Recapturable funnel catheter and related systems and methods

Abstract

To provide a suitable re-capturable funnel catheter and related systems and methods.SOLUTION: A system and method for endovascular treatment of clotted material in a blood vessel of a human patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, a funnel catheter assembly includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft extending through and coaxial with the outer shaft. The expandable funnel can be coupled to the distal portion of the inner shaft. The funnel catheter assembly further includes a control assembly operably coupled to the proximal portion of the outer shaft and configured to move the outer shaft between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the outer shaft is at least partially disposed over the funnel to constrain the funnel in a compressed state. In the second position, the outer shaft is retracted proximally relative to the funnel such that the funnel can expand to the expanded state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 035,605, filed June 5, 2020, and entitled "RECAPTURABLE FUNNEL CATHETERS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present technology relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for embolic protection during procedures for extracting thrombi from blood vessels in human patients. [Background technology]

[0003] Thrombosis is the localized clotting or coagulation of blood in a part of the circulatory system, and a thrombus is a blood clot that forms in situ within the vascular system. A venous thrombosis is a blood clot that forms within a vein. A common type of venous thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein (e.g., primarily in the leg). Nonspecific symptoms of thrombosis can include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and engorged superficial veins.

[0004] If the clot breaks off (embolises) and travels toward the lungs, it can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) (e.g., a blood clot in the lungs). In addition to the loss of life that can result from PE, DVT can cause significant health challenges, such as post-thrombotic syndrome, which can cause chronic swelling, pressure, pain, and ulcers due to damage to valves and blood vessels. Furthermore, DVT can result in significant medical costs, directly or indirectly, through the treatment of associated complications and the patient's inability to work.

[0005] Three processes are thought to lead to venous thrombosis: reduced blood flow (venous stasis), increased tendency to clot (hypercoagulability), and changes in the blood vessel wall. DVT formation typically begins inside the valves of calf veins, where blood is relatively oxygen-deprived, activating specific biochemical pathways. Several medical conditions increase the risk of DVT, including diabetes, cancer, trauma, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Other risk factors include advanced age, surgery, immobilization (such as bed rest, orthopedic casts, and seating on long flights), combined oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, postnatal age, and genetic factors. The rate of DVT increases dramatically from childhood to old age, with approximately 1 in 1,000 adults developing DVT each year.

[0006] While current devices and methods for preventing and / or treating DVT exist, they suffer from several unresolved drawbacks, such as a high incidence of DVT recurrence, the use of devices not designed to remove large clot volumes, and / or complex treatments involving multiple treatment devices and / or agents. Therefore, new devices, systems, and methods for treating thrombi, particularly DVT, are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present technology is generally directed to methods and systems for removing clot material (e.g., thrombus) from a blood vessel of a human patient. More particularly, the present technology is directed to a funnel catheter assembly configured to provide embolic protection during clot removal or other intravascular procedures. In some embodiments, the funnel catheter assembly includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft extending through and coaxial with the outer shaft. An expandable funnel, such as a self-expanding funnel, may be coupled to a distal portion of the inner shaft. The funnel catheter assembly further includes a control assembly operably coupled to a proximal portion of the outer shaft. The funnel catheter assembly may be actuated by an operator (e.g., a physician) to move the outer shaft between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outer shaft is at least partially disposed over the funnel to constrain the funnel in a compressed state. In the second position, the outer shaft is retracted proximally relative to the funnel to allow the funnel to expand to an expanded state. Thus, the funnel catheter assembly allows the funnel to be exposed and covered from the sheath during an intravascular procedure via movement of the outer shaft between a first position and a second position.

