Connection device for medical devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel medical connection device, to a medical device comprising at least one novel medical connection device, and to the use of the novel medical connection device in a medical prosthesis.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel medical connecting device, to a medical device comprising at least one novel medical connecting device as well as to the use of the novel medical connecting device in a medical prosthesis.

[0002] Minimally invasive and catheter-based implantation techniques have advanced over the years and are now feasible in many medical fields.

[0003] In many medical fields, catheter-based technology now allows for the treatment of patients who could not be adequately treated due to their physical condition and the risks associated with surgery. Such catheter-based technology applies to delivery systems, e.g., catheters and / or introducer sheaths, for implanting medical devices at desired target sites via different access routes into the patient's body.

[0004] In such procedures, the prostheses used may consist of one part or may consist of two or more parts. The parts may be attached to each other by sewing them together or by form-fitting two parts together. It is also possible to assemble the different parts in vivo during the deployment procedure. Proper form-fit and durability are important aspects of such medical devices.

[0005] In particular, in recent years, valvular heart disease and defects have been increasingly successfully treated, examples being transapical, transjugular and transfemoral procedures for heart valve replacement therapy, such as aortic or mitral valve repair.

[0006] Often, a stent-based prosthesis with a tissue-based replacement valve is used and implanted to replace the native heart valve using a catheter delivery system.

[0007] Replacement heart valve prostheses need to be crimped and attached to a catheter. Such prostheses may be made of a single part or may be made of two or more parts. One aspect of such prostheses is to connect the various parts to form a functional prosthesis before or during implantation in the patient.

[0008] More specifically, the challenge is to provide an easy to use and reliable connection means useful for medical devices and / or exhibiting dimensions that are well suited to catheter-based delivery methods, or to provide a connection means useful for medical devices with improved mechanisms over the prior art.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for an easy to use and reliable connection means useful for connecting two or multiple medical device parts, preferably compatible with the needs of catheter-based delivery methods.

[0010] Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a reliable connection means for easily and / or efficiently and / or reliably and / or compatiblely combining medical device parts for catheter crimping and / or catheter delivery, or at least to provide a connection means which substantially avoids or exhibits reduced disadvantages relative to the prior art.

[0011] A brief summary of disclosures In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical connection device useful for connecting two or more medical device parts, comprising engaging and locking two connection mechanisms of two medical device parts, a first connection mechanism forming part of the first medical device and a second connection mechanism forming part of the second medical device, the medical connection device comprising or exhibiting at least one snap-lock tongue and one snap-lock cover.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a two-part medical device comprising a first part and a second part, each part comprising at least one connection mechanism, the one connection mechanism of the first part and the one connection mechanism of the second part being aligned in the same or opposite direction, a snap-lock cover engaging the two connection mechanisms, the two connection mechanisms being locked by at least one snap-lock tongue, preferably one or two snap-lock tongues, and at least one post tongue stop of each connection mechanism, and multiple medical device parts may be connected.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a two-part stent comprising an inner stent and an outer stent, each stent comprising at least one connection mechanism, one connection mechanism of the first stent and one connection mechanism of the second stent being aligned in the same or opposite direction, a snap-lock cover engaging the two connection mechanisms and locking the two connection mechanisms with at least one snap-lock tongue, preferably one or two snap-lock tongues, and at least one strut tongue stop of each connection mechanism, and multiple medical device parts may be connected.

[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a heart valve replacement prosthesis comprising a replacement valve and a two-part stent comprising an inner stent and an outer stent, each stent comprising at least one connection mechanism, one connection mechanism of a first stent and one connection mechanism of a second stent being aligned in the same or opposite direction, and a snap-lock cover engaging the two connection mechanisms and locking the two connection mechanisms with at least one snap-lock tongue and one strut tongue stop of each connection mechanism.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling two or more medical device parts, such as stent parts, using one or more medical connecting devices according to the present disclosure to obtain an assembled medical device prosthesis.

