Method of coupling components of a device and related device having such components

Abstract

A method for coupling a first medical device component (100) to a second medical device (200) component, the method comprising changing the first medical device component from a natural state to a changed state by reducing a cross-sectional dimension of the first medical device; loading a first portion of the first medical device component in the changed state into a first opening of the second medical device component, wherein the first medical device component comprises a second portion that is not within the first opening of the second medical device component, and allowing the second portion of the first medical device component to return to the natural state.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation of relevant literature

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 987,604, filed March 10, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to coupling one device component to another. Examples of this disclosure relate to methods for coupling nitinol wires to another component of a different material in a medical device (e.g., a therapeutic or diagnostic instrument). Other examples of this disclosure relate to apparatuses or medical devices that include components coupled via the described methods. Background Technology

[0004] Nickeltinol possesses superelastic properties, giving it high flexibility, shape recovery, kink resistance, high fatigue strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. Therefore, nickeltinol is an ideal material for medical devices and instruments, especially in wire form. Medical devices incorporating nickeltinol components can be assembled via adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, and / or crimping the nickeltinol components to another component of the medical device. However, these methods can be difficult due to the hard oxide layer on the outer surface of nickeltinol, which restricts bonding / joining during and after the connection process. When welding or brazing nickeltinol to stainless steel, filler material may be required, which often creates a weak point at the joint. This can also degrade the thermal properties of nickeltinol, which are what give it its shape recovery characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one example, a method for attaching a first medical device component to a second medical device component may include changing the first medical device component from a natural state to a changed state by reducing the cross-sectional dimensions of the first medical device, fitting a first portion of the first medical device component in the changed state into a first opening of the second medical device component, wherein the first medical device component includes a second portion not within the first opening of the second medical device component, and allowing the second portion of the first medical device component to return to its natural state.

[0006] In another example, the method may further include, after the assembly step, allowing the cross-sectional dimension of a first portion of the first medical device component to increase to the size of the opening.

[0007] In another example, the alteration step may include applying a force to the medical device assembly in a direction transverse to the cross-sectional dimension, and wherein a permissible step includes removing the force. In its natural state, the first medical device assembly may be dimensionally limited to prevent access to the first opening. The first medical device assembly may be a wire. The wire may include nitinol. The alteration step may include stretching the wire so that its diameter is less than or equal to the width of the first opening. The second medical device assembly may be disc-shaped, and the first opening may include a slot extending from the outer edge of the second medical device assembly to a point radially inward from the outer edge.

[0008] In another example, the first medical device component may be a line, and the assembly step may include sliding a second medical device component along the line via a slot. The second medical device component may include a second opening, and the method may further include assembling a third portion of the first medical device component in a changed state into the second opening.

[0009] In another example, the method may further include fitting a third portion of the first medical device component into a first opening of the second medical device component.

[0010] In another example, a first medical device assembly may be coupled to a second medical device assembly such that the first medical device assembly cannot rotate relative to the second medical device assembly. The first medical device assembly may be an actuating element for actuating an end effector of the medical device. A single wire may include an actuating element and an end effector, and the end effector may include a collar. The single wire may include nitinol, and two portions of the single wire may be assembled within the second medical device assembly.

[0011] According to another example, the medical device may include a defining ring, a first strand and a second strand of nitinol wire, each of the first and second strands extending proximally to the ring, and a receiving assembly coupled to the first and second strands. The receiving assembly includes a first opening and a portion of the first strand extending through the first opening, wherein the diameter of this portion of the first strand is smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of the first strand. A portion of the second strand may extend through the first opening, wherein the diameter of this portion of the second strand is smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of the second strand. The receiving assembly may further include a second opening, and a portion of the second strand extending through the second opening, wherein the diameter of this portion of the second strand is smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of the second strand. The diameter of this portion of the first strand may be smaller than the diameter of a portion of the wire defining the ring.

