Device for catheter articulation system

Abstract

The disclosed technology includes a medical probe comprising: an elongated tube extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end; an actuator member extending along the elongate tube from about a proximal end to about a distal end; an anchor member attached to the actuator member proximate a distal end of the elongate tube; and a mechanical barrier disposed between the anchor member and the elongated tube. The mechanical barrier may include a lumen extending through the mechanical barrier along a lumen axis. The lumen may be configured to at least partially receive the anchor member.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 397,675, filed on December 27, 2023 (Attorney Docket No.: 253757.000415–BIO6878USNP1), the entire content of each application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to devices for catheters that can deflect the distal end of the catheter away from the longitudinal axis. Background Art

[0004] When medical devices must reach organs, tissues, or other hard-to-reach parts of a patient's body, catheter devices are commonly used in medical procedures. Typically, a catheter includes a flexible tube or shaft that is inserted through a patient's vascular system or other area and navigated to a target location. To assist in guiding the catheter to the target location, the catheter typically includes a flexible distal tip that can be articulated to help navigate the catheter through the patient's vascular system. Typically, the articulation system includes a pull wire or push rod that is anchored near the distal end of the flexible tube or shaft and connected to an actuator on a handle operated by a medical professional. When the medical professional actuates the actuator to pull the pull wire proximally or push the push rod distally, the flexible distal tip articulates in a predetermined direction (i.e., bends away from the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube).

[0005] Some existing catheter articulation systems include an anchor member that is configured to connect the distal end of the flexible tube to the pull wire or push rod. However, if too much tension or pressure is applied to the pull wire or push rod, some existing anchor members may cut into or otherwise damage the flexible tube. When this occurs, the pull wire or push rod may become unable to articulate the flexible distal tip.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an articulation system that is configured to help prevent the possibility of the anchor member damaging the flexible tube. These and other problems can be solved by the techniques disclosed herein. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The disclosed technology includes a medical probe that includes: an elongate tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; an actuator member extending along the elongate tube from approximately the proximal end to approximately the distal end; an anchor member attached to the actuator member near the distal end of the elongate tube; and a mechanical barrier disposed between the anchor member and the elongate tube. The mechanical barrier may include a lumen extending through the mechanical barrier along a lumen axis. The lumen may be configured to at least partially receive the anchor member.

[0008] The disclosed technology may also include a medical device that includes: an elongate tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; an actuator member extending along the elongate tube; and an anchor member attached to the actuator member near the distal end of the elongate tube. The actuator member and the anchor member may be configured to, when actuated, deflect a deflectable distal end of the elongate tube radially outward from the longitudinal axis. The medical device may also include a mechanical barrier disposed between the anchor member and the elongate tube. The mechanical barrier may be configured to prevent the anchor member from damaging the elongate tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other aspects of the present invention will be further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in the various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; rather, emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings depict one or more specific embodiments of the inventive device by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a medical system including a medical probe according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a mechanical barrier for a medical probe according to the disclosed technology;

[0012] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a medical probe in a first position according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube, an anchor member, and a mechanical barrier;

[0013] Figure 3B is a front perspective view of a medical probe in a second position according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube, an anchor member, and a mechanical barrier;

[0014] Figure 4Is a top view of a medical probe in a first position according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube, an anchoring member, and a mechanical barrier;

[0015] Figure 5 Is a front perspective view of a medical probe according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube, an anchoring member, and an alternative mechanical barrier;

[0016] Figure 6 Is a perspective view of another exemplary mechanical barrier according to the disclosed technology;

[0017] Figure 7 Is a perspective view of yet another exemplary mechanical barrier and fastener according to the disclosed technology;

[0018] Figure 8A Is a side perspective view of a medical probe according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube, an anchoring member, a mechanical barrier, and a fastener;

[0019] Figure 8B Is according to the disclosed technology Figure 8A Side perspective view of the medical probe shown in, wherein the fastener is assembled with the mechanical barrier;

[0020] Figure 8C Is according to the disclosed technology Figure 8A Top view of the medical probe shown in, wherein the fastener is assembled with the mechanical barrier;

[0021] Figure 9A And Figure 9B Is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology;

[0022] Figure 10A And Figure 10B Is a flowchart illustrating an alternative method of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology; and

[0023] Figure 11A And Figure 11B Is a flowchart illustrating other methods of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. Detailed Description

[0024] The disclosed technology includes devices for a catheter articulation system that can help prevent damage to a flexible tube by an anchor member. Additionally, the devices described herein can help better secure the anchor to the distal end of the flexible tube and can provide leverage to the distal end of the flexible tube to help deflect the distal end of the flexible tube away from the longitudinal axis when a pull wire or push rod is actuated. The disclosed technology includes various designs for a mechanical barrier that can be disposed between the anchor and the flexible tube to help protect the flexible tube. In this manner, the disclosed technology can be configured to work with existing catheter systems and serve as a simple and cost-effective way to prevent damage to the flexible tube by the anchor.