[0008] In one aspect of the present technology, the control assembly is operable to compress the funnel after it has been expanded within the patient's blood vessel. This allows the funnel catheter assembly to be repositioned within the blood vessel without fully withdrawing it from the patient. Similarly, the funnel catheter assembly can be fully withdrawn from the patient (e.g., at the end of a thrombectomy procedure) in the first position where the funnel is compressed inside the outer shaft. Thus, the funnel catheter assembly is configured to inhibit or prevent the funnel from contacting the blood vessel wall during movement of the funnel catheter assembly within the blood vessel. This can help prevent injury / damage to the patient that could otherwise be caused by moving the funnel through the blood vessel or related organs in an expanded state. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) 1. A funnel catheter assembly comprising: an outer shaft defining a lumen; an inner shaft extending through the lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an expandable funnel coupled to the distal portion of the inner shaft; a control assembly configured to move the funnel between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the funnel is constrained within the lumen of the outer shaft; A funnel catheter assembly, wherein in the second position, the funnel is positioned at least partially outside the lumen of the outer shaft so that the funnel can expand. (Item 2) Item 1. The funnel catheter assembly of item 1, wherein the control assembly is coupled to the outer shaft and configured to move the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft. (Item 3) 2. The funnel catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the control assembly includes an actuator movable to move the funnel between the first position and the second position. (Item 4) Item 4. The funnel catheter assembly of item 3, wherein the actuator is a slider. (Item 5) Item 1. The funnel catheter assembly of item 1, wherein the funnel includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the proximal portion of the funnel is connected to the distal portion of the inner shaft. (Item 6) 6. The funnel catheter according to item 5, wherein the distal portion of the funnel is connected to the outer shaft. (Item 7) 2. The funnel catheter assembly of item 1, further comprising a sealable hub and a side port, the side port being rotatably coupled between the control assembly and the sealable hub. (Item 8) 1. A funnel catheter assembly comprising: an outer shaft defining an outer lumen; an inner shaft extending through the outer lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an expandable funnel coupled to the distal portion of the inner shaft; a control assembly operably coupled to the proximal portion of the outer shaft and configured to move the outer shaft between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outer shaft is at least partially disposed over the funnel to radially constrain the funnel; A funnel catheter assembly, wherein in the second position, the outer shaft is retracted proximally relative to the funnel to allow the funnel to radially expand. (Item 9) 9. The funnel catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein the control assembly includes a housing and an actuating member, the actuating member coupled to a proximal portion of the outer shaft, the actuating member being slidable along the housing to move the outer shaft between the first position and the second position. (Item 10) Item 9. The funnel catheter assembly of item 8, wherein the funnel is configured to self-expand. (Item 11) Item 9. The funnel catheter assembly of item 8, wherein the funnel is non-self-expanding, the funnel is further coupled to a distal portion of the outer shaft, and movement of the outer shaft from the first position to the second position is configured to expand the funnel. (Item 12) Item 12. The funnel catheter assembly of item 11, wherein a distal portion of the funnel is connected to the distal portion of the outer shaft via one or more tethers. (Item 13) 9. The funnel catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein the inner shaft defines an inner lumen sized to receive a dilator. (Item 14) 1. A method of operating a funnel catheter assembly during an intravascular procedure on a patient, the method comprising: inserting the inner shaft, outer shaft, and funnel of the funnel catheter assembly at least partially into the patient's vasculature; advancing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the funnel together to a deployment position within the patient's vasculature, wherein the funnel is sheathed within the lumen of the outer shaft during the advancement; moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel and allow the funnel to expand to an extended position; maintaining the funnel in the expanded position during at least a portion of the endovascular procedure; moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft and / or moving the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft to cover the funnel within the lumen of the outer shaft; and withdrawing the funnel catheter assembly from the patient. (Item 15) Item 15. The method of item 14, wherein the funnel is self-expandable, and wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises allowing the funnel to self-expand to the expanded position. (Item 16) Item 15. The method of item 14, wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises moving a slider of a control assembly of the funnel catheter assembly from a first position to a second position, the slider being coupled to a proximal portion of the outer shaft. (Item 17) Item 15. The method of item 14, wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises rotating a rotatable element of a control assembly of the funnel catheter assembly from a first position to a second position. (Item 18) Item 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the funnel is non-self-expanding, the method further comprising actuating the funnel to expand to the extended position. (Item 19) inserting the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the funnel into the patient's vasculature further comprises inserting a dilator disposed within the inner shaft at least partially into the patient's vasculature; Item 15. The method of item 14, wherein advancing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the funnel further comprises advancing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, the funnel, and the dilator together to the deployed position. (Item 20) Item 15. The method of item 14, wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises moving the outer shaft in a first direction, the method further comprising moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to cover the funnel by moving the outer shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially transparent, partially cross-sectional side view of a funnel catheter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2A] 1A-1C are side views of a funnel catheter assembly in a first position and a second position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 2B] 1A-1C are side views of a funnel catheter assembly in a first position and a second position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view of a funnel catheter assembly in a first position with a dilator inserted in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 12 is a side view of a funnel catheter assembly including a non-self-expanding funnel in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various thrombus removal techniques for removing thrombus from a blood vessel of a human patient utilizing a funnel catheter assembly according to embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 6] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various thrombus removal techniques for removing thrombus from a blood vessel of a human patient utilizing a funnel catheter assembly according to embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 7] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various thrombus removal techniques for removing thrombus from a blood vessel of a human patient utilizing a funnel catheter assembly according to embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 8] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various thrombus removal techniques for removing thrombus from a blood vessel of a human patient utilizing a funnel catheter assembly according to embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 9A] 10A-10C are enlarged, partially transparent, side and cross-sectional side views, respectively, of a portion of a funnel catheter assembly in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 9B]10A-10C are enlarged, partially transparent, side and cross-sectional side views, respectively, of a portion of a funnel catheter assembly in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of a sealable hub 110, a rotatable side port 950, and a portion of a control assembly 930 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10A] 9A and 9B in a covered position, a partially exposed or intermediate position, and an exposed position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10B] 9A and 9B in a covered position, a partially exposed or intermediate position, and an exposed position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10C] 9A and 9B in a covered position, a partially exposed or intermediate position, and an exposed position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a process or method for operating a funnel catheter assembly during an endovascular procedure in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] While many of the embodiments are described below with respect to devices, systems, and methods for treating vascular thrombus (e.g., deep vein thrombosis (DVT)), other applications and other embodiments in addition to those described herein are within the scope of the technology (e.g., endovascular procedures other than treating emboli, endovascular procedures for treating cerebral embolism, endovascular procedures for treating pulmonary embolism, etc.). In general, for example, the devices, systems, and methods of the present technology can be used to remove any formation of material within a blood vessel (e.g., a venous or arterial blood vessel), such as cancerous growths, pathological growths, etc. Additionally, some other embodiments of the present technology can have different structures, conditions, components, or procedures than those described herein. Furthermore, it will be understood that certain elements, substructures, advantages, uses, and / or other features of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-11 can be suitably interchanged, substituted, or otherwise configured for one another according to additional embodiments of the present technology. Furthermore, preferred elements of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-11 can be used as stand-alone and / or self-contained devices. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will correspondingly understand that the present technology can have other embodiments having additional elements or that the present technology can have other embodiments that do not have some of the features shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 1-11.

[0011] With respect to the terms "distal" and "proximal" within this description, unless otherwise specified, these terms can refer to the relative position of portions of the catheter subsystem relative to the operator and / or location within the vasculature. Also, as used herein, designations such as "rear," "forward," "superior," "inferior," etc. are not meant to limit the referenced components to use in a particular orientation. It will be understood that such designations refer to the orientation of the referenced components as shown in the figures. The systems of the present technology can be used in any orientation suitable for the user.

[0012] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter disclosed.

