Fluid control device for a coagulation treatment system, and related systems and methods

Abstract

This specification discloses fluid control devices for coagulation treatment systems, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the fluid control device may be coupled between a catheter and a pressure source and configured to selectively allow or prevent a vacuum generated in the pressure source from being applied to the lumen of the catheter. The catheter and the fluid control device can together define a lumen or fluid path to the pressure source. The lumen or fluid path may have at least substantially uniform dimensions (e.g., diameter) along its length, which is expected to block or even prevent occlusions or other resistances to the fluid flow through the fluid control device, including when used with a large-diameter catheter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,235, filed on August 23, 2023, entitled "FLUID CONTROL DEVICES FOR CLOT TREATMENT SYSTEMS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present technology generally relates to fluid control devices for use in systems for treating occlusive (e.g., clot) substances within a human patient, as well as related systems and methods.

Background Art

[0003] Thromboembolism is characterized by the occlusion of blood vessels. Thromboembolic disorders such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, peripheral thrombosis, and atherosclerosis affect many people. These diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality.

[0004] When an artery is occluded by an occlusive substance such as a clot, tissue ischemia occurs. Ischemia progresses to tissue infarction if the occlusion persists. However, if blood flow is rapidly restored, infarction either does not occur or is greatly limited. Therefore, failure to restore blood flow can lead to loss of limbs, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, and even death.

[0005] In venous circulation, occlusive substances can also cause serious harm. Blood clots can develop in the superior veins of the legs and pelvis, manifesting a common condition known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). DVT generally occurs when there is a tendency for blood to stagnate (e.g., long-haul air travel, immobility, etc.) and clots to form (e.g., recent surgery such as cancer or orthopedic surgery). DVT can obstruct the drainage of venous blood from the legs, leading to swelling, ulcers, pain, and infection. DVT can also create storage areas in which blood clots can accumulate and then travel to other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, brain (which can cause stroke), abdominal organs, and / or limbs.

[0006] In the pulmonary circulation, obstructive substances can cause harm by blocking the pulmonary arteries (a condition well known as pulmonary embolism). If the obstruction is upstream in the major or great bifurcation of the pulmonary arteries, it can significantly impair total blood flow in the lungs and, consequently, total blood flow throughout the body, potentially leading to hypotension and shock. If the obstruction is downstream in the great or middle branches of the pulmonary arteries, it can prevent a significant portion of the lungs from participating in gas exchange with the blood, potentially resulting in low blood oxygen levels and accumulation of blood carbon dioxide.

[0007] Various systems exist to restore blood flow within a patient, perform thrombectomy, or remove occlusive materials. Some of these systems use fluid control devices such as stopcocks, (i) a pressure source to generate and store a vacuum, and (i) a stopcock to apply the vacuum to a catheter to aspirate clumps. Traditionally, fluid control devices are connected to a side port or proximal hub that is much smaller than the catheter lumen, even when attached to larger bore catheters (larger than 20 Fr in diameter). However, such small fluid control devices can form "occlusion points" in the fluid path through the system, thereby reducing performance during aspiration. Some systems use large bore stopcocks to solve these problems. However, as the bore size increases, these stopcocks become exponentially more difficult to design and construct while maintaining reasonable ergonomics. Furthermore, the increased surface area of ​​the stopcock valve element required to accommodate these larger bore sizes, and the seal formed with it, generates much more friction when attempting to rotate the stopcock handle. In addition, compared to small-diameter stopcocks, large-diameter stopcocks need to be under more compression to effectively seal high vacuum pressures, and these components relax over time in response to such compressive forces, thereby reducing their effectiveness and shelf life. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This technology generally pertains to fluid control devices for coagulation treatment systems, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the coagulation treatment system includes a catheter, a fluid control device, and a pressure source. The catheter may be fluid-coupled to one side of the fluid control device, and the pressure source may be fluid-coupled to the other side of the fluid control device. The catheter and the fluid control device may together define a lumen or fluid path to the pressure source. The fluid control device may be moved between (i) a first configuration in which the fluid control device prevents a vacuum generated in the pressure source from being applied to the catheter, and (ii) a second configuration in which the fluid control device allows a vacuum to be applied to the catheter, for example, to aspirate coagulated material from within a patient (e.g., this can be actuated by the user). The lumen or fluid path may have at least substantially uniform dimensions (e.g., diameter) along its length, which is expected to block or even prevent occlusions or other resistances to the fluid flow through the fluid control device, including when used with a large-diameter catheter.

[0009] The fluid control devices of this technology include features that are expected to improve their operation and / or, otherwise, make them easier to use during suction-based agglutination procedures. For example, at least some of the fluid control devices include inclined or angled valve components configured to engage with inclined or angled surfaces within the fluid control device to form, for example, a substantially fluid-impermeable seal. This interaction between the angled surfaces is expected to improve the quality of the seal. As another example, at least some of the fluid control devices include valve components (e.g., spherical valve components) that are positioned within the body of the fluid control device but spaced apart from one or more inner surfaces of the body. This is expected to reduce resistance to rotating the valve components relative to the body, for example, to move the fluid control device between a first configuration and a second configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] Many aspects of this technology can be better understood by referring to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Rather, the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of this disclosure. [Figure 1] This is a partial schematic side view of a coagulation treatment system configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2A] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2B] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2C] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2D] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2E] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2F] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 3] These are side views of a tubular assembly including a fluid control device, according to an embodiment of this technology, as shown in Figures 2A to 2F. [Figure 4A] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 4B] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 4C] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 4D] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 4E] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 5A] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 5B]This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 5C] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 6A] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 6B] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 6C] This is a different diagram of a fluid control device configured according to an additional embodiment of this technology. [Figure 7A] This is a different diagram of another fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 7B] This is a different diagram of another fluid control device configured according to an embodiment of this technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] To provide a complete understanding of the various embodiments of this technology, certain details are described in the following description and Figures 1 to 7B. In other cases, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of this technology, well-known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems often associated with endovascular procedures, clot removal procedures, clot treatment systems, clot treatment devices, fluid control devices, catheters, and / or similar are not shown in detail and described in the following disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that this technology may be carried out without one or more of the details described herein, and / or with other structures, methods, components, etc. Furthermore, while many of the devices and systems are described herein in the context of removing and / or treating clot materials, this technology may be used to remove and / or treat other undesirable materials in addition to, or as an alternative to, clot materials such as thrombi, embolisms, plaques, intimal hyperplasia, and post-thrombotic scar tissue. Accordingly, the terms “clot” and “clot material” as used herein may refer to any of the aforementioned materials and / or similar.

[0012] The terms used hereinafter, even when used in conjunction with the detailed description of specific embodiments of the present technology, should be construed in the broadest reasonable manner. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized hereinafter, however, any terms that are intended to be construed in any limiting manner are clearly and specifically so defined in the section of this detailed description.

[0013] The accompanying figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to limit its scope unless explicitly indicated. The sizes of the various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements can be enlarged to improve readability. Details of components can be abstracted in the figures to exclude details such as the position of components and specific exact connections between such components when such details are not necessary for a complete understanding of the creation and use of the present technology. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the present technology. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that further embodiments of the present technology can be implemented without some of the details described hereinafter.

[0014] Regarding the terms "distal" and "proximal" within this description, unless otherwise specified, these terms can refer to the relative position of a portion of the catheter subsystem with respect to the operator and / or a location within the vascular structure. Also, as used herein, designations such as "rearward," "forward," "above," "below," etc. do not mean to limit the referenced component to a specific orientation. It is understood that such designations refer to the orientation of the referenced component as illustrated in the figures, and the system of the present technology can be used in any orientation suitable for the user.

[0015] In the diagrams, the same reference number identifies the same, or at least generally similar, element. To facilitate the description of any particular element, the most significant digit(s) of any reference number refers to the diagram in which that element is first introduced. For example, pipe assembly 110 is first introduced and described with reference to Figure 1.

