Improved catheter hub

Abstract

A catheter includes a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and an axis between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a conduit extending from a distal end of the distal portion; and at least one wing located on the hub body and extending between a proximal end located at the proximal portion and a distal end located at the distal portion, where the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 369,840 filed on July 29, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. Field of the Invention

[0003] An improved hub is used with a catheter or other medical device, wherein the hub has at least one wing located on the hub body and extending between a proximal end located at a proximal portion and a distal end located at a distal portion, wherein the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction. Background of the Invention

[0005] Medical catheters allow physicians to apply a variety of different treatment methods in patients. Many catheters enter remote areas of the human body for delivery of diagnostic or therapeutic tools and / or agents to these sites. Optionally, the catheter may include a shaft or stent for treating a working end (e.g., a balloon, a filter retriever, an electrode, etc.). Some catheters, including but not limited to catheters for neurovascular use, are intended to enter small cerebral vessels from the aorta (e.g., the femoral artery or radial artery) through a tortuous anatomical structure. Therefore, due to the diverse regions of the anatomical structure through which the catheter passes, the catheter must be constructed to have diverse structural characteristics. Many times, the vascular path itself is circuitous into a multi-loop path, making it difficult for the catheter design to meet the requirements required for the tortuous anatomical structure. Therefore, the latest improvements in catheter design allow the catheter to be pushed and manipulated while the catheter is traveling through the body, while still providing enough flexibility at the distal end to allow the catheter tip to pass through the loop and smaller blood vessels. Improvements in catheter conduit construction and technology have driven the need for improved catheter hub design, particularly because the improved catheter conduit construction improves the ability of medical caregivers to pass the catheter through a tortuous vascular path to reach the distal area in the vascular system.

[0006] Figure 1A A conventional catheter 2 is shown having a typical configuration of a tube 10 extending from a hub 20, wherein the tube 10 may include a reinforcing member 12 within a wall 14 of the tube. In further variations, a liner (not shown) may be positioned within the tube 10, and / or the reinforcing member 12 may be partially or completely embedded within the wall 10 or liner. Typically, the catheter hub 20 includes two protrusions, commonly referred to as wings 22, that allow for manipulation of the catheter 2. The catheter hub 20 may also include a connector 24 at the proximal end.

[0007] Figure 1B The image taken along line 1B-1B is shown. Figure 1A1. As shown, the hub 20 allows the device / substance to be fluidly coupled to the catheter lumen 16. The wings 22 may extend on opposite sides of the hub 20. As described above, in many cases, the catheter must be advanced through a tortuous anatomy with a reduced vessel diameter, which requires the use of the wings 22 to apply torque to the hub 20 to rotate the catheter tubing 10 within the vessel. In such cases, when rotating the hub 20 and / or wings 22 of a conventional catheter 2, the medical care provider is limited to engaging the wings 22 on both sides of the hub.

[0008] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved hub design that complements the design of an improved catheter tubing structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A A conventional catheter and hub structure is shown.

[0011] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A Rear view of the catheter.

[0012] Figure 2 An example of a catheter having a modified hub 100 is shown.

[0013] Figure 3A Shows Figure 2 An isometric view of the hub and showing the rotationally offset wings.

[0014] Figure 3B and 3C They are shown respectively Figure 3A Front and side views of the hub.

[0015] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Another variation of a hub is shown having wings 122 whose proximal and distal ends are rotationally offset in the circumferential direction.

[0016] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Respective isometric, front and side views of a hub having wings with a left-hand winding direction, wherein the wings are rotationally offset in a leftward direction relative to the proximal-to-distal end.

[0017] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D A side view of an additional hub having at least one wing with rotationally offset wings is shown.

