Long conveyance assembly having tactile shape body

Abstract

To disclose a device for use together with a long medical device configured so as to be contacted by a user implicitly.SOLUTION: The device includes a long medical conveyance assembly defining a long conveyance lumen configured to receive a long medical device. A tactile shape body is arranged in the long conveyance lumen (within the long conveyance lumen). A long guide wire conveyance assembly may include a biocompatible material characteristic suitable for sufficient performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document relates to (but is not limited to) the technical fields of (A) a long medical transport assembly having a tactile form (and methods therefor), and (B) a long guidewire transport assembly having a tactile form (and methods therefor).

Background Art

[0002] Known medical devices are configured to facilitate medical procedures and assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and / or treating the medical conditions of ailing patients.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] It will be appreciated that there is a need to (at least partially) mitigate at least one problem associated with existing long guidewire transport assemblies and guidewires (also referred to as the prior art). After much research and experimentation on existing long medical guidewire transport assemblies and guidewires, an (at least partial) understanding of the problems and their solutions has been (at least partially) identified and is (at least partially) set forth explicitly below.

[0004] During the use of an exchange long guidewire in a catheter procedure, it can be difficult for a physician to know how far the guidewire is inserted within a sheath assembly and / or an introducer assembly, which is done without a direct cue (e.g., a depth marker), but can be visualized indirectly (as needed) via catheter imaging techniques (e.g., medical imaging systems, fluoroscopy systems, echo systems, etc., and any equivalents thereof). This can apply to pulling back the guidewire through a sheath assembly and / or an introducer assembly already in a predetermined position within a vascular structure (within a patient), or advancing a sheath assembly and / or an introducer assembly over a guidewire that has already passed through a blood vessel, etc.

[0005] With the advent of exchange-length radiofrequency guidewires and mechanical puncture wires used in transseptal procedures, there is currently no physical or tactile means (assurance) for a physician to know (detect) when the distal end of the guidewire is aligned with the distal end of the dilator assembly, as compared to conventional tool sets. The physician can indirectly visualize the position using (as needed) catheter imaging techniques, but it will be understood that this can add an additional burden to the procedure as compared to the conventional tool sets described. In the use of the NRG (trademark) transseptal needle (manufactured by BAYLIS MEDICAL COMPANY head office in Canada), for example, this physical (or tactile) reconfirmation can be provided by the length of the needle that matches the length of the sheath assembly and / or dilator assembly. The physician can use the position of the NRG handle relative to the sheath hub to clearly define the relative distance of the distal ends from each other, which can be done preferably, or advantageously, without the use of (as needed) a medical imaging system (fluoroscopy, echo, electroanatomical mapping system, etc.).

[0006] A method for passively detecting when the distal end portions of the guidewire and dilator are aligned can be important for (A) streamlining the procedural workflow prior to formation of the puncture, (B) reducing dependence on or the need for a medical imaging system, and / or (C) preventing inadvertent puncture or vascular injury due to excessive advancement through the sheath assembly and / or dilator assembly.

[0007] An apparatus is provided (in accordance with the main aspect) to at least partially mitigate at least one problem associated with the existing art. The apparatus is configured to be used with an elongate medical device configured to be tacitly contacted by a user. The apparatus includes (comprises) an elongate medical delivery assembly defining an elongate delivery lumen configured to receive the elongate medical device, among other things. The haptic form is disposed within (in) the elongate delivery lumen. Optionally (but not limited to), the elongate medical delivery assembly includes an elongate guidewire delivery assembly having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the elongate delivery lumen extending between the distal portion and the proximal portion, and the elongate delivery lumen being configured to receive the elongate medical device. The elongate medical device includes an elongate guidewire assembly.