[0016] To the extent that any material incorporated herein by reference conflicts with this disclosure, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0017] Figure 1 is a partial schematic side view of a clot treatment system 100 ("System 100") configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. System 100 may also be referred to as a suction assembly, a vascular access system, a clot removal system, a thrombectomy system, and / or similar. In the illustrated embodiment, System 100 includes a tubular assembly 110 fluidly coupled to a catheter 106 via a valve 102. In some embodiments, the catheter 106 is an elongated member (e.g., a sheath, shaft) configured to be inserted into and through the patient's vascular structure and used, for example, to remove or otherwise treat clot material therein. In other embodiments, the catheter 106 may be an introducer sheath configured to be inserted through the patient's skin and tissue canals to provide an access site from which other components (e.g., other catheters used to treat clot material) can easily access the vascular structure. Therefore, although referred to as "catheter 106," catheter 106 may include an introduction sheath, an access sheath, and / or another type of elongated member configured to be inserted through the skin and tissue canals and / or to traverse the patient's vascular structure. In these and / or other embodiments, catheter 106 can be a large-bore catheter having an outer diameter of 16 Fr or more, such as up to 20 Fr, 22 Fr, 24 Fr, 26 Fr, 28 Fr, 30 Fr, or 32 Fr. In general, System 100 may have features that are substantially similar in structure and / or function to, or identical in structure and / or function to, a plaque treatment system described in detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 536,185, now U.S. Patent No. 11,559,382, currently filed August 8, 2019, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, and / or can be used to treat / remove plaque from a patient (e.g., a human patient) using any of the methods described in detail.

[0018] The catheter 106 further defines a lumen 108 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1) that extends entirely through it, for example, from the valve 102 to the distal end 107 of the catheter 106. The catheter 106 can have various lengths, flexibility, shapes, thicknesses, and / or other properties along its length. For example, the catheter 106 may comprise one or more coils, braids, and / or other structures positioned between one or more liner layers (e.g., an inner liner layer and an outer liner layer). In some embodiments, the catheter 106 is subject to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 529,018, filed November 17, 2021, entitled "CATHETERS HAVING SHAPED DISTAL PORTIONS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS", U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 529,064, filed November 17, 2021, entitled "CATHETERS HAVING STEERABLE DISTAL PORTIONS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS", and / or the patent application filed January 25, 2023, entitled "ASPIRATION CATHETERS HAVING GROOVED INNER SURFACE, AND ASSOCIATE SYSTEM AND It may include several features that are generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to any of the catheters described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 159,507, entitled “METHODS,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in whole.

[0019] The valve 102 is fluid-coupled to the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 and can be integrated with or coupled to the catheter 106 so that these components move together. In some embodiments, the valve 102 is a hemostatic valve configured to maintain hemostasis during a clot removal procedure by preventing proximal fluid flow through the valve 102 as various components such as dilators, delivery sheaths, tension members, guidewires, intervention devices, and other aspiration catheters are inserted through the valve 102 and delivered through the catheter 106 to the treatment site in the blood vessel. The valve 102 may include a bifurcation or side port 104 configured to fluid-couple the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 to a tubular assembly 110. In some embodiments, the valve 102 may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 536,185, filed on 30 August 2018 and titled "HEMOSTASIS VALVES AND METHODS OF USE," now U.S. Patent No. 11,000,682, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the tubing assembly 110 fluidly couples the catheter 106 to a pressure source 101, such as a syringe. In at least some embodiments, the tubing assembly 110 and the catheter 106 have the same or substantially the same internal dimensions to define a lumen or flow path of uniform or substantially uniform diameter, for example, extending from the distal end 107 of the catheter to the pressure source 101. The pressure source 101 may be configured to generate (e.g., form, create, fill, store) a vacuum (e.g., negative relative pressure) and store the vacuum for subsequent application to the catheter 106. The tubing assembly 110 may include one or more tubing sections 112 (individually labeled as a first tubing section 112a and a second tubing section 112b), at least one fluid control device or valve 120, and at least one connector 116 (e.g., a Toomey tip connector) for fluidly coupled the tubing assembly 110 to the pressure source 101 and / or other suitable components. In some embodiments, the connector 116 is a quick-release connector (e.g., a quick-cut mating section) that allows for rapid coupling / uncoupling of the catheter 106 and the fluid control device 120 to / from the pressure source 101. In some embodiments, the fluid control device 120 is fluid-coupled (i) to the side port 104 of the valve 102 via a first tubular section 112a, and (ii) to the connector 116 via a second tubular section 112b. The fluid control device 120 is externally operable by the user to regulate the flow of fluid through it, specifically from the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 to the pressure source 101. For example, the fluid control device 120 can transition between (i) a first configuration or closed configuration in which the fluid control device 120 blocks or prevents the flow of fluid, and (ii) a second configuration or open configuration in which fluid can flow through the fluid control device 120. These and / or other embodiments of the fluid control device of the Art are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2A to 7B.

[0021] During a clot removal procedure, at least a portion of the system 100, including at least a portion of the catheter 106, can be inserted through the patient's vascular structure. In some embodiments, the system 100 is inserted into a target therapeutic location close to the clot material through an introducer sheath that crosses the patient's skin and tissue to provide an access site. The fluid control device 120 can be in a closed position during the insertion of the catheter 106. After the catheter 106 is positioned in the therapeutic location, with the fluid control device 120 in the closed position, the user / operator can create a vacuum in the pressure source 101, for example, by withdrawing the plunger of a syringe coupled to the connector 116. In this way, the vacuum is filled into the pressure source 101 (e.g., negative pressure is maintained) before the pressure source 101 is fluidly connected to the lumen 108 of the catheter 106. To aspirate the lumen 108 of catheter 106, the user can activate (e.g., open) a fluid control device 120 to fluidly connect a pressure source 101 to catheter 106, thereby applying or releasing the vacuum stored in the pressure source 101 to the lumen 108 of catheter 106. Opening the fluid control device 120 instantaneously or nearly instantaneously applies the stored vacuum pressure to the tubular assembly 110 and catheter 106, thereby generating an aspiration pulse throughout catheter 106, which can aspirate clumps of material into catheter 106. In some embodiments, the vacuum from the pressure source 101 is applied using the fluid control device 120 in the open position (e.g., to provide a continuous vacuum). In other words, the user can generate a vacuum within the pressure source 101 while the fluid control device 120 is open (for example, while the pressure source 101 is fluidly connected to the lumen 108 of the catheter 106), thereby generating a vacuum and simultaneously aspirating the lumpy material without, or substantially without, storing a vacuum within the pressure source 101.

[0022] Figures 2A to 2F show different diagrams of the fluid control device 220 configured according to embodiments of the present technology. More specifically, Figure 2A is a side view of the fluid control device 220 in a closed configuration 221a. Figure 2B is a side view of the fluid control device 220 in an open configuration 221b. Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view of the fluid control device 220 in an open configuration 221b. Figure 2D is a side cross-sectional view of region 2D shown in Figure 2B. Figure 2E is a top view of the fluid control device 220 in a closed configuration 221a. Figure 2F is a top view of the fluid control device 220 in an open configuration 221b. At least some embodiments of the fluid control device 220 may be at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to the fluid control device 120 of Figure 1. The fluid control device 220 can be used in the system 100 of Figure 1 in the same or similar manner as the fluid control device 120.

[0023] Referring together to Figures 2A to 2D, the fluid control device 220 includes a body 222 and a gate assembly or fluid control assembly 240. For clarity, the body 222 is shown as partially transparent in Figures 2A and 2B. The body 222 may include a first or distal connector portion 224a and a second or proximal connector portion 224b opposite (e.g., directly opposite) to the first connector portion 224a. The body 222 defines at least partially a chamber 226 between the first connector portion 224a and the second connector portion 224b, and defines a lumen 228 extending through the body 222, for example, between the first connector portion 224a and the second connector portion 224b and / or entirely through them. The chamber 226 may be cylindrical with a cuboidal or cubic cross-sectional shape in at least some embodiments, or may be another preferred shape in other embodiments. The lumen 228 may include a first or distal opening 232a (e.g., to the chamber 226) formed through a first or distal surface 230a within the body 222, and a second or proximal opening 232b (e.g., to the chamber 226) formed through a second or proximal surface 230b within the body 222. In at least some embodiments, the lumen 228 has the same dimensions as the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 (Figure 1).

[0024] The gate assembly 240 may be positioned within the chamber 226 of the body 222, or at least partially within the chamber 226, for example, at least partially between the first surface 230a and the second surface 230b. The gate assembly 240 includes a valve component 242 that defines the lumen 244. The valve component 242 may be spherical in at least some embodiments, or may have another preferred shape in other embodiments. The valve component 242 may be configured to rotate relative to the body 222 of the fluid control device 220 to transition the fluid control device 220 between an open configuration 221b (Figures 2B and 2C) and a closed configuration 221a (Figure 2A). When the fluid control device 220 is in an open configuration 221b (Figures 2B and 2C), the lumen 244 of the fluid control device body 222 can be aligned (e.g., collinear, coaxial) with the lumen 228 of the body 222 and / or one or both of the first opening 232a and the second opening 232b to allow fluid flow through the gate assembly 240 and / or otherwise between the first connector portion 224a and the second connector portion 224b. When the fluid control device 220 is in a closed configuration 221a (Figure 2A), the gate assembly lumen 244 can be rotated out of alignment with the lumen 228 of the body 222 to block or even prevent fluid flow through the gate assembly 240 and / or otherwise between the first connector portion 224a and the second connector portion 224b. In Figure 2B, for example, when the fluid control device 220 is in a closed configuration 221a, the gate assembly lumen 244 is 90 degrees relative to the lumen 228. o It is rotated.

