Foreign object extraction apparatus

By designing an extraction device that includes a handle, a drive slider, and a control ring, and utilizing the cooperation of drive lines and control fibers, safe and efficient extraction of food impaction from the esophagus is achieved. This solves the problems of breakage and operational complexity of existing devices and reduces surgical risks.

CN122229499APending Publication Date: 2026-06-19THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF ARIZONA

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF ARIZONA
Filing Date
2018-12-01
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing esophageal food impaction removal devices present challenges such as fragmenting food boluses, increasing surgical time and risks, and are complex to operate, requiring multiple insertions and extractions, which increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration and esophageal perforation.

Method used

An extractor device has been designed, including a handle, a drive slider, a control ring, and a gripper. Through the cooperation of the drive line and control fibers, the gripper can extend and retract to form a ring to capture foreign objects and reduce damage to the food bolus.

Benefits of technology

This provides a safer and more efficient method for foreign body removal, reducing surgical time and the risk of complications, lowering the possibility of pulmonary aspiration and esophageal perforation, and simplifying the operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This application relates to foreign body retrieval equipment and discloses an extractor device comprising a handle, a gripper, a conduit, a control ring, and control fibers. The handle has a drive slider for moving the gripper into and out of the conduit. The gripper has multiple arms of staggered lengths, each arm being slidably coupled to the control fibers to form a control fiber loop when the gripper is outside the conduit. Pulling the control ring retracts the loop, causing the ends of the arms to deflect inward and bend around the foreign body.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application 201880088358.0 entitled "Foreign Object Extraction Device" filed on December 1, 2018.

[0002] Related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 593,387, filed December 1, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of this application generally relate to extractor devices for removing foreign objects. Background Technology

[0004] The estimated incidence of esophageal food bolus impaction is 13 cases per 100,000 people (GIE) annually. Common causes of food obstruction include eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and abnormal esophageal diffusion. Current limitations of gastrointestinal foreign body retrieval devices mean that the removal of esophageal food bolus impaction can take 30–90 minutes and may involve more than nine devices. Gastroenterologists must use an endoscope and retrieval devices to remove the food bolus impaction from the esophagus through the mouth. Retrieval devices often cause fragmentation of the food material, thus requiring multiple endoscopic insertions and / or multiple retrieval attempts, which increases the overall procedure time. This, in turn, increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration (i.e., material falling into the lungs), airway damage, and / or esophageal perforation.

[0005] Many conventional retrieval devices use a pointed tip extending from the end of a catheter, employing hooks to grasp the food bolus and pull it out. While these devices provide a relatively clear way for practitioners to access the food bolus, they can cause tissue damage and frequently break the bolus, increasing procedure time, the risk of pulmonary aspiration, and esophageal perforation. Other retrieval devices utilize a mesh basket to scoop the food bolus out of the esophagus. These devices often employ a mesh structure to reduce the risk of fragmentation and potential pulmonary aspiration, but the difficult procedure of bending the device around the back of the food bolus during use can easily further impact the bolus, making retrieval even more difficult. Furthermore, even for single use, basket devices are not very durable.

[0006] In addition, conventional extraction equipment requires the development of appropriate technology, often necessitating the simultaneous operation of the capture mechanism and forward movement toward or over the foreign object; incorrect timing or excessive movement in one of the channels may lead to adverse results. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, an extractor device includes a handle comprising a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle is coupled to a first end of a catheter, and the drive slider is coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the catheter, the drive line having a length substantially equal to the length of the catheter. The extractor device also includes a gripper fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line, remote from the first end of the drive line. The gripper includes four arms of staggered lengths, each arm having a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end remote from the drive line. The second end of each arm includes an aperture, and the gripper is movable through the drive line by the drive slider between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position, the gripper is located inside the catheter near the second end of the catheter, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position, the gripper is located outside the catheter, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position. The extractor device also includes a control ring and control fibers. The control ring is slidably coupled to the handle body and has a neutral position near a first end of the conduit. The control fibers are uniformly coupled to both the first and second ends of the control ring. The control fibers extend downward from the first end of the conduit into the gripper inside the conduit and pass through an orifice at the second end of the first of the four arms. The fibers then pass through the orifices of each subsequent arm and again through the orifice of the first arm, forming a loop between these arms of the gripper when the gripper is in the open position. Subsequently, the control fibers extend upward from the second end of the conduit into the first end of the conduit inside the conduit. Each arm bends outward from and deviates from the central axis of the second end of the drive line. Pulling the control ring from the neutral position when the gripper is in the open position contracts the loop, causing the second ends of the arms to deflect toward the central axis and placing the gripper in a capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received through the loop when the gripper is in the open position between the arms. Finally, for each arm of the gripper, an eyelet is formed by bending the second end of the arm.

[0008] A particular embodiment may include one or more of the following features. The gripper may further include a tapered mesh having an opening and a apex for receiving foreign objects. The loops of control fibers at the second ends of these arms can be woven from the tapered mesh near the opening. The apex of the tapered mesh may be close to the first ends of these arms of the gripper. The apex of the mesh may be between the second end of the conduit and the opening for receiving foreign objects. For each arm of the gripper, an orifice may be formed by bending the second end of the arm inward to form an eyelet. Finally, the first of the four arms with staggered lengths may be the longest arm.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an extractor device includes a handle comprising a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle is coupled to a first end of a conduit, the drive slider being coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the conduit, and the length of the drive line being substantially equal to the length of the conduit. The extractor device further includes a gripper fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line, remote from the first end of the drive line. The gripper includes at least three arms having staggered lengths. Each arm has a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end remote from the drive line, the second end of each arm including an orifice. The gripper is movable via the drive line by the drive slider between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position, the gripper is located inside the conduit near the second end of the conduit, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position, the gripper is located outside the conduit, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position. The extractor device also includes a control ring and control fibers. The control ring is slidably coupled to the handle body and has a neutral position near a first end of the conduit. The control fibers are uniformly coupled to both a first end and a second end of the control ring. The control fibers extend downward from the first end of the conduit into the gripper inside the conduit and pass through an orifice at the second end of the first of at least three arms. The fibers then pass through an orifice in each of the subsequent arms and again through an orifice in the first arm, such that a loop is formed between these arms of the gripper when the gripper is in the open position. Subsequently, the control fibers extend upward from the second end of the conduit into the first end of the conduit inside the conduit. Each arm bends outward from and deviates from the central axis of the second end of the drive line. Pulling the control ring from the neutral position when the gripper is in the open position contracts the loop, causing the second ends of the arms to deflect toward the central axis and placing the gripper in a capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received through the loop when the gripper is in the open position between these arms.