[0012] According to another example, the medical device may include a shaft, a handle connected to a proximal portion of the shaft, a nitinol wire extending from the handle to the shaft, and a receiving assembly, wherein the receiving assembly is located within the handle or shaft, wherein a portion of the nitinol wire extends through the receiving assembly, and the diameter of a portion of the nitinol wire is smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of the nitinol wire. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1A-1B These are, respectively, a side view of the unmodified nitinol line and a front view of the receiver according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2A-2B They are Figure 1A A side view of the stretched NiTiNorm wire, and including Figure 2A Medium-stretched nickel-titanium wire Figure 1B The main view of the receiver.

[0016] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A top view of the receiver and the nickel-titanium wire.

[0017] Figure 2D yes Figure 2B A three-dimensional diagram of the receiver and the nickel-titanium wire.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of a medical device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3B It is cut along 3B-3B. Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the receiver of the device.

[0020] Figure 3C This is a perspective view of a medical device according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3D It is a 3D-3D cut along the line. Figure 3C A cross-sectional view of the receiver of the device.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a medical device according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals will be used in the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The term "distal" refers to the part furthest from the user when the device is introduced into the subject (e.g., a patient). In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the part closest to the user when the device is placed inside the subject.

[0024] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. In this disclosure, relative terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” and “approximately,” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in the values ​​or features described.

[0025] Various aspects of this disclosure can address one or more limitations in the art. However, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by its ability to solve a specific problem. This disclosure relates to a method for coupling a device component to other components, and to a medical device / apparatus including components coupled via this method, among other aspects. In exemplary embodiments, one of the device components is a wire, for example, a nitinol wire, a nitinol alloy having superelastic properties. However, this disclosure is not limited to nitinol wires. Device components suitable for use in the methods and apparatus of this disclosure, such as wires, may include any material capable of stretching / elongating under force and returning to its original, unstretched configuration when the force is removed. In this disclosure, embodiments may refer to nitinol wires. However, it should be understood that any materials mentioned herein, and other suitable materials, may be used in the methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the invention.

[0026] Similarly, in the exemplary embodiments described herein, the component modified to connect to other device components is a line. Other components capable of being stretched in one direction and shortened in another direction may be used in the devices and methods according to embodiments of the invention.

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments, nitinol components can be modified and coupled to other materials and components via a receiver. Therefore, in the methods described in further detail below, nitinol components can be coupled to other materials without the use of fillers or adhesives, or without thermal exposure. Such receivers can be implemented in a variety of medical devices or apparatuses that include nitinol, such as endoscopes, instruments with end effectors, etc.

[0028] Reference Figure 1A-2D The following is an example of a method for attaching / attaching the nitinol wire 100 to the receiver 200. The nitinol wire 100 has a diameter D. The diameter D is not particularly limited and can be in the range of approximately 0.02" to 0.04", for example, approximately 0.029". The nitinol wire 100 has a circular cross-section, but is not particularly limited to this. The diameter D is greater than the width W of the opening 210 of the receiver 200. The receiver 200 is disc-shaped and can be made of any suitable material (e.g., stainless steel). The receiver 200 can be formed of a material different from that of the wire 100. The opening 210 leads to a slot 215, which has a width W over its entire length. The width W should be less than the diameter D of the wire 100, but is not particularly limited, for example, it can be approximately 0.028". The slot 215 extends from the outer surface to an end point 220, which can be at or around the center point of the disc-shaped receiver 200. The shape of endpoint 220 can be correspondingly set to adapt to the cross-sectional shape of the nitinol wire 100. However, as Figure 1B As shown by the dashed line representing the circumference of line 100, in its unchanged state without any applied force, NiTiNo line 100 cannot be installed into receiver 200.