[0025] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals in different drawings refer to the same elements. The drawings (not necessarily to scale) depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates, by way of example, rather than by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternative forms, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

[0026] As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” with respect to any numerical value or range indicates a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows for a collection of parts or components to achieve its intended purpose as described herein. More specifically, “about” or “approximately” can refer to a range of values ±20% of the recited value, e.g., “about 90%” can refer to a range of values from 71% to 110%.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “patient,” “recipient,” “user,” and “subject” refer to any human or animal subject and are not intended to limit the system or method to human use, but the use of the subject invention in human patients represents a preferred embodiment. Additionally, the vasculature of a “patient,” “recipient,” “user,” and “subject” can be that of a human or any animal. It should be understood that the animal can be of any suitable type, including but not limited to mammals, veterinary animals, livestock animals, or pet animals, etc. For example, the animal can be an experimental animal (e.g., rats, dogs, pigs, monkeys, etc.) specifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to humans. It should be understood that the subject can be, for example, any suitable human patient. Similarly, the term “proximal” refers to a position closer to the operator or physician, while “distal” refers to a position farther from the operator or physician.

[0028] As discussed herein, a “physician,” “operator,” or “healthcare professional” can include a doctor, surgeon, technician, scientist, or any other individual or delivery instrument associated with delivering a multi-electrode catheter for treating drug-refractory atrial fibrillation to a subject.

[0029] As discussed herein, the term "ablation" when referring to the devices and corresponding systems of the present disclosure refers to components and structural features configured to reduce or prevent the generation of unstable cardiac signals in cells by utilizing energy delivered to tissue. These techniques can include ablation techniques such as irreversible electroporation (IRE), radiofrequency (RF) ablation, and cryoablation.

[0030] Referring Figure 1 to, which illustrates an exemplary catheter-based electrophysiological mapping and ablation system 10. System 10 includes one or more catheters that are inserted by a physician 24 through the vascular system of a patient 23 via the skin into a chamber or vascular structure of the heart 12. Generally, a delivery sheath catheter is inserted into the left atrium or right atrium near a desired location in the heart 12. Then, multiple catheters can be inserted into the delivery sheath catheter to reach the desired location. The one or more catheters can include a catheter dedicated to sensing intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals, a catheter dedicated to ablation, and / or a catheter dedicated to both sensing and ablation. For ablation, the physician 24 brings the end effector 28 including the ablation electrode to the target site for ablation. If the end effector 28 is alternatively or additionally configured to map electrophysiological signals (e.g., IEGM signals), the physician 24 similarly contacts the end effector 28 with the target site (e.g., the heart wall) to sense the IEGM signals at the target site in the heart 12.

[0031] Catheter 14 is an exemplary catheter that includes an end effector 28 that includes one and preferably multiple electrodes 26 that are optionally distributed on an expandable assembly and the distal end of the end effector 28 and are configured to detect electrophysiological signals and / or deliver ablation energy to tissue. Catheter 14 is shown in Figure 1 as a pull-wire catheter, however, it should be understood that the disclosed techniques can be used with other types of catheters, including but not limited to: basket catheters, balloon catheters, planar catheters, focused catheters, and delivery sheaths.

[0032] Catheter 14 can additionally include a magnetically based position sensor that is embedded in or near the end effector 28 for tracking the position and orientation of the end effector 28. The end effector 28 can also include one or more impedance-based electrodes that are disposed in or near the end effector 28 for tracking the position and orientation of the end effector 28.