[0010] A particular embodiment may include one or more of the following features: For each arm of the gripper, the orifice may be an eyelet formed by bending the second end of the arm. For each arm of the gripper, the orifice may be a hole passing through the second end of the arm. The first arm of at least three arms with staggered lengths may be the longest arm. Finally, the first arm of at least three arms with staggered lengths may be the shortest arm.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an extractor device includes a handle comprising a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle is coupled to a first end of a catheter, the drive slider being coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the catheter, and the length of the drive line being substantially equal to the length of the catheter. The extractor device also includes a gripper fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line, remote from the first end of the drive line, the gripper comprising a plurality of arms having staggered lengths. Each arm has a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end remote from the drive line. The gripper is movable via the drive line by the drive slider between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position, the gripper is located inside the catheter near the second end of the catheter, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position, the gripper is located outside the catheter, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position. The extractor device further includes a control ring and control fibers. The control ring is slidably coupled to the handle body and has a neutral position near a first end of the conduit. The control fibers are uniformly coupled to both a first end and a second end of the control ring. The control fibers extend downward from the first end of the conduit within the conduit and are slidably coupled to the second end of a first arm among a plurality of arms. The fibers are also slidably coupled to the second end of each subsequent arm among the plurality of arms and again to the second end of the first arm, such that when the extractor is in the open position, a loop is formed between these arms of the extractor. Subsequently, the control fibers extend upward from the second end of the conduit within the conduit to the first end of the conduit. Each arm bends outward from and deviates from the central axis of the second end of the drive line. Pulling the control ring from the neutral position when the extractor is in the open position contracts the loop, causing the second ends of the arms to deflect toward the central axis and placing the extractor in a capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received through the loop when the extractor is in the open position between these arms.

[0012] A particular embodiment can be modified or adapted such that, for each of the plurality of arms, the second end may include an orifice and control fibers can be slidably coupled to the second end by passing through the orifice. The control fibers may pass through the orifice of the first arm twice.

[0013] Various aspects and applications of the present disclosure presented herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments. Unless specifically indicated, the words and phrases in the specification and claims are intended to be given the ordinary, common, and conventional meanings known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which they pertain. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. As their own lexicographers, the inventors explicitly choose to use only the ordinary and common meanings of the terms in the specification and claims, unless otherwise explicitly stated, and then further explicitly elaborate on the “special” definition of the term and explain its distinction from the ordinary and common meaning. In the absence of such an explicit statement of intent to use a “special” definition, the inventors intend and desire to apply the simple, ordinary, and common meanings of the terms to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0014] The inventors also recognized the normal rules of Chinese grammar. Therefore, if it is intended to further characterize, specify, or narrow a noun, term, or phrase in a certain way, such noun, term, or phrase will explicitly include other adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers according to the normal rules of Chinese grammar. Without using such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, the aim is to provide the ordinary and common Chinese meaning of the aforementioned nouns, terms, or phrases to those skilled in the art.

[0015] The use of terms such as “function,” “means,” or “step” in the detailed description, accompanying drawings, or claims is not intended to indicate an intention to limit the invention to the specific provisions of 35 USC § 112(f). Rather, if the invention were intended to be limited to the provisions of 35 USC § 112(f), the claims would specifically and explicitly state precise terms such as “means for…” or “step for…” and would also include the word “function” (i.e., “means for performing the function of [insertion function]”) without describing any structure, material, or action supporting that function in such wording. Therefore, even if the claims describe “means for performing the function of…” or “step for performing the function of…”, if the claims also describe any structure, material, or action supporting that means or step or performing the function, the inventors’ explicit intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 USC § 112(f). Moreover, even when the provisions of 35 U.S.SC § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects are not limited to the specific structures, materials or actions described in the preferred embodiments, but also include any and all structures, materials or actions that perform the claimed functions as described in the alternative embodiments or various forms of this disclosure, or well-known currently or later developed equivalent structures, materials or actions for performing the claimed functions.

[0016] The foregoing and other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: Figure 1 This is a front view of the extractor device; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the extractor device; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the extractor device; Figure 4 This is a side view of the gripper; Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a side view of the gripper arm; Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C This is a front view of an extractor device with grippers in the storage, open, and capture positions; and Figure 7 The image shows a perspective view including the web crawler. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This disclosure, its various aspects, and embodiments are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many other material types, components, methods, and processes known in the art are contemplated for use in specific embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, for example, although specific embodiments are disclosed, such embodiments and implemented components may include any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and / or likes known in the art for such systems and implemented components consistent with the intended operation.

[0019] The terms “exemplary,” “example,” or their various forms are used herein to mean something used as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as being superior or more advantageous than other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for clarity and understanding and are not intended to limit or constrain the disclosed subject matter or relevant parts of this disclosure in any way. It should be understood that numerous additional or alternative examples of varying scope have been presented, but have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0020] Although this disclosure includes several embodiments in various forms, specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood that this disclosure is to be regarded as an example of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the illustrated embodiments.

[0021] The verb "comprising" and its variations, as used in this specification and claims, are used in their non-limiting sense to indicate the inclusion of items following the word, but do not exclude items not specifically mentioned. Furthermore, the element referred to by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility of multiple elements, unless the context explicitly requires the presence of only one element. Therefore, the indefinite article "a" or "an" generally means "at least one".

[0022] The estimated incidence of esophageal food bolus impaction is 13 cases per 100,000 people (GIE) annually. Common causes of food obstruction include eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and abnormal esophageal diffusion. Current limitations of gastrointestinal foreign body retrieval devices mean that the removal of esophageal food bolus impaction can take 30–90 minutes and may involve more than nine devices. Gastroenterologists must use an endoscope and retrieval devices to remove the food bolus impaction from the esophagus through the mouth. Retrieval devices often cause fragmentation of the food material, thus requiring multiple endoscopic insertions and / or multiple retrieval attempts, which increases the overall procedure time. This, in turn, increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration (i.e., material falling into the lungs), airway damage, and / or esophageal perforation.