[0029] To connect the nitinol wire 100 to the receiver 200, the nitinol wire 100 can be modified in any suitable manner to fit into the opening 210 and slot 215 of the receiver 200. For example, the nitinol wire 100 can be stretched to form a thinned nitinol wire 100' with a diameter of D', such as... Figure 2A As shown. There is no particular limitation on the degree to which the nitinol wire 100 is thinned to the nitinol wire 100', as long as the diameter D' of the nitinol wire 100' is equal to or less than the width W of the opening 210 of the receiver 200. For example, the diameter D' can be in the range of approximately 0.02” to 0.04”, such as approximately 0.028”, thus equal to or less than the width W. Furthermore, the nitinol wire 100 can be altered / stretched by any suitable means. For example, one or both ends of the nitinol wire 100 can be secured in a hydraulic press or any other suitable pulling clamp. The nitinol wire 100 can then be stretched using a hydraulic press or pulling clamp through hyperelastic stretching. The nitinol wire 100 can be stretched to the extent described above, and before any breakage point of the nitinol wire 100.

[0030] Because the stretched nitinol wire 100' has a diameter D', the stretched nitinol wire 100' can then be passed through the opening 210 (as shown in the image). Figure 2A-2B(As shown) The nitinol wire 100' is inserted / slotted into the receiver 200. Due to the shape recovery properties of nitinol, the nitinol wire 100' is inserted / slid into the opening 210 and slot 215 before recovering to its original size, such as diameter D. Therefore, the nitinol wire 100' can be connected to the receiver 200 while maintaining its diameter D'. There are no particular limitations on how the nitinol wire 100' is fitted onto the receiver 200. For example, the receiver 200 can slide on the nitinol wire 100' via the opening 210 until the nitinol wire 100' reaches the end point 220 of the slot 215. It should be further noted that the receiver 200 is not limited to receiving a single nitinol component, such as a single nitinol wire, and can also be configured to receive multiple components, such as multiple nitinol wires. For example, multiple nitinol wires can be stacked within the slot 215, and / or the receiver 200 may include multiple openings and slots arranged radially around the receiver 200. It should be noted that the opening 210 of the receiver 200 is not particularly limited to a slot. The opening 210 can be any suitable opening for receiving the line 100'. For example, the opening 210 of the receiver 200 can be a through hole rather than a slot, allowing the line 100' to pass through in an elongated state.

[0031] Once the nitinol wire 100' is mounted on the receiver 200, the force applied to the nitinol wire 100' can be removed, allowing the nitinol wire 100' to transition to a relaxed state. This allows the portion of the nitinol wire 100' not fitted within the slot 215 to return to its original size, such as diameter D. The portion of the nitinol wire 100' fitted within the slot 215 expands to a diameter corresponding to the width W. For example, if the diameter D' is smaller than the width W, the portion of the nitinol wire 100' fitted within the slot 215 can expand to fill the width W. As a result, the nitinol wire 100' is securely fitted within the slot 215 of the receiver 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver 200 can be coupled to the nitinol wire 100' so that it cannot rotate relative to the nitinol wire 100'. The remaining portion of the nitinol wire 100' is restored to its original diameter D, for example, approximately 0.029”, via its shape recovery properties. Therefore, due to the interference fit between the wire 100' and the receiver 200, the receiver 200 is prevented from translating along the longitudinal axis of the nitinol wire 100'.

[0032] As disclosed above, the device component that is modified and connected to another device component is not limited to a wire. The device component can be any suitable shape or form, having a first configuration that prevents the component from being inserted into the receiver 200 via the opening 210, and a second configuration that allows it to be inserted into the opening 210.

[0033] Similarly, receiver 200 is not limited to being disc-shaped, and opening 210 and slot 215 are not limited to those shown in the figures. Receiver 200 can be any suitable material and form / shape. Opening 210 and slot 215 can also be any suitable width and shape, as long as it is configured to receive a device assembly in its second, modified configuration. In some examples, receiver 200 may include multiple openings and slots with different shapes and / or sizes. Furthermore, as mentioned above, changing a device assembly from its first configuration to a second configuration is not limited to stretching. The device assembly can be modified in any suitable manner to accommodate opening 210.

[0034] The above method can be used to connect device components, such as nitinol components, to other medical device components of a medical device or equipment, such as a receiver. (See reference...) Figure 3A-4 Examples of such medical devices and equipment are described below.

