Tension strength device

Abstract

A tension-strengthening device for increasing the tensile strength of the distal tip of a medical device while maintaining sufficient flexibility for the medical device to pass through curved anatomical structures. The tension-strengthening device may include a base member and a wire wound around the base member to form a coil. The distal end of the tension-strengthening device may include an adhesive that obtuses the end of the tension-strengthening device to prevent puncture and secures the distal end of the coil to the base member. The base member may be largely omitted, with the distal length of the wire forming the coil extending in the opposite direction through the inner diameter of the coil and functioning as the base member. A stopper may be positioned at the proximal end of the tension-strengthening device to form an interference lock with the medical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 505,386, filed on May 31, 2023, "Tensile Strength Device", and incorporates the same by reference in its entirety herein.

Background Art

[0002] Various medical devices benefit from flexibility at or near their distal tips. Such flexibility can be useful for passing through tortuous anatomical structures such as the aortic arch or other tortuous blood vessels. However, such flexibility may be achieved at the sacrifice of tensile strength, which can affect the structural integrity of the entire medical device.

[0003] It is desirable to maintain sufficient flexibility of the medical device to pass through tortuous anatomical structures while increasing the tensile strength at the distal tip of the medical device.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some aspects, a medical device includes a tensile strength device at or near its distal end, maintaining sufficient flexibility of the medical device to pass through tortuous anatomical structures while increasing the tensile strength at the distal tip of the medical device.

[0005] In some aspects, the tensile strength device may include a base member and at least one wire wound around the base member to form a coil.

[0006] In some aspects, the base member of the tensile strength device may be composed of a material different from the coil.

[0007] In some aspects, the base member of the tensile strength device may be composed of a shape memory material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the base member of the tensile strength device may be made of a nickel-titanium alloy such as nitinol.

[0009] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of a radiopaque material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of tantalum.

[0011] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of tungsten.

[0012] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of gold.

[0013] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of platinum.

[0014] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of palladium.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coil may be made of a metal alloy.

[0016] In some embodiments, a spherical portion may be formed at the distal end of the tension strength device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the spherical portion may be composed of an adhesive material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the tension strength device may consist of a stopper. The stopper may consist of a spherical portion or a sphere. The outer diameter of the spherical portion or sphere may be larger than the inner diameter of the medical device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tension strength device can be integrated with a medical device.

[0020] In some embodiments, both the medical device and the tensile strength device may be formed integrally from a single body.

[0021] In some embodiments, both the medical device and the tensile strength device can be cut together with a laser.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tensile strength device can be removably or fixedly attached to the medical device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the tensile strength device can include a radiopaque marker.

[0024] In some embodiments, the radiopaque marker can include a flange made of a radiopaque material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the radiopaque marker can include a band such as an annular ring.

[0026] In some embodiments, the tensile strength device can be composed of a single wire wound to form a coil.

[0027] In some embodiments, a portion of the single wire can extend linearly through the coil from the distal end to the proximal end of the tensile strength member.

[0028] In some embodiments, a portion of the single wire can extend through the entire length inside the coil.

[0029] In some embodiments, a portion of the single wire can extend through only a portion of the entire length inside the coil.

[0030] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein can relate to a tensile strength device and can include: a base member including a proximal end and a distal end; and a wire wound around the base member to form a coil, the coil being disposed around the base member over at least a portion of the length between the proximal end and the distal end of the base member.

[0031] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which the base member is made of nitinol.

[0032] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which the coil is made of a radiopaque material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which the coil is composed of platinum, tungsten, palladium, gold, or an alloy thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises a tension strength device comprising a radiopaque marker positioned at or near the proximal end of a coil.

[0035] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device comprising a flange in which a radiopaque marker extends at least partially around a base member.

[0036] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which a radiopaque marker is included in a band.

[0037] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device in which the distal end of a base member includes an opening.

[0038] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device in which the distal end of a coil is fixed within an opening.

[0039] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which the distal end of a coil is attached to a base member by adhesive.