[0008] An apparatus is provided (in accordance with the main aspect) to at least partially mitigate at least one problem associated with the existing art. The apparatus is configured to be used with an elongate guidewire assembly having a guidewire distal end portion and a guidewire proximal portion configured to be tacitly contacted by a user. The apparatus includes (comprises) an elongate guidewire delivery assembly having a distal portion and a proximal portion, among other things. The elongate delivery lumen extends between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The elongate delivery lumen is configured to receive the guidewire distal end portion of the elongate guidewire assembly from the proximal portion. The haptic form is disposed within (in) the elongate delivery lumen.

[0009] A method is provided (in accordance with a main aspect) to at least partially mitigate at least one problem associated with existing technology. The method is related to (associated with the use of) a long medical device configured to be contacted by a user. The method includes, but is not limited to, receiving the long medical device within the long conveyance lumen of a long medical conveyance assembly. The method also includes moving the long medical device towards a tactile form disposed within the long conveyance lumen and moving it along the long conveyance lumen.

[0010] A method is provided (in accordance with a main aspect) to at least partially mitigate at least one problem associated with existing technology. The method is related to (associated with the use of) a long guidewire assembly having a guidewire distal end portion and a guidewire proximal portion configured to be contacted by a user. The method includes, but is not limited to, receiving the guidewire distal end portion of the long guidewire assembly within the long conveyance lumen of a long guidewire conveyance assembly having a long conveyance lumen extending between a distal portion and a proximal portion. The method also includes moving the guidewire distal end portion towards a tactile form disposed within the long conveyance lumen and moving it along the long conveyance lumen. Optionally (but not limited to this), the method may also include interacting the guidewire distal end portion of the long guidewire assembly with the tactile form, which preferably is such that in response to contact between the guidewire distal end portion and the tactile form, the tactile form conveys a tactile vibration to the guidewire distal end portion during use, and the tactile vibration is transmitted (during use) along the long guidewire assembly towards the guidewire proximal portion and then to a user contacting the guidewire proximal portion.

[0011] Other aspects are specified in the claims. Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments together with the accompanying drawings. This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, concepts that are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify potentially important features or possible essential features of the disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The following drawings and description illustrate exemplary embodiments more specifically. **Brief Description of the Drawings**

[0012] The non-limiting embodiments can be more fully understood by referring to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013]

Figure 1

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[0014] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be shown by dashed lines, schematic representations, and partial views. In some cases, details unnecessary for understanding the embodiments (and / or details that make understanding other details difficult) may be omitted. Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding components throughout several views of the drawings. Elements in some of the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements to facilitate understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. Additionally, commonly and well-understood elements that are useful in commercially realizable embodiments are often not shown to provide a less obscured view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] List of reference numbers used in the drawings Long medical conveyance assembly 101 Guide wire conveyance assembly 102 Distal portion 104 Proximal portion 106 Long conveyance lumen 108 Lumen surface 109 Tactile form 110 Shaft portion 201 Distal tapered portion 202 Distal end 204 Unevenness (208A, 208B) Distal recess 210 Grouped recesses (212A, 212B) Raised marker 214 Raised marker 216 Depression marker 218 Intermediate depression marker 220 Large depression marker 222 Smooth tactile lumen portion 224 Rough tactile lumen portion 226 Distal lumen portion 228 Proximal lumen portion 230 Transition lumen portion 232 Spiral forming marker 234 Surface form 236 Sensor device 238 Sensor wire 240 Proximity device 242 Biasing device 244 Signal wire 246 Contact element 248 Depression form 250 Counting device 252 Counting connection 254 User 800 Long medical device 901 Long guide wire assembly 902 Guide wire distal end portion 904 Guide wire proximal portion 906 Distal puncture device 908 Guide wire interference form 910

