Lock release devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

A latch locking and releasing system having a control knob operably coupled with a latch system; and a tubular latch release mechanism. The cross-section of the tubular latch release mechanism is transitionable between a locked configuration and a released configuration. In the locked configuration, the control knob maintains a latch in an engaged configuration in the latch system and is blocked from moving to allow the latch to disengage. In the release configuration, the control knob can move to allow the latch to disengage. The latch release mechanism and control knob may have additional features that prevent accidental actuation of the latch lock and release system to allow disengagement of the latch system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 348,286, filed on June 2, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of implantable medical devices. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for releasing a latching engagement of a deployment device with respect to an implantable device. Background Art

[0003] Various implantable medical devices are implanted using a delivery / deployment device or system that delivers the device and implants the device at the treatment site. Some such implantable devices are implanted in vivo via a cavity using a flexible, elongated member that extends between a control handle of the delivery / deployment system and an implantable device at its distal end. The flexible, elongated member must be sufficiently flexible so as to be manipulated to the treatment site via the cavity along a tortuous path. When the flexible, elongated member is navigated to the treatment site, it is important that the implantable device remains engaged with it. In addition, if the flexible, elongated member is to be used to deploy the implantable device, it is important that the flexible, elongated member remains operably engaged with the implantable device. For example, some implantable devices and / or their components are rotated and / or axially translated by the flexible, elongated member that is operably engaged with it. Various latch systems have been used to engage the flexible, elongated member with the implantable device. Improvements to devices, systems, and methods for operating such latch systems to maintain engagement between the flexible, elongated member and the implantable device and / or disengage the flexible, elongated member and the implantable device would be welcome. Summary of the invention

[0004] The abstract of the invention is given to aid understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various aspects and features of the invention may be advantageously used alone in some cases, or in combination with other aspects and features of the invention in other cases. The inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc. in this abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] According to various principles of the present invention, a system for delivering and / or deploying an implantable device includes a flexible, slender member having a distal end (the distal end has a delivery latch operably connected thereto) and a proximal end opposite the distal end; a proximal control knob operably connected to the proximal end of the flexible, slender member; a tubular, flexible, slender member having a distal end (the distal end has a cavity defined therein) and a proximal end opposite the distal end; a distal control knob operably connected to the proximal end of the tubular flexible, slender member; and a latch locking and release system that can be converted between a locked form and a released form. In some aspects, the delivery latch is configured to engage a device latch on an implantable device, and the cavity defined within the distal end of the tubular flexible slender member is sized to extend above the delivery latch, wherein the device latch engages with the delivery latch to maintain the delivery latch and the device latch in an engaged form; the latch locking and release system includes a tubular latch release mechanism, which is sized, shaped, configured and / or dimensioned to inhibit relative axial movement between the proximal control knob and the distal control knob when the latch locking and release system is in the locked form to maintain the delivery latch and the device latch in the engaged form; and in the released form, the latch release mechanism is sized, shaped, configured and / or dimensioned to allow relative axial translation between the proximal control knob and the distal control knob along the longitudinal axis of the latch release mechanism to allow the delivery latch to disengage from the device latch.

[0006] In some embodiments, in the release configuration, a portion of one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob extends into the interior of the latch release mechanism and moves relative to the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob to cause the tubular flexible elongated member to transform relative to the engaged latch to allow the delivery latch to disengage from the device latch. In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism is transformable upon application of a radially inward force thereto to transform the cross-sectional shape of its interior to allow one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob to extend therein. In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism includes at least one protruding portion that rides over a corresponding ramp extending circumferentially on the exterior of one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob; the depth of the ramp decreases from a first end to a second end thereof; when the protruding portion is positioned over the first end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob are locked to prevent relative translation relative to each other; and when the protruding portion is positioned over the second end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob are axially translatable relative to each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, in a locked form, the latch release mechanism locks the tubular flexible slender member to prevent axial translation relative to the flexible slender member, thereby maintaining the delivery latch engaged with the device latch within a cavity defined in the distal end of the tubular flexible slender member; and in a released form, the latch release mechanism allows axial translation of the flexible tubular slender member relative to the flexible slender member to allow the delivery latch to disengage from the device latch.

[0008] In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism is mounted on one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob; and has an interior that is sized, shaped, configured and / or dimensioned to receive the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob when the latch release mechanism and the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob are axially translated relative to each other along the translation axis when the latch locking and release system is in the released configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system includes a recess having a transverse leg extending transverse to the translation axis and an axial leg extending along the translation axis; and a projection extending transverse to the translation axis and extending into the recess and preventing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob when in the transverse leg of the recess and allowing axial translation of the other of the latch release mechanism and the proximal control knob or the distal control knob when in the axial leg in the recess. In some embodiments, the system further includes an axial lug projection that engages the axial recess to prevent relative rotation of the projection into a position that moves along the axial leg of the recess.

[0010] According to various principles of the present invention, a latch locking and release system is convertible between a locked configuration and a released configuration, wherein the locked configuration maintains the latch of the system in engagement with a device latch operably coupled to an implantable device, and the released configuration allows the latch of the system to disengage from the device latch. In some aspects, the system includes a control knob operably associated with the system latch; and a latch release mechanism, the latch release mechanism convertible between a locked configuration and a released configuration, wherein the locked configuration holds the control knob in a position maintaining the latch engagement, and the released configuration allows the control knob to release the engagement of the latch; wherein the latch release mechanism is tubular about an axis and convertible between a locked configuration and a released configuration, wherein the locked configuration blocks axial movement of the control knob relative to the latch release mechanism, and the released configuration allows axial movement of the control knob relative to the latch release mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tubular latch release mechanism has an interior that is sized, shaped, configured, and / or dimensioned to receive a portion of a control knob therein when in a released configuration and to block rotation of the control knob therein when in a locked configuration. In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism is convertible upon application of a radially inward force thereto so that the cross-sectional shape of its interior is converted to allow the control knob to extend therein. In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism includes at least one protrusion that rides over a corresponding ramp extending circumferentially on an exterior of the control knob; the depth of the ramp decreases from a first end to a second end thereof; when the protrusion is positioned over a first end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and the control knob are locked to prevent relative translation relative to each other; and when the protrusion is positioned over a second end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and the control knob are axially translatable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the size, shape, configuration, and / or dimension of the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the latch release mechanism is configured to change from blocking the control knob from extending into the interior of the latch release mechanism to allowing a portion of the control knob to extend therein when the protrusion rides from the first end of the ramp to the second end of the ramp.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a groove having a transverse leg extending transverse to the translation axis and an axial leg extending along the translation axis; and a projection extending transverse to the translation axis and extending into the groove, and preventing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the control knob when in the transverse leg of the groove, and allowing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the control knob when in the axial leg in the groove. In some embodiments, the axial lug projection engages the axial groove to prevent relative rotation of the projection into a position to move along the axial leg of the groove.