[0023] Many conventional retrieval devices use a pointed tip extending from the end of a catheter, employing hooks to grasp the food bolus and pull it out. While these devices provide a relatively clear way for practitioners to access the food bolus, they can cause tissue damage and frequently break the bolus, increasing procedure time, the risk of pulmonary aspiration, and esophageal perforation. Other retrieval devices utilize a mesh basket to scoop the food bolus out of the esophagus. These devices often employ a mesh structure to reduce the risk of fragmentation and potential pulmonary aspiration, but the difficult procedure of bending the device around the back of the food bolus during use can easily further impact the bolus, making retrieval even more difficult. Furthermore, even for single use, basket devices are not very durable.

[0024] In addition, conventional extraction equipment requires the development of appropriate technology, often necessitating the simultaneous operation of the capture mechanism and forward movement toward or over the foreign object; incorrect timing or excessive movement in one of the channels may lead to adverse results.

[0025] This document presents an extraction device for removing foreign objects and illustrates and / or describes certain exemplary embodiments thereof. The extractor device includes a handle, a drive slider, and a control ring (or other control structure). For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "extraction device" and "extractor device" are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. The drive slider is coupled to the gripper via a drive line, and the control ring is coupled to the gripper via a control fiber. The drive line and control fiber pass through the interior of a conduit coupled to the handle. The gripper includes multiple arms. The control fiber is slidably coupled to the distal end of the gripper arm to form a loop.

[0026] The catheter is inserted into the endoscope and exits from the distal end of the endoscope. As the drive slider is advanced forward (i.e., toward the catheter), the drive wire advances further into the catheter, and the gripper advances outside the catheter. When the control ring is pushed toward the catheter, the control fiber advances further into the catheter, and the ring radius increases. These two actions allow the extraction device to release previously secured material and / or prepare the gripper for extraction. Once the device is around the foreign object, the control ring is pulled, which causes the control fiber to retract toward the handle, and the ring radius decreases (closing the bottom of the gripper). The drive slider can then be pulled back (i.e., away from the catheter), causing the gripper to retract toward the inside of the catheter. These two actions enable the device to secure and extract the foreign object.

[0027] The extraction device considered enables the fixation of foreign bodies for extraction with minimal risk of rupture or cutting of the body or surrounding tissue. It provides a safer and more efficient method for foreign body extraction, saving surgical time and accelerating operating room turnaround time. The device also reduces average labor costs, anesthesia time, and the risk of complications. Furthermore, it provides a clear method for practitioners. The extraction device considered in this paper does not require the skill and technical level of conventional extraction devices, yet produces better results.

[0028] It should be noted that although most of the following disclosures and uses are conducted in the context of removing food boluses from the upper gastrointestinal tract, the extraction devices considered herein are not limited to applications in the gastrointestinal tract. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these devices can be adapted for the removal of foreign bodies or tissues from other environments and biological systems.

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 These are front and side views of a non-limiting example of the extractor device 100. Specifically, Figure 1 This is the front view of the extractor device. Figure 2 It is a side view, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 2The figures are sectional views of the extractor device taken from line AA. It should be noted that these figures are not drawn to scale; the relative dimensions of the components have been adjusted for clarity.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in an exemplary embodiment, the extractor device 100 includes a handle 102 having a handle body 104, a drive slider 106, a control ring 118, a thumb ring 128, and a cap 126. The drive slider 106 is coupled to a gripper 114 via a drive line 300, and the control ring 118 is coupled to the gripper 114 via a control fiber (or line or flexible rod) 120. In some embodiments, a control mechanism different from the control fiber 120 may be employed. The drive line 300 and the control fiber 120 extend through the interior of a conduit 108 coupled to the handle. The gripper 114 includes a plurality of arms 116. The control fiber 120 is slidably coupled to the distal end of the gripper arm 116 to form a loop 122.

[0031] As the drive slider 106 is advanced forward (i.e., toward the conduit 108), the drive line 300 is further advanced into the conduit, while the gripper 114 is advanced beyond the other end of the conduit 108. When the control ring 118 is pushed toward the conduit 108, the control fiber 120 is further advanced into the conduit 108, and the loop 122 at the end of the gripper arm 116 opens wider. When the control ring 118 is pulled back (i.e., away from the conduit), the loop 122 contracts, causing the arm 116 to deflect inward and trap foreign objects between the arms 116. (Refer to the following...) Figures 6A to 6C The steps for removing foreign objects using extraction device 100 will be discussed in more detail.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the extraction device 100 is composed of materials that make it sterilizable and safe for medical use. In some embodiments, the extraction device 100 may be composed of inexpensive materials to allow it to be a single-use item. In other embodiments, such as those configured to operate under more demanding conditions requiring the use of more unique or expensive materials (e.g., less space, more arms 116 on gripper 114, etc.), the extraction device 100 may be reusable. The materials of the various components will be discussed further below.

[0033] It should be noted that in the context of this specification and the appended claims, the direction “upward” or “above” refers to the direction toward the handle 102, while “downward” or “below” refers to the direction toward the gripper 114. For example, the handle 102 is above both the conduit 108 and the gripper 114.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the handle 102 includes a handle body 104 with a stop 105, a drive slider 106 with a drive line block 107, and a cover 126. The handle body 104 serves as a track along which the drive slider 106 and the control ring 118 move back and forth, thereby causing the drive line 300 and the control fiber 120 to slide back and forth within the guide tube 108.

[0035] In some embodiments, the handle body 102 may be essentially cylindrical, while in other embodiments it may have a non-circular cross-section. According to various embodiments, the handle body 102 has internal gaps for a drive line 300 and a control fiber 120, which are actuated by a drive slider 106 and a control ring 118, respectively, that are slidably mounted on the handle body 102.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the stop 105 provides restriction on the movement or travel of the drive slider 106 and the control ring 118 along the handle body 104. For example, as shown, the drive slider 106 is restricted in the portion of the handle body 104 below the top thumb ring 128 and above the stop 105, while the control ring 118 is restricted in the portion of the handle body 104 below the stop 105 and above the cover 126.

