Guidewire device and tube member for a medical device

Abstract

The present application provides a guidewire device and a tube member for a medical device. The guidewire device includes a core wire and a tube member positioned proximate a distal end of the core wire. The tube member includes a segment provided with a plurality of lateral cuts at a plurality of axial locations along a longitudinal axis of the tube member. The plurality of lateral cuts define a plurality of rings extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the plurality of rings. Each set of beams of the plurality of sets of beams includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other at a radial angle that is other than 180 degrees. The radial angle of the plurality of sets of beams varies continuously along the longitudinal axis of the tube member.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 675,598, filed July 25, 2024, entitled “Multiple Connector Beam Geometry for Guide Wires,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to medical devices and methods for manufacturing and using medical devices to treat diseases. In particular, various embodiments of guidewire devices and methods are described. Background Technology

[0004] Guidewire devices are widely used in the medical field to guide auxiliary devices to specific locations within a patient's body to perform delicate surgeries, such as guiding catheters deep into the body's vascular system. Guidewire devices often require a variable stiffness profile, typically with the most flexible portion at the distal end, while maintaining good torque transmission for trackability and delivery capabilities in complex anatomical structures.

[0005] Guidewire devices typically consist of a core wire that may have a tapered distal portion reinforced by a structure attached to a non-invasive tip. Traditionally, metal coils or braids have been used as guidewire reinforcements. With advancements in micromachining and laser cutting technologies, slotted hypotubes have also entered the field as device components.

[0006] While progress has been made in the field of guidewire devices, a general need for improvement remains. What is desired is an improved guidewire device that balances the complex requirements of various medical applications regarding flexibility, tensile strength, and torque delivery. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure are characterized by a guidewire device. Typically, embodiments of the guidewire device include a core wire extending between a proximal and a distal end, and a tubular member located near the distal end of the core wire. The tubular member includes segments having a plurality of transverse slits at a plurality of axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The plurality of transverse slits define a plurality of loops extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the plurality of loops. Each set of beams includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other at a radial angle not of 180 degrees. The radial angles of the plurality of beams vary continuously along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

[0008] In another aspect, embodiments of this disclosure are characterized by a tubular member for use in a medical device. Typically, embodiments of the tubular member include segments having a plurality of transverse slits at multiple axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The plurality of transverse slits define a plurality of rings extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the rings. Each set of beams includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other by a radial angle other than 180 degrees. The radial angles of the multiple sets of beams vary continuously along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

[0009] The present invention is provided to present selected aspects and embodiments of this disclosure in a simplified form, and is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The selected aspects and embodiments presented are merely intended to provide the reader with information on certain forms of the invention that may be taken, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects and embodiments of this disclosure are described in the Detailed Description section.

[0010] These and various other aspects, embodiments, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration of an example guidewire device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A simplified diagram of the wire guide assembly, with components separated to more clearly show the core wire, tube assembly, and other parts.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a simplified illustration of a segment of an example pipe member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the segment of the pipe member shown is taken along line 4-4.

[0015] Figure 4B yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the segment of the pipe member shown is taken along line 4'-4'.

[0016] Figure 5 An example pipe member including multiple cuts is depicted according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The example pipe member is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion at multiple axial locations of the pipe member.

[0018] Figure 7It shows Figure 5 The example shows a cross-sectional view of the first segment of the middle part of a pipe member at multiple axial locations.

[0019] Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 The example shows a cross-sectional view of the second segment of the middle part of a pipe member at multiple axial locations.