[0025] In some embodiments, the gate assembly 240 includes a handle 246 coupled to a valve component 242, which is grasped by a user to rotate the valve component 242 and move the fluid control device 220 between an open configuration 221b and a closed configuration 221a. Referring to Figures 2B to 2D, the handle 246 may include a tab 252 (e.g., a projection, a protrusion), and the valve component 242 may include a corresponding recess 254 (e.g., molded, sized) configured to receive the tab 252 in order to rotatably secure the handle 246 to the valve component 242. The tab 252 may be secured within the recess 254 via adhesive, fasteners, welding, press-fitting, and / or similar, and the rotation of the handle 246 rotates the valve component 242 and moves the fluid control device 220 between an open configuration 221b and a closed configuration 221a. At least a portion of the handle 246 (for example, a tab 252) can extend through a third or upper opening 232c formed through the third or upper surface 230c of the body 222 and be coupled to the valve component 242.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2A, 2B, and 2D, one or more sealing elements 248a-c (e.g., O-rings) can be positioned between at least a portion of the gate assembly 240 and the body 222, and / or in contact with them. Each of the sealing elements 248a-c can form a substantially fluid-impermeable seal between at least a portion of the gate assembly 240 and the body 222. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a first sealing element 248a is positioned between the valve component 242 and the first surface 230a to form a first seal 234a between them, a second sealing element 248b is positioned between the valve component 242 and the second surface 230b to form a second seal 234b between them, and a third sealing element 248c is positioned between the handle 246 and the third surface 230c to form a third seal 234c between them. The first sealing element 248a can be held in contact with (for example, compressed against) the valve component 242 by a first annular retaining wall 236a extending from the first surface 230a (for example, perpendicularly therefrom). Similarly, the second sealing element 248b can be held in contact with (for example, compressed against) the valve component 242 by a second annular retaining wall 236b extending from the second surface 230b (for example, perpendicularly therefrom). Thus, positioning the valve component 242 in the chamber can press the first sealing element 248a and the second sealing element 248b against the first surface 230a and the second surface 230b, forming the first sealing portion 234a and the second sealing portion 234b, respectively. The third sealing element 248c can be held in contact with the third surface 230c by a third annular retaining wall 236c of the handle 246. In some embodiments, by coupling the handle 246 to the valve component 242, the third annular retaining wall 236c can press the third sealing element 248c against the third surface 230c to form a third sealing portion 234c.

[0027] When the fluid control device 220 is in a closed configuration 221a or an open configuration 221b, one or both of the first sealing portion 234a and the second sealing portion 234b can prevent or even block fluid in the lumen 228 from entering the chamber 226, for example, so that all or substantially all fluid entering the fluid control device 220 via the first connector portion 224a flows through the gate assembly lumen 244 and / or exits the fluid control device 220 via the second connector portion 224b. However, in some cases, fluid (e.g., residual fluid, liquid residue, etc.) in the first connector portion 224a, the second connector portion 224b, or the gate assembly lumen 244 may enter the chamber 226, for example, when the fluid control device 220 is transitioned between a closed configuration 221a and an open configuration 221b. In these and / or other cases, the third sealing portion 234c may be a backup seal that prevents or even prevents any such fluid entering the chamber 226 from leaking out of the body 222, for example, through the third opening 232c.

[0028] Various components of the fluid control device 220 may include plastics, metals, and / or other suitable rigid materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve component 242 has a spherical shape. In some aspects of the art, the spherical shape can at least partially reduce, or completely eliminate, the surface area of ​​the valve component 242 that comes into contact with one or more inner surfaces of the body 222 defining the chamber 226. For example, the sealing elements 248a-c can support the valve component 242 within the chamber 226 such that all or at least a portion of the surface area of ​​the valve component 242 is spaced apart from the body 222 (e.g., not in contact with the surface of the body 222 defining the chamber 226). Thus, as in some conventional fluid control devices, there is no plastic-to-plastic or other interface between the body 222 and the valve component 242 that increases resistance to friction and rotation. Furthermore, since the valve component 242, together with the sealing element 248a (e.g., via compression), forms a sealing portion 234, material creep and / or other deformations due to plastic-to-plastic contact are expected to be reduced or completely eliminated. In some embodiments, the sealing elements 248a-c can be covered with a lubricant such as silicone grease to further reduce resistance to rotation.

[0029] In some aspects of this technology, reducing the resistance of the gate assembly 240 to rotation may be particularly beneficial when the fluid control device 220 defines large lumens 228, 244 for use with a large-diameter catheter (e.g., catheter 106 in Figure 1). As described herein, increasing the lumen size of catheter 106 can improve clot removal and intake. However, in order to maintain the diameter of the lumen passing through system 100, the lumens 228, 244 passing through the fluid control device 220 must have a correspondingly large diameter, and therefore require a relatively large fluid control device 220. For example, friction in conventional fluid control devices, including contact between the rotary valve components and the body of the fluid control device, increases as the size of the components increases, which can make it difficult for the user to open and close the fluid control device.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, the fluid control device 220 includes a side port 256 that is fluid-coupled to the lumen 228 and configured to allow a user to insert (e.g., inject) fluid into at least a portion of the fluid control device 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector portion 224a includes a side port 256 so that a user can insert fluid distal to the gate assembly 240. In other embodiments, the second connector portion 224b and / or another preferred portion of the fluid control device 220 may include a side port 256.

[0031] As best shown in Figure 2C, the body 222 of the fluid control device may include a first or proximal body portion 222' and a second or distal body portion 222''. The first body portion 222' and the second body portion 222'' may be joined together using adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or another preferred technique.

[0032] Referring together to Figures 2C, 2E, and 2F, in some embodiments, the body 222 includes one or more alignment or stopping features 238a-b positioned to contact the handle 246 and restrict the rotation of the handle 246 between a closed configuration 221a and an open configuration 221b. For example, in the closed configuration 221a shown in Figure 2E, the alignment features 238a-b contact the first side 239a of the handle 236, preventing or even preventing further rotation of the handle 236. This can indicate to the user that the fluid control device 220 is in the closed configuration 221a. Similarly, in the open configuration 221b shown in Figure 2F, the alignment features 238a-b contact the second side 239b of the handle 236, preventing or further preventing further rotation of the handle 236. This can indicate to the user that the fluid control device 220 is in the open configuration 221b.

[0033] Figure 3 is a side view of a tubing assembly 310 including a fluid control device 220 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The tubing assembly 310 may include at least some features that are at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to the tubing assembly 110 of Figure 1. For example, the tubing assembly 310 includes a first tubing section 112a, a second tubing section 112b, and a connector 116. The first tubing section 112a can be coupled to a first connector portion 224a of the fluid control device 220. The second tubing section 112b can connect the second connector portion 224b of the fluid control device 220 to the connector 116. In at least some embodiments, the lumen 228 of the fluid control device 220 has a diameter that is the same as or at least substantially similar to the inner diameter of the tubing assembly 110. Therefore, the fluid control device 220 and the tubing assembly 310 can together define a lumen or flow path of at least substantially uniform diameter extending to the pressure source 101 (Figure 1). This is expected to prevent or even block the formation of "blockage points" or other resistances to the fluid flow through the tubing assembly 310 and the fluid control device 220, thereby improving agglomeration and suction.

[0034] The tubing assembly 310 may further include a third tubing section 312c fluid-coupled between the side port 256 and the second connector 316. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connector 316 includes a quick connector configured to connect to a fluid source, receive one or more other syringes, and connect to one or more other tubing sections, etc. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the user can connect a fluid source to the second connector 316 to introduce fluid into the tubing assembly 310 and / or system 100 (Figure 1), for example, after aspirating clumps from within the patient, and then flush the tubing assembly 310 and / or system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the user can use the side port 256 to perform several other actions, including introducing contrast fluid, flushing or degassing system 100 (Figure 1), and / or reinjecting blood (e.g., filtered blood) into the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, the side port 256 is configured to receive the third pipe section 312c at least partially within the side port 256, but in other embodiments, the side port 256 may be configured with a latch, a flare, and / or other means to receive the third pipe section 312c on and / or at least partially around the side port 256.

