Medical Systems, Devices, and Related Methods

Abstract

The medical device may include a first body having a lumen and a central longitudinal axis, a second body at least partially disposed within the lumen of the first body, and an arm assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm coupled to the first body and extending distally of the first body, and a second arm coupled to the second body and extending distally of the second body. A distal end portion of the first arm may be coupled to a distal end portion of the second arm. Distal movement of the second body may be configured to move the first arm and the second arm radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis. Proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body may be configured to move the first arm and the second arm radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the manipulation of internal matter, including grasping, removing, moving, and otherwise manipulating internal or foreign matter from a patient. More specifically, at least certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and associated methods for removing matter from a patient's body, among other aspects. [Background technology]

[0002] A food bolus is formed as part of the digestive process when food is lubricated with saliva and a cohesive mass is formed. Usually, a food bolus is swallowed, passes from the mouth through the esophagus, and enters the stomach for gastric digestion. However, sometimes a food bolus gets stuck in the esophagus and does not pass through the stomach. In this case, an esophageal food bolus obstruction is caused by an obstruction of the esophagus. Some esophageal food boluses can be passed on their own or with the assistance of medication, while some esophageal food boluses require the use of an endoscope to move the obstructing food into the stomach or remove it from the esophagus. Currently, various devices are used to assist in the removal of esophageal foreign bodies. There is a need to develop new food bolus removal devices, systems, and methods to overcome the shortcomings in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate, inter alia, to systems, devices, and methods for moving and / or removing material from a patient's body. Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in association with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[0004] According to one aspect, the medical device may include a first body having a lumen and a central longitudinal axis, a second body at least partially disposed within the lumen of the first body, and an arm assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm coupled to the first body and extending distally of the first body, and a second arm coupled to the second body and extending distally of the second body. A distal end portion of the first arm may be coupled to a distal end portion of the second arm. Distal movement of the second body relative to the first body may be configured to move the distal end portion of the first arm and the distal end portion of the second arm radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis. Proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body may be configured to move the distal end portion of the first arm and the distal end portion of the second arm radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis.

[0005] In other aspects, the medical device may include one or more of the following features: the first control wire may extend proximally from the first body and the second control wire may extend proximally from the second body. The arm assembly may be a first arm assembly and the medical device may further include a second arm assembly including a third arm coupled to a distal portion of the first body and extending distally of the first body and a fourth arm coupled to a distal portion of the second body and extending distally of the second body, a distal end portion of the third arm coupled to a distal end portion of the fourth arm. The medical device may further include a third arm assembly including a fifth arm coupled to a distal portion of the first body and extending distally of the first body, and a sixth arm coupled to a distal portion of the second body and extending distally of the second body, a distal end portion of the fifth arm coupled to a distal end portion of the sixth arm. Distal movement of the second body relative to the first body may be configured to move the distal end portion of the third arm, the distal end portion of the fourth arm, the distal end portion of the fifth arm, and the distal end portion of the sixth arm radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis. Proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body may be configured to move the distal end portion of the third arm, the distal end portion of the fourth arm, the distal end portion of the fifth arm, and the distal end portion of the sixth arm radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis. The first arm assembly, the second arm assembly, and the third arm assembly may be equally spaced from each other about the central longitudinal axis.

[0006] In other aspects, the medical device may include one or more of the following features: The first body may be cylindrical and may include a first lumen, and the second body may be cylindrical and may include a second lumen and may be disposed within the first lumen. The first and second arms may be rectangular and may have a rectangular cross section perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. The first and second arms may be configured to be in a straight configuration when a distal-most end of the first body is aligned with a distal-most end of the second body. The medical device may further include a cylindrical sleeve coupled to a distal portion of the first body, and the first and second arms may extend through and exit a distal end of the cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve may include a first and second lumen each extending longitudinally through the cylindrical sleeve, and the first arm may be disposed within the first lumen, and the second arm may be disposed within the second lumen. The first and second arms may be biased toward the central longitudinal axis. The second arm may include a protrusion extending radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis, the protrusion defining a proximally facing surface when the second arm is parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The first arm may contact the second arm at a location between the proximal and distal ends of the first arm when the first and second arms are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis and the medical device is in a neutral configuration, and the first arm may be spaced apart from the second arm at a location between the proximal and distal ends of the first arm when the medical device is moved to an open or closed configuration such that at least one of the first or second arms is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis.