[0040] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which the adhesive is made of a UV-curing adhesive.

[0041] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device in which an adhesive is formed on a spherical portion.

[0042] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further includes a tensile strength device that is attached to or positioned at the proximal end of a base member.

[0043] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device in which the stopper includes a spherical portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device in which the distal end of a base member includes a projection.

[0045] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device in which a projection extends downward from the distal end of a base member.

[0046] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to tensile strength devices having rounded or curved protrusions.

[0047] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tension strength device in which the projection includes an opening.

[0048] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises a tensile strength device comprising an adhesive that at least partially encloses a projection.

[0049] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a tensile strength device and includes: a wire wound to form a coil, wherein the distal length portion of the wire is bent so as to extend linearly through the inner diameter of the coil; a radiopaque marker attached to the proximal end of the coil; and a stopper attached to the radiopaque marker.

[0050] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a medical device and includes: a tubular member including a distal end; and a tension strength device attached to the distal end of the tubular member, the tension strength device comprising a base member including a proximal end and a distal end, and a wire wound around the base member to form a coil, the coil being positioned around the base member over at least a portion of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the base member.

[0051] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to methods for increasing the tensile strength of a medical device, including: attaching a tensile strength device to the distal end of a medical device, the tensile strength device comprising a base member including a proximal end and a distal end, and a wire wound around the base member to form a coil, the coil being positioned around the base member over at least a portion of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the base member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] The following figures are included to illustrate specific exemplary aspects of the Disclosure and should not be considered exclusive or limiting. The disclosed subject matter is subject to considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, which will arise for those skilled in the art who are interested in the Disclosure. The Disclosure refers to the figures as follows:

[0053] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a side view of an example of a tensile strength device.

[0054] [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a side view of an example of a tensile strength device.

[0055] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a side view of the base member of a tensile strength device as an example.

[0056] [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a side view of a medical device including a tensile strength device as an example.

[0057] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows a side view of a tensile strength device connected to a medical device as an example.

[0058] [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows a side view of a tensile strength device connected to a medical device as an example.

[0059] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a side view of an example of a tension strength device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to what is shown and described herein. Various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope, spirit, or intent of the teachings herein.

[0061] While different examples may be described herein, it is specifically assumed that features from any of these different examples may be used and brought about in any combination. In other words, features from different examples can be mixed and matched with each other. Therefore, although not all permutations of features from different examples may be explicitly shown or described, the intent of this disclosure is to cover any such combination, as this can be understood particularly by those skilled in the art.

[0062] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described here with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be realized in many different forms and should not be limited to the examples disclosed herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and so that the scope of the invention can be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, the same numbers refer to the same elements.

[0063] The terms used in this disclosure should be interpreted in an open manner and are not intended to be limiting. In figures, the same numbers refer to the same elements. Unless otherwise noted, all attached figures are not to exact scale. Unless otherwise noted, the term “approximately” is defined as plus or minus 10% of the stated value (including endpoints).

[0064] The terms “distal” or “distally” generally refer to the direction or region of the device’s end within the patient (e.g., away from the physician / clinician), while the terms “proximal” or “proximally” refer to the direction or region of the device’s end remaining outside the patient (e.g., towards or closer to the physician / clinician or the device’s handle / hub).

[0065] Disclosed herein are various examples of tension-strengthening devices, which can be integrated with or attached to various medical devices to improve tension strength at the distal tip of such medical devices while maintaining sufficient flexibility of the overall medical device for traversing curved anatomical structures. It should be understood that the methods and devices shown and / or described herein may be used with various medical devices.

[0066] In example, any medical device capable of passing through convoluted anatomical structures may benefit from the methods and devices shown and / or described herein. In more specific but non-limiting examples, such medical devices may include a variety of thrombectomy devices, occlusion devices, tubular devices, clot recovery devices, embolic protection devices, etc. The medical device may comprise a hypotube, and a tensioning device may be attached to the distal end of the hypotube.