[0035] Figures 4A to 4E show different diagrams of the fluid control device 420 configured according to additional embodiments of the present technology. Figure 4A is an exploded perspective view of the fluid control device 420. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the fluid control device 420 in a closed configuration 421a. Figure 4C is a perspective view of the fluid control device 420 in an open configuration 421b. Figures 4D and 4E are enlarged side cross-sectional views of the fluid control device 420. At least some embodiments of the fluid control device 420 may be at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to the fluid control device 120 of Figure 1 and / or the fluid control device 220 of Figures 2A to 3. For example, referring together to Figures 4A to 4C, the fluid control device 420 includes a body 422 and a gate or fluid control assembly 440. For clarity, the body 422 is shown as partially transparent in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0036] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, the body 422 may include a first or distal connector portion 424a and a second or proximal connector portion 424b opposite (e.g., directly opposite) the first connector portion 424a. The body 422 defines at least partially a chamber 426 (e.g., a slot, opening, channel) between the first connector portion 424a and the second connector portion 424b, and defines a lumen 428 extending through the body 422, for example, between the first connector portion 424a and the second connector portion 424b and / or entirely through them. In at least some embodiments, the lumen 428 has the same dimensions as the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 (Figure 1). The body 422 may further define one or more bores 423, individually identified as a first or left bore 423a and a second or right bore 423b. Each of the bores 423 may extend in a direction non-parallel to the lumen 228, for example, perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the lumen 228.

[0037] The gate assembly 440 may include a valve component 442, a first or upper handle 446a located on the first side of the valve component 442, a second or lower handle 446b located on the second side of the valve component 442 opposite to the first side, and one or more handle guides 447 (identified individually as a first or left-side handle guide 447a and a second or right-side handle guide 447b) extending between the first handle 446a and the second handle 446b. Each of the handle guides 447 may be located on the side of the valve component 442. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first handle guide 447a is located on the left side of the valve component 442, and the second handle guide 447b is located on the right side of the valve component 442 opposite to the left side. Each of the handle guides 447 may be slidably received in one of the corresponding bores 423. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first handle guide 447a is slidably received in the first bore 423a, and the second handle guide 447b is slidably received in the second bore 423b. Thus, the handle guides 447 allow the user to move the first handle 446a and the second handle 446b relative to the body 422, for example, upward or downward (e.g., by sliding), and in a corresponding manner, move the gate assembly 440 relative to the body 422.

[0038] The valve component 442 of the gate assembly 440 may be positioned within the chamber 426 and configured to move in conjunction with the handles 446a-b and the handle guide 447. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the valve component 442 is coupled to the first handle 446a by a shaft 451 such that moving the first handle 446a causes the corresponding movement of the valve component 442. In the closed configuration 421a (Figure 4B), the valve component 442 is positioned (e.g., lowered) between the first connector portion 424a and the second connector portion 424b to block or even prevent (e.g., shut off) the flow of fluid through the lumen 428. Similarly, in the open configuration 421b shown in Figure 4C, the valve component 442 is not positioned between the first connector portion 424a and the second connector portion 424b, but is positioned above the first connector portion 424a and the second connector portion 424b (e.g., raised) to allow fluid flow through the lumen 428. In these and / or other embodiments, the valve component 442 may be coupled to one or more of the second handles 446b and / or handle guides 447. In some embodiments, one or both of the first handles 446a and the second handles 446b include one or more actuation tabs 453 to assist the user in moving the first handles 446a and / or the second handles 446b relative to the body 422. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first handle includes two actuation tabs 453, one distal and the other proximal, which can be pushed and / or pulled to move the first handle 446a and / or the second handle 446b.

[0039] During operation, the handle guide 447 and bore 423 allow the user to move the gate assembly 440 relative to the body 422 (for example, vertically) to transition the fluid control device between the open configuration 421b (Figure 4C) and the closed configuration 421a (Figure 4B). For example, in the open configuration 421b, the second handle 446b can contact the body 422, and the first handle 446a can move away from the body 422. The user can move the fluid control device 420 from the open configuration 421b to the closed configuration 421a and / or to the closed configuration 421a by pressing the first handle 446a toward and / or making contact with the body 422, and / or pulling the second handle 446b away from and / or away from the body 422. This is indicated by arrow A in Figure 4C. In some embodiments, a first handle 446a can contact the body 422 in a closed configuration 421a. Additionally or alternatively, a second handle 446b can contact the body 422 in an open configuration 421b. Thus, the body 422 can provide a physical “stop” to indicate to the user when the fluid control device 420 is in a closed configuration 421a, an open configuration 421b, and / or any other intermediate configuration between them. By moving the handles 446a and 446b, the valve components 442 can be repositioned within the chamber 426 to, for example, allow, block, or even prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid control device 420. This will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4D and 4E.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4D, the valve component 442 and the shaft 451 together can define the lumen 444. A side port or valve 456 may be coupled to the shaft 451 and configured to control access to the lumen 444. In some embodiments, the side port 456 is a needleless injection port fluid-coupled to the lumen 444. In other embodiments, the side port 456 may include one or more other ports and / or valves. In these and / or other embodiments, fluid may be injected into the lumen 444 through the needleless injection port, as indicated by arrow F in Figure 4D.

[0041] The valve component 442 may include a first face or distal face 443a and a second face or proximal face 443b opposite the first face 443a. The first face 443a may include a first annular retaining structure 436a configured to receive a first sealing element 448a (e.g., an O-ring), and / or the second face 443b may include a second annular retaining structure 436b configured to receive a second sealing element 448b (O-ring). When the fluid control device 420 is in a closed configuration 421a as shown in Figure 4D, the first sealing element 448a may be positioned to contact a first surface 430a in the body 422 that at least partially defines the chamber 426 in order to block or prevent the flow of fluid between the first connector portion 424a, the second connector portion 424b, and / or the chamber 426. For example, the lumen 428 may include a first or distal opening 432a formed through a first surface 430a, and the first sealing element 448a may form a first sealing portion 434a around the first opening 432a between the first surface 430a and the first surface 443a of the valve component 442. Additionally or alternatively, a second sealing element 448b may be positioned to contact a second surface 430b in the body 422 that at least partially defines the chamber 426 in order to block or further prevent the flow of fluid between the first connector portion 424a, the second connector portion 424b, and / or the chamber 426. For example, the lumen 428 may include a second or proximal opening 232b formed through the second surface 430b, and the second sealing element 448b may form a second sealing portion 434b around the second opening 432b between the second surface 430b and the second surface 443b of the valve component 442.

[0042] Referring to Figures 4C and 4D, in some embodiments, the fluid control device 420 includes a third sealing element 448c configured to prevent or further prevent fluid from leaving (e.g., leaking) the chamber 426. For example, the third sealing element 448c may be configured to form a third sealing portion 434c together with the shaft 451. The third sealing element 448c may be at least partially held between a first or upper plate 449a and a second or lower plate 449b. In the illustrated embodiments, the second plate 449b defines a recess 436c configured to receive all or at least part of the third sealing element 448c. In these and / or other embodiments, the first plate 449a may define all or at least part of the recess 436c. The first plate 449a and the second plate 449b are coupled to each other and / or to the body 422, thereby partially defining a third surface or upper surface 430c that at least partially defines the chamber 426. In at least some embodiments of the Art, the first sealing portion 434a and / or the second sealing portion 434b are expected to prevent, or at least partially prevent, fluid from entering the chamber 426, at least when the fluid control device 420 is in the closed configuration 421a. The shaft 451 may extend through the openings in the first plate 449a and the second plate 449b to contact the third sealing element 448c, forming a third sealing portion 434c. However, in some cases, such as when the fluid control device 420 transitions from the closed configuration 421a to the open configuration 421b, fluid in one or both of the first connector portion 424a and the second connector portion 424b may enter the chamber 426. In these and / or other examples, the third seal 434c may be a backup seal that prevents or even prevents any such fluid entering the chamber 426 from leaking out of the body 422.