[0007] In other aspects, the medical device may include one or more of the following features: The medical device may further include a shaft coupled to a proximal portion of the first body, and the first arm may be coupled to a distal-most end of the first body. The second arm may be coupled to a distal-most end of the second body. The medical device may further include a handle assembly including an actuator configured to facilitate distal or proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body. The first arm may be curved toward the central longitudinal axis when the medical device is in the closed configuration, and the second arm may be curved away from the central longitudinal axis when the medical device is in the open configuration, and the proximal end of the first arm may be distal to the proximal end of the second arm when the medical device is in the open configuration, and the proximal end of the second arm may be distal to the proximal end of the first arm when the medical device is in the closed configuration.

[0008] In another aspect, a medical device may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, a first arm extending distally from the distal end of the shaft and including a first annular member at its distal end, a second arm extending distally from the distal end of the shaft and including a second annular member at its distal end, and a fiber assembly. The fiber assembly may include a first fiber segment extending through the first and second ring portions, a net disposed proximally from the first and second ring portions, a second fiber segment, a first end of the second fiber segment coupled to the first fiber segment and a second end of the second fiber segment coupled to the net, and a third fiber segment coupled to the net and extending proximally from the net through the shaft.

[0009] In other aspects, the medical device may include one or more of the following features: the third arm may extend distally from a distal end of the shaft and include a third ring portion at its distal end, the fiber assembly may further include a fourth fiber segment extending from the first string segment to the net, the first fiber segment extending through the third ring portion, the first fiber segment forming a closed loop, the net may be triangular and may be configured to be moved within the lumen of the shaft.

[0010] In another aspect, the medical device may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central longitudinal axis, a first arm extending distally from the distal end of the shaft and including a first ring portion at its distal end, a second arm extending distally from the distal end of the shaft and including a second ring portion at its distal end, and a fiber assembly. The fiber assembly may include a first fiber segment extending through the first ring portion and the second ring portion, and a second fiber segment extending longitudinally through a lumen of the shaft. A first end of the first fiber segment may be coupled to a distal end of the second fiber segment, and a second end of the first fiber segment may be coupled to a distal end of the second fiber segment. In some examples, the first arm and the second arm may be biased radially outward from the central longitudinal axis.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an exemplary medical device within a body lumen, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an exemplary medical device within a body lumen, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of an exemplary medical device within a body lumen, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an arm assembly for use with an exemplary medical device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a side view of an arm assembly for use with an exemplary medical device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a side view of an arm assembly for use with an exemplary medical device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distal portion of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side view of a distal portion of the medical device of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is a side view of a distal portion of the medical device of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1 is a side view of a distal portion of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a side view of a distal portion of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of an exemplary arm for a medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a side view of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 8A-8C are front views of different cable configurations for use with the medical device of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8A-8C are front views of different cable configurations for use with the medical device of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C]8A-8C are front views of different cable configurations for use with the medical device of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 1 is a side view of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1 is a side view of an exemplary medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 9C is a front view of the medical device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present disclosure relates, among other aspects, to systems, devices, and methods for manipulating matter within a patient's body. Although embodiments of the present disclosure focus on the gastrointestinal system and its various lumens, aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to any other body lumen, including any lumen of the urinary system, pancreaticobiliary duct, etc. Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device that is furthest from a user when the device is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to a user when the device is placed in a patient. The proximal and distal directions are labeled throughout the drawings with arrows labeled "D" for the distal direction and "P" for the proximal direction. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal."

[0014] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to move or facilitate the movement of targeted material in an intraluminal space. In particular, some embodiments include a grasping device for both dilating a body lumen and grasping material.

[0015] FIG. 1A shows a material 101, such as a food bolus, located within a body lumen 102, such as the esophagus. FIG. 1B shows a medical device 100 disposed within the body lumen 102. The medical device 100 may be a gripping device and may include a shaft 108 extending longitudinally to arms 104-106 at a distal portion of the device 100. The shaft 108 may be flexible and may be configured to move within a patient, such as within the body lumen 102. The arms 104-106 may curve radially inward toward a central longitudinal axis 150 of the device 100, and the arms 104-106 may be configured to be atraumatic. One or more actuators may be disposed at a proximal end (not shown) of the device 100, and the one or more actuators may control movement of the arms 104-106. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators may be disposed on a handle assembly of the device 100 and may control movement of the arms 104-106. In some examples, the movement of the arms 104-106 may be controlled by a device electronically connected to the device 100. Each of the arms 104-106 may be moved radially outward from the axis 150 to the open configuration shown in FIG. 1B. In some examples, the radially outward movement of the arms 104-106 may expand the diameter of a portion of the body lumen 102 without damaging the body lumen 102. For example, each of the arms 104-106 is curved radially inward toward the axis 150 such that the movement of the arms 104-106 radially outward from the axis 150 may not penetrate the wall of the body lumen 102.