[0037] In some embodiments, the handle body 104 may include a plurality of stops 105, for example Figure 1 The two stops 105 are shown. In other embodiments, the handle body 104 may include a single stop 105 (e.g., a ring projecting from the periphery of the handle body 104). In other embodiments, other stop structures may be employed.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the drive slider 106 serves as an interface between the user and the drive line 300, allowing the user to advance or retract the drive line 300 into or from the conduit 108. As shown, the drive slider 106 may have a finger loop. As a specific example, the handle 102 may be configured such that the user inserts their thumb into the thumb ring 128 at the top of the handle 102 and inserts their index and middle fingers into the loop on the drive slider 106 to operate the drive line 300 with one hand.

[0039] The gripper 114 of the extraction device 100 accesses the target foreign object via a conduit 108. The conduit 108 has a first end 110 (i.e., the handle 102 end) and a second end 112 (i.e., the gripper 114 end) located away from the first end 110. The extraction device 100 can utilize a standard length of conduit 108, such as 200 mm or 240 mm, or any other length suitable for the intended application. The diameter of the conduit 108 can be within the range compatible with standard-sized endoscopes, such as 2.2 mm to 2.6 mm, or it can be larger, such as 4 mm or larger.

[0040] The gripper 114 is responsible for gripping and securing the foreign object well enough for it to be extracted while minimizing the chance of breakage. As shown, the gripper 114 includes multiple arms 116. According to various embodiments, these arms 116 of the gripper 114 may have staggered dimensions to facilitate their insertion and passage through the conduit 108. The gripper 114 needs to be able to fit within the conduit 108 to reach the foreign object and then open wide enough to capture it. As a specific example, the gripper 114 may have a closed diameter of less than 2.2 mm (e.g., the widest portion of the gripper 114) and an open diameter of 20-28 mm.

[0041] The arm 116 of the gripper 114 needs to be rigid enough to bend to fit within the conduit 108, spring open when outside the conduit 108, and resist skew deformation when the control fiber 120 is pulled and the coil 122 contracts. According to various embodiments, the arm 116 of the gripper 114 may be made of stainless steel (e.g., 302 stainless steel, etc.) or any other flexible material known in the art. Reference will be made below. Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B Let's discuss the crawler 114 in more detail.

[0042] The control ring 118 is the interface between the user and the arm 116 of the gripper 114 via the control fiber 120. The control ring 118 is slidably coupled to the handle body 104 and is movable up and down on the handle body 104 to advance or retract the control fiber 120 through the conduit 108. In some embodiments, the control ring 118 may include finger hooks to facilitate pulling the control ring 118 upward from a neutral position, which will refer to... Figure 6B and Figure 6C Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0043] The control fiber 120 is a flexible filament having a first end 306 and a second end 308 located away from the first end 306. In some embodiments (including...) Figure 3In the non-limiting example shown, both ends of the control fiber 120 may be coupled to the control ring 118. In other embodiments, only one end is coupled to the control ring 118, while the other end of the control fiber 120 is secured to the handle 102 or gripper 114 to prevent it from moving. In embodiments where both ends of the control fiber 120 are coupled to the control ring 118, the control fiber 120 may pass through the conduit 108 twice, while in other embodiments, the control fiber 120 may pass through the conduit once or more.

[0044] Control fibers are slidably coupled to a second end or lower end of each arm 116 of the gripper 114. In the context of this specification and the following claims, slidably coupled fibers to the arms means that the relative position of the "fiber" with respect to each arm is fixed (i.e., the fiber is always located at a specific position on each arm), while the fiber itself is capable of moving through or through these arms. In some embodiments, each arm 116 includes an aperture through which the fiber passes, while in other embodiments, the fiber 120 may reside within a notch in the arm. Reference will be made below. Figure 4 Discuss different types of orifices.

[0045] As shown, control fibers 120 are slidably coupled to the lower end of each arm 116 of the gripper 114, starting from the first arm 124 and then coupled to each subsequent or adjacent arm 116 until they are coupled back to the first arm 124, forming a loop at the ends of these arms 116. In some embodiments, the control fibers 120 intersect themselves at the first arm 124, while in other embodiments, the control fibers 120 may follow two parallel paths relative to the first arm 124.

[0046] When control ring 118 is pulled upward, ring 122 retracts and the lower end of the arm is pulled inward. Any material or object located between these arms is then caught and pulled out along with the rest of the device for extraction. (See below for reference.) Figure 6A Further discussion on the first arm.

[0047] The extracted foreign object passes through the loop 122, therefore the size of the loop 122 becomes an important design consideration for various embodiments of the extraction device 100. The available loop size is partly determined by the size and shape of the arm 116 of the gripper 114. The length of the arm 114 is partly determined by the available travel of the drive slider 106 (e.g., how far the drive line 300 can move through the catheter). According to various embodiments, the travel of the drive slider 106 is partly determined by the size of the practitioner's hand. For the drive slider 106 to be operated with one hand, it must be able to operate the control ring 118 simultaneously, therefore it must be within a comfortable range. In some embodiments, the drive sliding range can be between 70 mm and 100 mm. In one particular embodiment, the travel of the drive slider is between 70 mm and 90 mm, producing a loop circumference of 20 mm to 28 mm.

[0048] According to various embodiments, when the gripper 114 opens and is ready to capture a foreign object, the coil 122 is relatively taut. The tension in the control fiber 120 should be high enough that the coil 122 can be pushed over the foreign object, but loose enough to allow it to move around the irregular shape of the foreign object rather than cutting through it. The tension of the control fiber 120 is determined by the position of the control ring 118 along its available range or stroke on the handle body 104. In another embodiment, the stroke of the control ring 118 is limited to 50 mm, while the stroke of the drive slider 106 is limited to 80 mm.

[0049] The control fiber 120 is composed of a strong yet flexible material that can easily glide across the arm 116 of the gripper 114 while bearing the strain exerted by the arm 116 while clamping the foreign object. In some embodiments, the control fiber 120 is composed of polypropylene, while in other embodiments it is composed of nylon or other polymers known in the art. In some embodiments, the control fiber 120 may be a suture. In some embodiments, the diameter of the control fiber 120 may be in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, while in other embodiments it may be 0.2 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the control fiber 120 is a single strand, while in other embodiments it may be braided or twisted, as known in the art.