[0020] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an example pipe member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the guidewire device and method will now be described. The drawings are intended to facilitate the description of embodiments of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain specific details may be set forth in the drawings to provide a full understanding of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that some of these specific details may not be used in practicing the embodiments of this disclosure. In other instances, structures, components, systems, materials, and / or operations typically associated with known medical procedures may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] Figures 1 to 2 An example guidewire device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. The guidewire device 100 is generally configured for use in conjunction with a medical device to perform procedures such as neurological, cardiac, or peripheral vascular system interventions. An example application of the guidewire device 100 of the present disclosure is for guiding a catheter deep into the neurovascular system. Generally, the guidewire device 100 includes an elongated core wire 110, a tubular member 150 coupled to the core wire 110, and a non-invasive tip 116 located at the distal end of the guidewire device 100. The core wire 110 extends between a proximal portion 112 and a distal portion 114 and has a length suitable for a particular application. The distal portion 114 of the core wire 110 may taper distally to provide greater bending flexibility. The proximal portion 112 of the core wire 110 may have an increased diameter to maintain the pushability and torsional stiffness of the guidewire device 100. The tubular member 150 may be located near and fixed to the distal portion 114 of the core wire 110 to provide reinforcement and improve the performance of the guide wire assembly 100. The tubular member 150 can be fixed to the distal portion 114 of the core wire 110 by various means (e.g., bonding, welding, brazing, etc.) to allow the transmission of torsional forces from the proximal portion 112 of the core wire 110 to the tubular member 150 and / or from the tubular member 150 to the distal portion 114 of the core wire 110. Within the space defined between the tubular member 150 and the distal portion 114 of the core wire 110, features such as radiopaque markers, centering devices, and core wire stiffness indicators can be provided. Figures 1 to 2Various components (not shown) are used to perform the performance of the guidewire device 100. The tube member 150 can be a thiocarbamate tube constructed of shape memory material and can include multiple cuts 152 configured to improve the effectiveness of the guidewire device 100, for example, providing an ideal balance between bending flexibility, torsional stiffness, tensile strength, etc. The multiple cuts 152 can be vertical cuts and / or spiral cuts extending circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the tube member. US Ser. No. 18 / 963,683, filed November 28, 2024, entitled “Guidewire and Medical Device including Laser Cut Tube”, and US Ser. No. 19 / 043,429, filed February 1, 2025, entitled “Intravascular Medical Devices Including Laser Cut Tube”, describe various embodiments of cut tube structures that can be used as tube members 150 of the guidewire device 100. The contents of US Ser. No. 18 / 963, 683 and No. 19 / 043, 429 are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0023] Figure 3 An example tubular member 200 is depicted that can be used as an assembly (such as a tubular member 150) of a guidewire device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the example tubular member 200 includes a segment 202 having a plurality of transverse cuts 204 at a plurality of axial locations along a longitudinal axis 201 of the tubular member 200. The plurality of transverse cuts 204 define a plurality of rings 206 extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 201 and a plurality of beams 208 extending axially along the longitudinal axis 201 to connect the plurality of rings 206.

[0024] For ease of description of embodiments of this disclosure, various terms are used in the specification and appended claims. The term "axial position" is used to refer to the position along the longitudinal axis 201 of the pipe member 200.

[0025] The term "transverse cut" is used herein to refer to a cut or groove in the pipe member 200 that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 201 of the pipe member 200. A transverse cut can be, for example, a vertical cut formed in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201 of the pipe member 200. A transverse cut can also be, for example, a helical cut formed at an angle of, for example, 5 to 45 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201 of the pipe member 200.

[0026] The term "ring" is used herein to refer to an uncut annular structure in the tube member 200 that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 201 of the tube member 200. The term "ring" may be used interchangeably with "circumferentially extending ring".

[0027] The term "beam" is used herein to refer to the uncut portion of the tube member 200 that connects adjacent circumferentially extending rings. Because the beam extends along the longitudinal axis 201 of the tube member 200 when connecting adjacent circumferentially extending rings, the term "beam" can be used interchangeably with the term "axially extending beam." According to embodiments of this disclosure, groups of two or more beams connect two adjacent rings. For example, in... Figure 3 In the double-beam connector geometry shown, two axially extending beams form a set to connect adjacent circumferentially extending rings. This set of beams can be arranged symmetrically, for example, as... Figure 4A As shown, a set of two beams are equidistant on the circumference (e.g., opposite each other at 180 degrees). Alternatively, the set of beams can be arranged asymmetrically, for example, as... Figure 4B As shown, a set of two beams may be positioned closer together (less than 180 degrees) or further apart (greater than 180 degrees) on the circumference. The term "radial angle" refers to the angle spanned between two beams in a set relative to the central axis 201 of the tubular member 200, and can be used to represent the distance between two spaced beams in the set. The "radial angle" can be defined as follows: Figure 4A The angle formed between the lines extending from the centers of the two beams in the set, as shown, or as... Figure 4B The angle formed between the lines extending from the side surfaces of the two beams in the set is shown.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 5 An example tubular member 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a distal portion 310, a proximal portion 320, and an intermediate portion 330 located between the distal portion 310 and the proximal portion 320. The intermediate portion 330 may include two or more segments, such as a first segment 330A and a second segment 330B as shown in the figure. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the distal portion 310, the proximal portion 320, and the intermediate portion 330 of the tubular member 300 is provided with a plurality of transverse cuts, the geometry and / or features of which are configured to balance the complex requirements of various medical applications for bending flexibility, tensile strength, and torque transmission.