[0016] After the user has moved the arms 104-106 to the open configuration, the user may move the shaft 108 distally to position the substance 101 between the arms 104-106. Each of the arms 104-106 is curved radially inward toward the axis 150 so that a radially outer surface of each of the arms 104-106, relative to the axis 150, may slide along the wall of the body lumen 102 as the device 100 is moved distally. Once the substance 101 is positioned between the arms 104-106, the user may actuate one or more actuators to move each of the arms 104-106 radially inward toward the axis 150 to grasp the substance 101.

[0017] FIG. 1C shows the arms 104-106 positioned radially inward toward the axis 150 relative to the position of the arms 104-106 in FIG. 1B such that the arms 104-106 can grasp the material 101. The user can then move the shaft 108 proximally to move the arms 104-106 and the material 101 grasped by the arms 104-106 out of the body lumen 102. In other examples, the user can push the shaft 108 distally to move the arms 104-106 and the material 101 distally through the body lumen 102, for example, toward the patient's stomach. In some examples, the user can move the arms 104-106 radially outward from the axis 150 to expand the body lumen 102. For example, arms 104-106 may contact the inner wall of body lumen 102 and move the inner wall of body lumen 102 radially outward from axis 150. This may facilitate movement of material 101 through body lumen 102 and into another area of ​​the patient's body, such as the stomach. Any of the medical devices described herein may be used in the manner described herein above.

[0018] 2A-2C show an arm assembly 200 that may be incorporated into any of the medical devices described herein, for example, as arm assemblies 305-307 described with reference to FIG. 3. The arm assembly 200 may include a first rod 202 extending from a first anchor 209 to a distal end 204 and a second rod 203 extending from a second anchor 210 to the distal end 204. The first rod 202 and the second rod 203 may be flexible and biased toward a straight configuration (as shown in FIG. 2B). The first rod 202 may be fixedly coupled to the second rod 203 at the distal end 204. In some examples, the first rod 202 may be welded to the second rod 203 or coupled together via any other similar means known in the art. When a user moves the second rod 203 relative to the first rod 202, the arm assembly 200 may bend. For example, when a user pulls anchor 210 proximally to move second arm 203 proximally, both first arm 202 and second arm 203 can bend, and first arm 202 can bend toward second arm 203, as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, first anchor 209 can be disposed on a surface of a first device and second anchor 210 can be disposed on a surface of a second device different from the first device, such that first anchor 209 and second anchor 210 can move relative to each other. When a user pushes anchor 210 distally to move second arm 203 distally, both first arm 202 and second arm 203 can bend, and first arm 202 can bend away from second arm 203, as shown in FIG. 2C. 2B shows both the first arm 202 and the second arm 203 in a neutral position, with the first arm 202 substantially parallel to the second arm 203, and both the first arm 202 and the second arm 203 in a substantially straight configuration. Starting from the position shown in FIG. 2A, if a user moves the anchor 210 distally while the anchor 209 does not move, the arm assembly 200 can transition from the position shown in FIG. 2A to the neutral position shown in FIG. 2B and then to the position shown in FIG. 2C.It will be understood that first arm 202 and second arm 203 are not limited to rods, but may be any member having sufficient stiffness to receive proximal-distal forces and sufficient flexibility to bend as described herein.

[0019] 3A-3C show an exemplary medical device 300 including a first body 301 and a second body 302 concentric with the first body 301. The first body 301 and the second body 302 may each be cylindrical and may include a lumen 340 extending longitudinally through one or both of the first body 301 and the second body 302. The first body 301 and the second body 302 may each have a distal-most end 320, which in some embodiments may extend circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis 350. The second body 302 may be configured to move in a proximal-distal direction within the first body 301. The first body 301 may have a surface that faces radially inward relative to the axis 350 that contacts a surface of the second body 302 that faces radially outward relative to the axis 350. The first body 301 may be coupled to a first control wire 309 at a proximal end of the first body 301, and the second body 302 may be coupled to a second control wire 310 at a proximal end of the second body 302. Each of the control wires 309, 310 may extend proximally from the first body 301 and the second body 302 to a proximal portion of the device 300. In some examples, each of the control wires 309, 310 may be coupled to a handle assembly of the device 300 at a proximal end of the device 300. The medical device 300 may be configured to move via actuation of one or more actuators at the proximal portion of the device 300. Each of the control wires 309, 310 may be flexible or may be sufficiently rigid to move the first body 301 and the second body 302 in the proximal and distal directions. In some embodiments, the first body 301 may be fixedly coupled to a distal end of an endoscope or other medical device.