[0033] Magnetically-based position sensors can operate in conjunction with a positioning pad 25 that includes a plurality of magnetic coils 32 configured to generate a magnetic field in a predetermined workspace. The real-time position of the end effector 28 of the catheter 14 can be tracked based on the magnetic field generated by the positioning pad 25 and sensed by the magnetically-based position sensor 29. The magnetically-based position sensor can be a uniaxial sensor, a biaxial sensor, or a triaxial sensor, depending on the particular configuration. Details of magnetically-based position sensing techniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,391,199, 5,443,489, 5,558,091, 6,172,499, 6,239,724, 6,332,089, 6,484,118, 6,618,612, 6,690,963, 6,788,967, and 6,892,091, each of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0034] The system 10 includes one or more electrode patches 38 positioned to contact the skin of the patient 23 to establish a position reference for the positioning pad 25 and for tracking of impedance-based electrodes. For impedance-based tracking, current is directed toward the impedance-based electrodes and sensed at the electrode skin patches 38 such that the position of each electrode can be triangulated via the electrode patches 38. Details of impedance-based position tracking techniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,536,218, 7,756,576, 7,848,787, 7,869,865, and 8,456,182, each of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0035] The recorder 11 displays an electrogram 21 captured using the body surface ECG electrodes 18 and an intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) captured using the electrodes of the catheter 14. The recorder 11 can include pacing capabilities for pacing the heart rhythm and / or can be electrically connected to an independent pacemaker.

[0036] The system 10 can include an ablation energy generator 50 adapted to conduct ablation energy to one or more electrodes disposed on the end effector and configured to deliver the ablation energy to tissue. The energy generated by the ablation energy generator 50 can include, but is not limited to, radiofrequency (RF) energy or pulsed field ablation (PFA) energy (including monopolar or bipolar high voltage DC pulses that can be used to effect irreversible electroporation (IRE)) or combinations thereof.

[0037] The Patient Interface Unit (PIU) 30 is an interface configured to establish electrical connectivity between a catheter, electrophysiology equipment, a power source, and a workstation 55 for controlling the operation of the system 10. The electrophysiology equipment of the system 10 can include, for example, a plurality of catheters, positioning pads 25, body surface ECG electrodes 18, electrode patches 38, an ablation energy generator 50, and a recorder 11. Optionally and preferably, the PIU 30 further includes processing capabilities for performing real-time calculations of the position of the catheter and for performing ECG calculations.

[0038] The workstation 55 includes a memory, a processor unit with a memory or storage device loaded with appropriate operating software, and user interface capabilities. The workstation 55 can provide a plurality of functions, optionally including: (1) performing three-dimensional (3D) modeling of the endocardial anatomy and rendering a model or anatomical map 20 for display on a display device 27; (2) displaying an activation sequence (or other data) compiled from the recorded electrograms 21 as representative visual markers or images superimposed on the rendered anatomical map 20 on the display device 27; (3) displaying the real-time position and orientation of a plurality of catheters within the heart chambers; and (4) displaying sites of interest, such as where ablation energy has been applied, on the display device 27. A commercial product embodying the elements of the system 10 can be obtained as the CARTOTM 3 system, available from Biosense Webster, Inc., 31 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618 USA.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a mechanical barrier 100 for a medical probe (e.g., catheter 14) in accordance with the disclosed technology. As previously described, existing catheters typically include a pull wire or pusher rod attached to an anchor at the distal end of the catheter. If a medical professional pulls or pushes too hard on the pull wire or pusher rod, respectively, the anchor can exert too much force on the elongate tube and damage the elongate tube. Thus, as will be apparent throughout the present disclosure, the mechanical barrier 100 can be assembled with the anchor (see Figure 3A 130 in Figure 3A at the distal end (deflectable tip 140) of the elongate tube (see 131 in

[0040] The mechanical barrier 100 may include a body 110 extending from a first end 112 to a second end 114. The body 110 may be made of a suitable biocompatible material having a hardness greater than that of the elongate tube 131. The body 110 may define a lumen 120 extending through the body 110 near the first end 112 and an arm 116 extending outwardly toward the second end 114. The lumen 120 may have an inner diameter 122, and the body 110 forms a circular end defining an outer diameter 124 near the first end 112. The outer diameter 124 may be greater than the inner diameter 122. The body 110 may also include a circular edge 111 to reduce the likelihood that the mechanical barrier 100 will damage the elongate tube 131. The size of the body 110 may be set as Figure 2 shown, or the body 110 may be enlarged on one side, tapered from one side to the other, thicker on one side, and / or any other shape suitable for a particular application.