[0029] Figure 6 Cross-sectional views (left panel) and side views (right panel) of the distal portion 310 of an example tube member 300 taken at different axial positions are shown. Figure 6As shown, the distal portion 310 of the pipe member 300 has a plurality of transverse cuts 312 at multiple axial locations along the longitudinal axis 301 of the pipe member 300. The plurality of transverse cuts 312 define a plurality of rings 314 extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 301 and a plurality of sets of beams 316 extending axially along the longitudinal axis 301 to connect the plurality of rings 316. Each set of beams 316 includes two beams that are symmetrically spaced apart or opposite each other at 180 degrees (A and B in the cross-sectional view).

[0030] refer to Figure 6 The continuous group of beams 316 can rotate and offset relative to each other along the longitudinal axis 301 of the tubular member 300. Figure 6 In the example shown, consecutive groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset at a constant angle of 95 degrees (counterclockwise). For example, from section AA (group of beams 316 aligned with vertical datum 318 at 76 degrees) to section BB (group of beams 316 aligned with vertical datum 318 at 161 degrees), adjacent groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset by 95 degrees (the difference between 161 degrees and 76 degrees). From section BB (group of beams 316 aligned with vertical datum 318 at 161 degrees) to section CC (group of beams 316 aligned with vertical datum 318 at 246 degrees), adjacent groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset by 95 degrees (the difference between 246 degrees and 161 degrees). From section CC (group of beams 316 aligned with vertical datum 318 at 246 degrees) to section DD (group of beams 316 aligned with vertical datum 318 at 331 degrees), adjacent groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset by 95 degrees (the difference between 331 degrees and 246 degrees). Typically, the continuous group of beams 316 can be rotated and offset in a linear pattern or at a constant angle (counterclockwise or clockwise) of 5 to 175 degrees. In alternative embodiments of this disclosure, the continuous group of beams can be rotated and offset in a non-linear pattern or at a non-constant angle. In some embodiments, the continuous group of beams can be arranged to be aligned with each other or not rotated and offset.

[0031] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the proximal portion 320 of the example pipe member 300 can be provided with a plurality of transverse cuts, the transverse cuts having an engagement with the above-mentioned... Figure 6The distal portion 310 of the described tubular member 300 has the same or similar cut patterns. For example, the proximal portion 320 of the example tubular member 300 may have multiple transverse cuts at multiple axial locations along the longitudinal axis 301 of the tubular member 300. The multiple transverse cuts 312 in the proximal portion 320 define multiple rings extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 301 and multiple sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis 301 to connect the multiple rings. Successive sets of beams may be rotated and offset at a constant angle (e.g., from 5 degrees to 175 degrees (counterclockwise or clockwise)). Alternatively, the successive sets of beams in the proximal portion 320 of the tubular member 300 may be rotated and offset in a non-linear pattern or at a non-constant angle. In some embodiments, the successive sets of beams in the proximal portion 320 of the tubular member 300 may be arranged to be aligned with each other or not rotated and offset.

[0032] Figure 7 Cross-sectional views (left panel) and side views (right panel) of segment 330A of the middle portion 330 of the example pipe member 300 taken at different axial positions of the example pipe member 300 are shown. Similar to the distal portion 310 of the pipe member 300, Figure 7 The intermediate portion 330, segment 330A of the pipe member 300 shown, has a plurality of transverse cuts 312 at multiple axial locations along the longitudinal axis 301 of the pipe member 300. The plurality of transverse cuts 312 define a plurality of rings 314 extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 301 and a plurality of sets of beams 316 extending axially along the longitudinal axis 301 to connect the rings 316. Each set of beams 316 comprises two beams (A and B in the cross-sectional view). Figure 6 The distal portion 310 of the pipe member 300 shown is different. Figure 7 The grouped beams 316 in segment 330A of the intermediate portion 300 shown are arranged asymmetrically. Figure 7 In the example shown, the radial angle between the two grouped beams is 54 degrees. Typically, the two grouped beams in segment 330A of the intermediate portion 330 can be spaced at any angle other than 180 degrees, allowing the two beams 316 to be closer together in one direction (less than 180 degrees) or further apart in another direction (greater than 180 degrees). The asymmetrical beam spacing leaves a larger unsupported area, allowing segment 330A to bend more freely.