[0013] According to various principles of the present invention, a method of actuating a latch locking and release system includes setting the size, shape, configuration and / or dimensions of the cross-section of a tubular latch release mechanism to change from a locked form that blocks axial translation of a control knob relative to the axis of the tubular latch release mechanism to a released form that allows axial translation of the control knob relative to the latch release mechanism along the axis of the tubular latch release mechanism.

[0014] In some aspects, the method further includes moving a control knob into the interior of the tubular latch release mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism and the control knob are locked against axial movement by engagement of a protrusion in a lateral leg of the groove, and the method further comprises rotating the latch release mechanism and the control knob relative to each other to move the protrusion into alignment with the axial leg of the groove to allow relative axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the control knob.

[0016] In some aspects, the method further includes squeezing the tubular latch release mechanism to change its cross-section.

[0017] In some aspects, the method further includes rotating the latch release mechanism relative to a ramp on an exterior of the control knob to change a cross-section of the latch release mechanism.

[0018] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, and the scope of the invention claimed for protection is set forth in the appended claims. Although the following disclosure is presented in terms of various aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that individual aspects may be claimed alone or in combination with various aspects and features of this or any other embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings which are schematic and not intended to be drawn to scale. The drawings are provided for illustration purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, orders, and relative sizes reflected in the figures in the drawings may vary. For example, the device may be enlarged so that details are discernible, but is intended to be reduced with respect to, for example, fitting within a delivery catheter or working channel of an endoscope. For clarity and simplicity, not every element is labeled in every figure, and not every element of every embodiment is shown, as these illustrations are not necessary for those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure.

[0020] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements, as described below:

[0021] Figure 1A A perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a latch locking and release system formed according to various principles of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A Detail view of Detail 1B.

[0023] Figure 2 It shows that Figure 1A A proximal perspective end view of an example of an embodiment of a latch locking and release system is shown.

[0024] Figure 3A Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line IIIA-IIIA.

[0025] Figure 3B It shows that Figure 3A An alternative form of an example of an embodiment of a latch locking and release system is shown.

[0026] Figure 4A Shown as Figure 1A A perspective view of a latch locking and release system is shown with the latch release mechanism in an initial activation configuration allowing the latch locking and release system to be activated.

[0027] Figure 4B Shown as Figure 4A A perspective view of a latch locking and release system is shown, but in a transition configuration that allows the latch locking and release system to transition to a configuration that allows the latch locking and release system with which it is operably associated to be disengaged.

[0028] Figure 4C Shown as Figure 4A and Figure 4B A perspective view of a latch locking and release system is shown, but wherein the latch release mechanism is in a configuration that allows the latch locking and release system with which it is operably associated to be disengaged.

[0029] Figure 5A A perspective view of another example of an embodiment of a latch locking and release system formed according to various principles of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A Detailed view of 5B.

[0031] Fig. 6A Shown as Figure 5A A perspective view of a portion of a latch locking and release system is shown with the latch release mechanism in a locked configuration.

[0032] Figure 6B Shown as Figure 5A A perspective view of a portion of a latch locking and release system is shown, but with the latch release mechanism in a configuration that allows disengagement of the latch locking and release system with which it is operably associated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict illustrative embodiments. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and may therefore vary. All devices and systems and methods discussed herein are examples of devices and / or systems and / or methods implemented according to one or more principles of the present invention. Each example of the embodiment is provided in an explanatory manner and is not the only way to implement these principles, but is merely an example. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the accompanying drawings must be understood as references to examples of embodiments of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the present invention to the specific elements, structures or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art when reading the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For example, features illustrated and described as part of one embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce a further embodiment. Therefore, the present subject matter is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0034] It should be understood that the present invention is explained in various levels of detail in this application. In some cases, details that are unnecessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention or that make other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. The terms used in this article are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to be limited beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise specified, the technical terms used herein are to be understood as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. According to the present invention, all devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be manufactured and performed without excessive experimentation.

[0035] As used herein, "proximal" refers to the direction or position closest to a user (a medical professional or clinician or technician or operator or physician, etc., such terms are used interchangeably herein and are not intended to be limiting, and include automated controller systems or others), etc., such as when the device is used (e.g., when the device is introduced into the patient's body, or during implantation, positioning or delivery) and / or closest to a delivery device, and "distal" refers to the direction or position farthest from a user, such as when the device is used (e.g., when the device is introduced into the patient's body, or during implantation, positioning or delivery) and / or closest to a delivery device. "Longitudinal" means extending along the longer or larger dimension of an element. "Longitudinal axis" extends along the longitudinal extent of an element, but is not necessarily straight, and does not necessarily maintain a fixed configuration if the element is flexed or bent. And "axial" generally refers to along the longitudinal axis. However, it should be understood that references to axial or longitudinal movement related to the above-mentioned systems or elements are not necessarily strictly limited to axial and / or longitudinal movement along the longitudinal axis or central axis of the referenced element. "Center" means at least generally bisecting a center point and / or being generally equidistant from a perimeter or border, and "central axis" means a line at least generally bisecting a center point of an opening relative to an opening, which extends longitudinally along the length of the opening when the opening comprises, for example, a tubular element, strut, passage, cavity, or hole. As used herein, a "cavity" or "passage" or "hole" is not limited to a circular cross-section. As used herein, a "free end" of an element is a terminal end beyond which such element does not extend.

