Application device having a ureteral stent and an introduction component for introducing the ureteral stent, an introduction component, and an application unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an application device (10) having a ureteral catheter (20) comprising a ureteral catheter body (30) and a receiving body (30) connected to the ureteral catheter body (30) via at least one connecting element (22) of the ureteral catheter (20), and having an introduction part (50) for holding the ureteral catheter (20) and for guiding the ureteral catheter (20) along a flexible guiding element (110) through a patient's ureter (HL). The ureteral catheter (20) can be moved along the flexible guiding element (110) in opposite directions of movement (R1, R2) by the introduction part (50), and the introduction part (50) is designed to guide the ureteral catheter body (30) and the receiving body (40) during displacement in the respective directions of movement (R1, R2). Other aspects of the invention relate to an introduction part (50) for such an application device (10), and an application unit (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application device with a ureteral stent, the ureteral stent comprising a ureteral stent body and a receiving body connected to the ureteral stent body by at least one connecting element of the ureteral stent, and an introduction component for holding the ureteral stent and for guiding the ureteral stent along a flexible guide element through the ureter of a patient. Other aspects of the present invention relate to an introduction component and an application unit for such an application device. Background Art

[0002] To insert a ureteral stent, a guide wire is usually introduced through the urethra, bladder and ureter into the patient's kidney. Subsequently, the ureteral stent can be placed via the guide wire with the aid of an introduction aid. After positioning the ureteral stent, the introduction aid as well as the guide wire are removed. Removing the guide wire usually results in a shape change, primarily a rolling-up movement, at the distal end or at both ends of the ureteral stent. This shape change prevents the ureteral stent from sliding out unnecessarily and thus serves to secure it in the patient's urinary system.

[0003] In order to avoid cystoscopy for removal of the ureteral stent, the ureteral stent may include a magnet at its distal end which can be magnetically connected to a catheter, in particular a Tiemann catheter, which includes an end that attracts the magnet. The magnetic force acting between the magnet and the attracting end of the catheter is sufficient to allow catheter-based removal of the ureteral stent coupled to the catheter via the magnet in the shortest possible time.

[0004] From DE69731027T2, a stent for implantation in a ureter between the bladder and the kidney to prevent urine from flowing back into the kidney is known. The stent comprises an elongated tubular body having a bladder end section and a kidney end section, a liquid path in the kidney end section and on at least a part of the tubular body, means for bending the ends of the stent in the kidney end section and the bladder end section to keep them in the renal pelvis and the bladder, and means for inhibiting urine from flowing from the bladder to the kidney via the stent. The stent comprises no channel, or comprises a channel in the bladder end section which is closed after implantation of the stent, wherein the bladder end section constitutes the inhibiting means.

[0005] DE102015001505A1 describes a device which is similar to a urinary catheter in external view, but is composed of a sheath hose portion and an end portion, wherein the end portion is arranged at the bladder-side end of the sheath hose portion via a guide wire, the guide wire being located at the center of the sheath hose portion so that the end portion can be extended translationally from the sheath hose portion and can be twisted relative to the sheath hose portion by actuation of the guide wire at a gripping element so that the end portion, in its extended working position, exposes a gripping portion fixed on the guide wire, the gripping portion having an elastically deformable gripping arm which captures and wraps around pull wires or wire loops when the gripping portion is twisted, and these pull wires or wire loops are arranged in the distal region of a double J ureteral stent. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an application device, an introduction component and an application unit of the initially mentioned type, by means of which a simplified alignment of the ureteral stent towards the kidney during introduction can be achieved.

[0008] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed by the features of the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an application device having a ureteral stent, the ureteral stent comprising a ureteral stent body and a receiving body connected to the ureteral stent body by at least one connecting element of the ureteral stent, and an introduction component for holding the ureteral stent and for guiding the ureteral stent along a flexible guiding element through a patient's ureter.

[0010] According to the invention, the ureteral stent can be displaced in mutually opposite directions of movement along the flexible guiding element by means of an introduction component, and the introduction component is formed to guide the ureteral stent body and the receiving body when the displacement occurs in the respective directions of movement. This is advantageous because the ureteral stent and thus the ureteral stent body and the receiving body can therefore be displaced together in mutually opposite directions of movement relative to the flexible guiding element and based on the introduction component, so that the ureteral stent can be particularly accurately oriented and thus aligned when the ureteral stent is guided to the patient's kidney. When displaced in the corresponding opposite directions of movement, the advancement and retraction of the ureteral stent in the urethra, bladder, ureter or kidney can be achieved accordingly by the introduction component.