[0041] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a medical probe (e.g., catheter 14) in a first position according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube 131, an anchor member 130, and a mechanical barrier 100. Figure 3A The portion of the medical probe shown in includes an elongate tube 131 extending along a longitudinal axis LA and including a deflectable tip 140. For example, Figure 3A The portion of the medical probe shown in may be the deflectable tip 140 near the distal end of the elongate tube 131, which may be configured to articulate to navigate the catheter 14 to a target region within a patient. The deflectable tip 140 may also include a recess 141 formed into the edge of the deflectable tip 140, the recess being configured to receive the anchor member 130 such that the anchor member 130 can fit better within the catheter 14.

[0042] The anchor member 130 may be configured to be attached to a pull wire or a push rod (not shown). For example, the anchor member 130 may include a sleeve 132 that may be crimped, brazed, adhered, or otherwise attached to the pull wire or the push rod such that when a medical professional actuates the pull wire or the push rod, the force applied to the pull wire or the push rod will be distributed to the anchor member 130 and thus to the deflectable tip 140. The anchor member 130 may also include one or more extensions 134 extending outwardly from the sleeve 132 to prevent the anchor member 130 from being pulled back through the lumen of the elongate tube 131. The anchor member 130 may also include one or more pads 135 attached to the extensions 134 to help prevent further damage to the anchor member 130 when it is pulled proximally or pushed distally.

[0043] As Figure 3AAs shown, the mechanical barrier 100 can be disposed proximal to the anchor member 130 such that when a medical professional pulls on the pull wire, the anchor member 130 will contact the mechanical barrier 100 and the mechanical barrier 100 will help prevent the anchor member 130 from damaging the elongate tube 131. The anchor member 130 can be configured to at least partially extend into the lumen 120 of the mechanical barrier 100. In some examples, a cannula 132 can extend through the lumen 120 such that the mechanical barrier 100 is prevented from being removed from the anchor member 130 and the elongate tube 131. However, the anchor member 130 can be allowed to rotate freely within the lumen 120.

[0044] Figure 3B is a front perspective view of a medical probe in a second position according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube 131, an anchor member 130, and a mechanical barrier 100. In this example, the mechanical barrier 100 can be positioned on the distal end of the anchor member 130 such that when a medical professional pushes a push rod (not shown) attached to the anchor, the mechanical barrier 100 can help prevent the anchor member 130 from damaging the elongate tube 131 at the distal end of the elongate tube 131. Figure 3B All other features shown in Figure 3A can be similar to the features shown and described with respect to

[0045] In Figure 3B the example shown, the elongate tube 131 is shown as translucent to illustrate that the arm 116 of the mechanical barrier 100 extends at least partially into the central lumen 142 of the elongate tube 131. For example, the arm 116 can extend through a slot formed into the elongate tube 131 that extends from the exterior of the elongate tube 131 to the interior (e.g., central lumen 142) of the elongate tube 131. The arm 116 can help distribute the force applied to the anchor member 130 by providing a moment arm toward the center of the elongate tube 131 such that the deflectable tip 140 can deflect better compared to existing systems.

[0046] Figure 4 is a top view of a medical probe in a first position according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube 131, an anchor member 130, and a mechanical barrier 100. As shown, the arm 116 can extend substantially all the way toward the center of the deflectable tip 140 into the central lumen 142. The elongate tube 131 can include additional lumens configured for wires, flush fluid, or other components. In some examples, in addition to or instead of the central lumen 142, the arm 115 can extend into one or more lumens. Figure 4An alternative view of the recess 141 formed into the deflectable distal end 140 is also shown. As shown, the recess 141 can be sized to receive the anchor member 130 such that the anchor member 130 can fit within the outer edge of the deflectable distal end 140 such that the end effector can be attached to the deflectable distal end. The end effector can be, for example, an end effector configured to be attached to the deflectable distal end 140 for ablation and / or mapping of tissue. In some examples, the mechanical barrier 100 can be attached to a component extending through the central lumen 142 (or other lumen formed in the elongate tube 131), such as a component of the end effector, an electrical component, or a flushing component, to help provide additional support for these components.