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the uses and applications of the described embodiments. As used, the words "exemplary" or "specific" mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" or "specific" should not necessarily be construed as more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. All of the embodiments described below are exemplary embodiments provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims. For purposes of explanation, the terms "above," "below," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof are related to the example orientations in the drawings. It is not intended to be bound by any theory, whether explicit or implicit, presented in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. It is also understood that the devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments, aspects, and / or concepts defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the disclosed embodiments should not be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is equivalent to "one." Aspects (e.g., variations, modifications, options, permutations, embodiments, and any equivalents thereof) are described with respect to the drawings. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims and is not limited to the specific aspects illustrated and described. It will be understood that the scope of meaning of a device configured to be coupled to an item (i.e., connected to the item, interacting with the item, etc.) should be construed as a device configured to be coupled to the item either directly or indirectly. Thus, "configured to" can include the meaning of "either directly or indirectly" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0017] Figures 1 and 2 show a front perspective view (Figure 1) and a cross-sectional view (Figure 2) of an embodiment of a long guide wire delivery assembly 102 having a haptic form 110. The cross-sectional view of Figure 2 is taken along the cross-section line A-A of Figure 1. It will be understood that the definition of the haptic form 110 is any element configured to respond to a sensed or sensory stimulus.

[0018] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) shown in FIG. 1, the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 includes a distal portion 104. The elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 defines an elongate delivery lumen 108. The lumen surface 109 (inner lumen surface) faces the interior of the elongate delivery lumen 108 (of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102). The distal portion 104 preferably includes a distal tapered portion 202 and a distal end 204 extending from the distal tapered portion 202. The haptic feature 110 is positioned within the elongate delivery lumen 108. The haptic feature 110 is preferably disposed on the lumen surface 109. For example, the haptic feature 110 may include a thick unevenness 208A positioned within the elongate delivery lumen 108. For example, the haptic feature 110 may include a thin unevenness 208B positioned within the elongate delivery lumen 108. The haptic feature 110 may include, for example, at least one (one or more) raised feature (e.g., at least one raised feature, undulating feature, etc.), at least one (one or more) recessed feature, at least one or more speed bumps, etc. It will be understood that an undulating feature is a feature that can rise from a reference surface or can be lower than a reference surface, etc. The haptic feature 110 is preferably formed on the lumen surface 109. The haptic feature 110 is positioned at the distal portion 104 of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102. The haptic feature 110 is configured to interact (contact) with the guide wire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902) in response to the guide wire distal end portion 904 contacting the haptic feature 110 (physically). The haptic feature 110 is configured to provide haptic feedback to the user of the guide wire distal end portion 904. The haptic feature 110 may include protrusions, divots, cuts, dimples, etc. configured to interact haptically with the guide wire distal end portion 904. When contact occurs, vibrations are transmitted from the haptic feature 110 to the guide wire distal end portion 904 and then to the user in contact with the elongate guide wire assembly 902 (better shown in FIG. 7).Returning to FIG. 1, due to the interaction between the haptic form 110 and the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire, the physician (user) can tactilely sense (feel) the moment when the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire reaches the haptic form 110 while the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire is biased and moving (advancing or retracting) relative to the haptic form 110.

[0019] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 is configured to be inserted into a narrow space defined by a living body (patient).

[0020] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 includes biocompatible material properties suitable for sufficient performance (e.g., dielectric strength, thermal performance, electrical insulation, corrosion, water resistance, heat resistance) for compliance with industrial and regulatory safety standards (or for medical use). For consideration in the selection of appropriate materials, the following publications are referenced (Plastics in Medical Devices: Properties, Requirements, and Applications; 2nd Edition; author: Vinny R. Sastri; hardcover ISBN: 9781455732012; published: 21 November 2013; publisher: Amsterdam [Netherlands]: Elsevier / William Andrew,

[2014] ).

[0021] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the elongate transport lumen 108 is configured to receive and accommodate the guide wire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902). The haptic feature 110 may include a series of raised features or recessed features aligned along the longitudinal length of the elongate transport lumen 108. The haptic feature 110 (e.g., raised features and / or recessed features, etc., and any equivalents thereof) may be large enough such that they can be implicitly sensed while the guide wire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902) is in contact (interacts) with them. The haptic feature 110 is configured to facilitate the haptic sensing of the position of the guide wire distal end portion 904. The haptic feature 110 may be disposed on the guide wire distal end portion 904 and / or the proximal portion of the elongate guide wire assembly 902, as required. The guide wire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902) is configured to pass through the elongate transport lumen 108 of the elongate guide wire transport assembly 102. The haptic feature 110 is preferably configured (has a material for avoidance) to avoid abrasion of the guide wire distal end portion 904. It will be understood that the guide wire distal end portion 904 need not be specially designed to interact with the haptic feature 110. According to one option, the haptic feature 110 is preferably configured (has a material for avoidance) to avoid wear as a result of interaction with the guide wire.