[0013] I. SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE FUNNEL CATHETER ASSEMBLY 1 is a partially transparent, partially cross-sectional side view of a funnel catheter assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel catheter assembly 100 includes an elongate outer shaft 102 and an elongate inner shaft 104 coaxial with the outer shaft 102. The outer shaft 102 and the inner shaft 104 (“shafts 102, 104”) may also be referred to as sheaths, catheters, hollow members, etc. The outer shaft 102 defines a lumen 106 and includes a proximal portion 107a and a distal portion 107b. The inner shaft 104 extends through the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102 and similarly defines a lumen 108 and includes a proximal portion 109a and a distal portion 109b. The proximal portions 107a and 109a may each terminate at a proximal end / terminus, and the distal portions 107b and 109b may each terminate at a distal end / terminus. The shafts 102, 104 may be resilient and / or flexible and may have any suitable length and diameter.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel catheter assembly 100 further includes a sealable hub 110 coupled to the proximal portion 109a of the inner shaft 104. In some embodiments, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C , the sealable hub 110 can be rotatably coupled to the inner shaft 104 such that the sealable hub 110 can rotate independently of the inner shaft 104. The sealable hub 110 is configured to allow access to the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104 and can be self-sealing and / or include a self-sealing seal. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sealable hub 110 is a hemostatic valve configured to maintain hemostasis (e.g., during a thrombectomy procedure) by blocking or preventing proximal fluid flow through the sealable hub 110, for example, as various components (e.g., a dilator assembly, a thrombectomy device, etc.) are inserted through the sealable hub 110 and delivered to a treatment site within a blood vessel through the inner shaft 104. More specifically, the sealable hub 110 can be a valve of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 117,519, entitled "HEMOSTASIS VALVES AND METHODS OF USE," filed August 30, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The sealable hub 110 can include one or more buttons or actuators that allow an operator to selectively seal / unseal the sealable hub 110.

[0015] The funnel catheter assembly 100 can further include a suction port 112 connected to the sealable hub 110 (e.g., a side port of the sealable hub 110) and / or the inner shaft 104 (e.g., a proximal portion 109a of the inner shaft 104), for example, via a connecting tube 114. The suction port 112 can be connected to a syringe connector 116 that can be selectively coupled to a syringe or other suction device, or the suction port 112 can be connected to other suitable elements. In some embodiments, the funnel catheter assembly 100 includes a fluid control device 118 configured to selectively fluidly connect the suction port 112 to the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid control device 118 is a stopcock operably coupled to the connecting tube 114 between the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104 and the suction port 112. In other embodiments, the fluid control device 118 can be a clamp or another suitable valve. In some embodiments, a vacuum source (not shown; e.g., a syringe) may be coupled to the syringe connector 116 and used to aspirate the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104. In some embodiments, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 9A-9C, the suction port 112 and connecting tube 114 may be rotatable relative to the sealable hub 110 and / or the inner shaft 104.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel 120 is coupled to the distal portion 109b of the inner shaft 104. As described in more detail below, in operation of the funnel catheter assembly 100 during an endovascular procedure, the funnel 120 is configured to expand (e.g., radially expand) into apposition with a blood vessel and / or other body cavity (e.g., of an organ) and function as a proximal or distal thrombus / embolic protection device that prevents any thrombus from migrating through the funnel 120 and embolizing in an undesired location (e.g., the right heart, the pulmonary artery, another arterial space, etc.). The funnel 120 can be fused to the distal portion 109b of the inner shaft 104 and / or attached to the inner shaft 104 via welding, adhesives, fasteners, etc. In FIG. 1 , the funnel catheter assembly 100 is in a first position / state / configuration in which the distal portion 107b of the outer shaft 102 extends beyond the distal portion 109b of the inner shaft 104 and the funnel 120 is at least partially (e.g., completely) disposed within the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102. The funnel 120 can be configured to expand (e.g., self-expand), and thus the funnel 120 can be in a first constrained position / state / configuration when the funnel catheter assembly 100 is in the first position. In some embodiments, the funnel 120 can be formed from at least one of a castellated nitinol braid, a nitinol braided stent, laser-cut nitinol, laser-cut polymer tubing, an injection-molded polymer structure, or an inflatable balloon. In some embodiments, the funnel 120 can comprise a mesh having a pore size small enough to prevent the passage of thrombus through the pores of the mesh. In some embodiments, the funnel 120 can be blood-permeable. In some embodiments, the funnel 120 can include a cover that covers at least a portion of the funnel 120, which can be permeable or impermeable to blood.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 107a of the outer shaft 102 is operably coupled to a control assembly 130. The control assembly 130 is operable to move the outer shaft 102 distally and proximally relative to the inner shaft 104 to constrain and release the funnel 120 within the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the control assembly 130 includes (i) a housing 132 having a proximal portion 133a and a distal portion 133b, and (ii) an actuation member 134 operably / movably coupled to the housing 132. The housing 132 defines a lumen 135 extending between its proximal and distal portions 133a, b. The proximal portion 133a of the housing 132 can be coupled to a sealable hub 110. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 133a of the housing 132 is integrally formed with the sealable hub 110.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation member 134 includes a body portion 136 disposed within a lumen 135 of the housing 132 and coupled to the proximal portion 107a of the outer shaft 102 via, for example, adhesives, fasteners, welding, etc. The actuation member 134 further includes one or more gripping members 138 extending from the body portion 136 outside the lumen 135. More specifically, the gripping members 138 may extend through corresponding slots 140 formed in / along the housing 132. The housing 132 may define a proximal end 142a and a distal end 142b for each of the slots 140. In some embodiments, the control assembly 130 may include one or more than the two shown of the gripping members 138 and corresponding slots 140.

[0019] In operation, an operator (e.g., a physician) can slide the actuation member 134 along the housing 132 to advance the outer shaft 102 distally or retract it proximally relative to the inner shaft 104 to respectively constrain or release the funnel 120. More specifically, FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of the funnel catheter assembly 100 in a first position and a second position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring together to FIGS. 1-2B, to move the funnel catheter assembly 100 from the first position (FIGS. 1 and 2A) to the second position (FIG. 2B), the operator can grasp the grip member 138 of the actuation member 134 and slide the grip member 138 proximally relative to the housing 132 (e.g., in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 2A) to drive the body portion 136 through the lumen 135, thereby driving the outer shaft 102 proximally relative to the inner shaft 104. The funnel 120 is released / exposed from within the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102 as the distal portion 107b of the outer shaft 102 moves proximally past the funnel 120, thereby expanding the funnel 120. In some embodiments, the actuation member 134 can abut the proximal end 142a of the slot 140 in the second position such that the housing 132 prevents further proximal movement of the outer shaft 102.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distal end of the outer shaft 102 is disposed at or proximal to the distal end of the inner shaft 104 in the second position such that the funnel 120 is completely released from the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102 (e.g., disposed completely outside the lumen 106). In other embodiments, the distal end of the outer shaft 102 can be disposed distal to the distal end of the inner shaft 104 in the second position such that the funnel 120 is only partially released from the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B , the funnel 120, once expanded, can have a conical portion 222 (e.g., a frusto-conical portion) and a cylindrical portion 224. In other embodiments, the funnel 120 can have other suitable shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the funnel 120 can be inverted relative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B . That is, the cylindrical portion 224 of the funnel 120 may be coupled to the distal portion 109 b of the inner shaft 104 , with the conical portion 222 extending distally from the cylindrical portion 224 .

