Variable radius braid for medical devices

Abstract

A tubular medical device (10) includes a flexible body (12) having a proximal portion and a distal portion (16) including a distal end (14). The flexible body is formed from a plurality of woven filaments (26, 28). The flexible body includes a longitudinal axis (25) extending from the proximal portion to the distal end. The flexible body includes a first weave density at a first radial location and a second weave density at a second radial location, the first radial location and the second radial location being at a same axial location along the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 609,709, filed December 13, 2023, entitled “VARIABLE RADIUS BRAID FOR AMEDICAL DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a medical device for use in a patient. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a braided tubular medical device for use in a patient and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0004] Various braided medical devices are used to treat patient conditions or to deliver materials or devices into the patient's body. When delivering or implanting such devices into a patient, it is crucial that the braided device possesses sufficient performance characteristics (such as maneuverability, maneuverability, and torque transmission) to ensure delivery. The ease of operation of the medical device for delivery is critical in several aspects, such as meeting time constraints for rapid treatment, or ensuring overall safety and precise positioning or manipulation of the device at the target site.

[0005] Achieving a reasonable balance of shaft mechanical properties can be challenging for standard braiding designs, such as those with a constant braid count per inch (PPI) or simple axial braid count variation. When designing shafts, the braiding pattern typically affects one or potentially two mechanical properties (1-kink, 2-torque, 3-thrust, and 4-flexibility), thus impacting overall product performance. A braiding pattern that can improve the performance of more than two mechanical properties is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Example 1 is a tubular medical device. The tubular medical device includes a flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a distal end. The flexible body is formed of a plurality of braided filaments. The flexible body includes a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end. The flexible body includes a first braid density at a first radial position and a second braid density at a second radial position, the first and second radial positions being located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0007] Example 2 is the medical device described in Example 1, which further includes one or more polymer layers configured to cover the flexible body.

[0008] Example 3 is a medical device as described in any one of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the same axial position is located within the distal portion.

[0009] Example 4 is a medical device according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the distal portion is bent in an unconstrained configuration.

[0010] Example 5 is the medical device described in Example 4, wherein the distal portion is bent in a direction toward a high weave density.

[0011] Example 6 is a medical device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the flexible body has a third weave density at a third radial position, the third radial position being located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0012] Example 7 is the medical device described in Example 6, wherein the flexible body has a fourth weave density at a fourth radial position, the fourth radial position being located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0013] Example 8 is a medical device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the tubular medical device is an implantable device.

[0014] Example 9 is the medical device described in Example 8, wherein the tubular medical device is a occlusion device.

[0015] Example 10 is a medical device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the tubular medical device is an introduction device.

[0016] Example 11 is the medical device described in Example 10, wherein the tubular medical device is a catheter.

[0017] Example 12 is a medical device according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the flexible body includes one or more reinforcing regions.

[0018] Example 13 is a medical device according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of braided filaments is non-transparent.

[0019] Example 14 is a medical device according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of braided filaments have a rectangular, elliptical, circular, dome-shaped or polygonal cross-section.

[0020] Example 15 is a medical device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the flexible body has a third weave density at a third radial position, the third radial position being spaced apart from the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0021] Example 16 is a tubular medical device. The tubular medical device includes a flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a distal end. The flexible body is formed of a plurality of braided filaments. The flexible body includes a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end. The flexible body has a first braid density at a first radial position and a second braid density at a second radial position. The first braid density is greater than the second braid density, and the first and second radial positions are located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0022] Example 17 is the medical device described in Example 16, which further includes one or more polymer layers configured to cover the flexible body.

[0023] Example 18 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the distal portion is bent in an unconstrained configuration.

[0024] Example 19 is the medical device described in Example 18, wherein a sheath or core is introduced to constrain the distal portion.

[0025] Example 20 is the medical device described in Example 18, wherein the distal portion is bent in a direction toward a high weave density.

[0026] Example 21 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the flexible body has a third weave density at a third radial position, the third radial position being located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] Example 22 is the medical device described in Example 21, wherein the flexible body has a fourth weave density at a fourth radial position, the fourth radial position being located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0028] Example 23 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the tubular medical device is an implantable device.

[0029] Example 24 is the medical device described in Example 23, wherein the tubular medical device is a occlusion device.

[0030] Example 25 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the tubular medical device is an introduction device.