[0036] A trend in medical surgery includes moving from laparoscopy and open surgery to miniaturized, minimally invasive transcatheter or transcavitary surgery, where the treatment site can be accessed without cutting the patient. A delivery and deployment system has been developed to deliver an implantable device through the patient's body transcavitary, such as through one or more delivery / deployment catheters transcatheter. For example, an implantable device can be delivered to a deployment site at the end of a flexible, slender member, where the implantable device can be deployed (e.g., implanted, engaged with another element, etc.). The flexible, slender member can be a probe, a latch wire, an axis, etc. (these terms are interchangeable in this article and are not intended to be limiting), which can be navigated to the treatment site through the cavity, and optionally can also be delivered through other tubular flexible, slender members. The delivery and deployment system used therewith includes a latch locking and release system, which can selectively engage / disengage with the implantable device to ensure that the implantable device is fixedly delivered at the distal end of the flexible, slender member. The latch locking and release system can also be used to ensure that the implantable device is firmly engaged with an actuator system that is configured to deploy, adjust or otherwise manipulate the implantable device before withdrawing the delivery and deployment system. In some embodiments, the latch locking and release system includes a delivery latch at the end of a flexible, elongated member (which delivers the implantable device), and a device latch operably coupled to the implantable device (and which may alternatively be referred to as a coupler). The delivery latch and the device latch may engage with each other, and the hypotube may translate relative to the engaged latch to maintain the latch in a latched configuration. Optionally, the hypotube is used as an actuator or driver that can manipulate, operate, actuate, control, etc. (such terms and their other grammatical forms are used interchangeably herein and are not intended to be limiting) the implantable device via the latch or via other components operably associated with the implantable device. Optionally, one or more additional actuators can be operably coupled to the implantable device when in the latched configuration to allow the implantable device to be further manipulated by the delivery and deployment system (e.g., to deploy the implantable device, to actuate one or more components or devices, etc.).

[0037] According to various principles of the present invention, a latch release mechanism is operably associated with a delivery and deployment system to transition the latch lock and release system between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. More particularly, the latch release mechanism can have a locked configuration in which the latch release mechanism maintains the latch lock and release system in an engaged configuration in which the delivery latch and the device latch are maintained in an engaged configuration (e.g., utilizing a hypotube on the delivery latch and the device latch to hold the latch in an engaged configuration). The latch release mechanism can be actuated to transition to a released configuration in which the latches of the latch lock and release system can be released from the engaged configuration and disengaged from each other.

[0038] In some embodiments, the latch locking and release system has a latch wire with a delivery latch, and a hypotube that can translate above the latch wire, and these elements can translate between a latched configuration and a released configuration relative to each other. In the latched configuration, the hypotube is positioned above the delivery latch and the device latch on the implantable device to maintain the latch in an engaged configuration. In the released configuration, the hypotube is in a position where none of the latches are covered by the hypotube, so that the latches can disengage from each other. Alternatively, in the released configuration of the hypotube, the hypotube is positioned relative to the latch wire so that the delivery latch is free to engage or engage with the latch of the implantable device. The hypotube can then be converted to the latched configuration to maintain the latch in an engaged configuration.

[0039] According to various principles of the present invention, the latch release mechanism is actuatable in relation to the control knob to transition between a locked configuration and a released configuration. In the locked configuration, the latch release mechanism locks the control knob in a position for maintaining the latch lock and release system in the latch configuration. In the released configuration, the latch release mechanism is movable in relation to the control knob into a position that allows the control knob to transition the latch lock and release system to the released configuration.

[0040] In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism has a dual locking arrangement that prevents the latch release mechanism from accidentally switching from the locked configuration to the released configuration. For example, the latch release mechanism and the control knob can rotate and translate axially relative to each other during the transition of the latch release mechanism between the locked configuration and the released configuration. The dual locking arrangement secures the latch release mechanism and the control knob to prevent accidental rotation and accidental axial translation relative to each other. In some aspects, the latch release mechanism has a latch release collar having a configuration that can be switched between the locked configuration and the released configuration. In some embodiments, the interaction of the latch release collar relative to the control knob switches the latch release collar between the locked configuration and the released configuration.

[0041] Various embodiments of latch release mechanisms, systems, and methods will now be described with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. References in this specification to "one embodiment," "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc. indicate that one or more specific features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics according to the principles of the present invention may be combined with the embodiment. However, such references do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include specific features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics, or that one embodiment includes all features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics. Some embodiments may include one or more such features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics in various combinations thereof. It should be understood that one or more of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics described with reference to one embodiment may be combined with one or more of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics of any of the other embodiments provided herein. That is, any of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics described herein may be mixed and matched to create a hybrid embodiment. Embodiments, and such mixed embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, references to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc., throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It should also be understood that the various features, structures, concepts and / or characteristics of the disclosed embodiments are independent and separate from each other, and can be used or presented individually or in various combinations with each other to create alternative embodiments that are considered to be part of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, because it would be too cumbersome to describe all possible combinations and sub-combinations of features, structures, concepts and / or characteristics, and the examples of embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention. The following description is merely an illustrative example of an embodiment and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

[0042] Turning now to the drawings, it will be appreciated that common features are identified by common reference elements, and for the sake of brevity and convenience and not intended to be limiting, the description of common features is generally not repeated. For the sake of clarity, not all parts with the same reference numerals are numbered. It will be appreciated that in the following description, similar elements or parts with reference numerals greater than 100 in the various illustrated embodiments are generally indicated by the same reference numerals increased by multiples of 100, and for the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions are generally omitted. In addition, certain features in one embodiment may be used in different embodiments, and do not need to be individually labeled when appearing in different embodiments.