[0022] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the haptic feature 110 is configured to interact with the guide wire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902) in response to movement of the guide wire distal end portion 904 along the distal portion 104. The elongate guide wire transport assembly 102 includes a shaft portion 201. The haptic feature 110 includes a distal recess 210. The haptic feature 110 includes grouped recesses (212A, 212B).

[0023] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire includes a distal puncture device 908. The distal puncture device 908 (or the elongate guide wire assembly 902) may include a radiofrequency puncture device such as, but not limited to, the BAYLIS (trademark) POWERWIRE (registered trademark) wireless radiofrequency guide wire manufactured by BAYLIS MEDICAL COMPANY (headquartered in Canada). According to another embodiment, the distal puncture device 908 may include, for example, an elongate guide wire having a distal end portion presenting a mechanical cutting portion (in this case, a puncture site is formed by physically moving the mechanical cutting portion into the biological body).

[0024] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cross-sectional view (FIG. 3) and a schematic side view (FIG. 4) of an embodiment of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 and the tactile body 110 of FIG. 1. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 is along the cross-section line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0025] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the tactile body 110 may include at least one or more raised bodies formed on the lumen surface 109. The tactile body 110 may include at least one or more recessed bodies formed on the lumen surface 109. The tactile body 110 may include at least one or more raised bodies and at least one or more recessed bodies (both formed on the lumen surface 109). It will be understood that the spacing between the plurality of tactile bodies 110 can be relatively close to each other or far apart from each other, such as in the case of a close succession or a gradually spaced apart arrangement. The tactile body 110 may be disposed at the distal portion 104 (of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102), the proximal end (of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 as shown in FIG. 7), or a position therebetween.

[0026] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the haptic feature 110 can include different types of features (raised features and / or recessed features). For example, the haptic feature 110 can include features that are grouped or spaced apart as necessary to convey the intended information to the user. The elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102 includes a shaft portion 201 with a distal tapered portion 202 extending from the shaft portion 201. The haptic feature 110 can include a group of spaced-apart raised markers 214 (preferably extending inside the lumen surface 109). The haptic feature 110 can include a single raised marker 216 (preferably extending inside the lumen surface 109). The haptic feature 110 can include a group of recessed markers 218 (preferably extending inside the shaft portion 201). The haptic feature 110 can include an intermediate-sized recessed marker 220. The haptic feature 110 can include a large-sized recessed marker 222.

[0027] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the haptic feature 110 includes portions of various surface roughnesses (preferably) formed on the lumen surface 109. The haptic feature 110 includes a smooth haptic lumen portion 224 and a rough haptic lumen portion 226 disposed adjacent to the smooth haptic lumen portion 224. The haptic feature 110 can include smooth haptic lumen portions 224 and rough haptic lumen portions 226 positioned in an alternating arrangement.

[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a front perspective partial cross-sectional view (FIG. 5) and an enlarged perspective view (FIG. 6) of an embodiment of the elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102 and the haptic feature 110 of FIG. 1.

[0029] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) shown in FIG. 5, the haptic form 110 includes a helically formed marker 234 (a relief pattern that can be either a protrusion or a recess). The helically formed marker 234 can be continuous if necessary. The elongate delivery lumen 108 can include a distal lumen portion 228, a proximal lumen portion 230 disposed adjacent to the distal lumen portion 228, and a transition lumen portion 232 disposed adjacent to the proximal lumen portion 230. The distal lumen portion 228 can have a smooth inner surface. The proximal lumen portion 230 can have a smooth inner surface. The transition lumen portion 232 can have a smooth inner surface.