[0020] The medical device 300 may further include three arm assemblies 305-307. Although three arm assemblies 305-307 are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the medical device 300 is not so limited and may include any number of arm assemblies 305-307. Each arm assembly 305-307 may extend distally from a distal end 320 of each of the first body 301 and the second body 302. The arm assembly 305 may include a first arm 311 coupled to the first body 301 at a proximal end of the first arm 311 and a second arm 314 coupled to the second body 302 at a proximal end of the second arm 314. In some examples, the first arm 311 and the second arm 314 may be rectangular and may have a rectangular cross section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. In other examples, the first arm 311 and the second arm 314 may be cylindrical or any other suitable shape. A distal most end 356 of the first arm 311 may be coupled to a distal most end 356 of the second arm 314. In other examples, the first arm 311 and the second arm 314 may be unitary and formed by folding a single piece of material, such as Nitinol or other suitable material, and then coupling a first end of the piece of material to the first body 301 and a second end of the piece of material to the second body 302. In some examples, each of the arm assemblies 305-307 may be the same length, and in other examples, the arm assemblies 305-307 may be different lengths.

[0021] 3A , the first arm 311 and the second arm 314 may be substantially straight and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis 350 of the device 300. In other examples, the first arm 311 and the second arm 314 may extend along an axis that forms an angle other than 0 degrees with respect to the axis 350, such as transversely to the axis 350, when in the neutral position. When the arm assembly 305 is in the neutral position, a surface of the first arm 311 that faces radially inward with respect to the axis 350 may contact a surface of the second arm 314 that faces radially outward with respect to the axis 350.

[0022] Arm assembly 306 may include a first arm 312 and a second arm 315 coupled together at a distal-most end 357, and arm assembly 307 may include a first arm 313 and a second arm 316 coupled together at a distal-most end 358. Each of arm assemblies 306, 307 may have any of the features described herein in connection with arm assembly 305. Arm assemblies 305-307 may be evenly spaced around the distal-most end 320 of first body 301 and the distal-most end of second body 302, or may be spaced apart at other relative positions to one another. In a neutral position shown in FIG. 3A, each of arm assemblies 305-307 may be substantially straight and substantially parallel to axis 350.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3B, when the second cylinder 302 is pushed distally relative to the first cylinder 301, each arm assembly 305-307 may be moved radially outward from the axis 350 such that a proximal end of each of the arms 314-316 may be positioned distally relative to a proximal end of each of the arms 311-313. The arms 314-316 may be curved radially outward from the axis 350, and the arms 311-313 may be substantially straight. Alternatively, the arms 314-316 and the arms 311-313 may all be curved radially outward from the axis 350. FIG. 3B illustrates an open configuration of the medical device 300 in which the arm assemblies 305-307 are configured to receive a substance. As the first arms 311-313 are moved proximally relative to the second arms 314-316, a space may be formed between each pair of arms 311-316 (e.g., pair of arms 311, 314, pair of arms 312, 315, and pair of arms 313, 316). In this configuration, the distal-most ends 356, 357, 358 of each arm assembly 305-307 may move radially outward relative to axis 350. The arm assemblies 305-307 may comprise a metal, polymer, composite, or other suitable material.

[0024] FIG. 3C shows the medical device 300 in the closed configuration such that each arm assembly 305-307 is moved radially inward toward the axis 350 relative to the neutral position of FIG. 3A. The second body 302 can be moved proximally relative to the first body 301 such that a portion of each of the arms 314-316 moves proximal to each of the arms 311-313. In the closed configuration, each of the arms 314-316 can be substantially straight and each of the arms 311-313 can be curved toward the axis 350. Alternatively, all of the arms 311-316 can be curved relative to the axis 350. In the closed configuration, the arm assemblies 305-307 can extend across the distal ends of the lumen 340 of the first body 301 and the second body 302. In this case, the arm assemblies 305-307 can block a portion of the distal opening of the lumen 340.