[0031] Example 26 is the medical device described in Example 25, wherein the tubular medical device is a catheter.

[0032] Example 27 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the flexible body includes one or more reinforcing regions.

[0033] Example 28 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of braided filaments is non-transparent.

[0034] Example 29 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the plurality of braided filaments have a rectangular, elliptical, circular, dome-shaped, or polygonal cross-section.

[0035] Example 30 is the medical device described in Example 16, wherein the flexible body has a third weave density at a third radial position, the third radial position being spaced apart from the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0036] Example 31 is a tubular medical device. The tubular medical device includes a flexible body having a proximal end and a distal portion including a distal end. The flexible body is formed of a plurality of braided filaments. The flexible body includes a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end. One or more polymer layers are configured to cover the flexible body. The flexible body has a first braid density at a first radial location, a second braid density at a second radial location, and a third braid density at a third radial location. The first and second radial locations are situated at the same axial location along the longitudinal axis.

[0037] Example 32 is the medical device described in Example 31, wherein the third radial position is located at the same axial position.

[0038] Example 33 is the medical device described in Example 31, wherein the third radial position is spaced apart from the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0039] Example 34 is the medical device described in Example 31, wherein the same axial position is located within the distal portion.

[0040] Example 35 is a tubular medical device. The tubular device includes a flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a distal end. The flexible body is formed of a plurality of braided filaments. The flexible body includes a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end. One or more polymer layers are configured to cover the flexible body. The flexible body has a first braid density at a first radial position, a second braid density at a second radial position, a third braid density at a third radial position, and a fourth braid density at a fourth radial position. The first and second radial positions are located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

[0041] While several embodiments have been disclosed, other embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments shown and described herein. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a braided portion of an apparatus according to the present disclosure having a uniform braiding density in the radial direction.

[0044] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a braided portion of an apparatus according to the present disclosure having a radially variable braiding density.

[0045] Figure 3 Based on this disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a braided tubular medical device in an unrestrained state.

[0046] Figure 4 Based on this disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a braided tubular medical device in an unrestrained state.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 7A It is a cross-section of the braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7B The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 7A The first side of the braided tubular medical device.

[0051] Figure 7C The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 7A The second side of the braided tubular medical device.

[0052] Figure 8A It is a cross-section of the braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 8B The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 8A The first and second parts of the braided tubular medical device.

[0054] Figure 8C The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 8A The third and fourth parts of the braided tubular medical device.

[0055] Figures 9A-9E Various cross-sections of filaments forming a braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure are shown.

[0056] Figure 10 It is a cross-section of the braided tubular medical device according to this disclosure.

[0057] While this disclosure may have various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail below. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments described. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0058] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference is now made to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings, which will be described below. The examples shown herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the specific forms disclosed in the detailed description below. Rather, these exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to enable others skilled in the art to use their technical teachings. Applying multiple (e.g., all) features from a given example to all other examples does not exceed the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, no single drawing should be construed as having any dependence on or necessity for any individual component or combination of components shown therein. Furthermore, in the examples, various components depicted in a given drawing may be integrated with various components in other components (and / or components not shown) depicted therein, all of which are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a braided tubular medical device 10 according to the present disclosure. The braided tubular medical device 10 may include an implantable device configured to treat part of a patient, or it may form part of an delivery device to deliver medication or other devices to a patient. For example, the braided tubular medical device 10 may be an occlusion device, a stent, a dilator, a filter, an anchor, a sheath, or a catheter. The braided tubular medical device 10 includes a flexible body 12 formed of multiple filaments braided together. In one embodiment, the multiple filaments are formed of a single type of material. In another embodiment, the multiple filaments are formed of multiple materials.

[0060] In some embodiments, the flexible body 12 serves as a reinforcement for tubular devices (such as catheters or sheaths) to help enhance the rigidity, torsionability, or maneuverability of the tubular device. In some embodiments, the flexible body 12 is placed on or outside a polymer tubular structure. In some embodiments, the flexible body 12 is sandwiched between or embedded in a polymer layer to incorporate the flexible body 12 into the tubular device. In some embodiments, the flexible body 12 does not include a covering, coating, or additional material surrounding the flexible body 12.