[0011] A ureteral stent may also be referred to as a ureteral stent. The ureteral stent body may also be referred to as a stent, i.e. a medical implant used to keep a blood vessel or a hollow organ open. The introduction component may also be referred to as a so-called "pusher". The guide element may preferably be formed as a guide wire, and thus as a line for guiding the application device. In principle, it is also conceivable to configure the guide element as a plastic wire or a plastic tube. The guide element may be introduced into the patient's kidney through the urethra, bladder and ureter. The ureteral stent may then also be introduced into the kidney, thereby passing through the ureter along the guide element together with the introduction component. The ureteral stent may be held on the introduction component by a flexible guide element, wherein the flexible guide element may pass through the ureteral stent and the introduction component.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the introduction component can be formed to keep the ureteral stent body and the receiving body spaced apart from each other, in particular at a constant distance from each other, regardless of displacements in mutually opposite directions of movement. Thus, possible collisions during introduction into the kidney and, for example, tilting of the receiving body relative to the ureteral stent body caused thereby can be advantageously avoided, so that complications during the introduction of the ureteral stent can be avoided. In other words, possible relative movements of the ureteral stent body and the receiving body during displacement can thus be avoided.

[0013] The introduction part, which can also be referred to as an introduction aid, can preferably be formed in one piece, whereby a particularly simple operability of the introduction part can be achieved. Therefore, in particular, no additional mechanical means are required for separating the introduction part from the ureteral stent after its intended placement in the urinary system.

[0014] In an advantageous development of the invention, the receiving body has ferromagnetic properties. In other words, the receiving body can therefore be formed as a ferromagnetic body at least in certain areas. The receiving body can thus be attracted by a magnet, which can, for example, be received on a catheter, in particular a Tiemann catheter, or is part of a catheter. As an alternative to this, the receiving body can also be formed as a magnet at least in certain areas and is thus itself magnetic. Both the magnetic attraction and the magnet structure facilitate the removal of the ureteral stent, in particular when the receiving body can be quickly connected to a catheter (Tiemann catheter) and in particular removed from the urinary system - due to the correspondingly acting magnetic forces.

[0015] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the ureteral stent body can be rotated together with the receiving body relative to the flexible guide element based on the introduction part. This is advantageous because the orientation and thus the alignment of the ureteral stent can be further improved when the ureteral stent is introduced. In particular, the introduction part can be formed to hold the ureteral stent body and the receiving body so that they rotate in a synchronous manner based on the introduction part, i.e. without rotational offset.

[0016] In another advantageous development of the invention, at least one connecting element is designed to be non-rigid or flexible. This is advantageous because, when the ureteral stent is subsequently removed, the receiving body can be pulled particularly easily toward the catheter, in particular the Tiemann catheter, wherein the connecting element can be deformed therein with particularly low force, whereby the magnetic connection between the receiving body and the catheter can be established in a simplified manner.

[0017] In a further advantageous development of the invention, at least one connecting element is tensioned by the introduction part, wherein the ureteral stent is held on the introduction part. This is advantageous because the ureteral stent is thus held in a particularly captive manner on the introduction part. It can therefore be particularly advantageously provided that the introduction part is clamped between the receiving body and the ureteral stent body in certain areas by the connecting element, whereby an unintentional detachment of the ureteral stent from the introduction part can be particularly advantageously prevented. In other words, the connecting element can therefore be held under mechanical strain by the introduction part if the ureteral stent is held on the introduction part.

[0018] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one connecting element is formed as a threaded element or a wire element. This is advantageous because the connecting element thus requires particularly little space and therefore does not unnecessarily burden the introduction of the ureteral stent into the kidney. Furthermore, a particularly simple deformation of the connecting element is possible by configuring the connecting element as a threaded element or a wire element so that the connecting element does not hinder the magnetic coupling between the receiving body and the catheter for removing the ureteral stent.

[0019] In another advantageous development of the invention, the introduction element comprises a recess for introducing and holding the receiving body. This is advantageous because the receiving body can be arranged in the recess in a particularly space-saving manner and a possible, undesired fall-out of the receiving body can be avoided in a simple manner by the recess. The recess can quasi form a receptacle for the receiving body.

[0020] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the introduction component comprises at least two tube segments, into which the flexible guiding element can be introduced, and at least one connecting region connecting the at least two tube segments to one another, wherein the at least two tube segments and the at least one connecting region delimit a groove. This is advantageous because the introduction component thus has an outer contour, by means of which the introduction component is suitable for introduction into a corresponding channel of the urinary system, such as, for example, the urethra or the ureter, to a certain extent. By means of the possibility of introducing the flexible guiding element into the tube segment, the introduction component can be introduced in particular captively along the flexible guiding element and, for example, into the bladder of a patient, to name just one example. The tube segment can comprise corresponding duct channel openings, through which the flexible guiding element can be passed.

[0021] In another advantageous improvement of the present invention, the first tube segment of the at least two tube segments is formed as the proximal end of the introduction component, and the distal end of the body of the ureteral stent body facing the receiving body is introduced into the first tube segment at least in certain areas when at least the ureteral stent is kept on the introduction component. This is advantageous because a particularly captive and detachable attachment of the distal end of the body and thus the ureteral stent body to the introduction component is achieved by introducing the distal end of the body. The distal end of the body can also be referred to as the distal end of the ureteral stent body. Therefore, when the ureteral stent is kept on the introduction component, the distal end and the proximal end of the body of the introduction component (pusher) can be in contact as a whole. Therein, the end located closer to the center of the body is understood as the proximal end of each element of the application device, and the elements of the application device away from the center of the body are understood as the distal end.