[0030] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) shown in FIG. 6, the haptic form 110 includes a surface form 236 formed on the lumen surface 109. The guide wire distal end portion 904 (or the distal puncture device 908) includes a guide wire interference form 910. The surface form 236 and the guide wire interference form 910 are configured to interact with each other.

[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 show side (FIG. 7) and cross-sectional (FIG. 8) views of an embodiment (implementation) of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 and the haptic form 110 of FIG. 1. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 is along the cross-section line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0032] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) shown in FIG. 7, the elongate medical delivery assembly 101 is configured to be used with an elongate medical device 901 configured to be implicitly contacted by a user 800. The elongate medical delivery assembly 101 is configured to be inserted into a narrow space defined by a living body (patient). The elongate medical delivery assembly 101 can include (but is not limited to) an elongate catheter assembly, an elongate dilator assembly, or an elongate sheath assembly, and any equivalents thereof. The elongate catheter assembly includes a flexible tube configured to be inserted into a body cavity through a narrow opening. The elongate dilator assembly is configured to induce dilation, i.e., to expand an opening or passage through a biological wall or form. The elongate sheath assembly is configured to convey (pass through) medical devices such as occluders, cutting instruments, etc.

[0033] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the haptic form 110 can be utilized (or applied) for the interaction between a first elongate medical device (such as a sheath assembly) and a second elongate medical device (such as a dilator assembly). The haptic form 110 can be utilized (or applied) for a catheter-in-catheter configuration, a pigtail catheter, a microcatheter, etc., and any equivalents thereof. For example, when applied for intravascular requirements, the haptic form 110 can be applied to a catheter-in-catheter configuration where the distal end of the catheter is shaped and the amount of fluorescence used (medical imaging) is relatively high. The haptic form 110 can be utilized for any other procedure (such as an epicardial procedure) that may require the use of a guidewire through an introducer device. When the elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102 includes an elongate medical dilator assembly, the haptic form 110 (the raised form / the recessed form) may be formed during dilator tip machining using a dedicated tip mandrel, or the haptic form 110 may be machined into the lumen after being formed, etc.

[0034] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the elongate medical delivery assembly 101 defines an elongate delivery lumen 108 configured to receive an elongate medical device 901. The haptic form 110 is disposed within (in the elongate delivery lumen 108) the elongate delivery lumen 108. According to an option (not limited thereto), the elongate medical delivery assembly 101 includes an elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102. The elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102 has a distal portion 104 and a proximal portion 106, and the elongate delivery lumen 108 extends between the distal portion 104 and the proximal portion 106. The elongate delivery lumen 108 is configured to receive an elongate medical device 901. The elongate medical device 901 includes an elongate guidewire assembly 902.

[0035] Referring to the embodiment (practice) shown in FIG. 7, the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 is configured to be used with an elongate guide wire assembly 902 having a guide wire distal end portion 904 and a guide wire proximal portion 906 configured to be implicitly contacted by a user 800. The elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 has a distal portion 104 and a proximal portion 106. An elongate delivery lumen 108 extends between the distal portion 104 and the proximal portion 106. The elongate delivery lumen 108 is configured to receive the guide wire distal end portion 904 of the elongate guide wire assembly 902 from the proximal portion 106. A tactile form 110 is disposed within (in) the elongate delivery lumen 108. According to an option (not limited to this), the tactile form 110 extends from the distal portion 104 into the interior of the elongate delivery lumen 108.