[0047] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a medical probe according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube 131, an anchor member 130, and an alternative mechanical barrier 500. As shown, the mechanical barrier 500 can be generally similar to the mechanical barrier 100, except that the mechanical barrier 500 can further include a first wing 162 and a second wing 164 that extend outwardly from the body 110 near the first end 112 on either side of the lumen 120. The first wing 162 and the second wing 164 can be configured to fit within the recess 141 and contact the elongate tube 131. The first wing 162 and the second wing 164 can each extend outwardly from the body 110 in a semi-circular shape. It should be understood that the first wing 162 and the second wing 164 can be configured to help distribute the force applied to the elongate tube 131 by the anchor member 130 via the mechanical barrier 500 by increasing the area over which the force from the anchor member 130 is distributed. It should be understood that the first wing 162 and the second wing 164 can have different shapes and sizes and can be configured as a single enlarged component extending from the body 110. The first wing 162 and the second wing 164 can be generally symmetric with respect to each other, or the first wing 162 and the second wing 164 can have different shapes, sizes, or otherwise be arranged depending on the particular configuration.

[0048] Figure 6is a perspective view of another exemplary mechanical barrier 600 according to the disclosed technology. As shown, the mechanical barrier 600 may include a first wing portion 162 and a second wing portion 164 similar to the mechanical barrier 500. However, the mechanical barrier 600 may further include one or more flanges 180 that may extend upwardly from the first wing portion 162 and the second wing portion 164. The one or more flanges 180 may be configured to align with and abut the anchor member 130. The one or more flanges 180 may extend circumferentially about the axis of the inner cavity 120 by half a turn. When assembled together, the one or more flanges 180 may help hold the anchor member 130 within the recess 141 and prevent the anchor member 130 from rotating about the axis defined by the inner cavity 120.

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary mechanical barrier 700 and fastener 190 according to the disclosed technology. The mechanical barrier 700 may include some or all of the same features described with respect to the mechanical barriers 100, 500, and 600 previously described herein. However, the mechanical barrier 700 may further include a second inner cavity 720 that extends through the arm 116 near the second end 114. The second inner cavity 720 may have a second inner cavity diameter 722 sized to at least partially receive the fastener 190. The fastener 190 may be configured to at least partially extend into the second inner cavity 720 to help secure the mechanical barrier 700 to the deflectable tip 140. The fastener 190 may include a circular base 192 and a cylindrical member 196 extending outwardly from the circular base 192. For example, the circular base 192 may be the head of the fastener, and the circular member 196 may be the elongated portion of the fastener.

[0050] Figure 8A is a side perspective view of a medical probe according to the disclosed technology, the medical probe including an elongate tube 131, an anchor member 130, a mechanical barrier 700, and a fastener 190. As shown, the mechanical barrier 700 may be assembled with the anchor member 130 and the deflectable tip 140 as previously described, with the arm 116 extending into the central inner cavity 142. The fastener 190 may then be inserted into the central inner cavity 142 and aligned with the second inner cavity 720. As Figure 8B (which is another side view) and Figure 8C(As further shown in [its top view]), the fastener 190 can then be inserted into the second inner cavity 720. The diameter of the second inner cavity 720 can be smaller than the diameter of the first inner cavity 120. Alternatively, the diameter of the second inner cavity 720 can be the same as or greater than the diameter of the first inner cavity 120. It should be understood that the fastener 190 can be configured to fix the mechanical barrier 700 in place and further help distribute the force applied to the anchor member 130 towards the center of the deflectable tip 140. The fastener 190 can be fixed to the mechanical barrier 700 by press fit, complementary thread features, brazing, welding, adhesives, or any other suitable method known in the art.

[0051] Figure 9A is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. In some examples, the medical probe disclosed in method 900 is substantially similar to any of the medical probes shown and described with respect to Figures 2 to 8C Method 900 can include inserting 902 an actuator (e.g., a pull wire or a push rod) through the inner cavity of an insertion tube (e.g., the elongate tube 131) that extends through. Method 900 can include inserting 904 the actuator through the inner cavity (e.g., the inner cavity 120) of a mechanical barrier (e.g., the mechanical barriers 100, 500, 600, or 700), and attaching 906 an anchor (e.g., the anchor member 130) to the distal end of the actuator. Method 900 can further include aligning 908 the anchor with the mechanical barrier in a recess of the insertion tube.