[0067] Medical devices may be adjustable between a compressed configuration (e.g., for delivery within a delivery device) and an extended configuration (e.g., for use). In an extended configuration, the medical device may consist of, for example, multiple expanded valves, with the tension strength device 100 attached to or extending from the most distal of such expanded valves.

[0068] Furthermore, the methods and devices shown and / or described herein may be used in conjunction with laser-cut medical devices, braided medical devices, woven medical devices, and / or medical devices of any other configuration that may benefit from increased tensile strength at their distal tip and maintain overall flexibility (e.g., without significant adverse effects on the overall flexibility of the medical device).

[0069] Furthermore, the use of the tension strength devices disclosed herein may improve the visualization of the distal end of medical devices and reduce the risk of injury such as anatomical punctures.

[0070] A tensile strength device may consist of a base member having a proximal end and a distal end. The base member may have a substantially elongated configuration, such as an elongated member. The base member may be substantially flat. The cross-section of the base member may vary. For example, the cross-section of the base member may be circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square, etc. A substantial length of the tensile strength device may be linear.

[0071] The distal end or portion of the base member of the tensile strength device may include a downward projection. The downward projection may have a substantially rounded shape. The downward projection may include an opening formed within it. The shape, size, orientation, and position of the opening may vary. The coil (e.g., its distal end or distal portion) may be fixed or looped within the opening, as will be described in more detail below.

[0072] The base members of tensile strength devices can be made of various shapes, sizes, and materials. The base members of a tensile strength device may be thin enough for the required flexibility, but thick enough to provide the desired tensile strength. The base members of a tensile strength device may be made of the same material as the overall medical device on which it extends, or they may be made of a different material.

[0073] The base member of the tensile strength device may be made of a shape memory material. The base member of the tensile strength device may be made of nitinol.

[0074] The distal end of a tension strength device may be obtuse or rounded to reduce the risk of puncture or other undesirable situations during delivery, deployment, implantation, or retrieval of the medical device.

[0075] The obtuse distal end of a tension strength device can be formed in various ways, for example, by forming a spherical or dome-shaped portion at the distal end of the base member of the tension strength device. The spherical portion can be integrated with the tension strength device or attached to it by adhesive or the like. In some examples, the adhesive can be omitted entirely.

[0076] For example, the spherical portion may be formed from a cured or dried adhesive that is at least partially positioned around the distal tip or distal portion of the base member. More specifically, the spherical portion may be formed from various UV-curable adhesives, such as UV adhesives. In examples where the obtuse-angled end of a tensile strength device is formed by adhesive, the adhesive may also serve to secure the coil to the base member. However, in some examples, the adhesive may be used solely to provide an obtuse-angled tip (as opposed to an acute-angled one). In such examples, the coil may be secured to the base member by other means.

[0077] The proximal end of the tension-strengthening device may include a stopper, which may serve to secure the tension-strengthening device to or within the distal portion or distal end of a medical device. The stopper may also serve to prevent the tension-strengthening device from detaching, separating, or otherwise becoming detached from the medical device to which it extends. The stopper may include a spherical portion or other spherical member whose outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the medical device to which the tension-strengthening device extends, thereby forming an interference lock.

[0078] The method by which the base members of the tensile strength device are formed or manufactured can vary. For example, the base members of the tensile strength device may be cut from a sheet of material such as a super-elastic nitinol sheet. All ends of the tensile strength device may be deburred.

[0079] As mentioned above, tension strength devices can be attached to the distal end of a medical device by direct or indirect connection. In one example, the proximal end of the tension strength device may be partially inserted into an opening or cavity at the distal end of the medical device, with a stopper preventing the tension strength device from falling out prematurely or accidentally.

[0080] In some cases, the tension strength device may be integrated with a medical device, and the tension strength device extends from the distal end of the medical device. In such cases, the tension strength device may be laser-cut along with the rest of the medical device. In such cases, the material of the tension strength device may be the same as the material of the overall medical device from which it extends.