[0036] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) shown in FIG. 7, the haptic form 110 is configured to interact implicitly with the guide wire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902), which preferably occurs in response to contact between the guide wire distal end portion 904 and the haptic form 110 as the guide wire distal end portion 904 passes through the haptic form 110. The haptic form 110 is preferably configured to interact implicitly with the guide wire distal end portion 904, which preferably causes the haptic form 110, in use, to transmit a haptic vibration to the guide wire distal end portion 904 in response to haptic contact between the guide wire distal end portion 904 and the haptic form 110, and the haptic vibration is transmitted along the elongate guide wire assembly 902 towards the guide wire proximal portion 906 and then to a user who is in implicit contact with the guide wire proximal portion 906. The haptic form 110 is preferably configured to interact implicitly with the guide wire distal end portion 904, which preferably occurs in response to contact between the guide wire distal end portion 904 and the haptic form 110 as the guide wire distal end portion 904 moves through the haptic form 110. The haptic form 110 is preferably configured to interact implicitly with the guide wire distal end portion 904, which preferably causes the haptic form 110, in use, to transmit a haptic vibration to the guide wire distal end portion 904 in response to haptic contact between the guide wire distal end portion 904 and the haptic form 110, and the haptic vibration is transmitted along the elongate guide wire assembly 902 towards the guide wire proximal portion 906 and then to a user who is in implicit contact with the guide wire proximal portion 906 at the time of use.

[0037] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) shown in FIG. 7, a method for using an elongate medical device 901 (configured to be contacted by a user 800) is shown. The method includes receiving the elongate medical device 901 within the elongate transport lumen 108 of the elongate medical transport assembly 101. The method also includes directing the elongate medical device 901 towards a haptic form 110 disposed within the elongate transport lumen 108 and moving it along the elongate transport lumen 108.

[0038] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a method for using a long guide wire assembly 902 having a guide wire distal end portion 904 and a guide wire proximal portion 906 configured to be contacted by the hand or finger of a user 800 is shown. The method includes receiving the guide wire distal end portion 904 of the long guide wire assembly 902 within a long transport lumen 108 of a long guide wire transport assembly 102 having a distal portion 104 and a proximal portion 106, the long transport lumen 108 extending between the distal portion 104 and the proximal portion 106. The method also includes moving the guide wire distal end portion 904 along the long transport lumen 108 toward a haptic form 110 disposed within the long transport lumen 108. The method preferably includes interacting (facilitating interaction) the guide wire distal end portion 904 of the long guide wire assembly 902 with the haptic form 110, which preferably causes the haptic form 110 to transmit a haptic vibration to the guide wire distal end portion 904 in response to contact between the guide wire distal end portion 904 and the haptic form 110 during use, and the haptic vibration is transmitted along the long guide wire assembly 902 toward the guide wire proximal portion 906 during use and then to a user contacting the guide wire proximal portion 906.

[0039] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the haptic form 110 is configured to interact with a guide wire interference form 910 of the guide wire distal end portion 904 (or distal puncture device 908). The guide wire interference form 910 is positioned on the outer surface of the guide wire distal end portion 904 (or, generally, the long guide wire assembly 902).

[0040] FIGS. 9 and 10 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the long guide wire transport assembly 102 and the haptic form 110 of FIG. 1. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 9 and 10 are along the section line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102 includes a shaft portion 201. The shaft portion 201 defines a recessed body 250 formed on a lumen surface 109 (facing the elongate delivery lumen 108 of the elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102). The haptic body 110 includes a sensor device 238 (such as a capacitance sensor) attached to (preferably, within or inside) the shaft portion 201. The capacitance sensor may be conductive and / or configured to sense any element that may have a dielectric difference with air or fluid in the body (based on capacitive coupling for detection). The sensor device 238 is configured to detect the presence of the guidewire distal end portion 904 (of the elongate guidewire assembly 902) in response to movement (or positioning) towards and proximate to the sensor device 238 of the guidewire distal end portion 904. The sensor wire 240 extends from the sensor 238 towards the proximal portion of the elongate medical delivery assembly 101. The sensor wire 240 is configured to operably connect the sensor device 238 to a sensor controller (known and not shown). FIG. 9 shows the guidewire distal end portion 904 disposed on one side of the sensor device 238, and the guidewire distal end portion 904 is moved towards the sensor device 238. FIG. 10 shows the guidewire distal end portion 904 disposed on the other side of the sensor device 238 after the sensor device 238 is connected to the guidewire distal end portion 904 as a result of the guidewire distal end portion 904 passing through the sensor device 238 and being urged to move forward.

