged. For example, the blocking member may include orifices larger in its proximal portion compared to orifices in its central or distal portion, or vice versa.

[0060] One or more holes may be arranged or positioned along the entire length of the blocking member. One or more holes may be arranged or positioned only along selected portions thereof, such as only the proximal portion of the blocking member, only the distal portion of the blocking member, or only the central portion of the blocking member, or combinations thereof (e.g. only the distal and central portions of the blocking member, only the proximal and central portions of the blocking member).

[0061] A medical device, medical apparatus, or both may be in fluid communication with one or more material sources. The material source may be a bag, container, reservoir, or any other storage medium configured to hold one or more substances. The medical device, medical apparatus, tubular member, or combination thereof may be in fluid communication with the material source via one or more tubes or delivery lines.

[0062] The substance may be one or more substances or agents used for cleaning and / or treating anatomical structures and / or promoting recovery from injury or illness. For example, the substance may be a medicine, anesthetic, drug, protein, hormone, pharmaceutical or medicament, paste, fluid, therapeutic fluid, saline, alcohol, ethanol, or a combination thereof.

[0063] During medical procedures, substances may be moved or transported from a source to a medical device or medical instrument via tubular components, and then delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged via or from the distal end of the tubular component through an extendable component.

[0064] Substances can be moved, transferred, and / or discharged by manipulating one or more user controls located on a medical device, medical apparatus, remote location, or combination thereof. For example, substances can be moved or transferred from a substance source to a medical device or medical apparatus, and then delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged from an extendable member by moving, pressing, or otherwise manipulating one or more buttons, levers, triggers, knobs, foot switches, or combinations thereof. Medical devices, medical apparatuses, substance sources, or combinations thereof can be programmed or configured to automatically move, transfer, deliver, guide, deflect, dispense, and / or discharge substances after the extendable member has moved into an extended configuration, or after a predetermined time following the extension of the extendable member into an extended configuration. Medical devices, medical apparatuses, substance sources, or combinations thereof can be programmed or configured to automatically stop, terminate, or interrupt the movement, transfer, delivery, dispensing, and / or automatic discharge of substances after the extendable member has moved into a collapsed configuration.

[0065] Figure 1 A medical device 10 is shown. The medical device 10 includes a bronchoscope 12 and an observation device 14, which may be an ultrasonic and / or optical observation device. The medical device 10 includes an aperture 16 through which a medical instrument 100 extends.

[0066] Medical device 100 includes a sheath 102, and a needle 104 is positioned inside the sheath 102. Medical device 100 includes a tubular member 106 positioned inside the needle 104, and a extendable member 108 positioned at a distal end of the tubular member 106. The tubular member 106 is in fluid communication with a material source 116. The extendable member 108 is shown in a closed or collapsed configuration, wherein the extendable member 108 is located inside or distal to the distal end of the needle 104.

[0067] Figure 2 Indicates whether it can bind or not. Figure 1 The medical device 10 shown uses a medical instrument 100. The medical device 100 includes a sheath 102, a needle 104 positioned inside the sheath 102, and a tubular member 106 positioned inside the needle 104. The tubular member 106 is in fluid communication with a material source 116. A extendable member 108 is connected to the distal end of the tubular member 106.

[0068] The tubular member 106 is movable within the needle 104. When the tubular member 106 moves distally (to the right), Figure 2 (as shown in the orientation) and when the extendable member 108 moves or extends beyond the distal end 110 of the needle 104, the extendable member 108 is configured to unfold into Figure 2 The open or extended configuration is shown. When the tubular member 106 moves or retracts (to the left) in the proximal direction, Figure 2(as shown in the orientation) and when the extendable member 108 moves or retracts into the needle 104 and is within the distal end 110 of the needle 104, the extendable member 108 is configured to collapse into Figure 1 The closed or collapsed configuration shown.

[0069] Medical device 100 includes one or more user controls 109. User controls 109 can be manipulated to move or transfer a substance from a substance source 116 through a tubular member 106, and then deliver, guide, deflect, dispense, and / or discharge the substance from an extendable member 108. Similar user controls may be located in… Figure 1 The same substance delivery function is performed on the medical device 10. It should be understood that... Figure 2 The extendable member 108 may be replaced by any of the extendable members 108 shown in the following figures and / or described throughout this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 3 The extendable member 108 is shown in an open or extended configuration. The extendable member 108 includes a plurality of fingers 112 that are connected to or extend from the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106. The fingers 112 are configured to unfold after the extendable member 108 has at least partially moved past or distally beyond the distal end 110 of the needle 104. A gap or hole A is defined between adjacent fingers 112.