[0052] Figure 9B is a flowchart illustrating another method 910 of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. In some examples, the medical probe disclosed in method 910 is substantially similar to any of the medical probes shown and described with respect to Figures 2 to 8C Method 910 can include inserting 912 an actuator (e.g., a pull wire or a push rod) through the inner cavity (e.g., the inner cavity 120) of a mechanical barrier (e.g., the mechanical barriers 100, 500, 600, or 700), and attaching 914 an anchor (e.g., the anchor member 130) to the distal end of the actuator. Method 910 can include inserting 916 the actuator through the inner cavity of an insertion tube (e.g., the elongate tube 131) that extends through. Method 910 can further include aligning 918 the anchor with the mechanical barrier in a recess of the insertion tube.

[0053] Figure 10A is a flowchart illustrating another method 1000 of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. In some examples, the medical probe disclosed in method 1000 is substantially similar to any of the medical probes shown and described with respect to Figures 2 to 8CAny of the medical probes shown and described. Method 1000 may include inserting 1002 an actuator (e.g., a pull wire or a push rod) through the lumen of an insertion tube (e.g., the elongate tube 131) that extends through. Method 1000 may include inserting 1004 the actuator through the lumen of an anchor (e.g., the anchor member 130), and attaching 1006 a mechanical barrier (e.g., the mechanical barriers 100, 500, 600, or 700) to the distal end of the actuator. Method 1000 may further include aligning 1008 the anchor and the mechanical barrier within a recess of the insertion tube.

[0054] Figure 10B is a flowchart illustrating another method 1010 of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. In some examples, the medical probe disclosed in method 1010 is substantially similar to any of the medical probes regarding Figures 2 to 8C shown and described. Method 1010 may include inserting 1012 an actuator (e.g., a pull wire or a push rod) through the lumen of an insertion tube (e.g., the elongate tube 131) that extends through, and inserting 1014 the actuator through the lumen of a mechanical barrier (e.g., the mechanical barriers 100, 500, 600, or 700). Method 1010 may include attaching 1016 an anchor to the actuator and aligning 1018 the anchor and the mechanical barrier within a recess of the insertion tube.

[0055] Figure 11A is a flowchart illustrating yet another method 1100 of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. In some examples, the medical probe disclosed in method 1000 is substantially similar to any of the medical probes regarding Figures 2 to 8C shown and described. Method 1200 may include inserting 1102 an actuator (e.g., a pull wire or a push rod) through the lumen of an insertion tube (e.g., the elongate tube 131) that extends through. Method 1100 may include inserting 1104 the actuator through a first lumen (e.g., lumen 120) of a mechanical barrier (e.g., the mechanical barriers 100, 500, 600, or 700), and attaching 1106 an anchor (e.g., the anchor member 130) to the end of the actuator. Method 1000 may further include aligning 1108 the anchor and the mechanical barrier within a recess of the insertion tube, and inserting 1110 a fastener (e.g., the fastener 190) into a second lumen (e.g., second lumen 720) of the mechanical barrier, thereby attaching the fastener to the mechanical barrier within the distal tip.

[0056] Figure 11B is a flowchart illustrating yet another method 1120 of manufacturing a medical probe according to the disclosed technology. In some examples, the medical probe disclosed in method 1120 is substantially similar to any of the medical probes regarding Figures 2 to 8CAny of the medical probes shown and described above. Method 1120 may include inserting 1122 an actuator (e.g., a pull wire or a push rod) through the lumen (e.g., lumen 120) of a mechanical barrier (e.g., mechanical barriers 100, 500, 600, or 700), and attaching 1124 an anchor (e.g., anchor member 130) to the distal end of the actuator. Method 1120 may include inserting 1226 the actuator through the lumen of an insertion tube (e.g., elongate tube 131) that extends therethrough. Method 1120 may further include aligning 1128 the anchor with the mechanical barrier in a recess of the insertion tube, and inserting 1130 a fastener (e.g., fastener 190) into a second lumen (e.g., second lumen 720) of the mechanical barrier to attach the fastener to the mechanical barrier within the distal end.

[0057] The methods just described may be used in conjunction with the devices and features described herein. The methods are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limited to only the elements described herein and may include alternative sequences of steps and / or intervening steps not described herein.

[0058] The disclosed techniques herein may be further understood in accordance with the following clauses:

[0059] Clause 1: A medical probe, comprising: an elongate tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; an actuator member extending along the elongate tube from approximately the proximal end to approximately the distal end; an anchor member attached to the actuator member near the distal end of the elongate tube; and a mechanical barrier disposed between the anchor member and the elongate tube, the mechanical barrier including a lumen extending therethrough along a lumen axis, the lumen being configured to at least partially receive the anchor member.