[0043] An example of an embodiment of a latch lock and release system 100 formed according to various principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A , in relation to an example of an embodiment of a delivery and deployment system 100 (or at least a portion thereof). More particularly, the illustrated example of an embodiment of a latch lock and release system 100 includes a latch release mechanism 102 whose proximal end 101 is positioned relative to a distal end 123 of a proximal control knob 120 to inhibit or prevent relative movement therebetween (e.g., relative axial translation or rotation of the latch release mechanism 102 and the control knob 120), as discussed in further detail below. The latch release mechanism 102 can be mounted on or to another element of the delivery and deployment system 100, such as a distal control knob 130. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end 103 of the latch release mechanism 102 can be fixed relative to the distal control knob 130 to allow the proximal end 101 of the latch release mechanism 102 to be adjusted relative to the proximal control knob 120, and optionally also relative to the distal control knob 130. It should be understood that other relative configurations of the latch release mechanism 102 and one or more control knobs are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, instead of the proximal end 101 of the latch release mechanism 102 being operably engaged with the proximal control knob to inhibit or prevent relative movement therebetween, the distal end 103 of the latch release mechanism 102 can be operably engaged with the distal control knob (and optionally mounted on the proximal control knob) to inhibit or prevent relative movement therebetween. The latch lock and release system 100 is configured to switch between a locked configuration and a released configuration. In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism 102 is configured to prevent relative movement of the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130 when the latch lock and release system 100 is in the locked configuration, and to allow relative movement of the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130 when the latch lock and release system 100 is in the released configuration.

[0044] If you can refer to Figure 1A And its Figure 1B As can be understood from the detailed view in FIG. 1 , the proximal control knob 120 is operably coupled to the proximal end 141 of the flexible, elongated member 140 (e.g., along the distal end 123 of the proximal control knob 120). The delivery latch 142 is operably coupled to the distal end 143 of the flexible, elongated member 140 in any suitable manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as by riveting, welding, soldering, brazing, bonding (e.g., with an adhesive or other material), crimping, interference fit, friction fit, etc., to ensure a secure connection therebetween. The delivery latch 142 is configured to engage the implantable device 150, such as to deliver, deploy, actuate, move, etc. the implantable device 150. As shown in FIG. Figure 1B, the implantable device 150 may include a device latch 152 configured to engage with the delivery latch 142. Only a portion of the implantable device 150 is shown, as the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular implantable device 150. The implantable device 150 may be implanted in the patient's heart relative to a heart valve (e.g., the mitral valve or the tricuspid valve) or relative to the left atrial appendage or in relation to any other anatomical structure, such as implanted in cardiac tissue (e.g., papillary muscle tissue).

[0045] In the illustrated example of the embodiment, the flexible elongated member 140 extends through the distal control knob 130 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160. The tubular flexible elongated member 160 extends from a proximal end 161 operably coupled to the distal control knob 130 to a distal end 163. The distal end 163 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 can define a cavity 165 therein, into which at least a portion of the delivery latch 142 (at the distal end 143 of the flexible elongated member 140) can be positioned, such as at Figure 1B 142 and 143, and the like. Optionally, the cavity 165 is sized to contain the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 (or at least a portion thereof) therein. In some embodiments, the cavity 165 extends from the distal end 103 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 to the proximal end 161. In some embodiments, the tubular flexible elongated member 160 can be configured as an actuator, and its distal end 163 is configured to operably engage the implantable device 150 to transmit movement of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 to the implantable device 150. In this case, movement (e.g., rotation) of the proximal control knob 120 causes movement (e.g., rotation) of the tubular flexible elongated member 160, which may also cause movement (e.g., rotation) of the implantable device 150 or a component thereof in various ways understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the details of which do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0046] The proximal end 161 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 is operably coupled to the distal control knob 130 (e.g., via a set screw) such that movement of the proximal control knob 130 controls movement of the tubular flexible elongated member 160, such as axially translating the distal end 163 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 relative to the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152. The flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 can be axially translated relative to each other to allow the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 to be in an engaged configuration (when within the lumen 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160, such as when the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 are engaged. Figure 1BThe delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 are generally incapable of disengaging from one another when the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 are engaged with one another and are located within the lumen 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 (or, in other words, the tubular flexible elongated member 160 extends over the engaged delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152). Proximally withdrawing the tubular flexible elongated member 160 to expose the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152, or distally advancing the flexible elongated member 140 to move the delivery latch 142 out of the lumen 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 allows the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 to disengage from one another.

[0047] According to various principles of the present invention, the latch locking and release system 100 is configured to switch between a locked configuration and a released configuration, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C . In the locked configuration of the latch locking and releasing system 100, the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 are engaged with each other. For example, in the locked configuration, the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 can be engaged with and located within the cavity 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160, and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 can be locked in a suitable position relative to the flexible elongated member 140. In the illustrated example of the embodiment, the latch locking and releasing system 100 locks the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130 so that they cannot move relative to each other, thereby maintaining the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 engaged with each other. More specifically, the latch locking and releasing system 100 can lock the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130 relative to each other so that the delivery latch 142 remains within the cavity 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 and cannot be disengaged from the device latch 152. Even more particularly, the latch release mechanism 102 of the latch locking and release system 100 can be configured and positioned to prevent relative movement of the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130 to prevent relative movement of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 and the flexible elongated member 140 (with the delivery latch 142 at its distal end 143). In embodiments where the latch release mechanism 102 is operably coupled to one of the control knobs 120, 130, when the latch locking and release system 100 is in the locked configuration, the latch release mechanism 102 is inhibited or prevented from moving relative to the other of the control knobs 120, 130.

[0048] In the release configuration, the latch locking and release system 100 allows the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 to disengage (or initially engage). For example, in the release configuration, the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 are no longer located within the cavity 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 and can be disengaged from each other (or can be initially engaged with each other before being held in the cavity 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160 in an engaged position). More specifically, in the release configuration, the latch release mechanism 102 can be transitioned into an appropriate position and / or configured to allow relative movement between the flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 and / or relative movement between the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130. In embodiments where the latch release mechanism 102 is operably coupled to one of the control knobs 120 , 130 , the latch release mechanism 102 may be movable (eg, axially translatable) relative to the other of the control knobs 120 , 130 when the latch locking and release system 100 is in the released configuration.