[0025] In operation, a user may move the medical device 300 through a body lumen of a patient. In some examples, a user may first couple the first body 301 to a distal end of a bronchoscope, endoscope, colonoscope, duodenoscope, or other scope or insertion device and place the control wires 309, 310 through the working channel of the insertion device. A user may insert the medical device 300 into an opening (e.g., an incision or natural opening in the body) and move the medical device 300 through the body lumen to a target site having material to be removed from the patient's body. In some examples, a user may move the medical device 300 through the patient's body in a neutral position, and in other examples, a user may move the arm assemblies 305-307 to an open configuration to expand the body lumen in which the medical device 300 is disposed. Once the medical device 300 is positioned at the target site where the material is to be removed, the user may move the arm assemblies 305-307 to a closed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C) and use the arm assemblies 305-307 to grasp the material. The medical device 300 may then be moved proximally to remove the material grasped by the medical device 300 through the body orifice. Alternatively, the medical device 300 may be moved distally within the lumen to deposit the material in another area of ​​the body (e.g., to move material from the esophagus into the stomach).

[0026] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a support member 460 having arms 411, 414. FIG. 4B shows an alternative embodiment of a medical device 400 incorporating support members 460-462. The medical device 400 may include any of the features of the medical device 300 and may operate similarly to the medical device 300. The medical device 400 may include arm assemblies 405-407 including arms 411-413 and arms 414-416, a first body 401, a second body 402 movable relative to the first body 401, and control wires 409, 410. As shown in FIG. 4B, the support members 460-462 may be disposed around a proximal portion of each arm assembly 405-407. Each of the support members 460-462 may be cylindrical, may be a portion of the longitudinal length of each arm assembly 405-407, and may include two lumens (e.g., first lumen 470 and second lumen 471 of support member 460 shown in FIG. 4A) extending longitudinally therethrough. In some examples, each of the support members 460-462 may be fixedly coupled to the distal-most end 420 of the first body 401.

[0027] As described herein, FIG. 4A is a cross-section perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of support member 460, showing arm 412 positioned within lumen 470 and arm 415 positioned within lumen 471. Lumen 470 may be positioned on the opposite side of support member 460 from lumen 471, and each lumen 470, 471 may extend longitudinally through support member 460. For example, lumens 470, 471 may be diametrically opposed to one another about a central body of support member 460. In other examples, support member 460 may include only a single lumen that receives both arms 411, 414. Support members 461 and 462 may have any of the features of support member 460. The support members 460-462 may facilitate supporting each pair of arms (e.g., arms 411, 414; arms 412, 415; and arms 413, 416) together and may reduce the radius of curvature of each arm assembly 405-407 when medical device 400 is in the closed position (shown in FIG. 4B). It will be appreciated that medical device 400 may be operated in a similar manner to medical device 300 such that arms 411-416 may be opened and / or closed in a similar manner to arms 311-316 of medical device 300.

[0028] 5 illustrates an exemplary medical device 500 coupled to an endoscope 590. The medical device 500 may include arm assemblies 505, 506 and a first body 501. The arm assembly 505 may include arms 511, 514, and the arm assembly 506 may include arms 512, 515. The medical device 500 may have any of the features of the medical devices 100, 300, 400 and may operate similarly to the medical device 300. The first body 501 may be coupled to a distal end of the endoscope 590 (shown in FIG. 5), and a second body (not shown) may move proximally and distally through a lumen of the first body 501 to actuate the arm assemblies 505, 506. For example, the second body may move relative to the first body 501 to actuate the arm assemblies 505, 506 in a manner similar to the movement of the first body 301 relative to the second body 302 of the medical device 300. In some examples, the first body 501 may be fixedly coupled to the endoscope 590, and in other examples, the first body 501 may be removably coupled to the endoscope 590. Control wires may extend through a lumen of the endoscope 590 to a proximal portion of the endoscope 590, and a user may actuate the control wires to move the arm assemblies 505, 506 between a closed configuration, a neutral configuration, or an open configuration, as described in connection with the medical device 300 of FIG.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an arm 612 that may be incorporated into any of the medical devices 100, 300, 400, 500 disclosed herein. The arm 612 includes a curved distal portion 660 and a pointed distal-most end 661. The curved distal portion 660 may be configured to be atraumatic when the device 100, 300, 400, 500 is moving within a patient. A ridge 665 on the arm 612 may face proximally when the arm 612 is in its neutral position. The ridge 665 may increase the surface area of ​​the arm 612 that contacts tissue and may be configured to aid in gripping and moving tissue. The arm 612 may connect to another arm at a location proximal to the ridge 665. The curved distal portion 660, the distal-most end 661, and the ridge 665 may be incorporated into any of the medical devices 300, 400, 500, 700, 900 discussed in this application. For example, these features (e.g., the curved distal portion 660, the distal-most end 661, and the ridge 665) may be incorporated into the distal-most end of each of the arm assemblies 305-307 of the medical device 300. Because the curved distal portion 660 is inwardly curved (oriented to curve inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the medical device), the distal portion 660 may slide across the surface of a body lumen, and the distal-most end 661 may not contact the surface of a body lumen because the distal portion 660 is inwardly curved. For example, the radius of curvature of curved distal portion 660 may be small enough so that distal-most end 661 does not contact a surface of the body lumen when arm 612 is in a fully open position. Distal-most end 661 may facilitate arm 612 moving over a food loaf or other material within the body lumen, and ridge 665 may facilitate moving a food loaf or other material proximally as arm 612 is pulled proximally, allowing ridge 665 to contact the food loaf or other material to "catch" or apply a force in the proximal direction.