[0081] A tension strength device may include radiopaque markers. The positioning of the radiopaque markers may vary in different examples. In some examples, multiple radiopaque markers may be used, for example, to identify each end of the tension strength device. In one example, the radiopaque markers may be located on the distal portion or distal end of the tension strength device, or in its vicinity.

[0082] In cases where the coil is wound around a base member, the radiopaque marker may be placed at or near the proximal end of such a coil. The proximal end of the coil may be attached to the base member by welding or other means.

[0083] Radiopaque markers may be composed of a variety of radiopaque materials, including, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, tungsten, palladium, tantalum, and the aforementioned alloys. Radiopaque markers may include bands, such as annular or semi-annular rings, positioned around or near the proximal end of a base member.

[0084] The tension strength device may include a wire that can be wound around at least a portion of the length of a base member to form a coil. The coil may be made of a variety of radiopaque materials, including the radiopaque material of the example above. The coil may be wound tightly or loosely. The distal portion or distal end of the coil may be attached to the distal portion or distal end (e.g., inside an opening) of the tension strength device. The method by which the coil is attached to the tension strength device may vary in different examples. In one example, the coil may be attached to the tension strength device by adhesive.

[0085] The base member may not be elongated in some examples, but instead may form a base flange from which a coiled wire extends. In such examples, a filling wire (e.g., a drawing filling tube) may be used to form the distal coil. In such examples, the coiled wire may consist of a radiopaque core within an outer jacket. In some examples, the radiopaque core may consist of any of the aforementioned radiopaque materials, such as platinum, but are not limited. The outer jacket may consist of a nitinol tube, among other materials. Such a configuration may provide radiopaqueness from the platinum core and allow welding of the nitinol outer tube to a medical device also composed of nitinol. Nitinol-to-nitinol welding may provide greater tensile strength than other welds, such as tantalum-to-nitinol welding.

[0086] Furthermore, at the distal end of the coil, instead of the filament terminating at the end of the coil, it may be formed to fold back inward into the inner diameter of the coil, either entirely along the entire length of the coil to the proximal end, or only partially along the length of the coil. Such filaments may be used as strength-resisting members as described above, and / or to provide additional tensile strength if formed spherically to form an interference lock with the inner diameter of the base member.

[0087] Specific examples are further explained below. However, it should be understood that any features from any example can be mixed and matched with each other in any combination. Therefore, this disclosure should not be limited merely to these examples, but to any of the broader combinations.

[0088] Figure 1A shows a side view of an example of a tension strength device 100. As shown in Figure 1A, the tension strength device 100 may comprise a base member 110 having a proximal end 110A and a distal end 110B. The proximal end 110A may be attached to the distal portion or distal end of a medical device 120, or may extend integrally with it.

[0089] The proximal end 110A may include a stopper 111 which is integrally formed with or attached to the proximal end 110A of the base member 110. The stopper 111 may have a spherical shape as shown in the figure, or it may have various other shapes such as a rectangle.

[0090] The outer diameter or width of the stopper 111 may be larger than the inner diameter or width of the medical device 120, thereby forming an interference lock and preventing the tension strength device 100 from separating from the medical device 120. Although the stopper 111 is shown as having a spherical configuration, various other shapes may be available. The stopper 111 may have any kind of extension that serves the purpose of an interference lock and is therefore not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0091] Continuing to refer to Figure 1A, it can be seen that the radiopaque marker 113 may be positioned at or near the proximal end 110A of the base member 110. The radiopaque marker 113 may be made of various radiopaque materials, as previously mentioned. The radiopaque marker 113 may consist of a flange or band that surrounds at least a portion of the base member 110. The radiopaque marker 113 may be formed integrally with the base member 110 or attached thereto.

[0092] Figure 1A also shows a coil 114 that can be wound around at least a portion of the length of the base member 110. The coil 114 may be formed from wires 114A that can be wound around the base member 110, as shown in the figure. The wires 114A forming the coil 114 may be made of a radiopaque material. In some examples, the coil 114 may be formed from multiple wires 114A.