[0035] Figure 3A A medical device 50 is shown, comprising a single nitinol wire 100" for an actuating element 51 and an end effector 54. The wire 100" extends distally from another medical device component, such as a handle (not shown). The actuating element 51 is proximal to the end effector 54. The actuating element 51 can be connected to the handle (not shown) proximal to the device in any suitable manner. The actuating element 51 and the end effector 54 can be linearly translated along the longitudinal axis of the element 51. Both the element 51 and the end effector 54 can extend through a sheath (not shown) of the device. A ring of the end effector 54 can be opened and closed (not shown) by moving the end effector 54 in and out of the sheath.

[0036] The nitinol wire 100" can be in the shape of a conductor, cable, or strip, and can be any suitable cross-sectional shape or size adapted to the receiver 61. The portion of the wire 100" proximal to the end effector 54 is the first strand 52 of the actuating element 51. The portion of the nitinol wire 100" distal to the actuating element 51 defines the end effector 54, for example, a distal loop in a plane. The size and shape of the end effector 54 are not particularly limited, and can be, for example, circular, elliptical, teardrop-shaped, etc. The most distal end of the end effector 54 may include a tip 55. The tip 55 may be a distal projection, thus forming a traumatic distal tip. However, the tip 55 is not particularly limited in the end effector 54 and is not required. In some other embodiments, the end effector 54 may have a non-traumatic distal tip.

[0037] The distal portion of the NiTiNo wire 100" forms a loop of the end effector 54 by wrapping itself back. The remaining portion of the wire 100" distal to the portion forming the end effector 54 is straightened to form a second strand 53. The first strand 52 and the second strand 53 are parallel to each other and are both near the loop 54. The length of the second strand 53 is not particularly limited. The strands 52 and 53 may be in contact with each other or spaced apart at any suitable distance to accommodate the opening of the receiver 60.

[0038] Still referencing Figures 3A-3B The medical device 50 further includes a receiver 60. The receiver 60 can be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel. The receiver 60 is a ring / annular assembly that includes an opening 61. However, the receiver 60 is not particularly limited to being annular; as mentioned above, it can be any suitable shape and / or size. The receiver 60 is a complete, closed ring. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the receiver 60 can be a partial ring including a break in its annular structure. The break can be any suitable distance that allows the receiver 60 to receive and retain strands 52 and 53. The opening 61 can be any suitable shape, such as circular or rectangular, and can be a shape adapted to the cross-sectional shape of strands 52 and 53. The width or diameter of the opening 61 should be smaller than the combined diameter of strands 52 and 53, but is not particularly limited. In other exemplary embodiments, the receiver 60 can have two separate openings, each for a corresponding strand 52 and 53. In such embodiments, the diameters of the two openings can be smaller than the diameter of each of strands 52 and 53.

[0039] The 100" strands 52 and 53 of the NiTiNorm wire are connected to the receiver 60 via the connection method described above. In their unchanged state, for example, in a first configuration, strands 52 and 53 have a combined width / diameter greater than that of the opening 61. Strands 52 and 53 are then modified to a second configuration, for example, by being stretched / thinned, to connect to the receiver 60. Figure 3B As shown, strands 52 and 53 are tapered so that they fit within opening 61. In some examples, strands 52 and 53 may be stretched and inserted into opening 61 sequentially or simultaneously. In other examples, the NiTiNorm 100" may have been stretched before forming the distal loop 54, so that strands 52 and 53 are already tapered / stretched when coupled to receiver 61. Regardless of the method, changing to the second configuration involves reducing the cross-sectional dimensions of the device components (e.g., strands 52 and 53).

[0040] After the strands 52 and 53 are thinned, the receiver 60 is fitted onto the thinned strands 52 and 53 (or the nitinol wire 100" is thinned before forming the ring 54) via the opening 61. The manner in which the receiver 60 is fitted onto the strands 52 and 53 is not particularly limited. In some examples, the receiver 60 is fitted onto the thinned strands 52 and 53 before the actuating element 51 is coupled to another device component, such as a handle (not shown). In other examples, the receiver 60 is fitted onto the thinned nitinol wire 100" before forming the ring of the end effector 54. Subsequently, simultaneously or after the formation of the end effector 54, the loop portion of the NiTiNo wire 100" (forming the second strand 53) can slide through the opening 61. In other exemplary embodiments, when the receiver 60 is a partial loop, the receiver 60 can slide on the tapered strands 52 and 53 via the break in the partial loop. In addition to the examples described above, the receiver 60 can be mounted on the strands 52 and 53 in various other ways.