[0050] The drive line 300 connects the drive slider 106 to the gripper 114 and includes a first end 302 (e.g., upper end) and a second end 304 (e.g., lower end). Its length is substantially equal to the length of the conduit 108 through which it passes, such that when the drive slider 106 is in its highest position, the gripper 114 retracts into the conduit, and when the drive slider 106 is in its lowest position, the gripper 114 is outside the conduit 108 and ready to receive foreign objects for extraction.

[0051] The drive line 300 is coupled to the gripper 114. In some embodiments, the arm 116 of the gripper 114 is directly attached to the second end 304 of the drive line 300. For example, in one embodiment, the arm 116 is laser-welded to the second end 304 of the drive line 300. In other embodiments, the gripper 114 may be a unit that has been assembled before being attached to the end of the drive line 300. In some embodiments, the gripper 114 may be releasably coupled to the drive line 300, making it replaceable, which may be advantageous in embodiments utilizing unique materials.

[0052] The drive wire 300 is made of an elastic material that is strong enough to withstand strain from being pulled on a foreign object and flexible enough to bend along with the catheter to reach the extraction site. In some embodiments, the drive wire 300 is made of stainless steel, while in other embodiments, it may be made of other materials known in the art. The drive wire 300 needs to be small enough to fit inside the catheter. In one embodiment, the diameter of the drive wire is 1.59 mm, while in another embodiment, it is 0.79 mm. The drive wire 300 may be a single strand, or it may be a braided or stranded multi-strand wire.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the drive line 300 is attached to the drive slider 106 via a handle line 301, which is part of a material much more rigid than the drive line 300 and is primarily located inside the handle 102. As a particular example, the drive line 300 can be soldered to the handle line 301, which is made of 16# stainless steel, and then attached to the drive slider 106. The use of the handle line 301 is known in the field of conduits.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the drive line 300 can be attached to the drive slide 106 via a drive slide block 107. As shown, the drive slide 106 may have an opening on its side that aligns with a track extending along the length of the handle body 104. The drive slide block 107 is fitted inside the opening and the track and coupled to the drive line 300 or the handle line 301, thereby keeping the drive slide 106 slidably coupled to the handle body 104 and fixedly coupled to the drive line 300.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the handle 102 can be assembled as follows: A drive slider 106 can slide to the upper side of the handle body 104. A drive plug is inserted into the side of the drive slider 106 through an opening. A handle wire 301 is inserted through a hole in the bottom of the plug and glued to the plug 107. A thumb ring 128 is attached to the top of the handle body 104. A control ring 118 slides to the lower end of the handle body 104 and is restricted by attaching a cover 126 to the lower end of the handle body 104, through which the handle wire 301 passes. Then, a control fiber 120 passes through the hole in the cover and is attached to the control ring 118.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a side view of a non-limiting example of a gripper 114 without control fiber 120. As shown, the gripper 114 includes a plurality of arms 116, each arm having a first end 400 (e.g., an upper end) and a second end 402 (e.g., a lower end). In some embodiments, the gripper 114 may have four arms 116, while in other embodiments it may have three or more arms (e.g., capable of forming a loop 122), such as five arms 116, six arms 116 or more.

[0057] In some embodiments, the arms 116 of the gripper 114 may be identical, while in other embodiments they may have different lengths. In embodiments where the arms 116 have orifices 406 at the second ends 402, it is advantageous to use arms 116 with staggered lengths. The staggered lengths facilitate fitting the gripper 114 within the conduit 108 so that the second ends 402 do not push upwards against each other, resulting in the gripper 114 being wider than required.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control fiber 120 can be slidably coupled to the arm 116 through an aperture 406 at the second end 402. According to various embodiments, the aperture 406 is ideally no larger than required to allow the control fiber 120 to pass through with minimal resistance. Such limitation maximizes the overall capture capability of the gripper 114.

[0059] In some embodiments, orifices 406 may all have the same size, while in other embodiments, the orifice 406 of the first arm 124 may be larger because the control fiber 120 passes through the orifice twice. In some embodiments, arms 116 may be identical, while in other embodiments, the orifices 406 of the first arm 124 may have different orientations. As a particular example, the orifice 406 of the first arm 124 may be tangential to the loop 122, while the orifices 406 of the remaining arms 116 may be perpendicular to the loop 122 to facilitate the sliding of the fiber 120. Further variations of the orifice 406 will be described in reference to... Figure 5A and Figure 5B Further discussion.

[0060] Figure 4 The central axis 404 of the second end 304 of the drive line 300 is also shown, which is used as a reference point in the following discussion of the arm geometry.

[0061] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a side view of a non-limiting example of the gripper arm 116. Specifically, Figure 5A A side view of arm 116 is shown, with its aperture 406 being an eyelet 500, while Figure 5B A side view of arm 116 is shown, with orifice 406 being hole 502. These two exemplary orifices 406 are not intended to be limiting, as other means for slidably coupling control fiber 120 to the second end 402 of arm 116 have been discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, and such other means are also known in the art.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the arms 116 of the gripper 114 are each bent outward from the central axis 404 and biased away from the central axis 404 such that when they are pushed forward by the drive line 300 to leave the conduit, they spring to an open position 610, are driven toward the open position 610, or are biased toward the open position 610, as will be discussed below with reference to FIG6. As is known in the prior art, the bias of the arms 116 can be generated by shaping them before coupling them to each other or to the drive line 300.

[0063] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, arm 116 bends outward from the central axis 404, but the portion of arm 114 near the second end 402 is recessed inward. This shape facilitates control of the contraction of the fiber loop 122, which causes the second end 402 of the arm to bend inward to capture foreign objects and place the gripper 114 in the capture position 614, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG6C.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the gripper 114 is in the open position 610, the angle formed between the first end 400 and the second end 402 of the arm 116 is between 30 and 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the arm 116 may bend outward from the central axis 404 in a smooth curve, while in other embodiments it may have one or more vertices. As previously discussed, the length of the arm 116 may depend at least in part on the expected hand size of an average practicing physician (for manual operation) or the stroke length of the drive slider 106. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the arm 116 may be cylindrical, with an average length of 38 mm and a diameter of 0.5 mm.

[0065] Arm 116 is made of a soft yet sufficiently rigid material that has a strong enough bias to spring open and create a control fiber coil 122 when ejected from the conduit, and to withstand the strain generated by bending around the foreign object to capture it for extraction. In some embodiments, arms 116 may be made of stainless steel (e.g., 302 stainless steel), while in other embodiments they may be made of other materials known in the art.