[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of one or more medical connecting devices according to the present disclosure to connect different medical device parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by the following figures: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a connection device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1A-1D show details of different possibilities for connecting two medical parts together according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] 1A-1D show details of different possibilities for connecting two medical parts together according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] 1A-1D show details of different possibilities for connecting two medical parts together according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1A-1D illustrate various snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3a] 1A-1D illustrate various snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] 1A-1D illustrate various snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3c] 1A-1D illustrate various snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1A-1D illustrate various snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 13A-13C illustrate various possibilities for post alignment and snap-lock cover connection according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5a] 13A-13C illustrate various possibilities for post alignment and snap-lock cover connection according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5b]13A-13C illustrate various possibilities for post alignment and snap-lock cover connection according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5c] 13A-13C illustrate various possibilities for post alignment and snap-lock cover connection according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5d] 13A-13C illustrate various possibilities for post alignment and snap-lock cover connection according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A-1D illustrate various embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6a] 1A-1D illustrate various embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6b] 1A-1D illustrate various embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1A-1D illustrate various embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A-1D illustrate various embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A-1D show different embodiments of connecting posts of different medical device parts using snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9a] 1A-1D show different embodiments of connecting posts of different medical device parts using snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9b] 1A-1D show different embodiments of connecting posts of different medical device parts using snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9c] 1A-1D show different embodiments of connecting posts of different medical device parts using snap lock covers according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1A-1D illustrate different embodiments of a snap lock cover according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10a] 1A-1D illustrate different embodiments of a snap lock cover according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10b] 1A-1D illustrate different embodiments of a snap lock cover according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11a] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11b] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13a] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13b] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13c] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14a] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14b] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15a] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15b] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15c] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16a] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16b] 13A-13C show different embodiments of snap lock covers according to the present disclosure, including stop variations and different post alignment possibilities according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Detailed Description Certain terms of the present disclosure are defined below: Other technical terms in the context of the present disclosure will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0019] The term "prosthesis" or "medical device" or "implant" in the sense of the present disclosure is understood as any medical device that is minimally invasive or can be delivered by a catheter-based procedure. These terms can be used interchangeably. A prosthesis in the sense of the present disclosure can be, for example, a stent, or a stent-based prosthesis, or a stent-based replacement heart valve prosthesis, such as a replacement heart valve for the aortic valve, a replacement heart valve for the mitral valve, or a replacement heart valve for the tricuspid valve.

[0020] The term "catheter" or "delivery device" in the sense of the present disclosure is understood as a device used to deploy a prosthesis in a patient at a determined site, for example to replace a heart valve, such as the native aortic, mitral or tricuspid valve.

[0021] A "mesh stent" or "woven mesh stent" or "woven stent" within the meaning of this disclosure is a stent that is constructed of wire, as opposed to, for example, laser cut Nitinol tubing.

[0022] A "cut stent" or "laser cut stent" within the meaning of this disclosure is a stent that has been laser cut, for example, from a Nitinol tube. Since the Nitinol tube is the starting point, the outside radius is larger than the inside radius, and thus, when cut into a stent, the stent tapers from the outside (of the original tube) to the inside.

[0023] A "stent region" or "stent regions" in the sense of the present disclosure is a defined region of an outer stent, a mesh stent or a replacement heart valve prosthesis, in particular it is a proximal region, an intermediate region or a distal region, or a longitudinal section or an outer section defined as an atrium, annulus or ventricle.

[0024] "Proximal region", "middle region", and "distal region" in the sense of the present disclosure refer to the region of the stent or prosthesis relative to the operator who performs the implantation by use of a catheter, with proximal being closer to the operator and distal being further from the operator. "Middle region" refers to the region of the stent or prosthesis in the sense of the present disclosure between the distal region and the proximal region. With respect to the natural blood flow in situ, i.e. in vivo, of an individual (person or patient), the "proximal region" can also refer to the inflow end or inflow region, and the "distal region" can also refer to the outflow end or outflow region. Proximal can also be referred to as the atrium, middle as the annulus, and distal as the ventricle.

[0025] "Annulus area" or "annular area" within the meaning of this disclosure defines the respective area of ​​an endogenous heart valve or the respective area of ​​a replacement heart valve or stent that is to be positioned at the implantation site and aligned with the endogenous annulus.