[0030] 7 shows a distal portion of a medical device 700. The medical device 700 may be used to grasp material 745, similar to the medical devices 100, 300, 400, 500. The medical device 700 may include arms 705-707, a shaft 701 including a central lumen 767 extending longitudinally through the shaft 701, a net 731, and one or more strings 721, 723-726 coupled to the net 731. It will be understood that the term "string" may include any cable, fiber, fiber group, cord, or similar member. Each arm 705-707 may extend distally from a distal-most end 712 of the shaft 701, and each arm 705-707 may be fixedly coupled to the distal-most end 712 of the shaft 701. Each arm 705-707 may be coupled to the shaft 701 at a radially outward portion of the shaft 701 relative to a central longitudinal axis 750 of the shaft 701. Each arm 705-707 may be cylindrical and may include a ring portion 715-717 at a distal-most end of each corresponding arm 705-707. In other examples, each arm 705-707 may have a rectangular cross-section and / or any suitable shape. The ring portion 715-717 may be any other suitable shape having a lumen extending therethrough. Although the medical device 700 is shown with three arms 705-707, any other number of arms may be included in the medical device 700, such as 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 arms. Each of the arms 705-707 may be biased to a curved position radially outward from the longitudinal axis 750.

[0031] The string 726 may be circular in cross section or may be a closed loop string and may extend through each of the rings 715-717 to form a circular shape at the distal end portion of the medical device 700. The string 726 may be sized to allow movement of the string 726 through each ring portion 715-717 of each arm 705-707. A first string segment 723 may be coupled to the string 726 proximate the first ring portion 715, a second string segment 724 may be coupled to the string 726 proximate the second ring portion 716, and a third string segment 725 may be coupled to the string 726 proximate the third ring portion 717. Each of the string segments 723-725 may extend proximally from the string 726 to the net 731. The string segments 723-725 may be connected to the periphery of the net 731 via their distal ends, or may be connected at positions on the net 731 equidistant from one another. The string segments 721 may be connected to a central portion of the net 731 by connection points 722, and may extend proximally through the lumen 767 of the shaft 701 to a proximal portion of the medical device 700. The net 731 may have a triangular shape (as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C ), may be positioned closer to the longitudinal axis 750 than each of the arms 705-707, and may be configured to fit within the lumen 767 of the shaft 701. In some examples, the net 731 may include a cross-sectional dimension that is larger than a cross-sectional dimension of the lumen 767. It is understood that the net 731 may be folded or moved radially toward the axis 750 during deployment such that the net 731 may fit within the lumen 767. FIG. 7 shows medical device 700 in an open configuration with substance 745 disposed between arms 705-707.

[0032] In operation, a user may position the medical device 700 at a target site within a body lumen. The user may move the device 700 distally to position the substance 745 between the arms 705-707. As the user moves the medical device 700 distally, the net 731 may contact the substance 745 and may keep the substance 745 positioned between the arms 705-707, which may facilitate gathering the substance 745 between the arms 705-707 for grasping. In some examples, the substance 745 pushing against the net 731 as the device 700 moves distally may passively close the arms 705-707 without the user actuating the string 721. For example, the substance 745 may push against the net 731 as the medical device 700 moves distally, which may move each string segment 723-725 proximally, and thus a portion of the string 726 proximally. When a portion of the string 726 is moved proximally, the ring portions 715-717 of the arms 705-707 may be moved radially inward toward the longitudinal axis 750 and toward each other, which transitions the medical device 700 from the open position to the closed position. In another example, a user may actively actuate the string 721 by moving the string 721 proximally to transition the medical device 700 from the open position to the closed position. By the user moving the string 721 proximally, each string segment 723-725 may be moved proximally and the string 726 may be moved proximally, drawing the arms 705-707 together. Once the medical device 700 is placed in the closed position with the material 745 between the arms 705-707 and / or captured within the net 731, the user may remove the device 700 from the patient's body.