[0022] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the introduced distal end of the main body can be held on the first tube section by a guide element at least in certain areas in the introduction position, wherein the ureteral stent is held on the introduction component, wherein the distal end of the main body is formed to autonomously deform from the introduction position to the basic position of the distal end of the main body when the guide element is separated from the ureteral stent body, thereby moving out of the first tube section. Thus, the guide element can hold the distal end of the main body in the introduction position. This is advantageous because the distal end of the main body can, for example, be introduced into the urethra with particularly low resistance in its introduction position and can be deformed without further auxiliary devices and thus deformed from the introduction position to the basic position in a quasi-autonomous manner if the guide element is separated from the ureteral stent body, thus, for example, being pulled out of the ureteral stent body and thereby being separated from the ureteral stent body, in particular being spaced apart from the ureteral stent body. Due to the deformation from the introduction position to the basic position, the distal end of the main body can autonomously move out of the first tube section. In other words, the guiding element can therefore hold the introduced distal end of the main body in an introduction position at least in certain areas while the ureteral stent remains on the introduction component, wherein the distal end of the main body is formed to autonomously deform from the introduction position to the basic position when the guiding element is separated from the ureteral stent main body, thereby moving out of the first tube segment.

[0023] In the basic position, the distal end of the main body may preferably have a greater radial extension than in the introduction position. Therefore, it is possible to avoid undesirable slipping out or slipping of the ureteral stent body in its basic position, such as passing through the ureter. The ureteral stent body can be kept in the ureter safely accordingly. In contrast to the introduction position, the distal end of the main body can preferably be coiled in the basic position. This also applies to the proximal end of the main body opposite to the distal end of the main body of the ureteral stent body. In other words, it can be arranged that the proximal end of the main body opposite to the distal end of the main body can also be deformed from its introduction position to its basic position autonomously. Preferably, the proximal end of the main body can also be coiled in its basic position. In particular, the two main body ends of the ureteral stent body opposite to each other can be coiled in a j-shape at their respective basic positions. In their respective introduction positions, the main body ends opposite to each other can be stretched and pre-strained compared to the basic position. In short, by removing the guiding element from the ureteral stent body, the distal end of the main body and / or the proximal end of the main body can be deformed from the introduction position to the basic position. With the help of the guiding element, the distal end of the main body and / or the proximal end of the main body can be kept as pre-strained at the introduction position. In summary, the body distal end and / or the body proximal end may preferably be coiled when deforming from the introduction position to the basic position.

[0024] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the distal end of the main body is designed so that, when it is moved out of the first pipe section and deformed from the introduction position into the basic position, the receiving body can be removed from the recess by means of at least one connecting element. This is advantageous because the receiving body can be separated from the introduction part by deforming the distal end of the main body and via the connecting element without further auxiliary means. When moving out of the first pipe section, the distal end of the main body can support itself on the first pipe section during its deformation from the introduction position into the basic position, so that the receiving body can be moved out of the recess by means of the at least one connecting element.

[0025] In particular, the flexible guide element can first be pulled out of at least the first tube section, whereby the body distal end can be deformed from the introduction position into the basic position and can thus be moved out of the first tube section autonomously. Thus, the body distal end can support itself on the first tube section and remove the receiving body from the recess via the connecting element. Thus, the body distal end can be moved out of the first tube section autonomously by deformation from the introduction position into the basic position.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, the first proximal tube section of the introduction component can have a constriction in the proximal region, wherein the inner diameter of the constriction is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end of the ureteral stent body. There is also the possibility that the first proximal tube section of the introduction component is formed to taper in the proximal region so that the inner diameter of the constriction is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end of the ureteral stent body. Thus, according to the invention, it is ensured that the distal end of the ureteral stent body cannot penetrate into the introduction component or cannot penetrate too far into the introduction component. Thus, difficulties in separating the two elements from each other can be reliably prevented.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, the first proximal tube section of the introduction component may include a first conduit passage opening, the diameter of which decreases towards the receiving body so that it is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening of the receiving body. However, there is also the possibility of arranging the tube in the first proximal tube section of the introduction component, wherein the tube includes a tube passage opening, the diameter of which decreases towards the receiving body so that it is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening of the receiving body. In addition, it is possible for the tube to include a tube passage opening, the diameter of which is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening of the receiving body. The mentioned embodiment ensures that the guide element can pass and move safely and easily within the passage opening of the ureteral stent body, the introduction component and the receiving body. By adjusting the diameter accordingly, the guide element can be reliably prevented from, for example, hitting the front face of the receiving body, thereby preventing the guide element from being pushed further through the introduction component and the receiving body.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, the groove in the introduction part may comprise at least one inclined portion and / or at least one step in the end region facing the first tube section, so that the diameter of the groove increases in the region of the inclined portion or the step. The inclined portion or the step may also be formed by the distal region of the tube arranged in the first proximal tube section of the introduction part. In the case of removing the guide element from the ureteral stent body, the introduction part and the receiving body, the formation of such an inclined portion or the step facilitates the receiving body to slide out of the groove.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, at least one recess or peripheral groove for receiving and guiding the connecting element is formed in the proximal region of the first proximal tube section of the introduction component. For example, the ends of the threaded or thread-like connecting element are combined and at least partially retained in the recess. By this configuration, it is advantageously prevented that the distal end of the ureteral stent and the ureteral stent body, respectively, could unintentionally detach from the proximal end of the introduction component.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, the proximal region of the first proximal tube section of the introduction component is formed in a funnel shape for receiving the distal end of the body. The funnel shape may also be formed by the proximal region of the tube arranged in the first proximal tube section of the introduction component. The funnel shape facilitates docking and holding the distal ureteral stent body on the proximal end of the introduction component.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the at least one connecting region is deformable between a release position and a holding position, in which the at least two pipe sections are tilted relative to each other by the at least one connecting region and thereby the groove is enlarged at least in certain areas to release the receiving body, in which the groove is contracted compared to the release position for holding the receiving body. This is advantageous because the deformation of the connecting region from the holding position to the release position allows the receiving body to simply slide out of the groove. Therefore, although the receiving body can be captively held in the groove in the holding position, the receiving body can be moved out of the groove in a particularly simple manner in the release position. Due to the deformation of the connecting region from the holding position to the release position, the corresponding central axes of the pipe sections can be tilted to each other, thereby forming an angle with each other. In the non-tilted state, the corresponding central axes of the pipe sections can be parallel to each other or coaxially oriented. At least one connecting region can be elastically deformed in particular between the holding position and the release position.