[0026] A "subannular region" in the sense of this disclosure is the region of the prosthesis that is distal (or in the inflow or ventricular direction) of the annulus of the endogenous heart valve. The prosthesis may cover the "subannular region" with a U-shaped or V-shaped groove region, and a distal region.

[0027] A "groove" in the sense of this disclosure refers to a region of a stent or a region of a prosthesis exhibiting a smaller diameter than other regions, distal and proximal to said groove, adjacent to which are other regions of the stent or prosthesis having a larger diameter. The grooves may have a V-shape or U-shape or a combination thereof, or any other useful curved geometric shape, or may be characterized by a slightly smaller diameter compared to the atrial and ventricular stented regions.

[0028] A "multipart stent" in the sense of the present disclosure can refer to a "two-part stent" or a "three-part stent", the inner stent being connected by a medical connection device according to the present disclosure, which can be positioned at the atrial end or at the atrial region of the inner stent or at the annular region of the native valve.

[0029] A "target site" in the sense of this disclosure is the location or place where a replacement heart valve prosthesis is implanted where a dysfunction or insufficiency is to be treated, for example, at the tricuspid or mitral annulus.

[0030] A "connection" of a stent in the sense of this disclosure is a method of fastening two medical device parts with one medical connecting device according to the present disclosure, several medical device parts may be assembled by this method into a final multi-part medical device that is either already ready for implantation or is assembled during implantation in a patient.

[0031] "Fixing means" or "anchor fixing means" in the sense of the present disclosure are components connected to the inner stent and, optionally in cooperation with additional means, for anchoring the prosthesis substantially at the target site. In a particular aspect, the fixing means consists of or comprises anchor fixing loops, anchor fixing arms, connecting arches and inner stent anchors, preferably the connecting means connects the inner stent anchors of the fixing means to the inner stent.

[0032] An "anchor loop" in the sense of the present disclosure is a part of a stent that is useful for the fixation of a stent or prosthesis, helping to avoid migration of the stent or prosthesis at the target site. In general, an anchor loop in the sense of the present disclosure is a means useful for improved fixation of a stent or prosthesis, the loop being fixed to, connected to, forming part of, or being an integral part of the inner stent. A "loop" or "loops" in the sense of the present disclosure may have different shapes, such as rounded, square, etc., and are arranged in a defined pattern and in a defined area. A "loop" in the sense of the present disclosure presents a defined angle with respect to the inner surface of the stent and may be designed to extend straight or to be inverted when the stent or prosthesis is retrieved into a catheter during initial deployment and, possibly, after partial deployment.

[0033] An "angular structure" or "angle" in the sense of the present disclosure is the angle between two auxiliary lines of said stent parts or arches or layers, which are drawn in a particular region or stent layer to define a particular geometric shape with respect to other stent structures, such as an inner stent.

[0034] "Radial force" in the sense of the present disclosure is the force exhibited by a stent or prosthesis in the radial outward direction, more specifically the force exerted by the outer stent of the prosthesis, which may be a mesh stent or a laser cut stent, such as a Nitinol stent. The radial force depends on the design of the particular mesh stent or cut stent and is related to the material density, for example the density of wires per unit area of ​​a mesh stent, or the number of circumferential cells and the size of said cells at the level or area of ​​a particular laser cut stent, for example the proximal / atrial, middle / annular or distal / ventricular area. The radial force in a replacement heart valve prosthesis according to the present disclosure will be selected for the outer stent or for the combination of the inner and outer stents and the fixing means in a magnitude that provides good contact with the surrounding tissue and supports the fixing function of the stent or prosthesis, and optionally as small as possible to avoid interference with the endogenous environment and organism of the target site. It is therefore selected in a magnitude to avoid interference with the implantation site and the endogenous tissues and functions. The radial force may be supported by other means, for example by a fastening loop, for its fastening function.

[0035] A "target area" in the sense of this disclosure is the three-dimensional space surrounding or within a native organ, such as a native heart valve, which may be, for example, the tricuspid or mitral valve.

[0036] An "atraumatic design" of a loop in the sense of this disclosure means that the loop or other means or parts of a stent or prosthesis are designed to avoid any or substantially any damage to surrounding tissue or tissues contacting said parts or at least parts manufactured to minimize damage or / and injury to the tissues they contact.