[0093] Figure 1A shows that the coil 114 can be wound tightly, although it should be understood that the coil 114 can be wound more loosely than shown in the example. The proximal end of the coil 114 may be terminated with a radiopaque marker 113 as shown in the figure. The way the coil 114 is wound (including the pitch of the coil 114) and the presence or size of any gaps that may exist between the turns of the coil 114 can affect the stiffness of the coil 114. Changes to these attributes can therefore be used to fine-tune the specifications of the tension strength device 100 and to tailor the overall stiffness of the tension strength device 100 to the specific preferences of the user, medical procedure, and / or medical device 120. In some examples, the coil 114 may be wound tightly to minimize or eliminate gaps between the turns of the coil 114.

[0094] The distal end of the coil 114 may be attached to the distal end 110B of the base member 110 or otherwise secured. In some examples, the distal end of the coil 114 may simply be tied to or looped around the distal end 110B of the base member 110. In other examples, such as the one shown in Figure 1A, the distal end of the coil 114 may be secured to the distal end 110B of the base member 110 by adhesive 115. The adhesive 115 may form into a substantially spherical or other enlarged shape, which may obtuse the end of the base member 110, thereby providing a function to prevent puncture of the blood vessel wall.

[0095] Figure 1B shows a side view of an example of a tension strength device 100. It should be understood that the method by which the proximal end or proximal portion of the coil 114 can be attached to the base member 110 or the radiopaque marker 113 can vary. In the example shown in Figure 1B, it can be seen that the proximal end or proximal portion of the coil 114 can be attached to the base member 110 or the radiopaque marker 113 by a weld 114B. The weld 114B can serve to prevent movement and provide additional security, rigidity, and structural integrity of the tension strength device 100. Various types of welds 114B (including, but not limited to, laser welding) can be used.

[0096] Figure 2 shows a side view of the base member 110 of an example tensile strength device 100. In the example shown in Figure 2, the coil 114 is omitted to improve the visualization of the base member 110. As shown, the distal end 110B of the base member 110 may include an opening 112 to which the distal end of the coil 114 can be fixed or attached.

[0097] As shown in Figure 2, the base member 110 may include an elongated portion 116 and a downward-facing projection 112A extending from the distal end of the elongated portion 116. The elongated portion 116 and the downward-facing projection 112A may be integrally formed from a single body, or they may be composed of different members interconnected by welding, fasteners, or the like.

[0098] The distal end 110B of the base member 110 may have a downward projection 112A, as shown in Figures 1A-1B, the downward projection 112A having a substantially rounded or curved shape. The size of the opening 112 may vary in different examples and should not be limited by the range of examples shown in Figure 2 or any other figure.

[0099] The overall dimensions of the tension strength device 100 (including the dimensions of the base member 110, the elongated portion 116, the downward projection 112A, and the opening 112) may vary in different examples to fit different medical devices 120. In one example, the length from the proximal end 110A of the base member 110 to the center of the opening 112 may be between approximately 0.15 inches and 0.35 inches. In one example, the elongated portion 116 of the base member 110 may comprise a tubular body having an internal lumen diameter between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.007 inches and an overall outer diameter between approximately 0.008 inches and 0.012 inches.

[0100] In one example, the diameter of the downward projection 112A may range from approximately 0.007 inches to approximately 0.009 inches. In another example, the diameter of the opening 112 may range from approximately 0.0035 inches to 0.0045 inches. Thus, the opening 112 may have a diameter that is approximately half the overall diameter of the downward projection 112A.

[0101] Figure 3 shows a side view of a medical device 120 including an example tensile strength device 100. As shown, the tensile strength device 100 may be attached to or extend from the distal end of the medical device 120.