[0049] As reference Figure 2 As can be appreciated, the latch lock and release system 100 includes a tubular latch release mechanism 102 having a cross-section that is sized, shaped, configured, and / or dimensioned to block relative axial movement relative to the proximal control knob 120. For example, the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102 may have a cross-sectional shape that does not match the cross-sectional shape of the proximal control knob 120. Figure 2 Line IIIA-IIIA Figure 3A102 , the proximal control knob 120 may be further understood by looking at a cross-sectional view of the proximal control knob 120. In the locked configuration, the latch release mechanism 102 blocks the proximal control knob 120 and the distal control knob 130 from moving relative to each other, thereby preventing relative movement between the flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160, and thereby maintaining the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 in an engaged configuration (e.g., within the lumen 165 of the tubular flexible elongated member 160). For example, at least a portion of the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102 is sized, shaped, configured, and / or dimensioned such that the proximal control knob 120 cannot move axially relative to the latch release mechanism 102 (e.g., cannot move into the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102). For example, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the proximal control knob 120 is generally circular, while the cross-section of the latch release mechanism 102 is generally elliptical when in the locked configuration. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the portion of the distal control knob 130 around which the latch release mechanism 102 is positioned includes a narrow area (e.g., a flat portion or other area of ​​reduced diameter), or has an overall reduced diameter or proximal taper relative to the distal portion of the distal control knob 130, so as to provide clearance for the latch release mechanism 102 to be configured to block movement of the proximal control knob 120 relative to the latch release mechanism 102 and / or the distal control knob 130.

[0050] When a force F, such as a radially inwardly directed force, is applied to the latch release mechanism 102 (e.g. Figure 2 ), the cross-sectional shape of the latch release mechanism 102 can be transformed to allow relative movement of the proximal control knob 120 relative to the latch release mechanism 102 and / or the distal control knob 130. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, the latch release mechanism 102 can be transformed into a generally circular configuration. Figure 3B As will be appreciated, the cross-sectional shape of the latch release mechanism 102 can be transformed such that the cross-sectional shape of the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102 is formed to receive the proximal control knob 120 therein. For example, the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102 can be transformed to not obstruct the proximal control knob 120 from rotating along the longitudinal axis (generally along the longitudinal axis) of the latch release mechanism 102. Figure 1A The axis A in the latch release mechanism 102 is axially translated into the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102. Figure 3BIn the example of the embodiment shown, the latch release mechanism 102 is transformed into a configuration in which the inner portion 105 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, the inner diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the proximal control knob 120. However, other configurations that allow relative movement of the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that in embodiments in which the distal end 103 of the latch lock and release system 100 is operably coupled to the distal control knob 130, the latch lock and release system 100 can be flexible at its proximal end 101. In such embodiments, the distal end 103 of the latch lock and release system 100 can have a generally circular cross-section, or other shapes that are consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the distal control knob 130.

[0051] When the latch lock and release system 100 is in the release configuration, the proximal control knob 120 can be translated axially and distally (e.g., advanced), such as to move into the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102. Alternatively or additionally, when the latch lock and release system 100 is in the release configuration, the distal control knob 130 can be translated axially and proximally (e.g., retracted), such as to move the latch release mechanism 102 over the proximal control knob 120. This movement transitions the flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 relative to each other to allow the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 to disengage.

[0052] In some embodiments, the latch lock and release system 100 is locked against accidental movement into the released configuration to prevent accidental disengagement of the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 (which may affect the delivery and / or deployment and / or function of the associated implantable device 150). For example, the latch lock and release system 100 can be locked against accidental relative axial translation of the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 even when the latch lock and release system 100 is in the released configuration, wherein the latch release mechanism 102 is configured to allow relative movement relative to the proximal control knob 120 (e.g., into the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102). More particularly, in some embodiments, a lateral projection 104 (e.g., a radial projection, such as but not limited to a set screw) can extend from the latch release mechanism 102 into a recess 124 in the proximal control knob 120, such as Figure 4A In some embodiments, the projection 104 extends from the distal control knob 130, and the latch release mechanism 102 is operably coupled to the projection 104 via the distal control knob 130. In some embodiments, such as FIG. 4A to FIG. 4CAs shown in the figure, the L-shaped slot 124 is located in the optional narrower extension 122 distal to the proximal control knob 120, however other configurations are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In the illustrated example of the embodiment, in the locked configuration of the latch lock and release system 100, the protrusion 104 extends into the axially transverse leg 124a of the L-shaped slot 124 (transverse to the axis A along which the proximal control knob 120 and the latch release mechanism 102 can axially translate relative to each other). In this position, the protrusion 104 and the axially transverse leg 124a prevent relative axial translation of the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 to maintain the flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 in the appropriate position, wherein the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 are located within the cavity 165 of the flexible tubular elongated member 100. The projection 104 will have to be moved relative to the axially transverse leg 124a into alignment with the axially extending leg 124b of the L-shaped groove 124 (such as by rotating the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 relative to each other) to move the projection 104 into alignment with the axially extending leg 124b so that the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 can be moved axially relative to each other. As described above and in further detail below, once the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 are axially moved relative to each other, the flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 can be transformed into a configuration that allows the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 to disengage (or initially engage).