[0037] "Fit" of a stent or replacement heart valve prosthesis in the sense of the present disclosure, for example comprising an inner laser-cut stent within an outer mesh stent or a laser-cut inner stent within a laser-cut outer stent, relates to a positive interference with the target tissue. "Fit" relates to a design that shows good geometrical adaptation of the stent or prosthesis to the implantation site, that shows favorable fixation properties, good functionality with respect to valve function, while at the same time minimizing interference with endogenous heart structure and function.

[0038] A "medical device" in the sense of the present disclosure may refer to any part or assembly of parts that can be used in a medical context or application. It may relate to a surgical device or a micro-invasive tool or a medical device designed for implantation into a patient by surgery with a minimally invasive technique using a delivery system such as a catheter. In particular, a "medical device" may relate to a stent, a replacement heart valve prosthesis, a repair device, or a general replacement device, for example a replacement heart valve prosthesis such as an aortic valve, a pulmonary valve, a mitral valve, a tricuspid valve, etc.

[0039] A "medical connecting device" in the sense of the present disclosure means, at a minimum, a device that can connect two parts of a medical device using two connecting means (e.g., posts) and a cover, e.g., a snap-lock cover, that has a means for releasably or non-releasably connecting the two connecting means. Using the medical connecting device according to the present disclosure, multiple medical device parts can be connected to form a final medical device that can be used immediately on a patient, or all or part of it can be connected during a delivery procedure, e.g., by a catheter. Thus, one, two, three, four, five, six or more medical connecting devices according to the present disclosure may be useful to provide a multi-part medical device, the parts of which are manufactured separately and later connected by this method.

[0040] By "snap-lock cover" in the sense of this disclosure is meant a part capable of releasably or non-releasably connecting two connection means, such as struts, of a stent or replacement heart valve prosthesis. It may comprise one or more snap-lock tongues, one or more snap-lock hard stops and one or more snap-lock cover skirts.

[0041] "Snap-lock tongue" in the sense of this disclosure means a part that engages with a connecting means such as a post and holds, for example, two posts in place, thus forming part of a snap-lock cover useful for connecting two medical parts. The snap-lock tongue has a corresponding part on each post and thus can hold and fix the two posts together.

[0042] "Snap-lock hard stops" in the sense of this disclosure means predefined stops in a snap-lock cover for engaging with a post.

[0043] A "strut tongue stop" in the sense of this disclosure is a counterpart configured on a strut or any connecting means that can engage with a snap-lock tongue to form a connection and connect two medical parts and their connecting means to each other, respectively.

[0044] A "connection mechanism" in the sense of this disclosure is a portion of a medical device part that is intended to engage with a snap-lock cover.

[0045] A "snap-lock cover skirt" in the sense of this disclosure is a part of the snap-lock cover that is useful for example to support the alignment of two posts and to add connection and proper positioning of the connection means within the snap-lock cover.

[0046] "Distal" in the sense of this disclosure means away from the operator when using the catheter means.

[0047] "Proximal" in the sense of this disclosure means closer to the operator when using the catheter means.

[0048] "Longitudinal" or "longitudinal" in the sense of this disclosure means the longitudinal direction of a medical device, for example a heart valve replacement prosthesis.

[0049] "Angled inwards" in the sense of this disclosure means in a direction towards an intermediate or inner part or region of a device relative to an outer part or region, for example in a valve or replacement heart valve.

[0050] "Rounded", "square cut" or "angular" in the sense of this disclosure refers to the design of the snap lock cover. Square cut or angular shapes use less space and thus may be preferable in situations where the medical device is implanted by catheter delivery and requires crimping of the device, such as a replacement heart valve prosthesis.

[0051] The term "position" or "positioning" in the sense of this disclosure generally relates to the broader orientation of two medical device parts that are connected by this disclosure. The term can also refer to the orientation in space in the sense of proximal (closer to the operator / catheter handle) and distal (away from the operator / catheter handle) with respect to the operator manipulating the delivery or deployment device. In the context of heart valve replacement prostheses, it refers to the longitudinally extending shape of the prosthesis that is implanted at the native heart valve site by catheterization.