[0071] In the open or unfolded configuration, the cross-sectional dimension or width W of the extendable member 108 is greater than the corresponding cross-sectional dimension or diameter of the tubular member 106 and the needle 104.

[0072] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The medical device 100. During use, the distal end 110 of the needle 104 can be used to puncture the anatomical structure 118 at the puncture point 119, so that the needle 104 can be inserted into the anatomical structure 118 and then guided toward or directed toward the site of interest 120 in the anatomical structure 118.

[0073] The tubular member 106 can then be moved or extended distally, such that the extendable member 108 moves past or distally beyond the distal end 110 of the needle 104, allowing the extendable member 108 to unfold into an unfolded configuration. The unfolded extendable member 108 can be used to move or push tissue away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106, to reduce or eliminate any tissue or other obstruction or interference to the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106.

[0074] The substance S can then be moved or transported from the substance source 116 via the tubular member 106, and then delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged from the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 via the gap or hole A between the fingers 112 through the extendable member 108, as indicated by the arrow. The substance S can be guided radially from the entire circumference or periphery of the extendable member 108.

[0075] By deploying the extendable member 108 and moving or pushing tissue away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106, the substance S can be delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed and / or discharged from the extendable member 108 and reach the desired tissue without causing the tissue to contact, block, deflect and / or otherwise impede the discharge of the substance S.

[0076] Furthermore, by not allowing tissue to contact, block, deflect, and / or otherwise impede the discharge of the substance S, the substance S can be delivered or provided to the entire site of concern 120 without having to reposition, reorient, and / or manipulate the location or position of the medical device 100 and / or the extendable member 108 within the anatomical structure 118, which can shorten the time of medical procedures and / or reduce patient trauma.

[0077] Furthermore, by preventing tissue from contacting, blocking, deflecting, or hindering the delivery of substance S from the tubular member 106, the possibility of substance S leaking backward from the tubular member 106 toward the puncture point 119 and flowing out of the anatomical structure 120 is reduced or eliminated.

[0078] Furthermore, by not allowing tissue to contact, block, deflect, or obstruct the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 14 of the tubular member 106, a technician can observe the medical device 100 within the anatomical structure 118.

[0079] Finally, by preventing tissue from contacting, blocking, deflecting, or hindering the delivery of substance S from the tubular member 106, the possibility of unintentionally delivering or guiding substance S to tissue not intended for treatment with substance S is reduced or eliminated.

[0080] Figure 5 The extendable component 108 of the medical device 100 is shown in an unfolded configuration. Figure 5 The features, functions, and benefits of medical devices 100 are substantially similar to those described above. Figures 2 to 4 Those described, therefore the following will only discuss. Figure 5 The differences.

[0081] The medical device 100 includes a blocking member 122. The blocking member 122 includes a plurality of holes A extending through the thickness of the blocking member 122.

[0082] The blocking member 122 may be a sleeve or retainer disposed above, on, and / or around the perimeter or circumference of the extendable member 108. The blocking member 122 may be a single member extending or protruding above the finger 112 and connected to both the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 and the distal portion 124 of the extendable member 108 or the tubular member 106. In some configurations, instead of connecting to the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106, the blocking member 122 may be connected to the distal end 110 of the needle 104, or connected to or attached to the inner portion 132 of the needle 104. Figure 8 Similar to the Chinese.

[0083] In some configurations, the blocking member 122 may be connected to each of the fingers 112. In some configurations, the blocking member 122 may be provided as individual or discrete blocks or strips arranged between and connected to adjacent fingers 112. In such a configuration, the blocking member 122 may or may not be connected to the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 and / or the distal portion 124 of the extendable member 108 or the tubular member 106.

[0084] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Medical devices 100. During use, similar to the above. Figure 4 As described, the distal end 110 of the needle 104 can be used to puncture the anatomical structure 118 at the puncture point 119, and then the needle 104 can be guided toward or directed toward the site of interest 120 inside the anatomical structure 118.

[0085] The tubular member 106 can then extend distally from the interior of the needle 104, causing the extendable member 108 to unfold. Unfolding the extendable member 108 can be used to move or push tissue away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 at the site of interest 120.

[0086] The substance S can then be moved or transported from the substance source 116 through the tubular member 106, and then delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged through or from the orifice A defined in the blocking member 122, as indicated by the arrow. The substance S can be delivered, guided, dispensed, and / or discharged radially from the extendable member 108 over its entire circumference or periphery.