[0061] The filaments can be made of any material suitable for implantation in the human or animal body. For example, stainless steel, tungsten, and nitinol can be used as materials for the filaments. However, the applicable materials for the braiding embodiments are diverse and include shape memory materials, metals, superelastic alloys, and polymers.

[0062] The flexible body 12 includes a distal end 14 and a proximal end (not shown) opposite the distal end 14. The flexible body 12 includes a distal portion 16 extending proximally from the distal end 14 to a proximal portion (not shown). The distal portion 16 of the flexible body 12 has a natural curvature in an unconstrained configuration. To deliver the braided tubular medical device 10 to a desired location within a patient's body, the braided tubular medical device 10 may be externally constrained by an introduced sheath or catheter 18, or internally constrained by a core or mandrel 20. Although an introduced sheath or catheter 18 and a core or mandrel 20 are shown, it should be understood that the braided tubular medical device 10 may be constrained by only one of these.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the flexible body 12 is not constrained by the introduced sheath or conduit 16 and the mandrel or spindle 18, the distal portion 16 of the flexible body 12 can acquire a natural curvature. As illustrated, the amount of unconstraint on the flexible body 12 determines the amount of bending of the distal portion 16. Figure 3 In this configuration, the braided tubular medical device 10 begins to form a single bend 22 in its distal portion 16. The single bend 22 allows the distal end 14 to deviate from the longitudinal axis 25 passing through the braided tubular medical device 10 in its constrained configuration. The single bend 22 can, for example, facilitate the introduction of the braided tubular medical device 10 into the patient during a tortuous pathway guided through the vascular system.

[0064] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, the braided tubular medical device 10 extends sufficiently to form a helix 24 in the distal portion 16. The helix 24 can be used to anchor the braided tubular medical device 10 at a desired location within the patient's body.

[0065] The natural curvature in the distal portion 16 of the flexible body 12 is produced by radially varying the braid density (also known as braids per inch (PPI)) around the circumference of the braided tubular medical device 10. This variation is limited to the distal portion 16, or to any region where a natural, unconstrained curvature is desired. The braid density is greater in the circumferential location below the curvature in the distal portion 16. Locations on the opposite circumferential side (i.e., the top of the curvature) have a smaller braid density than the circumferential portion below the curvature.

[0066] PPI is based on wire volume, core position, and the speed at which the material passes through the braiding machine. To create radial variations in braid density, or PPI, the core of the material can be placed at different locations on the braiding machine from the machine's center. This new position not only enhances the braid design but also provides a new braid count in the radial direction around the circumference of the braided tubular medical device 10. This allows the braided construction to vary on different sides of the flexible body 12 during manufacturing.

[0067] Varying the weave density in the radial direction allows for better control of the flexible body 12. By setting a high PPI (pivot point in the radial direction at 1 / 4 or 1 / 5 of the diameter of the flexible body 12) for bending and deflection, and a low PPI (pivot point in the radial direction at another 1 / 4 or 1 / 5 of the diameter of the flexible body 12) for rigidity and actuation, the flexible body 12 can achieve natural curvature without any additional downstream processing (such as heat treatment). Generally, a low PPI corresponds to greater actuation and torque transmission along the body of the medical device, while a high PPI corresponds to increased flexibility along the body.

[0068] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a braided portion having a uniform braiding density in the radial direction, according to the apparatus of this disclosure. Figure 2A As shown, the woven fabric is formed from multiple filaments 26, 28. For ease of illustration, the multiple filaments 26, 28 are shown in different colors. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 26, 28 may be formed from a single material. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 26, 28 may be formed from multiple materials. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 26, 28 may have the same size and cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 26, 28 may have different sizes and cross-sectional shapes.

[0069] Multiple fine filaments, 26 and 28, are woven together to form a radially uniform weave density around the circumference of the flexible body. Figure 2A In the image, the woven portion is shown as flat. The circumferential direction of the flexible body is shown in the C direction, while the longitudinal axis of the flexible body is shown in the L direction. From Figure 2AAs can be seen, the number of braids P in the braided section is uniform around the circumferential direction C. The proximal portion of the tubular braided medical device or any part of the device where a natural curvature is not desired can include a radially uniform braid density.