[0053] In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism 102 may include at least one axial projection 106, such as a lug (e.g., a protrusion, a finger, etc.), positioned along one side of the latch release mechanism 102, the latch release mechanism 102 being sized (e.g., generally adjacent to or along a sidewall of the proximal control knob 120) such that the axial projection 106 is engageable with an axial recess 126 in the proximal control knob 120 when the latch lock and release system 100 is in the locked configuration. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. Figure 4AAs shown, the axial protrusion 106 and the axial groove 126 engage with each other to prevent relative movement (rotational movement, and optionally translational movement) of the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120. Therefore, even if the latch release mechanism 102 is transferred to a configuration that generally matches the configuration of the proximal control knob 120 as described above, the proximal control knob 120 may not be able to be advanced distally into the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102, and the latch release mechanism 102 may not be able to be advanced proximally over the proximal control knob 120. It should be understood that other configurations of the lugs and grooves (e.g., not necessarily axially oriented, or in opposite positions relative to the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120, etc.) are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0054] like Figure 4B As shown, squeezing the latch release mechanism 102 to convert the cross-sectional shape of the proximal end 101 of the latch release mechanism 102 (as described above) releases the lug 126 from engagement with the groove 126 to allow the protrusion 104 to rotate relative to the L-shaped groove 124. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown, the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 can be rotated relative to each other (e.g., about the axis A) to move the protrusion 104 toward the axial leg 124b of the L-shaped groove 124, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B When the cross-sectional shape of the latch release mechanism 102 allows the proximal control knob 120 to fit within the interior 105 of the latch release mechanism 102 and the projection 104 is aligned with the axially extending legs 124b, the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 can move axially relative to each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C Also, as described above, relative axial movement of the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 along the axis A allows relative movement of the flexible elongated member 140 and the tubular flexible elongated member 160 to allow the delivery latch 142 and the device latch 152 to disengage (or initially engage) each other.

[0055] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the latch release mechanism 102 can be operably coupled to the proximal control knob 120 rather than the distal control knob 130. For example, the proximal end 101 of the latch release mechanism 102 can be operably coupled to the proximal control knob 120 (such as in the manner described with respect to the coupling of the latch release mechanism 102 to the distal control knob 130). An L-shaped groove having a longitudinally extending leg extending distally from an axially transverse leg can be formed in the distal control knob 130 rather than in the proximal control knob 120 (i.e., in the same manner as described above with respect to the embodiment of the present invention). FIG. 4A to FIG. 4CAlternatively, the groove may be formed in a proximally extending, optionally narrower extension of the distal control knob 130 (such as the reverse of the optional extension 122 of the proximal control knob 120). The protrusion may be provided in the latch release mechanism 102 and may be substantially as described above with respect to Figure 4A 4D , but operates in a generally mirror image direction.

[0056] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Another example of a latch locking and releasing system 200 having another example of an embodiment of a latch release mechanism 202 is shown in FIG. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Similar to the components in Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Elements in are numbered with like reference numerals increased by 100, and for the sake of brevity and convenience and not intended to be limiting, reference is made to the above descriptions of similar elements and operations. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the size, shape, and / or configuration of the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 inhibit or prevent axial translation of the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 relative to each other. For example, similar to the latch release mechanism 102 and the proximal control knob 120 described above, the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 can have non-matching shapes and thereby prevent relative axial translation therebetween. More particularly, as may be seen with reference to Figure 5A and Fig. 6AIt is understood that the cross-sectional shape of the interior 205 of the latch release mechanism 202 may not match the cross-sectional shape of the exterior of the proximal control knob 220, such that the proximal control knob 220 cannot extend within the interior 205 of the latch release mechanism 202 (or, in other words, the latch release mechanism 202 cannot extend above the proximal control knob 220). In the locked configuration of the latch lock and release system 200, the cross-sectional shape of the latch release mechanism 202 does not match the cross-sectional shape of the proximal control knob 220. In the released configuration of the latch lock and release system 200, the latch release mechanism 202 is sized, shaped, configured, and / or dimensioned to allow relative axial translation of the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220, such as to allow the proximal control knob 220 to extend into the interior 205 of the latch release mechanism 202, or to allow the latch release mechanism 202 to extend above the proximal control knob 220. Such relative movement of the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 allows the flexible tubular slender member 200 and the engaged delivery latch 242 and device latch 252 to move relative to each other to a position allowing the delivery latch 242 and device latch 252 to disengage (or initially engage), such as described above.