[0087] The blocking member 122 can be used to assist in moving or pushing tissue or objects away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 at the site of interest 120. That is, when it is possible to move or push tissue or objects away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 by means of only... Figure 3 and Figure 4When the fingers 112 of the extendable member 108 move or push away tissue, the blocking member 122 is used to add additional surface area to the extendable member 108 for moving or pushing tissue that may otherwise not fall into or between the fingers 112 and may not be able to pass through, for example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The extendable component 108 is a moving or pushing organization or object.

[0088] Alternatively or otherwise, the substance S is discharged only through the hole A defined in the blocking member 122, and from, for example, the hole A defined in the blocking member 122. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The discharge is opposite to that between the large gaps or pores A between the finger-like structures 112, and the discharge is from the substance S. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Compared to the configuration shown, the discharge can discharge substance S with greater pressure and accuracy. That is, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this process, a different amount of substance S can be discharged or delivered from the proximal portion of the extendable member 108 compared to the distal portion of the extendable member 108.

[0089] When delivering, guiding, deflecting, dispensing and / or discharging substance S at the location of orifice A, the blocking member 122 is also used to block the delivery of substance S to areas in the anatomical structure that are not aligned with orifice A.

[0090] Figure 7 The extendable component 108 of the medical device 100 is shown in an unfolded configuration. Figure 7 The features, functions, and benefits of medical devices 100 are substantially similar to those described above. Figures 1 to 6 Those described will therefore only be discussed. Figure 7 The differences.

[0091] The medical device 100 includes a blocking member 122'. The blocking member 122' may be a cannula or retainer disposed around the perimeter or periphery of the extendable member 108, but only located at the proximal portion 128 of the extendable member 108. The proximal end of the blocking member 122' may be connected to or attached to the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106.

[0092] The blocking member 122' may have essentially no holes. The distal portion 130 of the extendable member 108 may have no blocking member.

[0093] The blocking member 122' may have a length L1 that is substantially the same as the length L2 of the distal portion 130 of the extendable member 108 that is not covered by any blocking member. Of course, in some configurations, the length L1 may be greater than or less than the length L2.

[0094] During medical procedures, substance S is delivered, guided, dispensed, and / or discharged from the gap or orifice A between the fingers 112 defined at the distal end 130 of the extendable member 108. The blocking member 122' is used to block the delivery of substance S to the anatomical structure located at or near the blocking member 122' at the proximal portion 128 of the extendable member 108.

[0095] Advantageously, the blocking member 122' allows the technician to move tissue or object sufficiently away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the tubular member 106 via the extendable member 122, while reducing or minimizing the area in which the substance S can be discharged from the extendable member 122. This allows the technician to precisely control where the substance S is discharged or delivered, so that only the tissue requiring treatment with the substance S is treated.

[0096] Furthermore, by delivering or discharging the substance S only from the central and / or distal portion of the extendable member 108, the possibility of leakage of the substance S backward toward the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 and / or the needle 104 is reduced or prevented. This reduces the possibility of the substance S flowing into or within the needle 104 and / or the tubular member 106 through the puncture point 119 where the needle 104 penetrates the anatomical structure 120, or even flowing out of the anatomical structure 120.

[0097] Figure 8 Medical devices 100 are basically similar to Figure 7 The medical device 100 shown differs in that the proximal end of the blocking member 122' is not connected to or attached to, for example... Figure 7 The distal end 114 of the tubular member 106 and the proximal end of the blocking member 122' are connected to or attached to the distal end 110 of the needle 104, or connected to or attached to the inner wall 132 of the needle 104. By attaching the blocking member 122' to the distal end 110 of the needle 104 or to the inner wall 132 of the needle 104, the possibility of material S flowing back or dripping back into the inner portion 132 of the needle 104 is reduced or eliminated.

[0098] Figure 9 The medical device 100 includes a blocking member 122' at the proximal portion 128 of the extendable member 108 and another blocking member 122' at the distal end 130 of the extendable member 108. The blocking member 122' may include a plurality of holes A defined in its thickness, while the blocking member 122' may be substantially without any holes.

[0099] The blocking member 122' covering the proximal portion 128 of the extendable member 108 may have a length L1 that is substantially the same as the length L3 of the blocking member 122' covering the distal end 130 of the extendable member 108. Of course, in some configurations, the length L1 may be greater than or less than the length L3.

[0100] Figure 10 Show Figure 7 , Figure 8 and / or Figure 9 The medical device 100. After the distal end 110 of the needle 104 pierces the anatomical structure 118 and the needle 104 is guided or directed to the site of interest 120 in the anatomical structure 118, the tubular member 106 may extend from the needle 104, such that the extendable member 108 unfolds.

[0101] The deployment of the extendable member 108 can be used to move or push tissue away from the distal end 110 of the needle 104 and / or the distal end 114 of the tubular member 106.