[0043] In some embodiments, one or more of the first surface 443a, the second surface 443b, the first surface 430a, and the second surface 430b are inclined or tapered. In the illustrated embodiments, for example, each of the first surface 443a, the second surface 443b, the first surface 430a, and the second surface 430b is inclined with respect to the vertical axis V of the fluid control device 420. As shown in Figure 4E, the first surface 443a is at a first angle A1 with respect to the vertical axis V, the second surface 443b is at a second angle A2 with respect to the vertical axis V, the first surface 430a is at a third angle A3 with respect to the vertical axis V, and the second surface 430b is at a fourth angle A4 with respect to the vertical axis V. Each of the first angle A1, the second angle A2, the third angle A3, and / or the fourth angle A4 may be the same as or different from one or more other of the first angle A1, the second angle A2, the third angle A3, and / or the fourth angle A4. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first angle A1, the second angle A2, the third angle A3, and the fourth angle A4 are the same. In other embodiments, any one, two, or three of the first angle A1, the second angle A2, the third angle A3, and the fourth angle A4 may be different from one or more of the first angle A1, the second angle A2, the third angle A3, and / or the fourth angle A4. In these and / or other embodiments, each of the first angle A1, second angle A2, third angle A3, and fourth angle A4 can be up to and / or approximately equal to 0.5 degrees, 0.75 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or any other preferred angle between any two or more of the angles above. In some embodiments, the first to fourth angles A1 to A4 may be about 0.75 degrees. In these and / or other embodiments, one or more of the first surface 443a, second surface 443b, first surface 430a, and second surface 430b may be inclined with respect to another axis and / or parallel to the vertical axis V and / or another axis, or at least substantially parallel.

[0044] In some aspects of this technology, the inclination of the first surface 443a, the second surface 443b, the first surface 430a, and / or the second surface 430b is expected to improve the quality of the sealing portions 434a, 434b formed between the first surface 443a and the first surface 430a, and between the second surface 443b and the second surface 430b, respectively. For example, the inclination of the first surface 443a, the second surface 443b, the first surface 430a, and / or the second surface 430b is expected to press (e.g., compress) the first sealing element 448a and / or the second sealing element 448b between the valve component 442 and the corresponding surfaces 430a~b in the body 422 when the valve component 442 is lowered between the connector portions 424a, 424b to move the fluid control device 420 into a closed configuration 421a. Additionally or alternatively, the inclination of the first surface 443a, the second surface 443b, the first surface 430a, and / or the second surface 430b is expected to reduce resistance to transitioning the fluid control device 420 between the closed configuration 421a and the open configuration 421b. In these and / or other embodiments, the inclination of the first surface 443a, the second surface 443b, the first surface 430a, and / or the second surface 430b is expected to reduce or eliminate compression on the sealing elements 448a~b when the fluid control device 420 is in the open configuration 421b. More specifically, when the valve component 442 rises to transition the fluid control device 420 to the open configuration 421b, the sealing elements 448a~b do not come into contact with, or do not significantly come into contact with, the first surface 430a and the second surface 430b.

[0045] Figures 5A to 5C are different diagrams of the fluid control device 520 configured according to additional embodiments of the present technology. Figure 5A is an exploded view of the fluid control device 520. Figure 5B is a perspective view of the fluid control device 520 in a closed configuration 521a. Figure 5C is a perspective view of the fluid control device 520 in an open configuration 521b. Referring to Figures 5A to 5C, the fluid control device 520 may include at least some features that are at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to the fluid control device 120 of Figure 1, the fluid control device 220 of Figures 2A to 3, and / or the fluid control device 420 of Figures 4A to 4E. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid control device 520 includes a body 522 and a gate assembly 540. The body 522 includes a first connector portion 524a and a second connector portion 524b, defining a chamber 526 within the body 522 and a lumen 528 extending through the first connector portion 524a and the second connector portion 524b. In at least some embodiments, the lumen 528 has the same dimensions as the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 (Figure 1). The gate assembly 540 includes a valve component 542 coupled to the handle 546 via a shaft 541. The valve component 542 may include at least some or all of the features and / or functions of the valve component 442 described in detail above with reference to Figures 4A to 4E. However, in the illustrated embodiments, the valve component 542 and shaft 541 of the fluid control device 520 do not define a lumen to which the fluid is connected to a port or valve. Instead, the first connector portion 524a includes a side port 556 which may be at least substantially similar to the side port 256 described in detail above with reference to at least Figure 3. In addition, the fluid control device 520 can have a smaller form factor than the fluid control device 420 shown in Figures 4A to 4E, which is expected to make the handling and / or operation of the fluid control device 520 easier.

[0046] The handle 546 further includes one or more handle guides 547 (identified individually as a first or left-side handle guide 547a and a second or right-side handle guide 547b) extending downward from the handle 546 toward one or both of the connector portions 524a, 524b. Each handle of the handle 546 and / or handle guide 547 may include at least some or all of the features and / or functions of the handle 446 and / or handle guide 447 described in detail above with reference to Figures 4A to 4E. However, the first handle guide 547a and the second handle guide 547b may each be received in corresponding slots or channels 523a, 523b defined by the body 522. In some embodiments, one or more of the handle guides 547 include one or more actuation tabs 553, each of which may be coupled to one of the handle guides 547, for example, at or near the opposite end of the handle 546. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, each of the handle guides 547 may be coupled to the handle 546 at a first end or near thereto and may include a tab 553 at a second end opposite to the first end or near thereto. During operation, the user can move the handle 546 relative to the body 522 (e.g., by raising or lowering it) (e.g., by pushing and / or pulling the actuation tab 553) to transition the fluid control device 520 between a closed configuration 521a and an open configuration 521b.

[0047] Figures 6A to 6C are different diagrams of the fluid control device 620 configured according to additional embodiments of the present technology. Figure 6A is an exploded view of the fluid control device 620. Figure 6B is a perspective view of the fluid control device 620 in a closed configuration 621a. Figure 6C is a perspective view of the fluid control device 620 in an open configuration 621b. Referring to Figures 6A to 6C, the fluid control device 620 may include at least some features that are at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to the fluid control device 120 of Figure 1, the fluid control device 220 of Figures 2A to 3, the fluid control device 420 of Figures 4A to 4E, and / or the fluid control device 520 of Figures 5A to 5C. For example, the fluid control device 620 includes a body 622 and a gate assembly 640. The body 622 includes a first connector portion 624a and a second connector portion 624b, defining a chamber 626 within the body 622 and a lumen 628 extending through the first connector portion 624a and the second connector portion 624b. In at least some embodiments, the lumen 628 has the same dimensions as the lumen 108 of the catheter 106 (Figure 1). The gate assembly 640 includes a valve component 642 coupled to the handle 646 via a shaft 641. The valve component 642 may include at least some or all of the features and / or functions of the valve component 542 described in detail above with reference to Figures 5A to 5C. For example, the valve component 642 and shaft 641 of the fluid control device 620 do not define a lumen fluid-connected to a port or valve, and the first connector portion 624a includes a side port 656 configured to be coupled to a fluid source. In addition, the fluid control device 620 can have a smaller form factor than the fluid control devices 420 in Figures 4A to 4E and / or the fluid control devices 520 in Figures 5A to 5C, which is expected to facilitate the handling and / or operation of the fluid control device 620.

[0048] Handle 646 may include at least some or all of the features and / or functions of handle 546 as described in detail above with reference to Figures 5A to 5C. However, handle 646 does not include a handle guide and instead includes an integrated actuation tab 653 that is at least substantially similar to the actuation tab 453 of the fluid control device 420 as described in detail above with reference to Figures 4A to 4E. Handle 646 and / or actuation tab 653 may be positioned on the same side of the body 622 and / or chamber 626 in both the closed configuration 621a and the open configuration 621b. During operation, the user can move the handle 646 relative to the body 622 (e.g., by raising or lowering it) (e.g., by pushing or pulling the actuation tab 653) to switch the fluid control device between the closed configuration 621a and the open configuration 621b.

[0049] Figures 7A and 7B are different diagrams of another fluid control device 720 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the fluid control device 720 in a closed configuration 721a. Figure 7B is a perspective view of the fluid control device 720 in an open configuration 721b. Referring together to Figures 7A and 7B, the fluid control device 720 can include at least some features that are at least substantially similar or identical in structure and / or function to the fluid control device 120 of Figure 1, the fluid control device 220 of Figures 2A-3, the fluid control device 420 of Figures 4A-4E, the fluid control device 520 of Figures 5A-5C, and / or the fluid control device 620 of Figures 6A-6C. For example, the fluid control device 720 includes a body 722 and a gate assembly 740. The body 722 includes a first connector portion 724a and a second connector portion 724b, and a chamber 726 can be defined within the body 722. The lumen 728 extends between the first connector portion 724a and the second connector portion 724b.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector portion 724a and / or the second connector portion 724b are part of a tubing section 712 that is received through a body 722 (for example, at least partially located within and / or extending through a chamber 726), which can be connected to one or more other tubing sections 112 in the tubing assembly 110 (Figure 1). In other embodiments, the tubing section 712 and the connector portions 724a-b may be omitted, and one of the tubing sections 112a, 112b (Figure 1) of the tubing assembly 110 (Figure 1) may be received through the body 722 and / or define a lumen 728. The fluid control device 720 may have a relatively small form factor which is expected to make the fluid control device 720 easier to handle and / or operate.