[0041] After the receiver 60 is mounted on strands 52 and 53, the force applied to strands 52 and 53 can be removed, allowing them to relax. This allows portions of strands 52 and 53 fitted within opening 61 to expand to the extent permitted by opening 61. However, due to the space constraints of opening 61, the fitted portions of strands 52 and 53 cannot expand to their original diameters. Simultaneously, due to the shape recovery properties of the NiTiNorm 100", the remaining portions of strands 52 and 53 not fitted within opening 61 return to their original dimensions, such as diameter. Therefore, due to the interference fit between strands 52 and 53 and receiver 200, receiver 60 can be prevented from translating along the longitudinal axis of strands 52 and 53.

[0042] Figure 3C-3D It showed something similar to Figures 3A-3BThe device shown differs from receiver 60 in that receiver 60'. Receiver 60' includes two openings 61' and 62. Openings 61' and 62 are configured to receive a first strand 52 and a second strand 53, respectively. Therefore, opening 61' can be directly below opening 62. Openings 61' and 62 can be spaced apart according to the distance between strands 52 and 53. Opening 61' is a clamp-like opening for receiving the first strand 52. Opening 61' can be any suitable shape to accommodate the first strand 52. Opening 61' can also be any suitable width less than or equal to the unaltered width / diameter of the first strand 52. Opening 62 receives the second strand 53. Opening 62 is located within the structure of receiver 60 and extends longitudinally. Therefore, unlike opening 61', opening 62 is a completely closed opening. Opening 62 can be any suitable shape to accommodate the second strand 53. The opening 62 can also be any suitable width / diameter, which is smaller than the width / diameter of the second strand 53 when it remains unchanged.

[0043] The strands 52 and 53 of the 100" nickel-titanium alloy wire are also connected to the receiver 60' via the connection method described above. For example, the second strand 53 is modified, e.g., stretched / thinned, so that the receiver 60' can slide onto the second strand 53 via the opening 62. The receiver 60' can be fitted onto any part of the second strand 53, as long as it is proximal to the distal ring 54. In some examples, the width of the opening 61' is smaller than the width / diameter of the first strand 52, and the first strand 52 is also modified, e.g., stretched / thinned, so that the strand 52 can be fitted into the clamping opening 61'. In other examples, where the width of the opening 61' is equal to or approximately equal to the width / diameter of the first strand 52, the unmodified first strand 52 is fitted into the clamping opening 61' by any suitable means.

[0044] Figure 4 An example of a medical device (e.g., an endoscope) is shown, comprising a nitinol component coupled to other medical device components, such as a receiver, via the methods described above. The endoscope 10 includes a flexible shaft 20, a tip 30 located at the distal end of the endoscope 10, and an articulated joint 50 disposed between and connecting the flexible shaft 20 and the tip 30. A handle 40 or other devices for actuating or controlling the endoscope 10, and any tools or devices associated with the endoscope 10, are attached to the proximal end of the flexible shaft 20.

[0045] Multiple actuating elements (such as nitinol manipulation lines 48 and 49 for medical procedures) can extend distally from the handle 40. Lines 48 and 49 can be supported and secured by medical device components, such as multiple receivers 45, 47, 25, and 27, via the connection method described above. Thus, lines 48 and 49 can be securely mounted to receivers 45, 47, 25, and 27 via an interference fit between the line and the receiver. Proximal receivers 45 and 47 are positioned in a suitable location within the handle 40. The positioning method of receivers 45 and 47, such as molding, adhesion, etc., is not particularly limited. Receivers 45 and 47 can be any of the aforementioned receivers or variations thereof. Distal receivers 25 and 27 are positioned within the shaft 20. Additionally, or alternatively, distal receivers 25 and 27 can be positioned anywhere suitable within the tip 30 or the articulated joint 50. The positioning method of receivers 25 and 27, such as molding, adhesion, etc., is not particularly limited. Receivers 25 and 27 can also be any of the receivers described above or variations thereof.