[0021] To move the funnel catheter assembly 100 from the second position (FIG. 2B) to the first position (FIGS. 1 and 2A), an operator can grasp the gripping member 138 of the actuation member 134 and slide the gripping member 138 distally relative to the housing 132 (e.g., in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2B) to drive the body portion 136 through the lumen 135, thereby driving the outer shaft 102 distally relative to the inner shaft 104. The funnel 120 is captured / covered within the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102 as the distal portion 107b of the outer shaft 102 moves distally over the funnel 120, thereby collapsing / compressing the funnel 120 within the lumen 106. In some embodiments, the actuation member 134 can abut the distal end 142b of the slot 140 in the first position such that the housing 132 prevents further distal movement of the outer shaft 102.

[0022] In some embodiments, the actuation member 134 is configured to be releasably secured / locked to the housing 132 in the first and second positions to inhibit or prevent unintended movement of the actuation member 134. For example, referring again to FIG. 1 , the housing 132 of the control assembly 130 may include (i) a proximal engagement member 144a (e.g., a tab, a protrusion, etc.) configured to engage the actuation member 134 in the first position, and (ii) a distal engagement member 144b configured to engage the actuation member 134 in the second position. More specifically, in some embodiments, the proximal and distal engagement members 144a,b may mate with corresponding slots / grooves in the actuation member 134 (e.g., formed in / on the grip member 138) to releasably secure the actuation member 134 in the first or second positions via a snap-fit ​​arrangement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the inner shaft 104 is sized to slidably receive one or more medical instruments inserted through the sealable hub 110 during an intravascular procedure using the funnel catheter assembly 100, such as a thrombectomy procedure. For example, Figure 3 is a side view of the funnel catheter assembly 100 in a first position with a dilator 350 inserted through the sealable hub 110 and the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104 (Figure 1), in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The dilator 350 can extend completely through the inner shaft 104 and past the distal end of the distal portion 107b of the outer shaft 102, such that a distal tip 352 (e.g., an atraumatic tip) is disposed beyond the distal end of the outer shaft 102.

[0024] In some embodiments, the dilator 350 and the funnel catheter assembly 100 together define an introducer assembly that can be inserted into a patient (e.g., a human patient) and then used to introduce an intravascular medical device into the patient. For example, the dilator 350 and the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be inserted into a patient's blood vessel and advanced together through the patient's blood vessel to a target location within the blood vessel. The dilator 350 can then be retracted proximally through the funnel catheter assembly 100, and the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be moved to a second position to expand the funnel 120 at the target location.

[0025] 1-3 together, in one aspect of the present technology, the inner shaft 104 is the "working" shaft of the funnel catheter assembly 100, which can be aspirated and / or receive various medical components (e.g., dilator 350). In contrast, the outer shaft 102 is used to compress / expand the funnel 120. Thus, the shafts 102, 104 can be sized to maximize the size of the inner shaft 104 to allow larger sized components to be inserted therethrough or to provide greater suction / power. For example, the outer shaft 102 can have an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner shaft 104. In some embodiments, the inner shaft 104 can have an outer diameter of at least 10 French, at least 12 French, at least 14 French, at least 18 French, at least 20 French, at least 22 French, at least 26 French, greater than 26 French, between 10 French and 26 French, between 14 French and 24 French, between 15 French and 21 French, between 16 French and 22 French, and / or any other size or intermediate size. In some embodiments, the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104 can have an inner diameter of at least 2 French, at least 10 French, at least 14 French, at least 18 French, at least 20 French, at least 22 French, between 11 French and 12 French, between 10 French and 22 French, between 14 French and 21 French, between 16 French and 20 French, and / or any other size or intermediate size.

[0026] In another aspect of the present technology, the control assembly 130 is operable to compress the funnel 120 after it has been expanded within the blood vessel via movement of the actuation member 134 from the second position to the first position. This allows the funnel catheter assembly 100 to be repositioned within the blood vessel without completely withdrawing the funnel catheter assembly 100 from the patient. For example, after (i) introducing the funnel catheter assembly 100 into the blood vessel with the dilator 350 and (ii) removing the dilator 350, the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be repositioned proximally by simply returning the funnel catheter assembly 100 to the first position to collapse the funnel portion 120, and then retracting the funnel catheter assembly 100 proximally. To reposition the funnel catheter assembly 100 distally, the dilator 350 can be reinserted, and the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be pushed proximally in the first position while the funnel 120 remains compressed. Similarly, the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be fully withdrawn from the patient (e.g., at the end of a thrombectomy procedure) in a first position with the funnel 120 compressed within the lumen 106 of the outer shaft 102. The funnel catheter assembly 100 is thus configured to inhibit or prevent the funnel 120 from contacting the wall of the blood vessel during advancement / retraction. This can help prevent injury / damage to the patient that could otherwise be caused by moving the funnel 120 through the blood vessel or associated organ in an expanded state.