[0032] In another advantageous development of the invention, at least one connection region can be held in a holding position based on a guide element, wherein the ureteral stent is held by an introduction component and the guide element is introduced into at least one of the two tube sections, wherein an elastic deformation of the at least one connection region from its holding position to its release position can be prevented by the introduced guide element. This is advantageous because an elastic deformation of the connection region from its holding position to its release position can be achieved accordingly only by separating the guide element from the introduction component. Thus, by removing the guide element from the introduction component, the removal of the ureteral stent, i.e. the ureteral stent body and the receiving body, from the introduction component can also be simultaneously assisted.

[0033] Thus, for example, mechanical prestraining can be applied to at least one connection region in the holding position due to the flexible guide element. The mechanical prestraining can be eliminated by moving the flexible guide element out of the first pipe section, whereby the connection region can be deformed autonomously and elastically from the holding position to the release position.

[0034] The introduced guiding element can therefore prevent the connection region from elastically deforming from its holding position to its release position. Thus, the introduced guiding element can keep the connection region from being strained in its holding position.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, the connecting element is at least partially guided on the outer surface of the proximal end of the introduction part, while the ureteral stent remains on the introduction part. Advantageously, such an arrangement of the connecting element can be produced in a structurally simple manner.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of the application device according to the invention, it comprises a mounting sleeve, wherein the mounting sleeve is formed such that the inner diameter of the mounting sleeve is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the introduction part. Such a mounting sleeve serves to fix the receiving body in the recess of the introduction part. In particular, before the guide element passes through the corresponding passage openings of the introduction part and the receiving body, the receiving body can thus be securely held and fixed in the recess, respectively.

[0037] The second aspect of the invention relates to an introduction member for an application device according to the first aspect of the invention. Features and advantages thereof presented in the context of the inventive application device according to the first aspect of the invention apply correspondingly to the inventive introduction member according to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0038] A third aspect of the invention relates to an application unit, which comprises an application device according to the first aspect of the invention and a flexible guide element, on which the ureteral stent and the introduction component are received. The features and their advantages presented in the context of the inventive application device according to the first aspect of the invention and the inventive introduction component according to the second aspect of the invention apply accordingly to the inventive application unit according to the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa. The flexible guide element can in particular be passed through the corresponding channel openings of the ureteral stent body and the receiving body and through the introduction component.

[0039] Further features of the present invention are apparent from the claims, the embodiments and based on the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned in the above description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the embodiments can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings show:

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an application unit comprising an application device and a flexible guide element at which a ureteral stent and an introduction part of the application device can be displaced in a guided manner;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an application unit, wherein opposite directions of movement are shown, along which the ureteral stent can be displaced in a translational manner and relative to the flexible guide element based on the introduction part, and wherein opposite directions of rotation are shown, wherein the ureteral stent can be rotated relative to the flexible guide element based on the introduction part;

[0043] Figure 3a-e are respectively schematic top views of a patient's urinary system, based on which it is apparent that a flexible introduction element is introduced towards a kidney of the urinary system, followed by placement of a ureteral stent via the introduction element by means of an introduction component, the introduction element and removal of the introduction component and the desired position of the ureteral stent in its intended use;

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an introduction component, wherein the connection area of ​​the introduction component is in a released position.

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the introduction component.

[0046] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a main body distal end of a ureteral stent main body of a ureteral stent and a receiving body of the ureteral stent, the receiving body being connected to the main body distal end via a connecting element of the ureteral stent;

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a body distal end and a receiving body connected to the body distal end by a connecting element.