[0033] refer to Figure 7As shown in the figure, the continuous group of beams 316 in segment 330A can be rotated and offset at a constant angle (e.g., 95 degrees (clockwise)). For example, from section EE to section FF, adjacent groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset at 95 degrees (clockwise). From section FF to section GG, adjacent groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset at 95 degrees. From section GG to section HH, adjacent groups of beams 316 are rotated and offset at 95 degrees. Typically, the continuous group of beams can be rotated and offset in a linear pattern or at a constant angle of 5 degrees to 355 degrees (clockwise or counterclockwise). In alternative embodiments of this disclosure, the continuous group of beams is rotated and offset in a non-linear pattern or at a non-constant angle. In some embodiments, the continuous group of beams is not rotated and offset.

[0034] Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view (left panel) of another segment 330B of the intermediate portion 330 of the example pipe member 300, taken at different axial positions, and a side view (right panel) of segment 330B of the intermediate portion 330. Similar to segment 330A of the intermediate portion 330 of the pipe member 300, Figure 8 The segment 330B shown has multiple transverse cuts 312 at various axial locations along the longitudinal axis 301 of the tubular member 300. These transverse cuts 312 define multiple rings 314 extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 301 and multiple sets of beams 316 extending axially along the longitudinal axis 301 to connect the rings 316. Each set of beams 316 comprises two beams (A and B in the cross-sectional view). The sets of beams 316 are arranged asymmetrically, meaning the two beams in a set are not spaced 180 degrees apart, such that the two beams in a set are closer together (less than 180 degrees) in one direction or further apart (greater than 180 degrees) in another direction. Unlike segment 330A of the intermediate portion 330, the radial angles of the continuous sets of beams in segment 330B vary.

[0035] refer to Figure 8 According to embodiments of this disclosure, the radial angles of consecutive groups of beams vary by a constant degree. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the radial angle of the continuous group of beams varies by 7 degrees. Specifically, from section II to section JJ, the radial angle increases by 7 degrees (from 54 degrees to 61 degrees). From section JJ to section KK, the radial angle increases by 7 degrees (from 61 degrees to 68 degrees). From section KK to section LL, the radial angle increases by 7 degrees (from 68 degrees to 75 degrees). Typically, the radial angle of the continuous group of beams can vary by a constant degree from 2 degrees to 25 degrees. By gradually moving one beam radially away from or closer to the other, a smooth transition of bending flexibility can be provided. In an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the radial angle of the continuous group of beams varies by a non-constant degree.

[0036] refer to Figure 8 As shown in the figure, continuous groups of beams can also be rotated and offset at a constant angle (e.g., 190 degrees) (clockwise). For example, from section II to section JJ, the two groups of beams are rotated and offset at 190 degrees (clockwise). From section JJ to section KK, the two groups of beams are rotated and offset at 190 degrees (clockwise). From section KK to section LL, the two groups of beams are rotated and offset at 190 degrees (clockwise). Typically, continuous groups of beams can be rotated and offset in a linear pattern or at a constant angle (clockwise or counterclockwise) from 5 degrees to 355 degrees. Alternatively, continuous groups of beams can be rotated and offset in a non-linear pattern or at a non-constant angle.

[0037] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an example pipe member 300 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. According to the alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, segment 330C of the pipe member 300 is provided with a plurality of transverse cuts 312 at a plurality of axial locations along the longitudinal axis 301 of the pipe member 300. The plurality of transverse cuts 312 define a plurality of loops extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 301. Figure 9 (Not shown in the diagram) and multiple sets of beams 316 extending axially along the longitudinal axis 301 to connect multiple rings. Each set of beams 316 comprises two beams (A and B in the cross-sectional view). The grouped beams 316 in segment 330C of the tubular member 300 are arranged asymmetrically, that is, the two beams 316 in a group in segment 330C are not spaced apart by 180 degrees, such that the two beams are closer together in one direction (less than 180 degrees) or further apart in another direction (greater than 180 degrees).

[0038] refer to Figure 9 In the continuous group of beams 316 of segment 330C, one of the two beams 316 in each group can be positioned relative to the central longitudinal axis 301 at a fixed or identical spatial angle. For example, beam A in each group of beams in the continuous group of beams 316 can be positioned relative to the central axis 301 at a fixed spatial angle. Figure 9 As indicated by arrow 317, another beam B in the continuous group of beams 316 changes, for example, by continuously increasing its radial distance from its paired beam A. The continuous change or increase in the radial angle can be a constant degree from 2 degrees to 25 degrees. Alternatively, the continuous change or increase in the radial angle can be non-linear. By gradually moving one beam radially away from or closer to the other, a smooth transition of bending flexibility can be achieved.