[0042] FIGS. 11 and 12 show cross-sectional views of embodiments of the elongate guidewire delivery assembly 102 and the haptic body 110 of FIG. 1. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 11 and 12 are along the cross-section line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0043] Referring to the embodiment (implementation) as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 includes a shaft portion 201. The shaft portion 201 defines a recessed body 250 formed on the lumen surface 109 (facing the elongate delivery lumen 108 of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102). The haptic body 110 includes a proximity device 242 (such as a roller element, etc. and any equivalents thereof), a biasing device 244 (such as a spring, etc. and any equivalents thereof), and a signal wire 246. The signal wire 246 is configured to be connected to a proximity controller (known and not shown). The signal wire 246 is configured to operably connect the proximity device 242 to the proximity controller. The proximity device 242 is rotatably attached to the shaft portion 201. The proximity device 242 is at least partially received within the recessed body 250. (As shown in FIG. 11,) the biasing device 244 is always configured to bias (urge) the proximity device 242 toward one side of the recessed body 250 (toward the proximal end of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102). (As shown in FIG. 12,) the biasing device 244 is configured to cause and enable movement of the proximity device 242 toward the other side of the recessed body 250 (toward the distal portion 104 of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102) in response to contact between the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 and the proximity device 242 due to further movement of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 toward the distal portion 104. FIG. 11 shows the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire disposed on one side of the proximity device 242, and the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire is moved toward the proximity device 242. FIG. 12 shows the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire disposed on the other side of the proximity device 242 after the proximity device 242 has contacted the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire (as a result of the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire passing through the proximity device 242 and being urged to move forward). It will be understood that the proximity controller may be configured to provide the user with sensed feedback (haptic, auditory, visual, etc.) from the proximity device 242.The proximity device 242 can be configured to detect guide wire interactions via a capacitance sensor and / or an electromagnetic sensor (preferably positioned at the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire). The proximity controller can be configured to provide an audible click to the user. The lever arm can be actuated when the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire passes through the elongate guide wire transport assembly 102.

[0044] FIGS. 13 and 14 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the elongate guide wire transport assembly 102 and the haptic form 110 of FIG. 1. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 13 and 14 are along the section line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0045] Referring to the embodiments (implementations) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102 includes a shaft portion 201. The haptic form 110 includes a contact element 248 (such as, for example, a roller element, etc., and any equivalents thereof). The shaft portion 201 defines a recessed form 250 formed on a lumen surface 109 (facing the elongate delivery lumen 108 of the elongate guide wire delivery assembly 102). The contact element 248 is configured to be rotatably attached to the shaft portion 201. The contact element 248 is configured to be (at least partially) received within the recessed form 250. The counting device 252 is configured to be operably connected to the contact element 248 (such as, for example, connected via a counting connection 254, etc.). The counting device 252 is configured to detect and display the number of times the elongate guide wire assembly 902 and the contact element 248 come into contact with each other in response to the elongate guide wire assembly 902 moving into contact with the contact element 248 and passing through the contact element 248 (either in the forward or reverse direction). FIG. 13 shows the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire (of the elongate guide wire assembly 902) disposed on one side of the contact element 248, and the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire is moved toward the contact element 248. FIG. 14 shows the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire disposed on the other side of the contact element 248 after the contact element 248 has come into contact with the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire (as a result of the distal end portion 904 of the guide wire being urged forward through the contact element 248). The counting device 252 (shown in FIG. 14) indicates that the number of contacts has increased relative to the number of contacts displayed by the counting device 252 (shown in FIG. 13).