[0048] Figure 8a -c schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the introduction means of the application device according to the invention; and

[0049] Figure 9a - b A schematic representation of a further embodiment of the introduction member of the application device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] In the following figures, like reference numerals refer to like or comparable features of the various embodiments of the applicator 10 .

[0052] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each shows a different view of an application unit 100 comprising an application device 10 and a flexible guide element 110. The ureteral stent 20 on the one hand and the introduction part 50 of the application device 10 on the other hand can be arranged on the flexible guide element 110, which can be formed, for example, as a guide wire.

[0053] The ureteral stent 20 comprises a ureteral stent body 30 and a receiving body 40 connected to the ureteral stent body 30 by at least one connecting element 22 of the ureteral stent 20. At least one connecting element 22 is currently formed and configured as a threaded element in a non-rigid or flexibly manner. However, an alternative configuration of the connecting element 22 as a wire element is also conceivable. It is recognized that the connecting element 22 is at least partially guided on the outer surface of the proximal end of the introduction component 50, and the ureteral stent 20 is retained on the introduction component 50.

[0054] The introduction member 50 of the application device 10 is used to hold the ureteral stent 20 and to guide the ureteral stent 20, for example, along the flexible guide element 110 through the Figures 3a to 3e The ureters of the urinary system of patients with HL can be identified. Figure 3a In FIG. 1 , the urinary system is schematically shown without the administration unit 100 and without the administration device 10 , respectively, and includes the urethra HR, the bladder BL, the ureters HL, and the kidneys NI.

[0055] In order to insert the ureteral stent 20 into the urinary system, a flexible guide element 110 (here: guide wire) can first be introduced through the urethra HR, the bladder BL and one of the ureters HL into one of the kidneys NI, such as based on Figure 3b Clearly visible.

[0056] Figure 3c It is shown how the ureteral stent 20 can be moved along the guide element 110 through the bladder BL towards the left ureter HL in the drawing plane and thus towards the left kidney NI in the drawing plane by means of the subsequent introduction part 50. For this purpose, the guide element 110 is introduced on the one hand into the body passage opening 31 associated with the ureteral stent body 30 and on the other hand into the receiving body passage opening 42 associated with the receiving body 40. Furthermore, the guide element 110 is passed through the corresponding duct passage openings 62, 72 of the introduction part 50, while the ureteral stent 20 remains on the introduction part 50.

[0057] based on Figure 3d , it is clear how the introducing element 110 is removed while the ureteral stent 20 is introduced in certain regions into the (left) kidney NI on the one hand and in certain regions into the bladder BL on the other hand. Figure 3e Finally, the predetermined position of the ureteral stent 20 is shown for its intended use. For the intended use of the ureteral stent 20, the mutually opposite main body ends of the ureteral stent main body 30 are both coiled in a J-shape in their respective basic positions 36, thereby making it possible to avoid undesired sliding of the ureteral stent 20 in the urinary system.

[0058] The ureteral stent 20 can be displaced in the urinary system in translation along opposite movement directions R1 and R2 via the introduction member 50. The opposite movement directions R1 and R2 are Figure 2 In the figure, the straight arrows are shown pointing in opposite directions. In addition, the introduction part 50 is formed to guide the ureteral stent body 30 and the receiving body 40 in respective movement directions R1, R2 when displaced along the guide element 110 and in the urinary system. In addition, the ureteral stent body 30 can be rotated together with the receiving body 40 in opposite rotational directions D1, D2 in a synchronous manner and relative to the flexible guide element 110 based on the introduction part 50. The rotational directions D1, D2 are Figure 2denoted by curved arrows pointing in opposite directions.

[0059] based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is also evident that at least one connecting element 22 (here: thread) is tensioned through the introduction part 50 , wherein the ureteral stent 20 is held on the introduction part 50 .

[0060] pass Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 From the overview, it can be seen particularly clearly that the introduction component 50 comprises a groove 52 for introducing and holding the receiving body 40. The groove 52 serves as a receiving portion for the receiving body 40. The introduction component 50 currently comprises two pipe sections, namely a first pipe section 60 and a second pipe section 70, into which the flexible guide element 110 can be introduced, as already described. Figure 3c In addition, the introduction component 50 includes a connecting region 80, which connects the pipe sections 60, 70 to each other. The two pipe sections 60, 70 and the connecting region 80 jointly define the groove 52, such as based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 Especially obvious to see.