[0018] 7A to 7C Respective isometric, front and side views of a hub with a straight flange are shown. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present disclosure describes an improved hub for a medical device. A variation of the improved hub can be used with a catheter, wherein the catheter includes a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and an axis between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a conduit extending from a distal end of the distal portion; and at least one wing located on the hub body and extending between a proximal end located at the proximal portion and a distal end located at the distal portion, wherein the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction. Providing a wing having such a configuration provides a device with a natural tendency for a user to rotate the catheter / medical device in a preferred direction of winding of the catheter / device. Preferential winding results from the structure of the tubular device, so in most cases, providing a wing that matches the rotational direction of winding will result in the user turning the hub in a preferred direction of preferential winding.

[0021] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a hub for use with a medical tube, the hub comprising a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the hub body having an axis extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the hub is configured to engage the medical tube at the distal portion; a plurality of wings located on the hub body, the plurality of wings including a first wing having a proximal end located at the proximal portion and a distal end located at the distal portion, wherein the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction along the hub body.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a hub for use with a medical tube, the hub comprising a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an axis therebetween, wherein the hub is configured to engage the medical tube at the distal portion; a plurality of wings located on the hub body, the plurality of wings comprising a first wing having a proximal end located at the proximal portion and a distal end located at the distal portion, wherein the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction along the hub body.

[0023] Variations of the devices described herein relate to catheters wherein the at least one wing comprises a plurality of wings, each wing being evenly spaced about the circumference of the hub.

[0024] In further variations, the plurality of wings includes at least a first wing and an adjacent wing, wherein a proximal end of the first wing and a distal end of the adjacent wing are both rotationally offset relative to the distal end of the first wing by a first angular distance.

[0025] In some variations of the hub configuration, a height of at least one wing is greatest adjacent the proximal end.

[0026] Variations of the hub also include an intermediate section between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the height of at least one wing at the intermediate section is less than the height of the proximal end and less than the height of the distal end. The intermediate section may be straight or curved between the ends.

[0027] In a further variation, the height of the proximal end is equal to the height of the distal end.According to the present design, the hub may include a top surface of the wing having a concave profile at the intermediate section.

[0028] In some aspects, the hub can be used with a catheter having a conduit, the conduit including a structural component extending helically along the conduit and having a winding direction, and wherein at least one wing includes a winding orientation from a proximal end to a distal end. In some aspects, the winding direction and the winding orientation include right-hand winding. Alternatively, the winding direction and the winding orientation can include left-hand winding.

[0029] It should be noted that the various design features of the hubs and wings described herein may include combining these features into one or more hubs. For example, a single hub may include any number of unique wing designs. Alternatively, all wings on a hub may have the same design.

[0030] Detailed Description

[0031] The improved hub configurations discussed herein can be used in a variety of devices. For purposes of illustration, one variation of the improved hub is used in a distal access catheter that requires torque to be applied to the hub to direct the tube of the catheter to a desired location. Furthermore, in further variations, the construction features of the present disclosure are not limited to in vivo medical devices and can be used in any device that requires tubing.

[0032] Figure 2 An example of a catheter 102 having a modified hub 100 is shown. As shown, the catheter 102 includes: a tube 110 extending from the hub 100, wherein the tube 110 may optionally include a reinforcement member 112 within or embedded in the wall 114 of the tube 110. The catheter 102 shown may also include an optional strain relief 118 adjacent to the hub 118. The catheter 102 may also include an optional "winding" region 120. In some catheters, the construction of the catheter 102 results in a preferred torque direction, which can be caused by the directionality of the winding direction of the reinforcement member 112 (e.g., the winding of a coil) and / or the winding direction of the structure of the wall 114 of the catheter. Figure 2 In the example shown, the direction of winding of the reinforcement member 112 and the “winding region” 120 is depicted by direction 126 .