[0102] Then, material can be drawn from the source 116 via the tubular member 106. Figure 1 The transport substance S is then delivered, guided, dispensed, and / or discharged through the distal end 130 of the extendable member 108.

[0103] More specifically, for Figure 7 and Figure 8 The substance S is delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged through the orifice A between the fingers 112 defined at the distal end 130 of the extendable member. Because the blocking member 122' has no orifice, the blocking member 122' is used to block the delivery of the substance S to the area in the anatomical structure located at or near the blocking member 122' at the proximal portion 128 of the extendable member 108.

[0104] for Figure 9 The substance S is delivered, guided, deflected, dispensed, and / or discharged through the hole A in the blocking member 122' defined at the distal portion 130 of the extendable member 108. Since the blocking member 122' has no holes, no substance S is delivered, guided, dispensed, and / or discharged through the blocking member 122' or the proximal portion 128 of the extendable member 108.

[0105] List of icon numbers

[0106] 10 Medical Devices

[0107] 12. Bronchoscope

[0108] 14. Observation device

[0109] 16 holes

[0110] 100 Medical Devices

[0111] 102 Sheath

[0112] 104 needles

[0113] 106 Tubular components

[0114] 108 Extendable components

[0115] 109 User Controls

[0116] The distal end of 110 needle 104

[0117] 112 Finger-like objects

[0118] 114 The distal end of the tubular member 106

[0119] 116 Material Source

[0120] 118 Anatomical Structure

[0121] 119 Puncture Point

[0122] 120 Anatomical Structure 118 Area of ​​Interest

[0123] 122 Blocking Components

[0124] 122' Proximal portion blocking member

[0125] 122” Distal Part Blocking Component

[0126] 124 The distal portion of the extendable member 108 or the tubular member 106

[0127] 128 Proximal portion of extendable member 108

[0128] 130 The distal portion of the extendable member 108

[0129] 132 needles, 104 internal parts

[0130] A hole

[0131] W is the cross-sectional dimension or width of the extendable member 108.

[0132] S substance

[0133] Features or elements included in any of the drawings of this disclosure may be added to or combined with other features or elements in other drawings of this disclosure. Furthermore, features, elements, and / or the functions of features and elements described in any part of this disclosure may be added to or applied to any of the drawings, even though they are not explicitly shown or described in those drawings.

[0134] The explanations and descriptions provided herein are intended to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention, its principles, and its practical applications. The specific embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply the invention in various forms as best suited to the needs of a particular application.

[0135] Therefore, the specific embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. Consequently, the scope of these teachings should not be determined by reference to these specific embodiments, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims does not constitute a waiver of rights to that subject matter, nor should it be construed as the inventors omitting that subject matter as part of the subject matter of this invention.

[0136] Multiple components or steps can be provided through a single integrated component or step. Alternatively, a single component or step can be divided into multiple separate components or steps.

[0137] The use of “a” or “an” to describe an element or step is not intended to exclude other elements or steps.

[0138] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings stated herein.

[0139] For ease of description, this document uses spatially relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings and another element(s). Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped over, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both “above” and “below” orientations. The device may take other orientations (rotating by 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0140] All published information in articles and references, including patent applications and publications, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other combinations of documents, such as those collected from the claims below, are also incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A medical device, comprising: a needle; a tubular member positioned inside the needle and in fluid communication with a source of a substance; an extendable member connected to a distal end of the tubular member and extendable distally beyond a distal end of the needle; and a blocking member configured to cover a portion of the extendable member, wherein the blocking member is a flexible sleeve having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the tubular member and disposed only over a proximal portion of the extendable member and configured to allow the substance to be delivered out of a distal portion of the extendable member from the distal end of the tubular member and prevent the substance from being expelled through the proximal portion of the extendable member.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the medical device is configured to expel the substance through the extendable member.

3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the blocking member is configured to block the substance from being expelled through the portion of the extendable member that includes the blocking member.

4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the extendable member includes a plurality of fingers configured to deploy after at least a portion of the extendable member is moved distally beyond the distal end of the needle and collapse after at least a portion of the extendable member is moved proximally into the needle.

5. The medical device of claim 4, wherein the blocking member is configured to deploy and collapse with the fingers as the fingers deploy and collapse.

6. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the substance from the source of the substance is configured to be directed through the tubular member and then expelled through the extendable member; and wherein the blocking member is configured to block the substance from being expelled through the portion of the extendable member that includes the blocking member.

7. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the extendable member is in a first state when the extendable member is not extended beyond the distal end of the needle and in a second state when at least a portion of the extendable member is extended beyond the distal end of the needle. ​

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