[0060] Clause 2: The medical probe according to clause 1, wherein the mechanical barrier is disposed proximate to the anchor member.

[0061] Clause 3: The medical probe according to clause 1, wherein the mechanical barrier is disposed distal to the anchor member.

[0062] Clause 4: The medical probe according to clause 1, wherein the anchor member includes a cannula extending along a cannula axis and one or more extensions extending outwardly from the cannula perpendicular to the cannula axis.

[0063] Clause 5: The medical probe according to clause 1, wherein the actuator member includes at least one of a pull wire or a rod.

[0064] Clause 6: The medical probe according to Clause 1, wherein the mechanical barrier is configured to prevent the anchoring member from damaging the elongate tube.

[0065] Clause 7: The medical probe according to Clause 1, wherein the mechanical barrier further includes one or more flanges extending outwardly from the mechanical barrier in a direction along the lumen axis, the one or more flanges being configured to assist in aligning the anchoring member along the elongate tube when assembled with the mechanical barrier.

[0066] Clause 8: The medical probe according to Clause 7, wherein the one or more flanges extend circumferentially about the lumen axis for half a turn.

[0067] Clause 9: The medical probe according to Clause 1, further comprising: one or more wings extending outwardly from the mechanical barrier near a first end, the one or more wings being configured to fit within a recess defined by the elongate tube.

[0068] Clause 10: The medical probe according to Clause 9, wherein the one or more wings extend outwardly from the mechanical barrier in a semi-circular shape.

[0069] Clause 11: The medical probe according to Clause 10, wherein the one or more wings include a first wing and a second wing, the first wing being disposed opposite the second wing relative to the lumen axis.

[0070] Clause 12: The medical probe according to Clause 1, wherein the mechanical barrier further includes an arm extending perpendicularly outward from the mechanical barrier with respect to the lumen axis, the arm being configured to extend into a lumen defined by the elongate tube.

[0071] Clause 13: The medical probe according to Clause 12, wherein the lumen is a first lumen disposed near a first end of the mechanical barrier, the mechanical barrier further defining a second lumen extending through the arm near a second end of the mechanical barrier opposite the first end, the medical probe further comprising a fastener configured to extend at least partially into the second lumen to secure the mechanical barrier to the elongate tube when the mechanical barrier and the elongate tube are assembled.

[0072] Clause 14: The medical probe according to Clause 13, wherein the fastener includes: a generally circular base having a first diameter; and a generally cylindrical member having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, and the generally cylindrical member extending outwardly from the generally circular base.

[0073] Clause 15: The medical probe according to Clause 14, wherein the generally cylindrical member is configured to be at least partially disposed within the second inner lumen.

[0074] Clause 16: The medical probe according to Clause 14, wherein the generally cylindrical member is further configured to be at least partially fixed within the second inner lumen by at least one of a press fit, complementary threaded features, brazing, welding, and adhesives.

[0075] Clause 17: The medical probe according to Clause 14, wherein the second inner lumen has a second inner lumen inner diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the first inner lumen.

[0076] Clause 18: A medical device, comprising: an elongate tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; an actuator member extending along the elongate tube; an anchor member attached to the actuator member near the distal end of the elongate tube, the actuator member and the anchor member being configured to, when actuated, cause a deflectable distal end of the elongate tube to deflect radially outward from the longitudinal axis; and a mechanical barrier disposed between the anchor member and the elongate tube, the mechanical barrier being configured to prevent the anchor member from damaging the elongate tube.

[0077] Clause 19: The medical device according to Clause 18, wherein the medical barrier defines: an inner lumen extending through the mechanical barrier along an inner lumen axis, the inner lumen being configured to receive at least a portion of the anchor member; and an arm extending outward from the mechanical barrier perpendicular to the inner lumen axis, the arm being configured to extend into an inner lumen defined by the deflectable distal end.

[0078] Clause 20: The medical device according to Clause 19, wherein the inner lumen is a first inner lumen and the inner lumen axis is a first inner lumen axis, the mechanical barrier further defining a second inner lumen extending through the arm along a second inner lumen axis, the mechanical barrier further including a fastener configured to at least partially extend into the second inner lumen to secure the mechanical barrier to the deflectable distal end when the mechanical barrier and the deflectable distal end are assembled.