[0061] At present, the first tube section 60 is formed as the proximal end of the introduction member 50, and the main body distal end 32 of the ureteral stent main body 30 facing the receiving body 40 is introduced into the first tube section 60 in a certain area - and the ureteral stent 20 is held on the introduction member 50 (see Figure 1 ). The guide element 110 passes through both the introduction component 50 and the receiving body 40 and through the ureteral stent body 30, and at the introduction position 34, keeps the introduced body distal end 32 taut, in particular stretched, in certain areas. In addition, the first tube segment 60 into which the body distal end 32 is introduced also helps to keep the body distal end 32 taut. Therefore, when the ureteral stent 20 is maintained on the introduction component 50, the first tube segment 60 can at least assist in maintaining the body distal end 32 at the introduction position 34. The body distal end 32 is formed to deform autonomously from the introduction position 34 to the basic position 34 of the body distal end 32, which Figure 3e It is obvious and Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is particularly clear in the figure, thereby autonomously moving out the first tube section 60. In the basic position 36 of the body distal end 32, the body distal end 32 is relaxed relative to the introduction position 34. Figure 2 , the introduction location 34 of the distal end 32 of the body is particularly evident, and Figure 7, which shows the basic position 36 of the body distal end 32, which is obviously coiled in its basic position 36 and opposite to the introduction position 34 and thus has a greater radial extension than the introduction position 34. By the basic position 36, an undesired sliding of the ureteral stent body 30 and thus of the entire ureteral stent 20 in the urinary system is avoided.

[0062] The main body distal end 32 is formed so that when it moves away from the first pipe section 60 (autonomously) and deforms from the introduction position 34 to the basic position 36, the receiving body 4022 is removed from the groove 52 by the connecting element. At this point, the flexible guide element 110 can first be removed from at least the first pipe section 60 and thus from the first pipe passage opening 62, whereby the main body distal end 32 elastically and thus autonomously deforms from the introduction position 34 to the basic position 36, thereby autonomously moving out of the first pipe section 60. During the deformation process, the main body distal end 32 can support itself on the first pipe section 60 and remove the receiving body 40 from the groove 52 by the connecting element 22. Therefore, the main body distal end 32 is formed so that when it is guided out of the first pipe section 60 and deformed from the introduction position 34 to the basic position 36, the receiving body 40 is removed from the groove 52 by the connecting element 22.

[0063] In order to facilitate the removal of the receiving body 40 from the recess 52, the connecting area 80 is Figure 4 and Figure 5 The release position 84 shown is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shown holding position 86 is elastically deformable, and in the release position 84, the two tube sections 60, 70 are tilted relative to each other via the connecting area 80, so that the groove 52 is enlarged in certain areas to release the removal of the receiving body 40 and, in this holding position 86, the groove 52 is contracted compared to the release position 84 to hold the receiving body 40.

[0064] As long as the flexible guide element 110 (guide wire) passes through the two tube channel openings 62, 72 of the corresponding tube sections 60, 70 of the introduction component 50 and through the main body channel opening 31 and the receiving body channel opening 42, the flexible guide element 110 prevents the connection area 80 from elastically deforming from its holding position 86 to its release position 84, and in particular keeps the connection area 80 pre-strained in the holding position 86. Once the flexible guide element 110 is completely removed from at least the main body channel opening 31 and the first tube channel opening 62, the flexible guide element 110 no longer counteracts the elastic deformation of the connection area 80 from its holding position 86 to its release position 84, whereby the connection area 80 can autonomously elastically deform from the holding position 86 to the release position 84. By the resulting tilting of the two tube sections 60, 70, the groove 52 is enlarged, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is particularly evident in .

[0065] Therefore, the connection region 80 is kept pre-strained in the holding position 86 based on the guide element 110, wherein the ureteral stent 20 is held by the introduction component 50 and the guide element 110 is introduced into the tube segments 60, 70, wherein as long as the guide element 110 is particularly introduced into the first tube channel opening 62 of the first tube segment 60 and into the main body channel opening 31 of the ureteral stent body 30, the elastic deformation of the connection region 80 from its holding position 86 to its release position 84 can be prevented by the introduced guide element 110.

[0066] In summary, the introduction part 50 allows the movement of the ureteral stent 20 (and therefore the ureteral stent body 30 and the receiving body 40 coupled to the ureteral stent body 30 by the connecting element 22), the rotational movement D1, D2 and the translational movement along different movement directions R1, R2 relative to the flexible guide element 110 (guide wire). Therefore, the positioning of the ureteral stent 20 is achieved by advancing and retracting the ureteral stent 20 when it is inserted into the urinary system and by rotating the ureteral stent 20.

[0067] The introduction part 50, which can also be referred to as an introduction aid, is therefore used to position the ureteral stent 20, wherein the introduction part 50 requires no additional mechanical means and in particular no special movements to detach the ureteral stent 20 after it has been positioned from the introduction part 50. Due to the special design of the introduction part 50, it is sufficient to remove the flexible guide element 110 from the ureteral stent 20 and the introduction part 50, thereby achieving the detachment of the ureteral stent 20 from the introduction part 50.

[0068] The connection between the introduction element 50 (pusher) and the ureteral stent 20 can be separated in particular autonomously without requiring a movement to be provided for the flexible guide element 110 , in particular when removing it.

[0069] The connection between the ureteral stent 20 and the introduction part 50 can in particular be separated by an elastic movement of the distal end 32 of the body from its introduction position 34 to its basic position 36 and by a further elastic movement of the connection area 80 from its retaining position 86 to its release position 84, wherein the connection area 80 can be associated with the proximal end of the introduction part 50.