[0027] In some embodiments, the funnel catheter assembly 100 and / or the method of operating the funnel catheter assembly 100 may include some features that are the same as or similar to the thrombus removal systems (e.g., introducer assemblies) described in detail in (i) U.S. Patent No. 9,700,332, filed September 16, 2016, entitled "INTRAVASCULAR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR OCCLUSION AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS," and / or (ii) U.S. Patent No. 10,098,651, filed April 26, 2017, entitled "DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULAR OCCLUSION," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0028] In other embodiments, the control assembly 130 can be configured in other manners to drive distal and proximal movement of the outer shaft 102. For example, the actuation member 134 can comprise a rotatable member (e.g., a ring gear, a corkscrew, a rotatable handle, etc.) coupled to the outer shaft 102. In some embodiments, the rotatable member can be a ratchet member that is rotatable to a plurality of discrete positions between a first position and a second position.

[0029] Similarly, in other embodiments, the control assembly 130 may be operably coupled to the inner shaft 104 rather than the outer shaft 102. Thus, operation of the control assembly 130 can move the inner shaft 104 and sealable hub 110 relative to the outer shaft 102 to move the funnel catheter assembly 100 between a first position and a second position to constrain / compress and release / expand the funnel 120, respectively.

[0030] In yet other embodiments, the funnel 120 can be operably coupled to the outer shaft 102 such that movement of the outer shaft 102 between a first position and a second position causes the funnel 120 to expand. More specifically, for example, FIG. 4 is a side view of a funnel catheter assembly 100 including a non-self-expanding funnel 420, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, the funnel 420 can have a shape similar to the funnel 120 described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, but can be formed from one or more non-self-expanding materials, such as metal (e.g., non-heat-activated metal), plastic, fiber, polymer, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel 420 is coupled to (i) the distal portion 109b of the inner shaft 104 (FIG. 1) and (ii) the distal portion 107b of the outer shaft 102 via a plurality of flexible tethers 426. The tether 426 is configured (e.g., shaped, sized, and / or positioned) such that movement of the control assembly 130 from the first position to the second position pulls on the tether 426, thereby stretching and expanding the funnel 420 as it becomes exposed from within the outer shaft 102.

[0031] In some embodiments, funnel catheter assembly 100 can include one or more features for actuating / manipulating funnel 420 (or funnel 120, described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, control assembly 130 can include an actuation member 454 (shown schematically) operably coupled to funnel 420 via one or more control lines 462 (e.g., wires, tethers, rigid members, etc.). Actuation member 454 can be a slider, rotatable member, or other component configured to apply a force to funnel 420 via control line 462. In some embodiments, control line 462 can be asymmetrically / eccentrically coupled to funnel 420 such that actuation of actuation member 454 bends funnel 420 away from the longitudinal axis of shafts 102, 104. In one aspect of the present technology, this configuration can be used to help guide the funnel 420 through tortuous areas of a patient (e.g., tortuous vessels, left atrial appendage (LAA), etc.) within which it may otherwise be difficult to position the funnel 420. Additionally or alternatively, the funnel catheter assembly 100 can include one or more components (e.g., pull wires) for guiding (e.g., bending, deflecting, etc.) the outer shaft 102 and / or inner shaft 104 to facilitate placement of the funnel 420.

[0032] II. SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF PROCEDURES UTILIZING FUNNEL CATHETER ASSEMBLY FOR EMBOLIC PROTECTION 1-4 together, the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be used in a myriad of procedures to capture thrombi and prevent them from embolizing to portions of a patient's vasculature. For example, Figures 5-8 are schematic diagrams illustrating various thrombectomy techniques for removing thrombi T from a blood vessel BV of a human patient utilizing a funnel catheter assembly 100 according to various embodiments of the present technology.

[0033] Referring initially to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a thrombus T (e.g., a clot) may be accessed through a popliteal access site 560. The funnel catheter assembly 100 may extend from the popliteal access site 560 to a deployment location 562 within the blood vessel BV where the funnel 120 (or funnel 420) may be deployed. The deployment location 562 may be near and proximal to the thrombus T. The funnel 120 may at least partially appose the blood vessel wall BV after the funnel catheter assembly 100 is moved from a first position to a second position to expand the funnel 120, as described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the thrombectomy device 564 is (i) inserted through the funnel catheter assembly 100, (ii) passed through the thrombus T in the direction of blood flow, and (iii) expanded distally of the thrombus T. The thrombectomy device 564 may include a coring element 565 (e.g., a stent-like device) and a capturing element 566 (e.g., a braided mesh bag). In some embodiments, part or all of the thrombectomy device 564 may extend into one of the iliac vein and / or inferior vena cava. After expansion distally of the thrombus T, the thrombectomy device 564 may be retracted through the thrombus T, through the funnel 120, and into the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 104 ( FIG. 1 ). During retraction, the coring element 565 may core / separate the thrombus T, and the capturing element 566 may capture all or a portion of the thrombus T. In some embodiments, the thrombectomy device 564 and related thrombus removal procedures may be generally similar to or identical to the thrombectomy devices and related methods described in detail in (i) U.S. Patent No. 9,700,332, filed September 16, 2016, and entitled "INTRAVASCULAR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR OCCLUSION AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS," and / or (ii) U.S. Patent No. 10,098,651, filed April 26, 2017, and entitled "DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULAR OCCLUSION," both of which patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0035] In one aspect of the present technology, as the thrombectomy device 564 and captured thrombus T are retracted through the funnel 120, the funnel 120 can capture / retain any of the thrombus T that breaks free from the thrombectomy device 564 when the thrombectomy device 564 is compressed within the inner shaft 104. Thus, the funnel 120 can prevent portions of the thrombus T from traveling upstream where they could potentially embolize. In some embodiments, a vacuum (e.g., a pre-charged vacuum) can be applied to the inner shaft 104 (e.g., via a syringe coupled to the syringe connector 116 shown in FIG. 1 ) at any time during retraction of the thrombectomy device 564. In some embodiments, the application of the vacuum can create instantaneous or near-instantaneous suction at the distal portion 109b of the inner shaft 104, which can draw any remaining portion of the thrombus T into and / or through the inner shaft 104.