[0057] exist Figure 5A , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated latch locking and release system 200, at least one proximally extending axial projection 206 on the latch release mechanism 202 extends over a corresponding ramp 226 that extends circumferentially on the exterior of the proximal control knob 220, rather than the axial projection 206 extending from the latch release mechanism 202 into an axial recess in the proximal control knob 220. The axial projection 206 is located along one side of the latch release mechanism 202 that is sized so that the axial projection 206 can engage the proximal control knob 220. The ramp 226 is deeper at one circumferential end 226a thereof than at the other circumferential end 226b thereof (i.e., the radial dimension of the proximal control knob 220 is smaller), wherein the axial projection 206 is located in the deeper end 226a when the latch release mechanism 102 is in the locked configuration (wherein the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 are generally blocked from axial translation relative to each other). Once sufficient relative rotational force R is applied to the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 (e.g., in the locked configuration), the axial projection 206 is located in the deeper end 226a. Fig. 6AIn the example of the embodiment shown, with clockwise rotation of the latch release mechanism 202 and / or counterclockwise rotation of the proximal control knob 220), the axial protrusion 206 rides up along the ramp 226. As the axial protrusion 206 rides up along the ramp 226, due to the decrease in the depth of the ramp 226 (and the resulting increase in the outer diameter of the proximal control knob 220), the axial protrusion 206 moves radially outward from the axis A about which the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 rotate relative to each other. This radial outward movement of the axial protrusion 206 causes the latch locking and release system 200 to transition into the release configuration. In particular, the movement of the axial protrusion 206 causes deformation of the latch release mechanism 202. It should be appreciated that providing two or more circumferentially spaced apart axial projections 206 (each in a corresponding ramp 226) (or at least a pair of diametrically opposed axial projections 206 and corresponding ramps 226) can facilitate the desired change in the cross-sectional shape of the latch release mechanism 202 so as not to obstruct its axial translation relative to the proximal control knob 220. Thus, the latch release mechanism 202 can be deformed from its locked configuration to a released configuration, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the latch release mechanism 202 is transformed to a released configuration that allows relative axial movement of the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 to allow disengagement of the delivery latch 242 and the device latch 252. For example, in the released configuration, the latch release mechanism 202 can extend above the proximal control knob 220, and the distal end 263 of the tubular flexible elongated member 260 can be retracted from a configuration in which the delivery latch 242 and the device latch 252 are maintained in engagement. In other words, the proximal control knob 220 can extend into the interior 205 of the latch release mechanism 202, and the engaged delivery latch 242 and device latch 252 can extend out of the lumen 265 in the tubular flexible elongated member 260 so as to freely disengage from one another.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As can be appreciated in the example of the embodiment shown, the deeper end 226a of the ramp 226 forms a proximal shoulder 227 in the proximal control knob 220, thereby blocking the axial projection 206 and, therefore, blocking axial movement of the latch release mechanism 202 relative to the proximal control knob 220. Thus, the latch locking and release system 200 is in a locked configuration and the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 are inhibited or prevented from axially moving relative to each other. Once sufficient relative rotational force R is applied to the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 (e.g., in Fig. 6AIn the example of the embodiment shown, with clockwise rotation of the latch release mechanism 202 and / or counterclockwise rotation of the proximal control knob 220), the axial protrusion 206 rides up along the ramp 226. When the latch release mechanism 202 is rotated and the axial protrusion 206 reaches the second end 226b of the ramp 226, the shoulder 227 no longer blocks the relative axial translation of the latch release mechanism 202. In addition, as described above, movement of the axial protrusion 206 along the ramp 226 causes the latch locking and release system 200 and the latch release mechanism 202 to transition into the released configuration, thereby allowing the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 to transition relative to each other. The latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 can be shaped and configured so that the axial protrusion 206 remains in the deeper end 226a of the ramp 226 (at the lower end 226b of the ramp 226). Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 220) unless a rotational force R is applied to one or both of the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220. The relative sizes and configurations of the axial projection 206 and the ramp 226 are also selected so as to secure the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 against accidental rotation relative to each other. Thus, in the locked configuration of the latch lock and release system 200, the latch release mechanism 202 and the proximal control knob 220 maintain the associated delivery latch 242 and the device latch 252 in an engaged configuration. Thus, the delivery latch 242 on the distal end 243 of the flexible elongated member 240 having the proximal end 241 operably coupled to the proximal control knob 220 can be inhibited or prevented from axially moving relative to the tubular flexible elongated member 260, which is operably coupled to the distal control knob 230 at its proximal end 261. When the delivery latch 242 is engaged with the device latch 252 and is located within the lumen 265 within the distal end 263 of the tubular flexible elongate member 260, such as in Figure 5B Provided in Figure 5A As shown in the detail view of , this engaged configuration is maintained when the latch locking and release system 200 is in the locked configuration.

[0059] In some embodiments, the latch release mechanism 202 may include a lateral projection 204, and the proximal control knob 220 may include a corresponding L-shaped groove 224, which interact in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4CThe interaction between the projection 104 and the L-shaped groove 124 described above, reference to which is made is for the sake of brevity and convenience and is not intended to be limiting. However, it should be understood that if the cavity in the tubular flexible elongated member in any of the above-described embodiments is sized such that the engaged delivery latch and the device latch cannot move proximally relative to the tubular flexible elongated member (e.g., if the implantable device interferes with further retraction of the engaged latch into the tubular flexible elongated member and / or the size, shape, dimensions and / or configuration of the cavity within the tubular flexible elongated member is designed to limit retraction of the latch therein and / or otherwise), then there is no need to inhibit proximal axial translation of the latch release mechanism relative to the proximal control knob and / or distal axial translation of the latch release mechanism relative to the proximal control knob to retract the proximal control knob proximally, and the groove in the proximal control knob need not have a transverse leg. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, similar principles (no need for a groove with a transverse leg) can be applied relative to the groove in the distal control knob as described above.

[0060] It should be understood that the order of operating the latch release mechanism described above can be reversed. For example, the latch lock and release system can be in a released configuration to allow initial engagement of the delivery latch and the device latch, and then transition to a locked configuration that inhibits or prevents disengagement of the latch. In addition, as described above, it should be understood that the latch release mechanism can engage the distal control knob rather than the latch release mechanism engaging the proximal control knob. Operating the latch release mechanism to transition between the locked configuration and the released configuration is substantially the same as described above, except that the distal control knob can be proximally transferred into the latch release mechanism (as opposed to the proximal control knob being distally transferred into the latch release mechanism as described above).

[0061] It should be understood that the features typically described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment, whether or not explicitly stated. The various features described later can be used alone or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein. It should also be understood that all devices and methods discussed herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented according to one or more principles of the present invention. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles, but are merely examples, which are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the accompanying drawings must be understood as references to examples of embodiments of the present invention, and should not be understood as limiting the present invention to the specific elements, structures or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will come to mind when reading the present invention by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition to those discussed above, a person of ordinary skill in the art may also understand various further benefits of various aspects, features, components and structures of the latch locking and release system such as those described above.

[0062] In view of the foregoing, the above discussion has wide applicability and has been proposed for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the present invention to the form disclosed herein. It should be understood that, without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the present invention, various supplements, modifications and replacements can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, for those skilled in the art, without departing from its concept, spirit or scope or characteristics, the principles of the present invention can be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions and with other elements, materials and components. For example, in order to simplify the present invention, the various features of the present invention are combined together in one or more aspects, embodiments or forms. However, it should be understood that the various features of certain aspects, embodiments or forms of the present invention can be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments or forms. Although the present invention is proposed in the form of an embodiment, it should be understood that the various individual features of this theme do not need to exist in full, so as to realize at least some of the desired characteristics and / or benefits of this theme or such individual features. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be used with many modifications or changes to the structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, components and others used in the practice of the present invention, which are particularly suitable for specific environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles or spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts that can be integrally formed, the operation of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the size or dimensions of the element can be changed. Similarly, although the operation or action or procedure is described in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring such a specific order, or that all operations or actions or procedures must be performed to achieve the desired result. Additionally, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired results. Therefore, the embodiments currently disclosed should be shown as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the subject matter claimed for protection is indicated by the attached claims, and is not limited to the previous description or specific embodiments or arrangements described or shown herein. In view of the foregoing, the individual features of any embodiment may be used and claimed alone or in combination with features of that or any other embodiment, the scope of the subject matter being indicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0063] In the description above and the claims below, the following will be understood. As used herein, the phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open expressions that are both conjunctions and non-conjunctions in operation. The terms "one", "an", "the", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. For example, the terms "one" or "an" entity as used herein refer to one or more of the entities. Therefore, the terms "one" (or "one"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and / or the like) are only used for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present invention, and / or to distinguish the regions of the associated elements from each other, and do not limit the associated elements, particularly the position, orientation, or use of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and combined) are to be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements. In this regard, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0064] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description by such reference, wherein each claim stands independently as a separate embodiment of the invention. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements, components, features, regions, integers, steps, operations, etc. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not mean that the combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude the plural. Reference symbols in the claims are provided only as examples of clarification and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the limitation requirements in any way.