[0079] The above embodiments are cited by way of example, and the present invention is not limited to what is specifically shown and described above. Instead, the scope of the present invention includes combinations and sub - combinations of the various features described and shown above, as well as their variations and modifications, which will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and which are not disclosed in the prior art.

Claims

1. A medical probe, comprising: an elongated tube extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end; an actuator member extending along the elongated tube from about the proximal end to about the distal end; an anchor member attached to the actuator member proximate the distal end of the elongated tube; and A mechanical barrier is disposed between the anchor member and the elongated tube, the mechanical barrier including a lumen extending through the mechanical barrier along a lumen axis, the lumen being configured to at least partially receive the anchor member.

2. The medical probe of claim 1, the mechanical barrier being disposed proximate to the anchor member. 3 . The medical probe of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical barrier is disposed distally of the anchor member.

4. The medical probe of claim 1, the anchor member comprising a cannula extending along a cannula axis, and one or more extensions extending outwardly from the cannula perpendicular to the cannula axis. 5 . The medical probe of claim 1 , the actuator member comprising at least one of a puller wire or a rod.

6. The medical probe of claim 1, the mechanical barrier being configured to prevent the anchor member from damaging the elongated tube.

7. The medical probe according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical barrier further comprises one or more flanges extending outwardly from the mechanical barrier in a direction along the axis of the inner cavity, wherein the one or more flanges are configured to help align the anchor member along the slender tube when assembled with the mechanical barrier.

8. The medical probe of claim 7, the one or more flanges extending semi-circumferentially around the lumen axis.

9. The medical probe according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more wings extend outwardly from the mechanical barrier proximate the first end, the one or more wings being configured to fit within a recess defined by the elongated tube.

10. The medical probe of claim 9, the one or more wings extending outwardly from the mechanical barrier in a semi-circular shape. 11 . The medical probe of claim 10 , wherein the one or more wings include a first wing and a second wing, the first wing being disposed opposite to the second wing relative to the lumen axis.

12. The medical probe of claim 1, the mechanical barrier further comprising an arm extending outwardly from the mechanical barrier perpendicular to the lumen axis, the arm being configured to extend into the lumen defined by the elongated tube.

13. The medical probe of claim 12, wherein the lumen is a first lumen disposed proximate a first end of the mechanical barrier, the mechanical barrier further defining a second lumen extending through the arm proximate a second end of the mechanical barrier opposite the first end, the medical probe further comprising a fastener configured to extend at least partially into the second lumen to secure the mechanical barrier to the elongated tube when the mechanical barrier is assembled with the elongated tube.

14. The medical probe according to claim 13, wherein the fastener comprises: a generally circular base comprising a first diameter; and A generally cylindrical member includes a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, and the generally cylindrical member extends outwardly from the generally circular base.

15. The medical probe of claim 14, the generally cylindrical member being configured to be disposed at least partially within the second lumen.

16. The medical probe of claim 14, the generally cylindrical member further configured to be at least partially secured within the second lumen via at least one of a press fit, complementary thread features, brazing, welding, and an adhesive.

17. The medical probe of claim 14, wherein the second lumen comprises a second lumen inner diameter, the second lumen inner diameter being smaller than an inner diameter of the first lumen.

18. A medical device comprising: an elongated tube extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end; an actuator member extending along the elongated tube; an anchor member attached to the actuator member proximate the distal end of the elongated tube, the actuator member and the anchor member being configured to deflect the deflectable tip of the elongated tube radially outward from the longitudinal axis when actuated; and A mechanical barrier is disposed between the anchor member and the elongated tube, the mechanical barrier being configured to prevent the anchor member from damaging the elongated tube.

19. The medical device of claim 18, wherein the mechanical barrier defines: a lumen extending through the mechanical barrier along a lumen axis, the lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the anchor member; and An arm extends outwardly from the mechanical barrier perpendicular to the lumen axis, the arm being configured to extend into the lumen defined by the deflectable tip.

20. The medical device of claim 19, wherein the lumen is a first lumen and the lumen axis is a first lumen axis, the mechanical barrier further defining a second lumen extending through the arm along the second lumen axis, the mechanical barrier further comprising a fastener configured to extend at least partially into the second lumen to secure the mechanical barrier to the deflectable end when the mechanical barrier is assembled with the deflectable end.

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