[0036] 6 , in some embodiments, thrombus T (not shown in FIG. 6 , e.g., located lower in the iliac or femoral veins) may be accessed through an internal jugular vein access site 670, and funnel catheter assembly 100 may be inserted into the patient via the internal jugular vein access site 670. The funnel catheter assembly 100 may extend from the internal jugular vein access site 670 to a deployment location 672 where the funnel 120 (or funnel 420) may be deployed proximal to the thrombus T. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shaft 102 and inner shaft 104 (hidden in FIG. 6 ) extend from the internal jugular vein access site 670 through the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava to the deployment location 672 in one of the common iliac veins. In some embodiments, the deployment location 672 may be located, for example, in the inferior vena cava, one of the iliac veins, the femoral vein, the popliteal vein, in front of or beyond the iliac arch, or any other location adjacent and / or proximal to the thrombus T. In some embodiments, a thrombectomy device 564 can be inserted through the funnel catheter assembly 100 and withdrawn through the thrombus T to capture the thrombus T, as described in detail above with reference to FIG. 5 .

[0037] In one aspect of the present technology, by accessing the thrombus T through the internal jugular vein access site 670, the funnel 120 can be positioned downstream of the thrombus T. The funnel 120 can thus capture any thrombus T that may become dislodged and carried downstream toward the heart during operation of the thrombectomy device 564. In another aspect of the present technology, the funnel 120 can be compressed by moving the actuation member 134 from the second position to the first position, for example, as described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 , prior to withdrawing the funnel catheter assembly 100 at the end of the thrombectomy procedure. This prevents the funnel 120 from being withdrawn in the expanded configuration through the patient's heart (e.g., through the right atrium), which could potentially damage the heart.

[0038] 7 , in some embodiments, the thrombus T may be accessed by the thrombectomy device 564 through the popliteal access site 560 using a separate introducer assembly 774, while the funnel catheter assembly 100 may be inserted into the patient's body via the internal jugular vein access site 670 ( FIG. 6 ). The funnel 120 may expand at the deployed position 672 during a thrombectomy procedure using the thrombectomy device 564. Thus, the funnel 120 may capture any thrombus material T that may break off and flow downstream during the procedure. In the illustrated embodiment, the thrombectomy device 564 is inserted through the outer shaft 776 of the introducer assembly 774. In one aspect of the present technology, compared to using the funnel catheter assembly 100 as an introducer for the thrombectomy device 564, the outer shaft 776 may be made relatively larger than the inner shaft 104 because the outer shaft 102 does not need to be placed around it to constrain the funnel 120. This allows the thrombectomy device 564 to be larger and / or to generate more suction force through the outer shaft 776 .

[0039] 8, in some embodiments, thrombus T may be accessed by thrombectomy device 564 through popliteal access site 560 using introducer assembly 774, while funnel catheter assembly 100 may be inserted into the patient via femoral access site 880. Funnel catheter assembly 100 may traverse the common iliac vein to deployment location 672 or another suitable deployment location.

[0040] In other embodiments, the funnel catheter assembly 100 may be inserted into a patient's body through other venous or arterial access sites and may be used in a myriad of different procedures. For example, additional uses for the funnel catheter assembly 100 include, but are not limited to: Internal jugular (IJ) access for deployment into the inferior vena cava (IVC) for the treatment of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT); IJ access for deployment within the IVC for removal of an IVC filter and / or treatment of a thrombus located within the IVC; IJ access for deployment within the deep veins of the lower extremity (e.g., iliac, femoral, popliteal) for the treatment of lower extremity DVT; Common femoral vein (CFE) for deployment within the superior vena cava (SVC) for the treatment of upper extremity DVT and / or SVC thrombus vein, CFV) access; CFV access for deployment in upper extremity veins (e.g., brachiocephalic artery, subclavian artery, axillary vein) for treatment of upper extremity DVT and / or SVC thrombus; CFV access for deployment into the pulmonary artery (PA) for the treatment of pulmonary embolism; CFV access with transseptal access for deployment within the left atrial ostium and left atrial appendage (LAA) for thrombectomy; Internal carotid artery (ICA) access for deployment into the common carotid artery (CCA) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA); ICA access for deployment into the descending thoracic aorta for the treatment of thoracoabdominal and / or abdominal aortic (AA) thrombus and / or aortic artery thrombosis; ICA access for deployment into the descending / thoracic aorta for treatment of renal thrombosis; ICA access for intra-arterial placement for the treatment of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis (MAT); Common Femoral Artery (CFA) access for the treatment of atherosclerosis in the brachial, radial, popliteal, or dorsalis pedis arteries; CFA access for deployment within the common iliac artery for the treatment of aorto-arterial thrombosis and / or occlusion; CFA access for deployment within the abdominal aorta for the treatment of renal artery thrombosis; and / or CFA access for deployment within the aorta for the treatment of thoracoabdominal and / or AA thrombus and / or aortic artery thrombosis.

[0041] 9A and 9B are enlarged, partially see-through side and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a portion of a funnel catheter assembly 900 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present technology. Referring together to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the funnel catheter assembly 900 can include several features that are at least generally similar in structure and function to, or identical in structure and function to, corresponding features of the funnel catheter assembly 100 described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, and can operate in a generally similar or identical manner to the funnel catheter assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the funnel catheter assembly 900 includes a sealable hub 110, a connecting tube 114, a suction port 112, an outer shaft 102, and an inner shaft 104 (obscured in FIG. 9A ). The funnel catheter assembly 900 further includes a control assembly 930 including a housing 932 and an actuation member 934 having a pair of gripping members 938. 9B, the actuation member 934 is disposed within the housing 932 and includes a hub 936 coupled to the outer shaft 102 (e.g., the proximal portion 107a of the outer shaft 102). The actuation member 934 is movable (e.g., slidable) relative to the housing 932 to advance / retract the outer shaft 102 relative to the inner shaft 104 and a funnel attached to its distal portion (e.g., the funnel 120 shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C).