[0033] 8A-8C show front views of alternative string configurations of the medical device 700 shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, only the relevant strings, net 731, and ring portions 715-717 are shown in FIGS. 8A-8C purely for purposes of illustration. Each of the string assemblies shown in FIGS. 8A-8C may include a string 721 extending proximally from the net 731. In FIG. 8A, a first string segment 835 is coupled to a first corner of the net 731, extends through a loop portion 715, and returns to the first corner of the net 731. A second string segment 836 is coupled to a second corner of the net 731, extends through a loop portion 716, and returns to the second corner of the net 731. A third string segment 837 is coupled to a third corner of the net 731, extends through a loop portion 717, and returns to the third corner of the net 731. 8B shows a string configuration including a first string segment 846 coupled to a first corner of the net 731 and extending through loop portion 715 and loop portion 716 to a second corner of the net 731. A second string segment 847 is coupled to the second corner of the net 731 and extends through loop portion 716 and loop portion 717 and is also coupled to a third corner of the net 731. A third string segment 848 is coupled to the third corner of the net 731 and extends through loop portion 717 and loop portion 715 and is also coupled to the first corner of the net 731.

[0034] 8C illustrates another string configuration for medical device 700 including a first string segment 856 coupled to a first corner of net 731, extending through ring portion 715, ring portion 716, and ring portion 717, and coupled to a second corner of net 731. A second string segment 857 is coupled to a third corner of net 731, extending through ring portion 716, ring portion 717, and ring portion 715, and coupled to the first corner of net 731. A third string segment 858 is coupled to a second corner of net 731, extending through ring portion 717, ring portion 715, and ring portion 716, and coupled to a third corner of net 731. Each of the string configurations illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C can operate in the manner described above with respect to medical device 700. Although net 731 is shown as triangular in shape, net 731 is not so limited and may be rectangular, square, circular, oval, or any other suitable shape.

[0035] 9A and 9B show side views of a distal portion of another embodiment of a medical device 900. The medical device 900 may include a shaft 901, arms 905-907 including distal ring portions 915-917, and string segments 935-937. The medical device 900 may have any of the features of the medical device 700 and may operate similarly to the medical device 700. Each of the arms 905-907 may be fixedly coupled to the shaft 901 at a distal portion of the shaft 901, and each arm 905-907 may extend distally from the shaft 901. Each arm 905-907 may be biased toward a position in which each arm 905-907 extends away from a central longitudinal axis 950 of the device 900. Although three arms 905-907 are shown, the medical device 900 may have any number of arms, such as 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.

[0036] In some examples, the medical device 900 can include three separate string segments 935-937 movably connected to the arms 905-907. Each of the string segments 935-937 can be connected together at their proximal ends at a location within the lumen of the shaft 901 (not shown) or can be connected into a single string segment (shown as string 990 in FIG. 9C) that extends proximally through the lumen of the shaft 901 to the proximal end of the shaft 901. FIG. 9C shows a front view of the device 900 with the proximal portions of the shaft 901 and arms 905-907 removed to better view the string segments 935-937. The first string segment 935 can extend from a proximal location within the shaft 901 adjacent to the arm 905 through the ring portion 915 and ring portion 916 and then extend proximally back to a proximal location within the lumen of the shaft 901 adjacent to the arm 906. A second string segment 936 may extend from a proximal location within the lumen of shaft 901 adjacent arm 906 through ring portion 916 and ring portion 917, and then extend proximally back to a proximal location within the lumen of shaft 901 adjacent arm 907. A third string segment 937 may extend from a proximal location within the lumen of shaft 901 adjacent arm 907 through ring portion 917 and ring portion 915, and then extend proximally back to a proximal location within the lumen of shaft 901 adjacent arm 905. Although Figures 9A and 9B show each of string segments 935-937 extending within the lumen of shaft 901, in other examples, each of string segments 935-937 may be coupled together at a location distal to the distal-most end of shaft 901. The medical device 900 may be configured to transition from an open configuration (shown in FIG. 9A) to a closed configuration (shown in FIG. 9B) when a user pulls the string segment 990 in a proximal direction.