[0039] Various embodiments of the guidewire device and method have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that aspects described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, but can be practiced in any other embodiment. These drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of this disclosure. Alternative structures, components, and materials will readily be considered feasible without departing from the principles of the claims of the invention. While some embodiments of this disclosure have been described in connection with guidewire devices, this is not intended to be limiting. For example, the tubular components described herein can be used as components of other interventional devices such as catheters. Furthermore, while embodiments of the tubular components have been described in connection with a double-beam cutout pattern, the principles described herein are also applicable to other multi-beam connector geometries, such as three-beam cutout patterns, four-beam cutout patterns, etc.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “described” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The term “or” means “or” in a non-exclusive sense unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The term “proximal” and its grammatical equivalents refer to a position, direction, or orientation toward the user or physician. The term “distal” and its grammatical equivalents refer to a position, direction, or orientation away from the user or physician. Names such as “backward,” “forward,” etc., do not imply limitation of the referenced component to a particular orientation. It will be understood that such designation refers to the orientation of the referenced component as shown in the figures; the systems and apparatus of this disclosure can be used in any orientation suitable for the user. The terms “first” or “second,” etc., can be used to distinguish one element from another when describing various similar elements. It should be noted that the terms “first” and “second” as used herein include references to two or more. Furthermore, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the use of the terms “first” or “second” should not be interpreted in any particular order. In alternative embodiments, the order of performing method steps may be changed. One or more method steps may be skipped entirely, and one or more optional steps may be included. All numerical values ​​are provided for illustrative purposes and are assumed to be modified by the term "approximately," whether explicitly stated or not. The term "approximately" generally refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the referenced value, for example, having the same function or result. The term "approximately" may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure. Expressions of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers within that range.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that various other modifications can be made. All such and other changes and modifications are contemplated by the inventors and are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A wire guide device, the wire guide device comprising: A core wire extending between a proximal end and a distal end; and A tubular component located near the distal end of the core wire. The tubular component includes segments having multiple transverse cuts at multiple axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tubular component. The multiple transverse cuts define multiple rings extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and multiple sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the multiple rings. Each set of beams includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other by a radial angle other than 180 degrees, and the radial angle of the multiple sets of beams varies continuously by a non-constant degree along the longitudinal axis of the tubular component.

2. The guide wire device according to claim 1, wherein, The first beam in the plurality of beams is positioned at substantially the same spatial angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

3. The guide wire device according to claim 1, wherein, The first beam in the plurality of beams is continuously angularly offset along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and the second beam in the plurality of beams is continuously angularly offset along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

4. The guide wire device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the multiple sets of beams includes two or more beams.

5. The guide wire device according to claim 1, wherein, The tubular member further includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion and the proximal portion positioning the segment of the tubular member therebetween, wherein at least one of the distal portion and the proximal portion has a plurality of transverse cuts at a plurality of axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the plurality of transverse cuts defining a plurality of rings extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the plurality of rings, wherein each of the plurality of sets of beams in the at least one of the distal portion and the proximal portion includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other at a radial angle of 180 degrees.

6. The guide wire device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of beams in at least one of the distal and proximal portions rotate and offset continuously along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

7. A tubular component for a medical device, wherein: The tubular member includes segments having multiple transverse cuts at multiple axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the multiple transverse cuts defining multiple rings extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and multiple sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the multiple rings, wherein each set of beams includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other by a radial angle other than 180 degrees, and the radial angles of the multiple sets of beams vary continuously by a non-constant degree along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

8. The pipe component according to claim 7, wherein, The first beam in the plurality of beams is positioned at substantially the same spatial angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

9. The pipe component according to claim 7, wherein, The first beam in the plurality of beams is continuously angularly offset along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and the second beam in the plurality of beams is continuously angularly offset along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

10. The pipe member according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the multiple sets of beams includes two or more beams.

11. The pipe member of claim 7, further comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion and the proximal portion positioning the segment of the pipe member therebetween, wherein, At least one of the distal portion and the proximal portion has a plurality of transverse cuts at a plurality of axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the plurality of transverse cuts defining a plurality of rings extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sets of beams extending axially along the longitudinal axis to connect the plurality of rings, wherein each of the plurality of sets of beams in the at least one of the distal portion and the proximal portion includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from each other at a radial angle of 180 degrees.

12. The pipe member according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of beams in at least one of the distal and proximal portions rotate and offset continuously along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

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