[0042] The funnel catheter assembly 900 is in a first, covered position in FIG. 9A , where the funnel is constrained by the outer shaft 102, and a second, exposed position in FIG. 9B , where the funnel is not constrained by the outer shaft 102. Referring to FIG. 9A , in some embodiments, the housing 932 can include markings 931 that indicate the position of the actuating member 934 when the funnel is in the exposed position. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 933 a of the housing 932 can include gripping features such as grooves 935, a cross-hatch pattern 937, and / or other features to increase the gripping ability of the housing 932. In some embodiments, an operator can grip the housing 932 (e.g., via the grooves 935 and / or the pattern 937) while (i) moving the actuating member 934 relative to the housing 932 and / or (ii) moving the housing 932 relative to the actuating member 934. In some embodiments, the funnel catheter assembly 900 may further include a locking mechanism 911 that may be attached to the sealable hub 110 (e.g., to a button thereof) to lock the sealable hub 110 in an open / exposed position.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel catheter assembly 900 further includes a rotatable side port 950 that fluidly connects the sealable hub 110, the connecting tube 114, and the inner shaft 104. FIG. 9C is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of a portion of the sealable hub 110, the rotatable side port 950, and the control assembly 930 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring to FIG. 9C, the side port 950 defines a lumen 952 that provides a fluid pathway from the inner shaft 104 to the sealable hub 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the side port 950 includes a first groove 954 and a second groove 956, each extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the side port 950. The sealable hub 110 includes a first protrusion 964 disposed in the first groove 954, and the housing 932 includes a second protrusion 966 disposed in the second groove 956. The engagement of the first and second protrusions 964, 966 within the first and second grooves 954, 956 couples the housing 932 to the sealable hub 110. Additionally, the first and second protrusions 964, 966 are rotatable within the first and second grooves 954, 956, such that the sealable hub 110, the side port 114, and the housing 932 can rotate independently of one another while remaining coupled to one another.

[0044] In some embodiments, the control assembly 930 can further include a connector 958 coupled to the proximal portion 109a of the inner shaft 104 and disposed at least partially between the side port 950 and the housing 932. The connector 958 can be rotatable within the housing 932 such that the housing 932 can rotate independently of the connector 958 and the inner shaft 104. Thus, in some aspects of the present technology, rotation of the sealable hub 110, the side port 950 (e.g., the suction port 112 shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C ), and / or the housing 932 does not substantially rotate the inner shaft 104. This can help prevent a funnel attached to the inner shaft 104 from rotating within a blood vessel during a procedure using the funnel catheter assembly 900, while still allowing movement of the sealable hub 110, the side port 950, and / or other components of the funnel catheter assembly 900.

[0045] 10A-10C are side views of a funnel catheter assembly 900 in a covered position, a partially exposed or intermediate position, and an exposed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring together to FIGS. 10A-10C, the funnel catheter assembly 900 can be moved between the covered and exposed positions by moving the actuation member 934 relative to the housing 932 and / or by moving the housing 932 (and the coupled sealable hub 110) relative to the actuation member 934. In some embodiments, for example, an operator can slide the actuation member 134 relative to the housing 932 in the direction indicated by arrow P in FIG. 10B to retract the outer shaft 102 and expose the funnel 120. In some aspects of the present technology, moving the actuation member 934 but not the housing 932 moves only the outer shaft 102 such that the funnel 120 remains in a constant or near-constant position (e.g., a stationary position). 10A , the operator can advance the housing 932 relative to the actuation member 934 in the direction shown by arrow D to expose the funnel 120. In some aspects of the present technology, moving the housing 932 relative to the actuation member 934 advances the inner shaft 104 and funnel 120 distally relative to the outer shaft 102.

[0046] 10C , the actuation member 934 may be positioned adjacent to or near the markings 931 to indicate to the operator that the funnel 120 has been deployed. In some embodiments, to re-sheath the funnel 120 (e.g., from the exposed position shown in FIG. 10C to the covered position shown in FIG. 10A ), the operator can retract the housing 932 relative to the actuation member 934 (e.g., in the direction of arrow P) to retract the funnel 120 into the outer shaft 102. In some aspects of the present technology, such retraction movement can be intuitive to the user, because the movement of the housing 932 is in the same direction as the removal / collapse of the funnel 120. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, the operator can advance the actuation member 934 relative to the housing 932 to sheathe the funnel 120 into the outer shaft 102.

[0047] 11 is a flow diagram of a process or method 1110 for operating funnel catheter assembly 100 and / or funnel catheter assembly 900 (collectively referred to as a "funnel catheter assembly") during an endovascular procedure in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Although certain features of method 1110 are described in the context of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10C for illustrative purposes, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that method 1110 can be performed using other suitable systems and / or devices described herein.

[0048] At block 1111, the method 1110 includes inserting the funnel catheter assembly into the patient's body via a vascular site. For example, the dilator 350, outer shaft 102, and inner shaft 104 can be inserted together through a venous or arterial access site.

[0049] At block 1112, the method 1110 includes advancing the funnel catheter assembly to a deployment location within the patient's vasculature. For example, the dilator 350, outer shaft 102, and inner shaft 104 may be advanced together through the vasculature to a selected deployment location. The funnel catheter assembly may be advanced to a first position such that the funnel 120 is constrained / compressed within the outer shaft 102. The deployment location may be a portion of a blood vessel, a portion of the heart, or another suitable location.

[0050] At block 1113, the method 1110 includes expanding the funnel 120 at the deployed position. For example, the control assembly 130 of the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be moved from a first position to a second position to release / expose the funnel 120 from within the outer shaft 102, thereby allowing the funnel 120 to expand at the deployed position. Similarly, the actuation member 934 can be slid relative to the housing 932 to expose the funnel 120. After expansion, the funnel 120 can be apposed / contacted to an anatomical structure surrounding the deployed position, such as a blood vessel wall. In some embodiments, the expander 350 can be removed from the funnel catheter assembly before expanding the funnel 120.