[0102] Figure 3 shows the medical device 120 in a substantially crushed position. In some examples where the medical device 120 may include a tubular member, the proximal portion or proximal end 110A of the base member 110 may be partially inserted into an opening or cavity in the distal end or distal portion of the medical device 120. The stopper 111 may help to secure the base member 110 in such a manner, preventing the tension strength device 100 from falling out of or being severed from the medical device 120.

[0103] Figure 4A shows a side view of a tension strength device 100 connected to a medical device 120 in one example. As previously mentioned, the tension strength device 100 may be formed integrally with the medical device 120, and the tension strength device 100 may extend distally from the distal end of the medical device 120, for example, as shown in Figure 4A. In this example, the tension strength device 100 may be laser-cut integrally with the medical device 120.

[0104] Figure 4B shows a side view of a tensile strength device 100 connected to a medical device 120 in an example. In this example, it should be understood that the method by which the proximal end or proximal portion of the coil 114, which extends integrally from the medical device 100, can be attached to the tensile strength device 100 may vary. In the example shown in Figure 4B, it can be seen that the proximal end or proximal portion of the coil 114 can be attached to the tensile strength device 100 by a weld 114B. The weld 114B may serve to prevent movement and provide additional security, rigidity, and structural integrity of the tensile strength device 100.

[0105] Figure 5 shows a side view of an example of a tension strength device 100. In the example in Figure 5, the base member 110 is largely omitted, and it can be seen that the length of the wire 114A forming the coil 114 can be wound back through the inner diameter of the coil 114 to function as the base member 110. In this way, the tension strength device 100 can be formed substantially from the wire 114A.

[0106] The tension strength device 100 may nevertheless include a radiopaque marker 113 positioned at or near the proximal end of the coil 114. The tension strength device 100 may also include a stopper 111 for forming an interference lock with the medical device 120, although the stopper 111 may be omitted in some examples, such as when the tension strength device 100 may be integrally formed with the medical device 120.

[0107] Clauses:

[0108] Clause 1. The tension strength device comprises: a base member including a proximal end and a distal end; and a wire wound around the base member to form a coil. The coil is positioned around the base member over at least a portion of its length between the proximal and distal ends.

[0109] Clause 2. The tensile strength device of Clause 1, wherein the base member is made of nitinol.

[0110] Clause 3. The tension strength device of Clause 2, wherein the coil is made of a radiopaque material.

[0111] Clause 4. The tensile strength device of Clause 1, wherein the coil is made of platinum, tungsten, palladium, gold, or an alloy thereof.

[0112] Clause 5. The tension strength device of Clause 1, further comprising a radiopaque marker positioned at or near the proximal end of the coil.

[0113] Clause 6. A tensile strength device according to Clause 5, comprising a flange in which a radiopaque marker extends at least partially around the base member.

[0114] Clause 7. A tensile strength device according to Clause 5, wherein the radiopaque marker is composed of a band.

[0115] Clause 8. A tension strength device according to Clause 1, wherein the distal end of the base member includes an opening.

[0116] Clause 9. A tension strength device according to Clause 8, wherein the distal end of the coil is fixed within the opening.

[0117] Clause 10. A tension strength device according to Clause 1, wherein the distal end of the coil is attached to a base member by adhesive.

[0118] Clause 11. The tensile strength device of Clause 10, wherein the adhesive is made of a UV-curing adhesive.

[0119] Clause 12. The tensile strength device of Clause 10, wherein the adhesive is formed in a spherical shape.

[0120] Clause 13. The tension strength device of Clause 1, further comprising a stopper attached to or positioned at the proximal end of the base member.

[0121] Clause 14. The tension strength device of Clause 13, wherein the stopper is composed of a spherical portion.

[0122] Clause 15. The tension strength device of Clause 1, wherein the distal end of the base member is composed of a projection.

[0123] Clause 16. A tension strength device according to Clause 15, wherein the projection extends downward from the distal end of the base member.

[0124] Clause 17. A tension strength device of Clause 15 whose protrusions are rounded or curved.

[0125] Clause 18. A tension strength device according to Clause 15, wherein the projection includes an opening.