[0066] Figure 5A An arm 116 is shown, with an opening 406 that is an eyelet 500 formed by bending the second end 402 of the arm 116 to create a circle. In some embodiments, the bend is inward toward the central axis 404, while in other embodiments, the bend may be in a different direction. In some embodiments, the eyelet 500 may be sealed closed (e.g., by laser welding or spot welding the end 402 to the arm 116), while in other embodiments, the end may be bent until any gap between the end 402 and the arm 116 is less than that of the fiber 120. Alternatively, the interior and edges of the eyelet 500 may be machined or otherwise smoothed to reduce friction and facilitate control of the fiber 120 sliding through the eyelet 500.

[0067] Figure 5B An arm 116 is shown, with an opening 406 being a hole 502 passing through the second end 402 of the arm 116. In some embodiments, the hole 502 may be linear, while in other embodiments, the hole 502 may follow a path of loop 122 or an idealized loop 122. In some embodiments, the hole 502 may be formed by machining or casting, while in other embodiments, the hole 502 may be cut out using a laser or other cutting methods known in the art. Alternatively, the interior and edges of the hole 502 may be machined or otherwise smoothed to reduce friction and facilitate control of the fiber 120 sliding through the hole 502.

[0068] Figures 6A-6C A front view showing a non-limiting example of an extractor device 100 at various stages of operation. Figure 6A A front view of the extractor device 100 is shown with its drive slider 106 in the retracted position 602. In the context of this specification and the following claims, the retracted position 602 of the drive slider 106 is the position along the handle body 104 where the drive line 300 is fully retracted so that the gripper 114 is completely within the second end 112 of the conduit 108. As shown, placing the drive slider 106 in the retracted position 602 places the gripper 114 in the storage position 600. In this configuration, the position of the control ring 118 may be insignificant.

[0069] According to various embodiments, Figure 6A The configuration shown (where the drive slider 106 is in the retracted position 602 and the gripper 114 is in the stored position 600) is the initial configuration for using the extraction device. After being placed in this configuration, the catheter 108 is inserted into the endoscope and then exits from the distal end of the endoscope (not shown) in preparation for insertion.

[0070] As shown, the arms 116 may have staggered lengths to make full use of the narrow space inside the conduit 108. In some embodiments, the first arm 124 (i.e., the arm 116 at the beginning and end of loop 122) is the longest arm 606, while in other embodiments it is the shortest arm 608, and in still other embodiments it is neither the longest nor the shortest arm 608.

[0071] Figure 6B Show Figure 6A The image shows a front view of the extractor device 100 with its drive slider 106 in the extended position 612. This configuration is achieved once the second end of the conduit is close to the foreign object to be extracted. In the context of this specification and the following claims, the extended position 612 of the drive slider 106 is the position along the handle body 104 where the drive line 300 is pushed sufficiently forward, such that the gripper 114 is substantially outside the second end 112 of the conduit 108. As shown, placing the drive slider 106 in the extended position 612 places the gripper 114 in the open position 610. As previously discussed, in this configuration, the control ring 118 is in the neutral position 604, thereby allowing the formation of the loop 122 and establishing a sufficient level of tension in the control fiber 120.

[0072] at last, Figure 6C Show Figure 6A and Figure 6B A front view of the extractor device 100, wherein the control ring 118 has been pulled open from the neutral position 604, drawing some control fibers 120 into the conduit 108 and causing the ring 122 to contract (e.g., reducing the ring radius, reducing the ring circumference, etc.), thereby causing the second end 402 of the arm 116 to bend or deflect inward and placing the gripper 114 in the capture position 614. This configuration is achieved once the foreign object 616 is within the "capture volume" of the gripper 114 (e.g., between these arms, etc.).

[0073] In the context of this specification and the following claims, the capture position 614 of the gripper 114 is the position where the second ends 402 are closer to the central axis 404 than they are in the open position 610. Any foreign object 616 located between these arms 116 and near the central axis 404 before the gripper 114 is placed in the capture position 614 will be captured and prepared for extraction by pulling the entire device out of the patient's body.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the capture position 614 is maintained by applying pressure upward on the control ring 118. A physician can maintain tension on the control fiber 120 by pulling the control ring 118 upward with one hand while simultaneously pulling the entire device out of the patient's mouth with the other hand. Again, it should be noted that although this example pertains to the extraction of a food bolus from the gastrointestinal tract, the device considered herein can also be applied in other situations.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the grasper 114, including the conical mesh 700. Adding the mesh 700 to the grasper 114 enhances the retrieval device 100's ability to prevent material from being aspirated into the lungs by containing any "debris" that would otherwise fall into the airway. The advantage of this is that it reduces or eliminates the need for endotracheal intubation or a colander to protect the airway, thereby reducing costs, time required, and the likelihood of surgical complications. However, the use of the mesh 700 can be costly, as it increases the amount of material that needs to be fitted inside the catheter 108.

[0076] As shown, the net 700 has an opening 702 for receiving a foreign object 616, and a vertex 704 located away from the opening 702 and near a first end (or a second end 304 of the drive line 300) of the gripper arm 116. In some embodiments, the net 700 may be coupled to the arm 116 of the gripper 114. Alternatively, control fibers 120 may be woven from the net 700 along loops 122 near the opening 702. In some embodiments, the vertex 704 may also be coupled to the gripper 114.

[0077] Unlike conventional extraction equipment that utilizes nets, Figure 7 The net 700 of the gripper 114 shown is pointed downwards toward the foreign object 616. This means that the complex bending operations required for traditional mesh extraction devices to dig out objects are not needed. There are several advantages to using this net disclosed herein, and it has fewer disadvantages found in conventional extractors that use nets.