[0070] When the flexible guide element 110 is introduced, the connection region 80 first undergoes a reversible shape change, wherein the connection region 80 is thereby tensioned and deformed from the release position 84 to the holding position 86. In the holding position 86, a better placement of the receiving body 40 in the groove 52 of the introduction component 50 is provided compared to the release position 84. The reverse deformation of the connection region 80 from the holding position 86 back to the release position 84 can be achieved by removing the flexible guide element 110 at least from the body passage opening 31 and the first duct passage opening 62. In the release position 84, compared to the holding position 86, a simplified removal of the receiving body 40 from the groove 52 (expanded in the release position 84 of the connection region 80) can be achieved. By introducing the flexible guide element 110 into the body passage opening 31, the body distal end 32 also undergoes a reversible shape change from the basic position 36 to the introduction position 34. The autonomous, opposite and therefore backward elastic deformation of the body distal end 32 from the introduction position 34 to the basic position 36 is achieved by removing the guide element 110 at least from the body passage opening 31. This rearward elastic deformation from the introduction position 34 into the basic position 36 enables the removal of the receiving body 40 via the connecting element 22 based on the distal body end 32 .

[0071] Figures 8a to 8c Schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the introduction member 50 of the application device 10 are shown. Figure 8a , an introduction component 50 is shown, wherein the receiving body 40 is inserted into the groove 52. It is recognized that the groove 52 comprises an inclined portion 88 in the end region facing the first tube section 60, so that the diameter of the groove 52 increases continuously toward the outside in the region of the inclined portion 88. The inclined portion 88 facilitates the removal of the receiving body 40 from the groove 52 by means of the distal end 32 (not shown here) of the ureter body 30. In addition, it is recognized that the connecting element 22 is formed in a threaded shape and is arranged to extend through a corresponding opening in the receiving body 40.

[0072] exist Figure 8b , another embodiment of the introduction component 50 is shown, wherein the receiving body 40 is inserted into the groove 52. It is recognized that the first proximal tube section 60 of the introduction component 50 includes a constriction 92 in the proximal region, wherein the inner diameter of the constriction 92 is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end 32 of the ureteral stent body 30 (not shown here). In addition, it is recognized that the proximal end of the proximal tube section 60 is formed in a funnel shape. Figure 8c, another embodiment of the introduction member 50 is shown, in which the receiving body 40 is inserted into the groove 52. It is recognized that the first proximal tube section 60 of the introduction member 50 is formed to be gradually tapered in the proximal region, so that the inner diameter of the constriction 92 is smaller than the outer diameter (not shown here) of the distal end 32 of the ureteral stent body 30. These configurations allow the distal end 32 of the ureteral stent body 30 to not or not excessively penetrate into the introduction member, and thus optionally difficulty in separating the distal end 32 from the introduction member 50 occurs.

[0073] Figure 9a and Figure 9b A schematic diagram of a further embodiment of an introduction member 50 of the application device 10 is shown. Figure 9a , an introduction component 50 is shown, wherein the receiving body 40 is inserted into the groove 52. It is recognized that according to this embodiment, a tube 94 is arranged in the first proximal tube section 60 of the introduction component 50, wherein the tube 94 comprises a tube passage opening 96, the diameter of which is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening 42 of the receiving body 40. In addition, the tube 94 comprises a bevel 88 at its distal end, which leads to an enlargement of the diameter of the groove 52. Therein, the bevel 88 extends at an angle of 45° over a length of approximately half the diameter of the tube 94. The proximal end of the tube 94 is formed in a funnel shape for receiving the distal end 32 of the ureteral body 32. In addition, it is recognized that it comprises a recess 98 for introducing and retaining a threaded connection element 22 in the proximal region of the proximal tube section 60, in particular for receiving the two ends of the threaded connection element 22. The two ends of the threaded connection element 22 are attached to the distal end 32 of the ureteral body 32. The application device 10 according to this embodiment further includes a mounting sleeve 90, wherein the mounting sleeve 90 is formed such that the inner diameter of the mounting sleeve 90 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the introduction member 50. The mounting sleeve 90 is used to fix the receiving body 40 in the groove 52 of the introduction member 50 before the guide element 110 (not shown here) passes through the introduction member 50, the tube 94, and the corresponding passage openings 72, 96, 42 of the receiving body 40. Therefore, the receiving body 40 can be firmly held and fixed in the groove 52, respectively.

[0074] Figure 9b The embodiment of the introduction member 50 shown corresponds to Figure 9a In contrast to the previously described introduction component, the inclined portion 88 formed in the distal end region of the tube 94 extends over the entire diameter of the tube 94. The inclined portion 88 again serves to expand the diameter of the groove 52 radially outwards. In addition, it is recognized that Figure 9a and 9b In the illustrated introduction member 50 , the proximal end is additionally formed in a rounded shape. This configuration results in an advantageous atraumatic tip design of the introduction member 50 .