[0033] Figure 2An improved hub 100 is shown having a plurality of wings 122 positioned about the circumference of the hub body, wherein each wing 122 includes a twist configuration wherein one end 123 of the wing 122 is rotationally offset relative to an opposite end 125 of the wing 122 in a circumferential direction. As discussed in more detail below, variations of the device may match the direction of the twist to a preferred direction for applying torque to the catheter, wherein the preferred direction for applying torque to the catheter may be set by the catheter construction). Thus, the twisting of the wing 122 may be used as a tactile indicator to indicate the preferred direction for applying torque to the catheter. While the illustrated example shows three wings 122, any number of wings is within the scope of the present disclosure, including a single wing that is rotationally offset over 360 degrees of the hub body. Although not shown, the hub 120 allows a device / substance to be fluidly coupled to a catheter lumen 116 extending in a conduit. Additionally, the rotationally offset wings 122 provide a surface for substantially all areas of the catheter hub 120, as opposed to only on opposite sides of a conventional hub. This configuration facilitates the caregiver to apply torque to the hub 120 using the wings 122 to rotate the catheter tubing 10 for navigation within a blood vessel.

[0034] Figure 3A Shows Figure 2 100 to better illustrate the rotationally offset wings 122. The wings 122 may include any flanges, protrusions, or raised surfaces that allow manipulation of the hub, as described above. As shown, the hub 100 includes a proximal portion 134 adjacent to the connector 124 and a distal portion 136 that is coupled to a catheter or other conduit (not shown). An axis 138 extends between the proximal portion 134 and the distal portion 136 of the hub. The wings 122 protrude from the hub 100 and include a proximal end 130 located at or near the proximal portion 134 of the hub 100 and a distal end 132 located at or near the distal portion 136 of the hub.

[0035] Figure 3B Provided Figure 3A 100 to illustrate the rotational offset of the wing 122. Angle 140 shows the angular offset in the circumferential direction between the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132 of the wing at the peak of the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132. Angle 142 measures the angular offset (also in the circumferential direction) between the location where the proximal end 130 begins to protrude from the surface of the hub 100 to a second location where the distal end 132 begins to protrude from the surface of the hub 100. Obviously, the degree of rotational offset can vary based on the hub design and the location where the offset is measured.

[0036] Figure 3CAnother design feature of the hub 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the wing 122 may include a proximal end 130 separated from a distal end 132 by a middle portion 131 extending in a straight line between the two ends, wherein the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132 are each greater in height than the middle portion 131. By providing the middle portion 131 with a height less than the proximal end 130 and / or the distal end 132, a concave structural feature is created that allows a caregiver to nest a finger or thumb when manipulating the hub 100. Although all wings 122 on the hub 100 are shown as having the same design / profile, additional variations do not require that all wings on the hub have the same design / profile. In some variations, one wing may have a unique profile to provide orientation information about the catheter.

[0037] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Another variation of the hub 100 is shown, the hub 100 having a wing 122, wherein the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132 are rotationally offset in the circumferential direction. In this variation, the height of the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132 is less than the height of the middle portion 131 of the wing. In addition, as Figure 4C As shown, the intermediate portion 131 follows a curved profile between the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132 .

[0038] Figure 2 , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The variation of the hub 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows a hub with a rotational offset in the right-hand direction, meaning that the wings are twisted to the right when viewing the hub from the proximal end. In contrast, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Respective isometric, front, and side views of a hub 100 are shown having wings 122 with a left-hand winding orientation, wherein the wings 122 are rotationally offset in a leftward direction from a proximal end 130 to a distal end 132 .

[0039] As described above, any number of wings 122 is within the scope of the present disclosure. In some variations, the wings 122 will be evenly spaced around the circumference of the hub body. However, alternative variations may include rotationally offset hubs that are unevenly spaced around the circumference of the hub.

[0040] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D A side view of an additional hub 100 having at least one wing with ends 130 and 132 rotationally offset in a circumferential direction about the hub 100 is shown. Fig. 6A The wing 122 is shown configured to decrease in height from the proximal end 130 to the distal end 132 . Figure 6B and Figure 6C The concave middle portion 131 of the wing between the ends 130 and 132 is shown, wherein Figure 6C Ends 130 and 132 are shown as having the same height. Fig.6D A hub 100 is shown having a wing 1222 having a mid-portion extending in a straight profile between the rotationally offset ends 130, 132. As to other details of the invention, materials and manufacturing techniques may be employed within the level of a person skilled in the relevant art. The same may apply to the method-based aspects of the invention in terms of additional actions that are typically or logically employed. Furthermore, while the invention has been described with reference to several examples, optionally incorporating various features, the invention is not limited to what is described or shown as contemplated with respect to each variation of the invention.