[0046] The nitinol wires 48 and 49 can be indirectly connected to the first and second actuating devices 42 and 43, which control the hinge of the articulated joint 50 in multiple directions. Devices 42 and 43 can be, for example, rotatable knobs that rotate about their axes to push / pull the nitinol operating wires 48 and 49.

[0047] Alternatively, or additionally, the user can operate the control lines 48, 49 independently of the handle 40. The distal ends of the control lines 48, 49 extend through the flexible shaft 20 and terminate at the articulated joint 50 and / or the tip 30. For example, one or more control lines 48, 49 may be connected to the articulated joint 50, and one or more other control lines 48, 49 may be attached to the tip 30. Actuation of the control lines 48, 49 can control the articulated joint 50, the tip 30, and / or elements attached to the tip 30, such as end effectors (not shown). Furthermore, one or more cables (not shown) may extend proximally from the endoscope 10 to the tip 30 and provide electrical control to imaging, illumination, and / or other electrical devices on the tip 30, and may transmit imaging signals proximally from the tip 30 for processing and / or display on a monitor. The handle 40 may also include ports 44, 46 for introducing and / or removing tools, fluids, or other materials from the patient. Port 44 can be used for introducing tools. Port 46 can be connected to an umbilical cord for introducing liquid aspiration and / or wiring of electronic components.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed stapler mechanism without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the configuration of the connector, actuator, and stapler can be changed to suit any medical device and is not limited to the examples described herein. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for coupling a first medical device component to a second medical device component, the method comprising: By reducing the cross-sectional dimensions of the first medical device component, the first medical device component is changed from its natural state to a modified state. The first portion of the first medical device component in the changed state is fitted into the first opening of the second medical device component, wherein the first medical device component includes a second portion not within the first opening of the second medical device component; and Allowing the second part of the first medical device component to return to its natural state; The first medical device component is an actuating element for actuating the end effector of a medical device, and the first portion and the second portion are formed by a single wire.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after assembling the first portion of the first medical device component in the altered state into the first opening of the second medical device component, allowing the cross-sectional dimension of the first portion of the first medical device component to increase to the size of the first opening.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein changing the first medical device component from a natural state to a changed state includes applying a force to the first medical device component in a direction transverse to the cross-sectional dimension direction, and wherein allowing the second portion of the first medical device component to return to its natural state includes removing the force.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein in the natural state, the first medical device component is sized to be unable to enter the first opening.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the single wire comprises nitinol.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein changing the first medical device component from its natural state to its altered state comprises stretching the single wire such that the diameter of the single wire is less than or equal to the width of the first opening.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second medical device assembly is disc-shaped, and the first opening includes a slot extending from an outer edge of the second medical device assembly to a point radially inward from the outer edge.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein fitting a first portion of the first medical device component in the altered state into a first opening of the second medical device component comprises sliding the second medical device component via the slot on the single line.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second medical device component includes a second opening, and the method further includes fitting a third portion of the first medical device component in the altered state into the second opening.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising fitting a third portion of the first medical device assembly into the first opening of the second medical device assembly.

11. A medical device, the medical device comprising: A defining ring, a first strand, and a second strand of NiTiNorm wire, each of the first strand and the second strand extending proximal to the ring; as well as A receiving component connected to the first strand and the second strand, wherein the receiving component includes a first opening, and a portion of the first strand extends through the first opening. The diameter of a portion of the first strand is smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of the first strand. A portion of the second strand extends through the first opening, wherein the diameter of the portion of the second strand is smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of the second strand.

12. The medical device of claim 11, wherein the diameter of said portion of the first strand is smaller than the diameter of the portion of the nitinol wire defining the ring.

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