[0037] In operation, a user may position the medical device 900 at a target area within a patient's body lumen and then move the medical device 900 distally while the arms 905-907 are in the open configuration. A user may position a substance 945, such as a food loaf, between the arms 905-907. In some examples, a user may adjust the position of the arms 905-907 by pulling the string segment 990 proximally, decreasing the distance between the arms 905-907 and the central longitudinal axis 950. Once the substance 945 is positioned between the arms 905-907, a user may pull the string segment 990 proximally, which may move the string segments 935-937 proximally and pull the arms 905-907 radially inward toward the axis 950. By transitioning the medical device 900 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the arms 905-907 may be moved towards the substance 945 to grip the substance 945. As each of the string segments 935-937 move the loop portions 915-917 towards each other, the arms 905-907 may bend and / or curve around the substance 945 when in the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 9B. Once the substance 945 is gripped and / or held by the device 900, the user may move the device 900 in a proximal direction to remove the substance from the patient's body. In other examples, the user may move the device 900 in a distal direction to move the substance 945 to a different area of ​​the patient's body, such as the patient's stomach.

[0038] Each of the aforementioned devices and systems may be used to grasp, manipulate, and / or otherwise move material within the body and / or expand a body lumen. Any of the aforementioned devices may be used in conjunction with an insertion device, such as an endoscope or duodenoscope. In any of the aforementioned methods, a user may use endoscopic imaging techniques to view one or more medical devices, which may be used to remove a food bolus or other material from a patient's esophagus or other body lumen.

[0039] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the disclosed devices and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only.

Claims

1. a first body having a lumen and a central longitudinal axis; a second body at least partially disposed within the lumen of the first body; 1. An arm assembly comprising: a first arm coupled to the first body and extending distally of the first body; a second arm coupled to the second body and extending distally of the second body, a distal end portion of the first arm coupled to a distal end portion of the second arm, configured such that distal movement of the second body relative to the first body causes the distal end portions of the first arm and the distal end portions of the second arm to move radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis; The medical device is configured such that proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body causes the distal end portions of the first arm and the distal end portions of the second arm to move radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis.

2. The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising a first control wire extending proximally from the first body and a second control wire extending proximally from the second body.

3. the arm assembly is a first arm assembly; A second arm assembly, a third arm coupled to a distal portion of the first body and extending distally of the first body; a second arm assembly including: a fourth arm coupled to a distal portion of the second body and extending distally of the second body, a distal end portion of the third arm coupled to a distal end portion of the fourth arm; a third arm assembly, a fifth arm coupled to a distal portion of the first body and extending distally of the first body; a third arm assembly including a sixth arm coupled to a distal portion of the second body and extending distally of the second body, a distal end portion of the fifth arm coupled to a distal end portion of the sixth arm, distal movement of the second body relative to the first body causes the distal end portion of the third arm, the distal end portion of the fourth arm, the distal end portion of the fifth arm, and the distal end portion of the sixth arm to move radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis; 2. The medical device of claim 1, configured such that proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body causes the distal end portion of the third arm, the distal end portion of the fourth arm, the distal end portion of the fifth arm, and the distal end portion of the sixth arm to move radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis.

4. 4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein the first arm assembly, the second arm assembly, and the third arm assembly are equally spaced from each other about the central longitudinal axis.

5. 5. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first body is cylindrical and includes a first lumen, and the second body is cylindrical and includes a second lumen and is disposed within the first lumen.

6. 5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are rectangular and have a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

7. 5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to be in a straight configuration when a distal-most end of the first body is aligned with a distal-most end of the second body.

8. 5. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical sleeve coupled to the distal portion of the first body, the first arm and the second arm extending through the cylindrical sleeve and exiting a distal end of the cylindrical sleeve.

9. 9. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical sleeve includes a first lumen and a second lumen each extending longitudinally through the cylindrical sleeve, the first arm being disposed within the first lumen and the second arm being disposed within the second lumen.

10. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are biased toward the central longitudinal axis.

11. 5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the second arm includes a protrusion extending radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis, the protrusion defining a proximally facing surface when the second arm is parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

12. 5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis, the first arm contacts the second arm at a position between the proximal and distal ends of the first arm when the medical device is in a neutral configuration, and the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm at a position between the proximal and distal ends of the first arm when the medical device is moved to an open or closed configuration such that at least one of the first arm or the second arm is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis.

13. 5. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a shaft coupled to a proximal portion of the first body, the first arm being coupled to a distal-most end of the first body and the second arm being coupled to a distal-most end of the second body.

14. 5. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a handle assembly including an actuator configured to facilitate distal or proximal movement of the second body relative to the first body.

15. the first arm is curved toward the central longitudinal axis when the medical device is in a closed configuration; the second arm is curved away from the central longitudinal axis when the medical device is in an open configuration; a proximal end of the first arm distal to a proximal end of the second arm when the medical device is in an open configuration; The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the second arm is distal to the proximal end of the first arm when the medical device is in a closed configuration.

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