[0051] The gate assembly 740 includes a valve component 742 coupled to the handle 746 via a shaft 741. The valve component 742 may include at least some or all of the features and / or functions of the valve component 642 described in detail above with reference to Figures 6A-6C. For example, the valve component 742 and shaft 741 of the fluid control device 720 do not define a lumen to which the fluid is connected to a port or valve. In addition, the gate assembly 740 may include a biasing element 758 (e.g., a spring) operably coupled to the valve component 742. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the biasing element 758 is positioned around the shaft 741 and configured to bias the fluid control device 720 toward and / or into a closed configuration 721a (Figure 7A). In other embodiments, the biasing element 758 may be configured to bias the fluid control device 720 toward and / or into an open configuration 721b (Figure 7B). In the closed configuration 721a (Figure 7A), the valve component 742 presses against the tubular section 712 (or other tubular section positioned through the body 722), deforming (e.g., crushing) a portion of the tubular section 712, thereby sealing the lumen 728 and blocking or even preventing the flow of fluid through the lumen 728. In the open configuration 721b (Figure 7B), the valve component 742 is moved away from the tubular section (e.g., upward), allowing the tubular section 712 to take its manufactured or non-deformable shape, thereby allowing the flow of fluid through the lumen 728, for example. In some embodiments, the tubular section 712 can undergo elastic or at least substantially elastic deformation and can automatically open to allow fluid flow when the fluid control device 720 is moved toward and / or into the open configuration 721b (Figure 7B). In these and / or other embodiments, the valve component 742 may be coupled to the tubing section 712 such that moving the valve component 742 applies a force to the tubing section 712 that opens the tubing section 712, for example, to allow fluid to flow through the lumen 728.

[0052] During operation, the user can move the handle 746 relative to the body 722 (for example, by raising or lowering it) to transition the fluid control device 720 between a closed configuration 721a and an open configuration 721b. For example, the user can move the handle 746 away from the body 722 to transition the fluid control device 720 toward and / or to the open configuration 721b, and / or move the handle 746 toward the body 722 to transition the fluid control device 720 toward and / or to the closed configuration 721a. In embodiments in which the fluid control device 720 is biased toward one of the closed configuration 721a or the open configuration 721b, the biasing element 758 can return the fluid control device 720 to its configuration without the user moving the handle 746. For example, the biasing element 758 biases the handle 746 and valve component 742 downward in Figures 7A and 7B, compressing / clamping the tubular section 712 and sealing the lumen 728. In embodiments where the valve component 742 is coupled to the tubular section, moving the handle 746 can open the tubular section 712 (for example, by moving the handle 746 directly opening the tubular section 712), allowing fluid to flow through the lumen 728. In other embodiments, moving the valve component 742 can allow the tubular section 712 to open (for example, without moving the handle 746 directly opening the tubular section 712), thereby allowing fluid to flow through the lumen 728.