Claims

1. An application device (10) having a ureteral stent (20), the ureteral stent comprising a ureteral stent body (30) and a receiving body (40) connected to the ureteral stent body (30) via at least one connecting element (22) of the ureteral stent (20), and having an introduction component (50) for holding the ureteral stent (20) and for guiding the ureteral stent (20) along a flexible guide element (110) through a patient's ureter (HL), in The ureteral stent (20) can be displaced in opposite movement directions (R1, R2) along a flexible guide element (110) through the introduction component (50), and the introduction component (50) is formed to guide the ureteral stent body (30) and the receiving body (40) when displaced in the respective movement directions (R1, R2); and The introduction component (50) comprises a groove (52) for introducing and holding the receiving body (40); in, The introduction component (50) comprises at least two pipe sections (60, 70), the flexible guide element (110) being insertable into the at least two pipe sections (60, 70), and at least one connecting region (80) connecting the at least two pipe sections (60, 70) to one another. wherein the at least two pipe sections (60, 70) and the at least one connecting region (80) define the groove (52); wherein the first tube segment (60) of the at least two tube segments (60, 70) is formed as the proximal end of the introduction component (50), and when the ureteral stent (20) is held on the introduction component (50), the distal end (32) of the ureteral stent body (30) facing the receiving body (40) is introduced into the first tube segment (60) at least in certain regions; wherein a tube (94) is arranged in a first tube section (60) of the introduction component (50), wherein the tube (94) comprises a tube passage opening (96) whose diameter decreases toward the receiving body (40) so that it is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening (42) of the receiving body (40), or the tube (94) comprises a tube passage opening (96) whose diameter is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening (42) of the receiving body (40); The proximal end region of the first tube section (60) of the introduction member (50) is formed into a funnel shape for receiving the distal end (32) of the main body; and wherein The proximal region of the tube (94) is formed into a funnel shape for receiving the distal end (32) of the main body and / or the distal region of the tube (94) includes at least one inclined portion (88) and / or at least one step, so that the diameter of the groove (52) increases in the region of the inclined portion (88) or the step.

2. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The receiving body (40) has ferromagnetic properties.

3. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The ureteral stent body (30) can be rotated together with the receiving body (40) relative to the flexible guide element (110) based on the introduction component (50).

4. The application device (10) according to claim 1 Features The at least one connecting element (22) is formed to be non-rigid or flexibly.

5. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features When the ureteral stent (20) is held on the introduction part (50), the at least one connecting element (22) is tensioned by the introduction part (50).

6. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The at least one connecting element (22) is formed as a thread element or a wire element.

7. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features When the ureteral stent (20) is held on the introduction component (50), the distal end (32) of the main body introduced at least in certain areas can be held in the introduction position on the first tube segment (60) by the guiding element (110), wherein the distal end (32) of the main body is formed to autonomously deform from the introduction position (34) to the basic position (36) of the distal end (32) of the main body when the guiding element (110) is separated from the ureteral stent main body (30) and thereby move out of the first tube segment (60).

8. The application device (10) according to claim 7, Features The body distal end (32) is formed so as to remove the receiving body (40) from the recess (52) via the at least one connecting element (22) when it moves out of the first tube section (60) and deforms from the introduction position (34) to the basic position (36).

9. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The first tube segment (60) of the introduction component (50) includes a contraction portion (92) in the proximal region, wherein the inner diameter of the contraction portion (92) is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end (32) of the ureteral stent body (30), or the first tube segment (60) of the introduction component (50) is formed to gradually taper in the proximal region, so that the inner diameter of the contraction portion (92) is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end (32) of the ureteral stent body (30).

10. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The first pipe section (60) of the introduction component (50) comprises a first pipe passage opening (62), the diameter of which decreases toward the receiving body (40) so that it is approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the passage opening (42) of the receiving body (40).

11. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The groove (52) comprises at least one bevel (88) and / or at least one step in the end region facing the first pipe section (60), so that the diameter of the groove (52) increases in the region of the bevel (88) or the step.

12. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features At least one recess (98) or peripheral groove for receiving and guiding the connecting element (22) is formed in the proximal region of the first tube section (60) of the introduction component (50).

13. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The at least one connecting region (80) is deformable between a release position (84), in which the at least two tube sections (60, 70) are tilted relative to each other via the at least one connecting region (80), and the groove (52) is thereby expanded at least in certain regions to release the receiving body (40), and a retaining position (86), in which the groove (52) is contracted compared to the release position (84) to retain the receiving body (40).

14. The application device (10) according to claim 13, Features The at least one connecting region (80) can be held in the holding position (86) based on a guide element (110), wherein the ureteral stent (20) is held by the introduction component (50) and the guide element (110) is introduced into the at least two tube sections (60, 70), wherein an elastic deformation of the at least one connecting region (80) from its holding position (86) to its release position (84) can be blocked by the introduced guide element (110).

15. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features With the ureteral stent (20) held on the introduction component (50), the connecting element (22) is at least partially guided on the outer surface of the proximal end of the introduction component (50).

16. The application device (10) according to claim 1, Features The application device (10) includes a mounting sleeve (90), wherein the mounting sleeve (90) is formed such that an inner diameter of the mounting sleeve (90) is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the introduction member (50).

17. An introduction member (50) for an application device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. An application unit (100) comprising an application device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a flexible guide element (110) on which the ureteral stent (20) and the introduction part (50) are received.

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