[0126] Clause 19. The tension strength device of Clause 15, further comprising an adhesive that at least partially encloses the protrusion.

[0127] Clause 20. The tension strength device comprises: a wire wound to form a coil, wherein the distal length portion of the wire is bent so as to extend linearly through the inner diameter of the coil; a radiopaque marker attached to the proximal end of the coil; and a stopper attached to the radiopaque marker.

[0128] Clause 21. A medical device comprises: a tubular member including a distal end; and a tension strength device attached to the distal end of the tubular member, the tension strength device comprising a base member including a proximal end and a distal end, and a wire door wound around the base member to form a coil. The coil is positioned around the base member over at least a portion of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the base member.

[0129] Article 22. Methods for increasing the tensile strength of a medical device include: attaching a tensile strength device to the distal end of a medical device, the tensile strength device comprising a base member including a proximal end and a distal end, and a wire wound around the base member to form a coil, the coil being positioned around the base member over at least a portion of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the base member.

[0130] While the invention has been described in terms of specific examples and applications, those skilled in the art can generate additional examples and modifications in terms of this teaching without departing from or exceeding the spirit of the claimed invention. Therefore, it is understood that the figures and descriptions herein are provided in an illustrative manner to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope.

Claims

1. A base member including a proximal end and a distal end, A tension strength device comprising a wire wound around the base member to form a coil, The coil is arranged around the base member over a length of at least a portion of the base member between the proximal end and the distal end of the base member. Tension strength device.

2. The tensile strength device according to claim 1, wherein the base member is made of nitinol.

3. The tension strength device according to claim 2, wherein the coil is made of a radiopaque material.

4. The tension strength device according to claim 1, wherein the coil is made of platinum, tungsten, palladium, gold, or an alloy thereof.

5. The tension strength device according to claim 1, further comprising a radiopaque marker disposed at or near the proximal end of the coil.

6. The tension strength device according to claim 5, wherein the radiopaque marker includes a flange that extends at least partially around the base member.

7. The tension strength device according to claim 5, wherein the radiopaque marker is a band.

8. The tension strength device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the base member includes an opening.

9. The tension strength device according to claim 8, wherein the distal end of the coil is fixed within the opening.

10. The tension strength device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the coil is attached to the base member by adhesive.

11. The tensile strength device according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive is a UV-curing adhesive.

12. The tension strength device according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive is formed in a spherical shape.

13. The tension strength device according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper attached to or positioned at the proximal end of the base member.

14. The tension strength device according to claim 13, wherein the stopper is composed of a spherical portion.

15. The tension strength device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the base member is composed of a projection.

16. The tension strength device according to claim 15, wherein the projection extends downward from the distal end of the base member.

17. The tension strength device according to claim 15, wherein the projection is rounded or curved.

18. The tension strength device according to claim 15, wherein the projection includes an opening.

19. The tension strength device according to claim 15, further comprising an adhesive that encloses at least a portion of the aforementioned protrusion.

20. A wire wound to form a coil, A radiopaque marker attached to the proximal end of the coil, A tension strength device comprising a stopper attached to the aforementioned radiopaque marker, The distal portion of the wire is bent so as to extend linearly through the inner diameter of the coil. Tension strength device.

21. A tubular member including the distal end, A medical device comprising a tension strength device attached to the distal end of the tubular member, wherein the tension strength device is A base member including a proximal end and a distal end, A wire is wound around the base member to form a coil, and the coil is arranged around the base member over a length of at least a portion of the base member between the proximal end and the distal end of the base member. Medical devices.

22. And, as follows: A method for increasing the tension strength of a medical device, comprising attaching a tension strength device to the distal end of the medical device, wherein the tension strength device is A base member including a proximal end and a distal end, A wire is wound around the base member to form a coil, and the coil is arranged around the base member over a length of at least a portion of the base member between the proximal end and the distal end of the base member. Methods for increasing the tensile strength of medical devices.

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