[0053] Some aspects of this technology are described in the following examples: Example 1. A fluid control device for a solidified substance removal system, wherein the fluid control device is The main body, The first connector part, The second connector part on the opposite side of the first connector part, A body comprising an inner surface that defines at least partially the chamber, the body further defining a lumen extending through the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A gate assembly, A handle located outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A gate assembly comprising a valve component coupled to a handle and positioned within a chamber, With the handle in the first position, the valve components are positioned between the first connector portion and the second connector portion, blocking the flow of fluid through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. A fluid control device in which, with the handle in a second position, the valve components are positioned to allow fluid flow through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. Embodiment 2. The handle is a first handle located on the first side of the body, and the gate assembly further includes a second handle located outside the chamber on the second side of the body opposite to the first side. With the first handle in the first position, the first handle is in contact with the main body, and the second handle is separated from the main body. The fluid control device according to Embodiment 1, wherein, with the first handle in the second position, the first handle is separated from the main body and the second handle is in contact with the main body. Example 3. The gate assembly further includes a handle guide coupled to the handle, The fluid control device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the body further defines a bore configured to slidably receive a handle guide, thereby facilitating the movement of the handle between a first position and a second position. Example 4. The gate assembly further includes a handle guide coupled to the handle, The fluid control device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the body further defines a slot through the outer surface of the body, configured to slidably receive a handle guide and facilitate the movement of the handle between a first position and a second position. Example 5. The fluid control device according to Example 4, wherein the first end of the handle guide is coupled to the handle, and the second end of the handle guide opposite the first end includes an actuation tab that extends outward away from the slot. Example 6. The fluid control device according to Example 1, wherein the body further defines an opening, and the gate assembly further includes a shaft extending through the opening between the handle and the valve component. Example 7. The valve components and shaft together define the lumen of the gate assembly, which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the chamber and / or body. The fluid control device according to Example 6 further includes an injection port fluid-coupled to the lumen of the gate assembly. Example 8. The fluid control device according to Example 1, wherein one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes an injection port. Example 9. The fluid control device according to Example 1, wherein the valve component includes an angled sealing surface, and with the handle in a first position, the angled sealing surface contacts the inner surface of the body to form a seal with the inner surface that is at least substantially fluid-impermeable, thereby blocking the flow of fluid. Example 10. The fluid control device according to Example 9, wherein the angled sealing surface is at an angle of up to 15 degrees with respect to the vertical axis of the fluid control device. Example 11. The fluid control device according to Example 10, wherein the angle is 0.75 degrees. Example 12. The fluid control device according to Example 9, wherein the inner surface of the body is at a first angle with respect to the vertical axis of the fluid control device, and the angled sealing surface is at a second angle. Example 13. The fluid control device according to Example 12, wherein the first angle is equal to the second angle. Example 14. The fluid control device according to Example 9, wherein the angled sealing surface includes a sealing element coupled to the surface of a valve component. Example 15. The fluid control device according to Example 9, wherein the angled sealing surface is a first angled sealing surface on a first side of the valve component, and the valve component further includes a second angled sealing surface on a second side of the valve component opposite to the first side. Example 16. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is A fluid control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, A catheter connected to one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A pressure source, configured to generate and store a vacuum, is connected to the other of the first and second connector portions. With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents vacuum from being applied to the catheter. With the handle in the second position, the fluid control device allows the system to apply vacuum to the catheter, enabling the removal of aggravated material from the patient. Example 17. The system according to Example 16, wherein the fluid control device and catheter define a fluid path to a pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter. Example 18. A fluid control device for a solidified substance removal system, wherein the fluid control device is The main body, The first connector part, The second connector part on the opposite side of the first connector part, One or more inner surfaces that define at least partially the chamber, and the body further defines one or more inner surfaces that define a lumen extending through the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A first sealing element positioned within the chamber, A body including a second sealing element positioned within the chamber, A gate component, A handle located outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A valve component coupled to a handle, positioned within a chamber in contact with a first sealing element and a second sealing element, and spaced apart from at least one of one or more inner surfaces, the valve component comprising a gate component including a valve component that defines the lumen of the valve component, With the handle in the first position, the valve component lumen is rotated out of alignment with the lumen to block or prevent the flow of fluid through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. A fluid control device in which, with the handle in the second position, the valve component lumen is aligned with the lumen, allowing fluid flow through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. Example 19. One or more inner surfaces include a first surface defining a first opening to a lumen through a first connector portion, and a second surface defining a second opening to a lumen through a second connector portion, The fluid control device according to Example 18, wherein the valve components are spaced apart from the first and second surfaces. Example 20. The first sealing element is bonded to the first surface. The second sealing element is bonded to the second surface. The fluid control device according to Embodiment 19, wherein the valve component contacts a first sealing element and a second sealing element to form a substantially fluid-impermeable sealing portion between them. Example 21. The fluid control device according to Example 20, wherein one or both of the first sealing element and the second sealing element are configured to separate a valve component from one or more inner surfaces. Example 22. The fluid control device according to Example 18, wherein the chamber is cylindrical with a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the valve components are spherical. Example 23. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is A fluid control device according to any one of Examples 18 to 22, A catheter connected to one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A pressure source, configured to generate and store a vacuum, is connected to the other of the first and second connector portions. With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents vacuum from being applied to the catheter. With the handle in the second position, the fluid control device allows the system to apply vacuum to the catheter, enabling the removal of aggravated material from the patient. Example 24. The system according to Example 23, wherein the fluid control device and catheter define a fluid path to a pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter. Example 25. A fluid control device for a solidified substance removal system, wherein the fluid control device is A body comprising a chamber defined and configured to receive a tubular section at least partially within and / or through the chamber, A gate assembly, A handle located outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A gate assembly comprising a valve component coupled to a handle and positioned within a chamber, With the handle in the first position, the valve components are configured to close the tubular section and at least partially prevent the flow of fluid through it. A fluid control device in which, with the handle in the second position, the valve components are configured to allow fluid flow through the tubular section. Example 26. The fluid control device according to Example 25, wherein the handle is closer to the body in the first position than in the second position. Example 27. The fluid control device according to Example 25, wherein the body further defines an opening, and the gate assembly further includes a shaft extending through the opening between the handle and the valve component. Example 28. The fluid control device according to Example 25, wherein the valve component is configured to be coupled to a tubular section such that moving the handle to a second position opens the tubular section to the flow of fluid. Example 29. The fluid control device according to Example 25, wherein with the handle in a second position, the valve components are positioned to allow the tubular section to open. Example 30. The fluid control device according to Example 25, wherein, with the handle in a first position, the valve components are configured to press against a tubular section and / or cause elastic deformation of the tubular section. Example 31. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is A fluid control device according to any one of Examples 25 to 30, A catheter fluidly coupled to a tubular section on the first side of the fluid control device, The device comprises a pressure source configured to generate and store a vacuum, which is fluidly coupled to the tubular section on the second side of the fluid control device opposite the catheter, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents vacuum from being applied to the catheter. With the handle in the second position, the fluid control device allows the system to apply vacuum to the catheter, enabling the removal of aggravated material from the patient. Example 32. The system according to Example 31, wherein the fluid control device and catheter define a fluid path to a pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter. Example 33. The tubing section is a first tubing section having a first end and a second end, and the system is A second tubular section configured to connect the first end to a catheter, The system according to Embodiment 31 further comprises a third tubular section configured to have a second end connected to a pressure source. Example 34. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is The fluid control device is equipped with a fluid control device, The main body, The first connector part, The second connector part on the opposite side of the first connector part, A body having an inner surface that defines at least partially the chamber, the body further defining a lumen extending through the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A gate assembly, A handle located outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A gate assembly comprising a valve component coupled to a handle and positioned within a chamber, With the handle in the first position, the valve components are positioned between the first connector portion and the second connector portion, blocking the flow of fluid through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. With the handle in the second position, the valve components are positioned to allow fluid flow through the lumen between the first and second connector portions of the system. Example 35. The handle is a first handle located on the first side of the body, and the gate assembly further includes a second handle located on the second side of the body opposite the first side, outside the chamber. With the first handle in the first position, the first handle is in contact with the main body, and the second handle is separated from the main body. The system according to Embodiment 34, wherein, with the first handle in the second position, the first handle is separated from the main body and the second handle is in contact with the main body. Example 36. The gate assembly further includes a handle guide coupled to the handle, The system according to Embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the body further defines a bore configured to slidably receive a handle guide, thereby facilitating the movement of the handle between a first position and a second position. Example 37. The gate assembly further includes a handle guide coupled to the handle, The system according to any one of embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the body further defines a slot through the outer surface of the body, configured to slidably receive a handle guide and facilitate the movement of the handle between a first position and a second position. Example 38. The system according to Example 37, wherein the first end of the handle guide is coupled to the handle, and the second end of the handle guide opposite the first end includes an actuation tab that extends outward away from the slot. Example 39. The system according to any one of Examples 34 to 38, wherein the body further defines an opening, and the gate assembly further includes a shaft extending through the opening between the handle and the valve component. Example 40. The valve components and shaft together define the lumen of the gate assembly, which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the chamber and / or body. The system according to Example 39 further includes an injection port fluid-coupled to the lumen of the gate assembly. Example 41. The system according to any one of Examples 34 to 40, wherein one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes an injection port. Example 42. The system according to any one of Examples 34 to 41, wherein the valve component includes an angled sealing surface, and with the handle in a first position, the angled sealing surface contacts the inner surface of the body to form a seal with the inner surface that is at least substantially fluid-impermeable, thereby blocking the flow of fluid. Example 43. The system according to Example 42, wherein the angled sealing surface is at an angle of up to 15 degrees with respect to the vertical axis of the fluid control device. Example 44. The system according to Example 43, wherein the angle is 0.75 degrees. Example 45. The system according to any one of Examples 42 to 44, wherein the inner surface of the body is at a first angle with respect to the vertical axis of the fluid control device, and the angled sealing surface is at a second angle. Example 46. The system according to Example 45, wherein the first angle is equal to the second angle. Example 47. The system according to any one of Examples 42 to 46, wherein the angled sealing surface includes a sealing element bonded to the surface of a valve component. Example 48. The system according to any one of Examples 42 to 47, wherein the angled sealing surface is a first angled sealing surface on a first side of a valve component, and the valve component further includes a second angled sealing surface on a second side of a valve component opposite to the first side. Example 49. A catheter connected to one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, The device further comprises a pressure source, which is coupled to the other of the first and second connector portions and configured to generate and store a vacuum, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents vacuum from being applied to the catheter. With the handle in a second position, the fluid control device allows a vacuum to be applied to the catheter to remove agglutinated material from the patient, as described in any of Examples 34 to 48. Example 50. The system according to Example 49, wherein the fluid control device and catheter define a fluid path to a pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter. Example 51. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is The fluid control device is equipped with a fluid control device, The main body, The first connector part, The second connector part on the opposite side of the first connector part, One or more inner surfaces that define at least partially the chamber, and the body further defines one or more inner surfaces that define a lumen extending through the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A first sealing element positioned within the chamber, A body having a second sealing element positioned within the chamber, A gate component, A handle located outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A valve component coupled to a handle, positioned within a chamber in contact with a first sealing element and a second sealing element, and spaced apart from at least one of one or more inner surfaces, the valve component includes a gate component having a valve component that defines the lumen of the valve component, With the handle in the first position, the valve component lumen is rotated out of alignment with the lumen to block or prevent the flow of fluid through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. With the handle in the second position, the valve component lumen is aligned with the lumen, allowing fluid flow through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion of the system. Example 52. One or more inner surfaces include a first surface defining a first opening to a lumen through a first connector portion, and a second surface defining a second opening to a lumen through a second connector portion, The system according to Example 51, wherein the valve components are spaced apart from the first and second surfaces. Example 53. The first sealing element is bonded to the first surface. The second sealing element is bonded to the second surface. The system according to Embodiment 52, wherein the valve components are in contact with a first sealing element and a second sealing element to form a substantially fluid-impermeable seal between them. Example 54. The system according to Example 53, wherein one or both of the first sealing element and the second sealing element are configured to separate the valve component from one or more inner surfaces. Example 55. The system according to any one of Examples 51 to 54, wherein the chamber is cylindrical with a rectangular cross-sectional shape and the valve components are spherical. Example 56. A catheter connected to one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, The device further comprises a pressure source, which is coupled to the other of the first and second connector portions and configured to generate and store a vacuum, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents vacuum from being applied to the catheter. With the handle in a second position, the fluid control device allows a vacuum to be applied to the catheter to remove agglutinated material from the patient, as described in any of Examples 51 to 55. Example 57. The system according to Example 56, wherein the fluid control device and catheter define a fluid path to a pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter. Example 58. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is The fluid control device is equipped with a fluid control device, A body comprising a chamber defined and configured to receive a tubular section at least partially within and / or through the chamber, A gate assembly, A handle located outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A gate assembly including a valve component coupled to a handle and positioned within a chamber, With the handle in the first position, the valve components are configured to close the tubular section and at least partially prevent the flow of fluid through it. With the handle in the second position, the valve components are configured to allow fluid flow through the tubular section of the system. Example 59. The system according to Example 58, wherein the handle is closer to the body in the first position than in the second position. Example 60. The system according to Example 58 or Example 59, wherein the body further defines an opening, and the gate assembly further includes a shaft extending through the opening between the handle and the valve component. Example 61. The system according to any one of Examples 58 to 60, wherein the valve component is configured to be coupled to a tubular section such that moving the handle to a second position opens the tubular section to the flow of fluid. Example 62. The system according to any one of Examples 58 to 61, wherein with the handle in a second position, the valve components are positioned to allow the tubular section to open. Example 63. The system according to any one of Examples 58 to 62, wherein, with the handle in a first position, the valve components are configured to press against the tubular section and / or cause elastic deformation of the tubular section. Example 64. A catheter fluidly coupled to a tubular section on the first side of the fluid control device, The device further comprises a pressure source configured to generate and store a vacuum, which is fluidly coupled to the tubular section on the second side of the fluid control device opposite the catheter, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents vacuum from being applied to the catheter. With the handle in a second position, the fluid control device allows a vacuum to be applied to the catheter to remove agglutinated material from the patient, as described in any of Examples 58 to 63. Example 65. The system according to Example 64, wherein the fluid control device and catheter define a fluid path to a pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter. Example 66. The tubing section is a first tubing section having a first end and a second end, and the system is A second tubular section configured to connect the first end to a catheter, The system according to Example 64 or Example 65, further comprising a third tubular section configured to have a second end connected to a pressure source.