[0070] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a braided portion having a radially variable braiding density according to the apparatus of this disclosure. Figure 2B As shown, the woven fabric is formed from multiple filaments 30, 32. For ease of illustration, the multiple filaments 30, 32 are shown in different colors. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 30, 32 may be formed from a single material. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 30, 32 may be formed from multiple materials. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 30, 32 may have the same size and cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the multiple filaments 30, 32 may have different sizes and cross-sectional shapes.

[0071] Multiple fine filaments, 30 and 32, are woven together to form a radially variable weave density around the circumference of the flexible body. Figure 2B In the image, the woven portion is shown as flat. The circumferential direction of the flexible body is shown in the C direction, while the longitudinal axis of the flexible body is shown in the L direction. From Figure 2B As can be seen, the number of stitches P in the knitted section is variable around the circumferential direction C. Figure 2B In the diagram, the right side of line 34 shows the upper circumferential portion of the flexible body with a lower weave density, while the left side of line 34 shows the lower circumferential portion of the flexible body with a higher weave density. In this configuration, a bend is formed in the flexible tubular body, which curves to the left of line 34 along the second half with the higher weave density.

[0072] Although Figure 2A and Figure 2B The braid is shown as having single filaments woven together, but it should be understood that other arrangements of the filaments can be used to create natural bends in the flexible body, provided the braid density varies radially. For example, the braid can be formed from a group of two filaments woven together, wherein the two filaments are adjacent to each other and then pass side-by-side alternately under the two filaments, then over the two filaments, and so on. Furthermore, the braid can include additional filaments to improve the properties of the flexible body 12. For example, the flexible body 12 can include one or more transmissive filaments.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the braided tubular medical device 10 according to this disclosure. Figure 5In this device, the braided tubular medical device 10 can be configured as an occlusion device, such as Boston Scientific Corp.'s Embold™ product, an embolization coil, a marker, a filter, an anchor, or other device configured for implantation in a patient. The distal portion 16 of the braided tubular medical device 10 acquires a helical shape in an unrestrained configuration. The helical portion includes a first bend 36 and a second bend 38. The first bend 36 and the second bend 38 have the same curvature. The braided tubular medical device 10 can have a length that allows it to be placed in a desired location, and the introduced sheath or catheter 18 and / or core or mandrel 20 can be withdrawn, thereby leaving the entire device 10 in the body in an unrestrained configuration.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a braided tubular medical device with a region of varying curvature according to this disclosure. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the braided tubular medical device 10 can be configured as an occlusion device, marker, filter, anchor, or other device configured for implantation in a patient. The distal portion 16 of the braided tubular medical device 10 acquires a helical shape in an unconstrained configuration. The helical portion includes a first bend 40 and a second bend 42. The first bend 40 and the second bend 42 have different curvatures. This is achieved by varying the braid density radially along two different axial segments of the distal portion 16. When the braided tubular medical device 10 is in the desired position, the introduction sheath or catheter 18 and / or core or mandrel 20 can be withdrawn, leaving the entire device 10 in place. The braided tubular medical device 10 may include a reinforcing region or marker 44. In some embodiments, the reinforcing region or marker 44 may include a polymer doped with a radiopaque material or radiopaque metal. The reinforcing region or marker 44 may be positioned along the device 10 to aid in identifying the distal and proximal ends of the device 10, as well as the middle portion of the device 10, during implantation.

[0075] Figure 7A It is a cross-section depicting regions of different weaving densities of the braided tubular medical device 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 7A The diagram shows a first half 46 of the flexible body 12 with a weave density of 30 PPI and a second half 48 of the flexible body 12 with a weave density of 70 PPI. This arrangement will cause bending in the direction of the second half when the flexible body 12 is in an unconstrained state.

[0076] Figure 7B The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 7A The first half 46 of the braided tubular medical device 10. Figure 7C The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 7A The second half 48 of the braided tubular medical device 10. (Example) Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, the second half 48 of the flexible body 12 has a higher weaving density than the first half 46 of the flexible body 12.