Claims

1. A system for delivering and / or deploying an implantable device, the system comprising: a flexible, elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, the distal end having a delivery latch operably coupled thereto; a proximal control knob operably coupled to the proximal end of the flexible elongated member; a tubular flexible elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, the distal end having a lumen defined therein; a distal control knob operably coupled to the proximal end of the tubular flexible elongated member; as well as a latch locking and release system that is convertible between a locked configuration and a released configuration; in: The delivery latch is configured to engage a device latch on an implantable device; the lumen defined within the distal end of the tubular flexible elongated member is sized to extend above the delivery latch, wherein a device latch engages the delivery latch to retain the delivery latch and the device latch in an engaged configuration; the latch lock and release system comprising a tubular latch release mechanism sized, shaped, configured and / or dimensioned to inhibit relative axial movement between the proximal control knob and the distal control knob to maintain the delivery latch and the device latch in an engaged configuration when the latch lock and release system is in the locked configuration; and In the released configuration, the latch release mechanism is sized, shaped, configured and / or dimensioned to allow relative axial translation between the proximal control knob and the distal control knob along the longitudinal axis of the latch release mechanism to allow the delivery latch to disengage from the device latch.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein in the release form, a portion of one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob extends into the interior of the latch release mechanism and moves relative to the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob to cause the tubular flexible slender member to shift relative to the engaged latch to allow the delivery latch to disengage from the device latch.

3. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the latch release mechanism is convertible when a radially inward force is applied thereto so that the cross-sectional shape of its interior is converted to allow one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob to extend therein.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the latch release mechanism comprising at least one protruding portion that rides over a corresponding ramp that extends circumferentially on an exterior of said one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob; The depth of the inclined surface decreases from the first end to the second end thereof; When the projection is positioned on the first end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and the one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob are locked against relative translation relative to each other; as well as The latch release mechanism and the one of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob are axially translatable relative to each other when the projection is positioned on the second end of the ramp.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a groove having a transverse leg extending transverse to the translation axis and an axial leg extending along the translation axis; as well as a protrusion extending transverse to the translation axis and into the recess and preventing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob when in the lateral leg of the recess and allowing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the other of the proximal control knob or the distal control knob when in the axial leg in the recess.

6. The system of claim 5 further comprising an axial lug projection that engages the axial groove to prevent relative rotation of the projection into a position where the axial leg moves along the groove.

7. A latch locking and release system convertible between a locked configuration maintaining a latch of the system in engagement with a device latch operably coupled to an implantable device and a released configuration allowing the latch of the system to disengage from the device latch, the system comprising: a control knob operably associated with the system latch; as well as a latch release mechanism convertible between a locked configuration that retains the control knob in a position that maintains the latch engagement and a released configuration that allows the control knob to release engagement of the latch; The latch release mechanism is tubular around an axis and can be converted between a locked form and a released form, wherein the locked form blocks the axial movement of the control knob relative to the latch release mechanism and the released form allows the axial movement of the control knob relative to the latch release mechanism.

8. A latch locking and release system according to claim 7, wherein the tubular latch release mechanism has an interior that is sized, shaped, configured and / or dimensioned to receive a portion of the control knob therein when in the release form and to block the control knob from extending therein when in the locked form.

9. The latch locking and release system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the latch release mechanism is convertible when a radially inward force is applied thereto so that the cross-sectional shape of its interior is converted to allow the control knob to extend therein.

10. The latch locking and release system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The latch release mechanism includes at least one protruding portion that rides over a corresponding ramp that extends circumferentially on an exterior of the control knob; The depth of the inclined surface decreases from the first end to the second end thereof; When the projection is positioned on the first end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and the proximal control knob are locked against relative translation with respect to each other; When the projection is positioned on the second end of the ramp, the latch release mechanism and the control knob are axially translatable relative to each other; as well as As the protrusion rides from the first end of the ramp to the second end of the ramp, the size, shape, configuration and / or dimensions of the internal cross-section of the latch release mechanism changes from blocking the control knob from extending into the interior of the latch release mechanism to allowing a portion of the control knob to extend therein.

11. The latch locking and release system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: a groove having a transverse leg extending transverse to the translation axis and an axial leg extending along the translation axis; as well as a protrusion extending transversely to the translation axis and into the groove and preventing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the control knob when in the transverse leg of the groove and allowing axial translation of the latch release mechanism and the control knob when in the axial leg in the groove.

12. The system of claim 11 further comprising an axial lug projection that engages the axial groove to prevent relative rotation of the projection into a position where the axial leg moves along the groove.

13. A method for actuating a latch locking and release system, the method comprising setting the size, shape, configuration and / or dimensions of the cross-section of a tubular latch release mechanism to change from a locking configuration that blocks axial translation of a control knob relative to the tubular latch release mechanism to a releasing configuration that allows axial translation of the control knob relative to the latch release mechanism along the axis of the tubular latch release mechanism.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising compressing the tubular latch release mechanism to change its cross-section.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising rotating the latch release mechanism relative to a ramp on an exterior of the control knob to change a cross-section of the latch release mechanism.

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