[0054] The above detailed description of embodiments of the Art is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the Art to the exact forms disclosed above. Specific embodiments and examples of the Art are described above for illustrative purposes, but as those skilled in the art will recognize, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the Art. For example, the steps are presented in a given order, but alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. Further embodiments can also be provided by combining the various embodiments described herein.

[0055] From the above, it will be understood that while specific embodiments of the present technology are described herein for illustrative purposes, well-known structures and functions are not illustrated or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Where permitted by context, singular or plural terms may also include plural or singular terms, respectively.

[0056] Furthermore, unless the word “or” is explicitly limited to mean only a single item that is exclusive to the other items in a list of two or more items, the use of “or” in such a list should be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the enumerated features, so as not to exclude any more identical features and / or other features of additional types. While specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, it will also be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the Art. Furthermore, while some advantages related to certain embodiments of the Art have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments are necessarily required to exhibit such advantages in order to fall within the scope of the Art. Thus, the Disclosure and related Art may encompass other embodiments not expressly illustrated or described herein.

Claims

1. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is The fluid control device comprises a fluid control device, The main body, The first connector part, The second connector portion on the opposite side of the first connector portion, A body having an inner surface that defines at least partially the chamber, the body further defining a lumen extending through the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A gate assembly, A handle positioned outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A gate assembly comprising a valve component coupled to the handle and positioned within the chamber, With the handle in the first position, the valve component is positioned between the first connector portion and the second connector portion to block the flow of fluid through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. A system in which, with the handle in the second position, the valve components are positioned to allow fluid to flow through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

2. The handle is a first handle located on the first side of the body, and the gate assembly further includes a second handle located on the second side of the body opposite to the first side, outside the chamber. With the first handle in the first position, the first handle is in contact with the main body, and the second handle is separated from the main body. The system according to claim 1, wherein, with the first handle in the second position, the first handle is separated from the main body and the second handle is in contact with the main body.

3. The gate assembly further includes a handle guide coupled to the handle, The system according to claim 1, wherein the main body further defines a bore configured to slidably receive the handle guide and facilitate the movement of the handle between a first position and a second position.

4. The gate assembly further includes a handle guide coupled to the handle, The system according to claim 1, wherein the body further defines a slot through the outer surface of the body, configured to slidably receive the handle guide and facilitate the movement of the handle between a first position and a second position.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the first end of the handle guide is coupled to the handle, and the second end of the handle guide opposite the first end includes an actuation tab extending outward away from the slot.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body further defines an opening, and the gate assembly further includes a shaft extending through the opening between the handle and the valve component.

7. The valve components and the shaft together define a gate assembly lumen that is in fluid communication with the lumen of the chamber and / or the body. The system according to claim 6, wherein the gate assembly further includes an injection port fluid-coupled to the lumen of the gate assembly.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes an injection port.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the valve component includes an angled sealing surface, and when the handle is in a first position, the angled sealing surface contacts the inner surface of the body to form a seal with the inner surface that is at least substantially impermeable to fluid, thereby blocking the flow of fluid.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the angled sealing surface is at an angle of up to 15 degrees with respect to the vertical axis of the fluid control device.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the angle is 0.75 degrees.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the body is at a first angle with respect to the vertical axis of the fluid control device, and the angled sealing surface is at a second angle.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first angle is equal to the second angle.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein the angled sealing surface includes a sealing element coupled to the surface of the valve component.

15. The system according to claim 9, wherein the angled sealing surface is a first angled sealing surface on the first side of the valve component, and the valve component further includes a second angled sealing surface on the second side of the valve component opposite to the first side.

16. A catheter connected to one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, The present invention further comprises a pressure source connected to the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and configured to generate and store a vacuum, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents the vacuum from being applied to the catheter. The system according to claim 1, wherein, with the handle in the second position, the fluid control device enables the vacuum to be applied to the catheter to remove agglutinated material from the patient.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the fluid control device and the catheter define a fluid path to the pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter.

18. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is A fluid control device is provided, and the fluid control device is The main body, The first connector part, The second connector portion on the opposite side of the first connector portion, One or more inner surfaces that define at least partially the chamber, the body further defines one or more inner surfaces that define a lumen extending through the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A first sealing element positioned within the chamber, A main body having a second sealing element positioned within the chamber, A gate component, A handle positioned outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A valve component coupled to the handle, positioned within the chamber in contact with the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and spaced apart from at least one of the one or more inner surfaces, wherein the valve component includes a gate component having a valve component that defines the lumen of the valve component, With the handle in the first position, the valve component lumen is rotated out of alignment with the lumen to block or prevent the flow of fluid through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. With the handle in the second position, the valve component lumen is aligned with the lumen, enabling fluid flow through the lumen between the first connector portion and the second connector portion of the system.

19. The one or more inner surfaces include a first surface defining a first opening to the lumen through the first connector portion, and a second surface defining a second opening to the lumen through the second connector portion, The system according to claim 18, wherein the valve components are spaced apart from the first surface and the second surface.

20. The first sealing element is bonded to the first surface, The second sealing element is bonded to the second surface, The system according to claim 19, wherein the valve component contacts the first sealing element and the second sealing element to form a substantially fluid-impermeable sealing portion between them.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein one or both of the first sealing element and the second sealing element are configured to separate the valve component from one or more inner surfaces.

22. The system according to claim 18, wherein the chamber is cylindrical with a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the valve component is spherical.

23. A catheter connected to one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, The present invention further comprises a pressure source connected to the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and configured to generate and store a vacuum, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents the vacuum from being applied to the catheter. The system according to claim 18, wherein, with the handle in the second position, the fluid control device enables the vacuum to be applied to the catheter to remove agglutinated material from the patient.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the fluid control device and the catheter define a fluid path to the pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter.

25. A system for removing agglutinating material from a patient, wherein the system is A fluid control device is provided, and the fluid control device is A body comprising a chamber defined and configured to receive a tubular section at least partially within and / or through the chamber, A gate assembly, A handle positioned outside the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position, A gate assembly comprising a valve component coupled to the handle and positioned within the chamber, With the handle in the first position, the valve component is configured to close the tubular section and at least partially prevent the flow of fluid through it. A system in which, with the handle in the second position, the valve components are configured to allow fluid to flow through the tubular section.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the handle is closer to the body at the first position than at the second position.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the body further defines an opening, and the gate assembly further includes a shaft extending through the opening between the handle and the valve component.

28. The system according to claim 25, wherein the valve component is configured to be coupled to the tubular section such that moving the handle to the second position opens the tubular section to the flow of fluid.

29. The system according to claim 25, wherein with the handle in the second position, the valve component is positioned to allow the tubular section to open.

30. The system according to claim 25, wherein, with the handle in the first position, the valve component is configured to press against the tubular section and / or cause elastic deformation of the tubular section.

31. A catheter fluidly coupled to the tubular section on the first side of the fluid control device, The device further comprises a pressure source configured to generate and store a vacuum, which is fluidly coupled to the tubular section on the second side of the fluid control device opposite to the catheter, With the handle in the first position, the fluid control device prevents the vacuum from being applied to the catheter. The system according to claim 25, wherein, with the handle in the second position, the fluid control device enables the vacuum to be applied to the catheter to remove agglutinated material from the patient.

32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the fluid control device and the catheter define a fluid path to the pressure source having at least a substantially uniform inner diameter.

33. The pipe section is a first pipe section having a first end and a second end, and the system A second tubular section configured to connect the first end to the catheter, The system according to claim 31, further comprising: a third tubular section configured to connect the second end to the pressure source.

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