[0077] Figure 8A It is a cross-section depicting regions of different weave densities of the braided tubular medical device 10 according to this disclosure. Figure 8A In this embodiment, the braided tubular medical device 10 includes radially variable braid densities in four circumferential segments of a flexible body 12. The first segment 50 and the second segment 52 of the flexible body 12 have a braid density of 30 PPI. The third segment 54 and the fourth segment 56 of the flexible body 12 have a braid density of 60 PPI. Each of the first segment 50, second segment 52, third segment 54, and fourth segment 56 of the flexible body comprises ¼ of the circumferential dimension of the flexible body 12. As shown, the first segment 50 is opposite to the second segment 52, and the third segment 54 is opposite to the fourth segment 56. By having four segments with radially variable braid densities, the flexible body 12 can be further optimized, and overall performance can be improved. In some embodiments, each of the first segment 50, second segment 52, third segment 54, and fourth segment 56 has a different braid density. The first segment 50 and the second segment 52 provide increased tensile strength, while the third segment 54 and the fourth segment 56 provide kink resistance, thereby guiding the material through the tortuous anatomy with reduced pushing resistance. This design reduces the elongation of the flexible body 12 using only a braided design without increasing the complexity of needing to incorporate longitudinal reinforcements.

[0078] Figure 8B The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 8A The first section 50 and the second section 52 of the braided tubular medical device. Figure 8C The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 8A The third section 54 and the fourth section 56 of the braided tubular medical device. For example... Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown, the flexible body 12 has a greater proportion of the third segment 54 and the fourth segment 5 than the flexible body 12. Figure 8B The first section 50 and the second section 52 shown have a higher weave density.

[0079] Figures 9A-9E Various cross-sectional arrangements of the filaments forming the braided tubular medical device 10 according to the present disclosure are shown. The filaments forming the flexible body 12 may include various cross-sections and may include a thickness less than the width. In various embodiments, the thickness of the filaments is sufficient to provide structural support for the flexible body while maintaining considerable flexibility. Figure 9AA filament with a rectangular cross-section is shown. This rectangular cross-section includes a first pair of surfaces 58 orthogonal to the second pair of surfaces 60. Figure 9B A filament with an elliptical cross-section is shown. This elliptical cross-section comprises a single surface 62. Figure 9C A filament with a circular cross-section is shown. Like an elliptical cross-section, this circular cross-section comprises a single surface 62. Figure 9D A filament with a dome-shaped cross-section is shown. The dome-shaped cross-section includes a curved surface 64 and a first pair of parallel surfaces 66, which are orthogonal to a flat surface 68 opposite to the curved surface 64. Figure 9E A filament with a polygonal cross-section is shown. The polygonal cross-section includes a pair of parallel surfaces 70 that intersect with a first inclined surface 72 and a second inclined surface 74.

[0080] Figure 10 It is a cross-section of the braided tubular medical device 10 according to this disclosure. Figure 10 A braided tubular medical device 10 is shown with a flexible body 12 encased in one or more polymer cannulas. The flexible body 12 is covered by an inner polymer layer 76 and an outer polymer layer 78. In some embodiments, the inner polymer layer 76 and the outer polymer layer 78 may be formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the inner polymer layer 76 and the outer polymer layer 78 are different materials. The inner polymer layer 76 and the outer polymer layer 78 may be configured to encase the flexible body 12, allowing fluid to pass through the braided tubular medical device 10. Figure 10 Embodiments may form part of a catheter, sheath, dilator, or other tubular structure configured for introduction into a patient. This part may be a distal portion configured to have a pre-defined bend in an unconstrained configuration to allow guidance through tortuous pathways within the patient's body.

[0081] In one embodiment, the inner polymer layer 76 is formed of extruded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the outer polymer layer 78 is formed of polyether block amide (e.g., PEBAX 4033 SA01, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyether and rigid polyamide). The flexible body 12 may include a radially variable weave density as described above. The weave density of various portions of the flexible body 12 may range from 15 PPI to 90 PPI, and may include weave angles ranging from 10 to 50. The surface area coverage of the flexible body 12 may range from approximately 10% to 40%.

[0082] As is well known, methods comprising one or more steps are not limited by the order listed in the claims unless expressly or implicitly stated otherwise in the specification or the claims themselves. It is also certain that the methods shown are merely some examples among the many disclosed examples, and certain steps may be added or omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. These steps may include combining apparatus, systems, or methods or components thereof, as well as conventional and customary techniques well known in the art.