[0041] Fig. 7A An isometric view of another variation of the hub 200 having three wings 222 is shown, wherein the wings 222 are aligned with the axis 238 of the hub 200. It is contemplated that the hub may include an axially offset wing in combination with one or more axially aligned wings. Likewise, the wings 222 may include any flange, protrusion, or raised surface that allows manipulation of the hub 200, as described above. The hub 200 includes a proximal portion 234 adjacent to the connector 224 and a distal portion 236 coupled to a catheter or other conduit (not shown). The axis 238 extends between the proximal portion 234 and the distal portion 236 of the hub 200. The wings 222 protrude from the hub 200 and include a proximal end 230 located at or near the proximal portion 234 of the hub 200 and a distal end 232 located at or near the distal portion 236 of the hub 200.

[0042] Figure 7B Provided Fig. 7A FIG. 2 is a front view of the hub 200 to show the wings 222 aligned axially along the hub 200 . Figure 7C A side view of the hub 200 is shown. Although not shown, for the wings, the respective heights of the proximal and distal ends of the wings 222 are different than the height of the middle portion. Providing a middle portion with a reduced height relative to the proximal and / or distal ends creates a concave structural feature that allows a caregiver to nest a finger or thumb when manipulating the hub 200. Although all wings 222 on the hub 200 are shown as having the same design / profile, additional variations do not require that all wings on the hub have the same design / profile. In some variations, one wing may have a unique profile to provide orientation information about the catheter.

[0043] Various changes may be made to the described invention, and equivalents (whether cited herein or not included herein for brevity) may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, any optional features of the creative variations may be set forth and claimed independently or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Therefore, the present invention contemplates, where possible, combinations of multiple aspects of the embodiments or combinations of the embodiments themselves. References to single items include the possibility of multiple identical items. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "and", "said", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] It is important to note that, where possible, aspects of the various described embodiments, or the embodiments themselves, may be combined, wherein such combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A catheter, comprising: a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and an axis between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a conduit extending from a distal end of the distal portion; and At least one wing is located on the hub and extends between a proximal end located at the proximal portion and a distal end located at the distal portion, wherein the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction.

2. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The at least one wing includes a plurality of wings, each wing being evenly spaced around a circumference of the hub.

3. The catheter according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of wings include at least a first wing and an adjacent wing, wherein a proximal end of the first wing and a distal end of the adjacent wing are rotationally offset a first angular distance relative to the distal end of the first wing. The catheter of claim 1 , further comprising a threaded portion at a proximal end of the proximal portion.

5. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The height of the at least one wing is greatest adjacent the proximal end.

6. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The at least one wing includes an intermediate section between the proximal end and the distal end. 7 . The catheter of claim 6 , wherein a height of the at least one wing at the intermediate section is less than a height of the proximal end and less than a height of the distal end.

8. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The height of the proximal end is equal to the height of the distal end.

9. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein: The top surface of the at least one wing is concave at the intermediate section.

10. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein The at least one wing is curved between the proximal end and the distal end.

11. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein The at least one wing is bent from the proximal end to the distal end.

12. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein The at least one wing is straight from the proximal end to the distal end.

13. The catheter of claim 1, wherein: The conduit includes a structural member extending helically along the conduit and having a winding direction, and wherein the at least one wing includes a winding orientation from the proximal end to the distal end.

14. The catheter according to claim 13, wherein The winding direction and the winding orientation include right-hand winding.

15. The catheter according to claim 13, wherein: The winding direction and the winding orientation include left-hand winding.