[0046] The following is provided as a further description of embodiments, and any one or more of any technical features (described in the detailed description, summary, and claims) can be combined with any other one or more of any technical features (described in the detailed description, summary, and claims). It is understood that each claim in the claims section is an open-ended claim unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, related terms used in these specifications should be construed to include certain tolerances recognized by those skilled in the art as providing equivalent functions. By way of example, the term "vertical" is not necessarily limited to 90.0 degrees and may include its variations that would be recognized by those skilled in the art as providing equivalent functions for the purposes described for the related member or element. Terms such as "about" and "substantially" in the context of a configuration generally relate to an arrangement, position, or configuration that is exactly or sufficiently close to maintain the practicability of an element within the present disclosure without substantially changing the present disclosure. Similarly, unless otherwise apparent from the context, numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that would be recognized by those skilled in the art as having an importance that can be ignored without substantially changing the practicability of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the description and / or drawings (explicitly or inherently) identify and describe embodiments of the apparatus. The apparatus may include any suitable combination and / or permutation of technical features as identified in the detailed description so as to be necessary and / or desirable to conform to a particular technical purpose and / or technical function. It will be understood that, where possible and appropriate, any one or more of the technical features of the apparatus can be combined with any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combination and / or permutation). Even if not explicitly stated as above, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical features of each embodiment can be developed (if possible) in other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that other options are possible for the configuration of the components of the apparatus to conform to manufacturing requirements and still be within the scope of at least one or more of the claims. This specification provides embodiments including the best mode and enables those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments.The patentable scope can be defined by the claims. This specification and / or the drawings may be helpful in understanding the claims. It is considered that all important aspects of the disclosed subject matter are provided herein. In this specification, the term "comprising" is equivalent to the term "including", and it is understood that both terms are used to indicate an open-ended list of assemblies, components, parts, etc. The term "including", which is synonymous with the terms "containing" or "characterized by", is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unenumerated elements or method steps. Comprising (consisting of) is an "open" clause and can be directed to techniques that use additional unenumerated elements. When used in the claims, the term "including" is a transitional verb that separates the preamble of the claim from the technical features of the disclosure. The above is an overview of non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for specific non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a long guide wire assembly having a guide wire distal end portion and a guide wire proximal portion configured to be implicitly contacted by a user, a long guide wire delivery assembly having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the long delivery lumen extending between the distal portion and the proximal portion, the long delivery lumen being configured to receive the guide wire distal end portion of the long guide wire assembly, the guide wire distal end portion including a plurality of guide wire interference forms, the long guide wire delivery assembly, and a plurality of tactile forms disposed within the long delivery lumen, the plurality of tactile forms being configured to implicitly interact with the guide wire distal end portion of the long guide wire assembly, the plurality of tactile forms including a plurality of recessed surface forms formed on and equally spaced along the lumen surface of the long delivery lumen, the plurality of guide wire interference forms being a plurality of raised surface forms formed on and equally spaced along the guide wire surface of the guide wire distal end portion, the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile forms extend toward the interior of the long delivery lumen.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of tactile forms implicitly interact with the guide wire distal end portion in response to contact between the guide wire distal end portion and the plurality of tactile forms as the guide wire distal end portion moves through the plurality of tactile forms.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of tactile forms and the plurality of guide wire interference forms implicitly interact with each other such that, in use, in response to tactile contact between the plurality of tactile forms and the plurality of guide wire interference forms, tactile vibrations are transmitted to the guide wire distal end portion, the tactile vibrations being configured to be transmitted along the long guide wire assembly toward the guide wire proximal portion in use and then to the user in tactile contact with the guide wire proximal portion.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of tactile forms are configured to interact implicitly with the distal end portion of the guide wire of the elongate guide wire assembly in response to contact between the distal end portion of the guide wire and the plurality of tactile forms as the distal end portion of the guide wire is moved through the plurality of tactile forms.

6. The plurality of tactile forms are configured to interact with the distal end portion of the guide wire of the elongate guide wire assembly in response to physical contact between the distal end portion of the guide wire and the plurality of tactile forms, and configured to provide tactile feedback to the user of the distal end portion of the guide wire, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of tactile forms include raised markers extending inside the elongate delivery lumen.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of tactile forms include a group of spaced-apart raised markers extending inside the elongate delivery lumen.

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