[0083] The connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to illustrate exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in actual systems. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent should not be construed as critical, essential, or fundamental features or elements. Therefore, the scope is limited only by the appended claims, wherein, unless expressly stated otherwise, reference to a singular element does not mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Furthermore, when phrases such as "at least one of A, B, or C" are used in the claims, such phrases are intended to be interpreted as meaning that A exists alone in one embodiment, B exists alone in one embodiment, C exists alone in one embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B, or C may exist in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. The terms “couples”, “coupled”, “connection”, “attachment” and their variations are used to describe arrangements that include two or more components in direct physical contact with each other, as well as arrangements in which two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., components are “coupled” via at least a third component) but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0084] In the detailed description herein, references to "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment does not necessarily include those specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in connection with embodiments, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, can apply these features, structures, or characteristics to other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not). After reading the description, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement this disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0085] Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, while the above embodiments relate to specific features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments with different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the stated features. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to encompass all such substitutions, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of the claims, as well as all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tubular medical device, the tubular medical device comprising: A flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a distal end; The flexible body is formed by multiple braided filaments; The flexible body has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end; The flexible body has a first weave density at a first radial position and a second weave density at a second radial position, the first radial position and the second radial position being located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

2. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising one or more polymer layers configured to cover the flexible body.

3. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The same axial position is located within the distal portion.

4. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distal portion is bent under an unconstrained configuration.

5. The medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The distal portion bends in a direction toward higher weave density.

6. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The flexible body has a third weave density at a third radial position, which is located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

7. The medical device according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible body has a fourth weave density at a fourth radial position, which is located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

8. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The tubular medical device is an implantable device.

9. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The tubular medical device is a sealing device.

10. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The tubular medical device is an introduction device.

11. The medical device according to claim 10, wherein, The tubular medical device is a catheter.

12. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The flexible body includes one or more reinforcing regions.

13. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, At least one of the plurality of braided filaments is non-transparent.

14. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The multiple braided filaments have rectangular, elliptical, circular, dome-shaped, or polygonal cross-sections.

15. The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The flexible body has a third weaving density at a third radial position, which is spaced apart from the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

16. A tubular medical device, the tubular medical device comprising: A flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a distal end; The flexible body is formed by multiple braided filaments; The flexible body has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end; The flexible body has a first weave density at a first radial position and a second weave density at a second radial position. The first weave density is greater than the second weave density, and the first radial position and the second radial position are located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

17. The medical device of claim 16, further comprising one or more polymer layers configured to cover the flexible body.

18. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The distal portion is bent under an unconstrained configuration.

19. The medical device according to claim 18, wherein, A sheath or core is introduced to constrain the distal portion.

20. The medical device according to claim 18, wherein, The distal portion bends in a direction toward higher weave density.

21. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The flexible body has a third weave density at a third radial position, which is located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

22. The medical device according to claim 21, wherein, The flexible body has a fourth weave density at a fourth radial position, which is located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

23. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The tubular medical device is an implantable device.

24. The medical device according to claim 23, wherein, The tubular medical device is a sealing device.

25. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The tubular medical device is an introduction device.

26. The medical device according to claim 25, wherein, The tubular medical device is a catheter.

27. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The flexible body includes one or more reinforcing regions.

28. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, At least one of the plurality of braided filaments is non-transparent.

29. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The multiple braided filaments have rectangular, elliptical, circular, dome-shaped, or polygonal cross-sections.

30. The medical device according to claim 16, wherein, The flexible body has a third weaving density at a third radial position, which is spaced apart from the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

31. A tubular medical device, the tubular medical device comprising: A flexible body having a proximal end and a distal portion including a distal end; The flexible body is formed by multiple braided filaments; The flexible body has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end; as well as One or more polymer layers are configured to cover the flexible body; The flexible body has a first weave density at a first radial position, a second weave density at a second radial position, and a third weave density at a third radial position, wherein the first radial position and the second radial position are located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

32. The medical device according to claim 31, wherein, The third radial position is located at the same axial position.

33. The medical device according to claim 31, wherein, The third radial position is spaced apart from the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

34. The medical device according to claim 31, wherein, The same axial position is located within the distal portion.

35. A tubular medical device, the tubular medical device comprising: A flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a distal end; The flexible body is formed by multiple braided filaments; The flexible body has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal end; One or more polymer layers are configured to cover the flexible body; The flexible body has a first weave density at a first radial position, a second weave density at a second radial position, a third weave density at a third radial position, and a fourth weave density at a fourth radial position, wherein the first radial position and the second radial position are located at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis.

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