16. A hub for use with a medical tube, the hub comprising: a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the hub body having an axis extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the hub is configured to engage the medical tubing at the distal portion; A plurality of wings are located on the hub body, the plurality of wings including a first wing having a proximal end located at the proximal portion and a distal end located at the distal portion, wherein the proximal end is rotationally offset relative to the distal end in a circumferential direction along the hub body.

17. The hub of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of wings are each evenly spaced around the circumference of the hub.

18. The hub of claim 17, wherein: The plurality of wings include at least a first wing and an adjacent wing, wherein a proximal end of the first wing and a distal end of the adjacent wing are rotationally offset a first angular distance relative to the distal end of the first wing.

19. The hub of claim 16, further comprising a threaded portion at a proximal end of the proximal portion.

20. The hub of claim 16, wherein: The height of each of the plurality of wings is greatest adjacent the proximal end.

21. The hub of claim 16, wherein: At least one wing includes an intermediate section between the proximal end and the distal end.

22. The hub of claim 21, wherein a height of the plurality of wings at the intermediate section is less than a height of the proximal end and less than a height of the distal end.

23. The hub of claim 22, wherein: The height of the proximal end is equal to the height of the distal end.

24. The hub of claim 21, wherein: The top surfaces of the plurality of wings are concave at the intermediate section.

25. The hub of claim 21, wherein: The plurality of wings are curved between the proximal end and the distal end.

26. The hub of claim 21, wherein: Each wing of the plurality of wings is bent from the proximal end to the distal end.

27. The hub of claim 21, wherein: Each of the plurality of wings includes a straight profile from the proximal end to the distal end.

28. The hub of claim 16, wherein: The medical tubing comprises a structural member extending helically along the medical tubing and having a winding direction, and wherein the plurality of wings comprises a winding orientation from the proximal end to the distal end.

29. The hub of claim 28, wherein: The winding direction and the winding orientation include right-hand winding.

30. The hub of claim 28, wherein: The winding direction and the winding orientation include left-hand winding.

31. A hub for use with medical tubing, the hub comprising: a hub body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the hub body having an axis extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the hub is configured to engage the medical tubing at the distal portion; A plurality of wings on the hub extend in a helical profile around the hub between the proximal portion and the distal portion such that for each wing of the plurality of wings, a proximal end is circumferentially offset relative to a distal end.

32. The hub of claim 31, wherein: The plurality of wings are evenly spaced around the circumference of the hub.

33. The hub of claim 32, wherein: The plurality of wings include at least a first wing and an adjacent wing, wherein a proximal end of the first wing and a distal end of the adjacent wing are rotationally offset a first angular distance relative to the distal end of the first wing.

34. The hub of claim 31 further comprising a threaded portion at a proximal end of the proximal portion.

35. The hub of claim 31 , wherein: The height of each of the plurality of wings is greatest adjacent the proximal end.

36. The hub of claim 31 , wherein: Each of the plurality of wings includes an intermediate section between the proximal end and the distal end.

37. The hub of claim 36, wherein: At least one of the plurality of wings has a height at the intermediate section that is less than a height at the proximal end and less than a height at the distal end.

38. The hub of claim 37, wherein: The height of the proximal end is equal to the height of the distal end.

39. The hub of claim 36, wherein: A top surface of each of the plurality of wings is concave at the intermediate section.

40. The hub of claim 36, wherein: At least one wing of the plurality of wings is curved between the proximal end and the distal end.

41. The hub of claim 36, wherein: At least one wing of the plurality of wings is bent from the proximal end to the distal end.

42. The hub of claim 36, wherein: At least one wing of the plurality of wings includes a straight profile from the proximal end to the distal end.

43. The hub of claim 31 , wherein: The medical tubing comprises a structural member extending helically along the medical tubing and having a winding direction, and wherein at least one wing of the plurality of wings comprises a winding orientation from the proximal end to the distal end in the same direction as the winding direction.

44. The hub of claim 43, wherein: The winding direction and the winding orientation include right-hand winding.

45. The hub of claim 43, wherein: The winding direction and the winding orientation include left-hand winding.

Images