[0078] In some embodiments, an extractor device includes a handle comprising a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle is coupled to a first end of a conduit, and the drive slider is coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the conduit, the length of the drive line being substantially equal to the length of the conduit. The extractor device also includes a gripper fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line, remote from the first end of the drive line. The gripper includes four arms of staggered lengths, each arm having a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end remote from the drive line. The second end of each arm includes an orifice, allowing the gripper to be moved via the drive line by the drive slider between a stored position and an open position. In the stored position, the gripper is located inside the conduit near the second end of the conduit, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward, and the drive slider is in the retracted position. In the open position, the gripper is located outside the conduit, the arms are extended outward, and the drive slider is in the extended position. The extractor device also includes a control ring and control fibers. The control ring is slidably coupled to the handle body and has a neutral position near a first end of the conduit. The control fibers are uniformly coupled to both the first and second ends of the control ring. The control fibers extend downward from the first end of the conduit into the gripper inside the conduit and pass through an orifice at the second end of the first of the four arms. The fibers then pass through the orifices of each subsequent arm and again through the orifice of the first arm, forming a loop between the arms of the gripper when the gripper is in the open position. Subsequently, the control fibers extend upward from the second end of the conduit into the first end of the conduit inside the conduit. Each arm bends outward from and deviates from the central axis of the second end of the drive line. Pulling the control ring from the neutral position when the gripper is in the open position contracts the loop, deflecting the second end of the arm toward the central axis and placing the gripper in the capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received through the loop when the gripper is in the open position between the arms. Finally, for each arm of the gripper, an orifice is formed by bending the second end of the arm.

[0079] A particular embodiment may include one or more of the following features. The gripper may further include a conical mesh having an opening and a apex for receiving foreign objects. The loops of control fibers at the second ends of these arms can be woven from the conical mesh near the opening. The apex of the conical mesh may be close to the first ends of these arms of the gripper. The apex of the mesh may be between the second end of the conduit and the opening for receiving foreign objects. For each arm of the gripper, an orifice may be formed by bending the second end of the arm inward to form an eyelet. Finally, the first of the four arms with staggered lengths may be the longest arm.

[0080] According to other embodiments, an extractor device includes a handle comprising a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle is coupled to a first end of a conduit, the drive slider being coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the conduit, and the length of the drive line being substantially equal to the length of the conduit. The extractor device further includes a gripper fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line, remote from the first end of the drive line. The gripper includes at least three arms having staggered lengths. Each arm has a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end remote from the drive line, the second end of each arm including an orifice. The gripper is movable via the drive line by the drive slider between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position, the gripper is located inside the conduit near the second end of the conduit, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position, the gripper is located outside the conduit, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position. The extractor device also includes a control ring and control fibers. The control ring is slidably coupled to the handle body and has a neutral position near a first end of the conduit. The control fibers are uniformly coupled to both a first end and a second end of the control ring. The control fibers extend downward from the first end of the conduit into the gripper inside the conduit and pass through an orifice at the second end of the first of at least three arms. The fibers then pass through an orifice in each of the subsequent arms and again through an orifice in the first arm, such that a loop is formed between these arms of the gripper when the gripper is in the open position. Subsequently, the control fibers extend upward from the second end of the conduit into the first end of the conduit inside the conduit. Each arm bends outward from and deviates from the central axis of the second end of the drive line. Pulling the control ring from the neutral position when the gripper is in the open position contracts the loop, causing the second ends of the arms to deflect toward the central axis and placing the gripper in a capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received through the loop when the gripper is in the open position between these arms.

[0081] A particular embodiment may include one or more of the following features: For each arm of the gripper, the orifice may be an eyelet formed by bending the second end of the arm. For each arm of the gripper, the orifice may be a hole passing through the second end of the arm. The first arm of at least three arms with staggered lengths may be the longest arm. Finally, the first arm of at least three arms with staggered lengths may be the shortest arm.

[0082] According to other embodiments, an extractor device includes a handle comprising a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle is coupled to a first end of a catheter, and the drive slider is coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the catheter, the drive line having a length substantially equal to the length of the catheter. The extractor device also includes a gripper fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line, remote from the first end of the drive line. The gripper includes a plurality of arms of staggered lengths. Each arm has a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end remote from the drive line. The gripper is movable via the drive line by the drive slider between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position, the gripper is located inside the catheter near the second end of the catheter, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position, the gripper is located outside the catheter, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position. The extractor device further includes a control ring and control fibers. The control ring is slidably coupled to the handle body and has a neutral position near a first end of the conduit. The control fibers are uniformly coupled to both a first end and a second end of the control ring. The control fibers extend downward from the first end of the conduit within the conduit and are slidably coupled to the second end of a first arm among a plurality of arms. The fibers are also slidably coupled to the second end of each subsequent arm among the plurality of arms and again to the second end of the first arm, such that when the extractor is in the open position, a loop is formed between these arms of the extractor. Subsequently, the control fibers extend upward from the second end of the conduit within the conduit to the first end of the conduit. Each arm bends outward from and deviates from the central axis of the second end of the drive line. Pulling the control ring from the neutral position when the extractor is in the open position contracts the loop, causing the second ends of the arms to deflect toward the central axis and placing the extractor in a capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received through the loop when the extractor is in the open position between these arms.

[0083] A particular embodiment can be modified or adapted such that, for each of the plurality of arms, the second end may include an orifice and control fibers can be slidably coupled to the second end by passing through the orifice. The control fibers may pass through the orifice of the first arm twice.

[0084] In light of the examples, embodiments, and implementation examples described above, those skilled in the art should understand that other extraction devices and systems, as well as manufacturing devices and examples, can be combined with or replaced with the provided devices. Where the above description relates to specific embodiments of extraction devices and customized methods, it should be apparent that many modifications can be made without departing from their spirit, and that these embodiments and implementations can be applied to other extraction device customization techniques. Therefore, the subject matter disclosed is intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0085] Any scales presented herein are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as any component consistent with the intended operation of the method or system may be utilized. Thus, for example, while specific materials, structures, and couplings may be disclosed, such components may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, category, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, etc., consistent with the intended operation of the extraction device.

[0086] Therefore, the components defining any embodiment of the extraction device can be formed from any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can be readily molded into shaped objects, provided that the selected components are consistent with the intended operation of the extraction device embodiment. For example, the components may include one or more of the following: polymers such as thermoplastic materials (e.g., ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetals, polyamides; polycarbonates, polyethylene, polysulfones or other similar materials), thermosetting materials (e.g., epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimides, polyurethanes, silicone or other similar materials); glass (e.g., quartz glass), carbon fibers, aramid fibers, any combination thereof or other similar materials; composite materials; metals such as zinc, nitinol, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum, aluminum alloys or other similar metallic materials; alloys such as aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, magnesium alloys, copper alloys, any combination thereof or other similar materials; and any one or more of the above combined with one or more or other similar materials.