[0051] At block 1114, the method 1110 optionally includes compressing and repositioning the funnel 120. For example, the control assembly 130 can be moved from the second position to the first position to constrain / cover the funnel 120 within the outer shaft 102. Similarly, the housing 932 of the funnel catheter assembly 900 can be retracted proximally relative to the actuation member (and / or the actuation member 934 can be advanced distally relative to the housing) to cover the funnel 120. The funnel catheter assembly can then be repositioned to a different deployment position (block 1112) and expanded again (block 1113). In some embodiments, the expander 350 can be reinserted into the funnel catheter assembly 100 before repositioning the funnel catheter assembly 100.

[0052] At block 1115, the method 1110 includes maintaining the funnel 120 in an extended position during the endovascular procedure. As described in detail above, the funnel 120 can capture thrombus released during the endovascular procedure to prevent embolization elsewhere in the patient's vasculature.

[0053] At block 1116, the method 1110 includes compressing the funnel 120 and withdrawing the funnel catheter assembly 100 from the patient. For example, the control assembly 130 of the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be moved from a second position to a first position to constrain / cover the funnel 120 within the outer shaft 102, and then the funnel catheter assembly 100 can be withdrawn proximally to and from the vascular access site. Similarly, the housing 932 of the funnel catheter assembly 900 can be retracted proximally relative to the actuation member (and / or the actuation member 934 can be advanced distally relative to the housing) to cover the funnel 120.

[0054] III. Working Examples Several aspects of this technology are described in the following examples. 1. A funnel catheter assembly comprising: an outer shaft defining a lumen; an inner shaft extending through the lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an expandable funnel coupled to a distal portion of the inner shaft; a control assembly configured to move the funnel between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the funnel is restrained within the lumen of the outer shaft; In the second position, the funnel is positioned at least partially outside the lumen of the outer shaft so that the funnel can expand, a funnel catheter assembly. 2. The funnel catheter assembly of example 1, wherein the control assembly is coupled to the outer shaft and configured to move the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft. 3. The funnel catheter assembly of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the control assembly includes an actuator movable to move the funnel between the first position and the second position. 4. The funnel catheter assembly of Example 3, wherein the actuator is a slider. 5. A funnel catheter assembly according to any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the funnel comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the funnel being connected to the distal portion of the inner shaft. 6. The funnel catheter of Example 5, wherein the distal portion of the funnel is connected to the outer shaft. 7. A funnel catheter assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, further comprising a sealable hub and a side port, the side port being rotatably coupled between the control assembly and the sealable hub. 8. A funnel catheter assembly comprising: an outer shaft defining an outer lumen; an inner shaft extending through the outer lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an expandable funnel coupled to a distal portion of the inner shaft; a control assembly operably coupled to a proximal portion of the outer shaft and configured to move the outer shaft between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the outer shaft is at least partially disposed over the funnel to radially constrain the funnel; In the second position, the outer shaft is retracted proximally relative to the funnel to allow the funnel to radially expand, a funnel catheter assembly. 9. The funnel catheter assembly of Example 8, wherein the control assembly includes a housing and an actuating member, the actuating member coupled to a proximal portion of the outer shaft, and the actuating member slidable along the housing to move the outer shaft between a first position and a second position. 10. The funnel catheter assembly of Example 8 or Example 9, wherein the funnel is configured to self-expand. 11. A funnel catheter assembly as described in Example 8 or Example 9, wherein the funnel is non-self-expanding, the funnel is further coupled to a distal portion of the outer shaft, and movement of the outer shaft from the first position to the second position is configured to expand the funnel. 12. A funnel catheter assembly as described in Example 11, wherein the distal portion of the funnel is connected to the distal portion of the outer shaft via one or more tethers. 13. A funnel catheter assembly according to any one of Examples 8-12, wherein the inner shaft defines an inner lumen sized to receive a dilator. 14. A method of operating a funnel catheter assembly during an intravascular procedure on a patient, the method comprising: inserting the inner shaft, outer shaft, and funnel of the funnel catheter assembly at least partially into the vasculature of the patient; advancing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the funnel together to a deployment location within the patient's vasculature, the funnel sheathed within the lumen of the outer shaft during advancement; moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel and allow the funnel to expand to an expanded position; maintaining the funnel in an expanded position during at least a portion of the endovascular procedure; moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft and / or moving the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft to sheathe the funnel within the lumen of the outer shaft; and withdrawing the funnel catheter assembly from the patient. 15. The method of example 14, wherein the funnel is self-expandable, and wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises allowing the funnel to self-expand to an expanded position. 16. The method of Example 14 or Example 15, wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises moving a slider of a control assembly of the funnel catheter assembly from a first position to a second position, the slider being coupled to a proximal portion of the outer shaft. 17. The method of any one of Examples 14-16, wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises rotating a rotatable element of a control assembly of the funnel catheter assembly from a first position to a second position. 18. The method of any one of Examples 14, 16, and 17, wherein the funnel is non-self-expanding, and the method further comprises actuating the funnel to expand it to the expanded position. 19. inserting the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the funnel into the patient's vasculature further includes inserting a dilator disposed within the inner shaft at least partially into the patient's vasculature; The method of any one of Examples 14-18, wherein advancing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the funnel further comprises advancing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, the funnel, and the dilator together to a deployed position. 20. The method of any one of Examples 14-19, wherein moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to expose the funnel comprises moving the outer shaft in a first direction, and the method further comprises moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft to cover the funnel by moving the outer shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0055] IV. Conclusion The above detailed description of embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments and examples of the present technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Various embodiments described herein may be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0056] From the foregoing, it will be understood that, although specific embodiments of the present technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular terms, respectively.

[0057] Furthermore, unless the word "or" is expressly limited in reference to a list of two or more items to mean only a single item exclusively from the other items, the use of "or" in such a list should be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Furthermore, the term "comprising" is used throughout to mean the inclusion of at least the recited features, but not the exclusion of any more of the same features and / or other features of additional types. While specific embodiments have been described herein for illustrative purposes, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the present technology. Furthermore, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the present technology have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Thus, the present disclosure and related technology may encompass other embodiments not explicitly shown or described herein.

Claims

[Claim 1] A funnel catheter assembly as shown in the drawings.

Images