[0087] Embodiments of various extraction devices can be manufactured using conventional methods enhanced and improved by the methods described herein. Some components can be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined together, while other components can be pre-purchased or manufactured separately before being assembled with the integral components.

[0088] Therefore, manufacturing these components, individually or simultaneously, may involve one or more of the following processes: extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, die forging, cutting, bending, welding, brazing, hardening, riveting, stamping, plating, or other similar processes. If any components are manufactured separately, they may be coupled to each other in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives, welding, fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, nails, rivets, pins), wiring, any combination thereof, and / or the like, depending on the specific materials forming the components and other considerations.

[0089] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that, in certain circumstances, taking into account issues such as technological changes and user requirements, various fastening devices may be used to secure, couple, or releasably couple (as used herein) one or more components of this disclosure. These fastening devices may include one or more of the following: adhesives, belts, bolts, buckles, hooks, latches, locks, screws, snaps, clamps, connectors, couplers, cable ties, or other fastening means yet to be developed.

[0090] Similarly, after reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that, in certain circumstances, taking into account issues such as technological changes and user requirements, various fastening devices (such as adhesives, belts, bolts, buckles, hooks, latches, locks, screws, snaps, clamps, connectors, couplers, cable ties, or other undeveloped fastening methods) can be used in place of or in combination with any of the above-mentioned fasteners or fastening methods.

[0091] It will be understood that the assembly of the extraction device embodiments is not limited to the specific sequence of steps disclosed herein. Since various assembly processes and sequences of steps can be used to assemble the extraction device embodiments, any steps or sequences of steps given for the assembly of the extraction device embodiments indicated herein are examples of possible steps or sequences of steps and not as limitations.

[0092] Where the foregoing description relates to specific embodiments, it should be apparent that many modifications can be made without departing from its spirit, and that these embodiments can be applied to other disclosed or undisclosed embodiments. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications that will fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments currently disclosed should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims should be included herein.

Claims

1. An extractor device comprising: A handle includes a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the handle being coupled to a first end of a catheter, the drive slider being coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the catheter, the length of the drive line being substantially equal to the length of the catheter. A gripper, fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line away from a first end of the drive line, the gripper comprising four arms of staggered lengths, each arm having a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end away from the drive line, the second end of each arm including an orifice, the gripper being movable through the drive line by a drive slider between a storage position and an open position, wherein in the storage position the gripper is located inside the conduit near the second end of the conduit, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position the gripper is located outside the conduit, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position; A control ring, which is slidably coupled to the handle body, and has a neutral position near the first end of the conduit; as well as A control fiber having a first end and a second end uniformly coupled to the control ring extends downward from the first end of the conduit into the gripper inside the conduit and passes through the orifice at the second end of the first of the four arms. The fiber then passes through the orifice of each subsequent arm of the four arms and again through the orifice of the first arm, such that a loop is formed between the arms of the gripper when the gripper is in the open position. Subsequently, the control fiber extends upward from the second end of the conduit into the first end of the conduit inside the conduit. Each arm bends outward from the central axis of the second end of the drive line and deviates from the central axis; When the gripper is in the open position, pulling the control ring from the neutral position will retract the ring, causing the second end of the arm to deflect toward the central axis and placing the gripper in the capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received by the ring when the gripper is in the open position between the arms; In this embodiment, for each arm of the gripper, the orifice is formed by bending the second end of the arm.

2. The extraction device according to claim 1, wherein the gripper further comprises a conical mesh having an opening and a vertex for receiving the foreign object, wherein the loop of the control fiber at the second end of the arm is woven through the conical mesh near the opening, wherein the vertex of the conical mesh is close to the first end of the arm of the gripper.

3. The extraction device according to claim 2, wherein, The vertex of the net is between the second end of the conduit and the opening for receiving the foreign object.

4. The extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, For each arm of the gripper, the aperture is formed by bending the second end of the arm inward to form an eyelet.

5. The extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first arm of the four arms, which have staggered lengths, is the longest arm.

6. An extractor device comprising: A handle includes a drive slider movably coupled to a handle body, the drive slider being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the handle being coupled to a first end of a catheter, the drive slider being coupled to a first end of a drive line inside the catheter, the length of the drive line being substantially equal to the length of the catheter. A gripper, fixedly coupled to a second end of the drive line away from a first end of the drive line, the gripper comprising at least three arms of staggered lengths, each arm having a first end coupled to the drive line and a second end away from the drive line, the second end of each arm including an orifice, the gripper being movable through the drive line by a drive slider between a storage position and an open position, wherein in the storage position the gripper is located inside the conduit near the second end of the conduit, the arms of the gripper are retracted inward and the drive slider is in the retracted position, and in the open position the gripper is located outside the conduit, the arms are extended outward and the drive slider is in the extended position; A control ring, which is slidably coupled to the handle body, and has a neutral position near the first end of the conduit; as well as A control fiber having a first end and a second end uniformly coupled to the control ring extends downward from the first end of the conduit into the gripper inside the conduit and passes through the orifice at the second end of the first arm of the at least three arms. The fiber then passes through the orifice of each subsequent arm of the at least three arms and again through the orifice of the first arm, such that a loop is formed between the arms of the gripper when the gripper is in the open position. Subsequently, the control fiber extends upward from the second end of the conduit into the first end of the conduit inside the conduit. Each arm bends outward from the central axis of the second end of the drive line and deviates from the central axis; When the gripper is in the open position, pulling the control ring from the neutral position will retract the ring, causing the second end of the arm to deflect toward the central axis and placing the gripper in the capture position, thereby capturing foreign objects received by the ring when the gripper is in the open position between the arms.

7. The extractor device according to claim 6, wherein, For each arm of the gripper, the orifice is an eyelet formed by bending the second end of the arm.

8. The extraction device according to claim 7, wherein, For each arm of the gripper, the eyelet is formed by bending the second end of the arm inward.

9. The extraction device according to claim 6, wherein, For each arm of the gripper, the orifice is a hole that passes through the second end of the arm.

10. The extraction device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the gripper further comprises a conical mesh having an opening and a apex for receiving the foreign object, the loop of the control fiber at the second end of the arm being woven through the conical mesh near the opening, wherein the apex of the conical mesh is close to the first end of the arm of the gripper.