[0052] "Aligning" parts or "alignment" of parts in the sense of this disclosure means micro-aligning two connection means side by side and micro-aligning two connection means to fit the snap lock cover. Thus, in the context of the snap lock cover and the connection therewith, the orientation of the posts of the two medical device parts is in very close distance. Preferably, the alignment of the two posts (connection means) can be supported by a post alignment means to align the two posts very accurately before or during the connection with the snap lock cover.

[0053] The alignment of the posts and the snap lock cover can be described in terms of the original tube that the medical device parts were cut from (laser cutting methods) or in terms of the orientation that they are positioned in space relative to the operator during the catheter delivery and deployment procedures, i.e., proximal to the operator (relative to the handle of the catheter) or distal to the operator (relative to the handle of the catheter).

[0054] Aligning "top-to-bottom" or "bottom-to-top" (the two terms relate to the viewer's point of view) or "overlapping" in the sense of this disclosure refers to positioning two connection means relative to one another as illustrated in Figure 2. The posts (connection means) are overlapping relative to the proximal to distal direction of the prosthesis as shown in Figure 2.

[0055] Aligning the "cut edge of the tube to the cut edge of the tube" of the connection mechanism of the inner part or inner stent in the sense of the present disclosure also refers to the manufacturing method and laser cutting method of the medical part in question. In this case, the tube (e.g. Nitinol tube) has an inner and outer surface of the tube and the edge where the tube is cut. With reference to the original tube from which the medical part, e.g. stent, is cut, the alignment according to the present disclosure on the inside and outside of the tube and thus the medical part (e.g. stent) can be defined, on the other hand the cutting level and the cutting surface or cutting area can be defined. Thus, the alignment of the outside and the inside of two parts can be defined, depending on the point of view this can mean inside-to-outside or outside-to-inside (which means the same thing differently due to different points of view) or outside-to-outside or inside-to-inside, and side by side can mean cut side-to-cut side.

[0056] Another way of defining the orientation of the medical device parts may be relative to the operator using the catheter, ie, proximal and distal relative to the operator and the handle of the catheter, respectively.

[0057] Aligning the connection mechanisms of the inner parts or stents "side by side" in the sense of this disclosure means that the two struts of a two-part stent (or two-part heart valve replacement prosthesis) are positioned side by side in relation to the longitudinal direction of the device, which in the case of a catheter-based delivery procedure can also be expressed as proximal to distal direction relative to the operator's point of view. Thus, the struts of the prosthesis are at the same level in relation to the proximal to distal direction and in relation to the operator.

[0058] An "inwardly facing" orientation in the sense of this disclosure means that a part such as a snap-lock tab does not have its outermost edge facing 100% in the longitudinal direction, but is angled inwardly relative to the longitudinal direction of the device (003). The angle may be usefully varied and may thus have an angle between 5° and 75°.

[0059] "Engage" or "engagement" in the sense of this disclosure means intimate contact of two means for connecting and / or locking to connect two medical device parts.

[0060] "Lock" or "locking" in the sense of this disclosure means that two medical device parts are connected by a mechanism designed to engage a snap-lock cover.

[0061] By "snap lock cover" in the sense of this disclosure is meant a part that can functionally connect two means of two medical device parts and facilitate their connection in a stable and reliable manner.

[0062] By "snap lock cover skirt" in the sense of this disclosure is meant a mechanism that supports positive locking in the sense that it adds stability to both sides by extending the snap lock cover. Furthermore, the snap lock cover skirt in combination with the post hard stop advantageously reduces or substantially completely avoids tilting of the post within the snap lock cover and thus undesirable separation of the post and the snap lock cover.

[0063] A "post alignment means" in the sense of the present disclosure serves to facilitate alignment of two connection means (e.g. posts) of two medical device parts, as shown in Fig. 11. The post alignment means advantageously not only provides for proper assembly and proper positioning and locking of the posts in the snap lock cover, but also prevents the posts from sliding against each other, thus avoiding corrosion or / and material fatigue. This can be highly advantageous in an embodiment where the posts are aligned side by side, and in the context of heart valve replacement prostheses, where very high forces are generated within the patient while the heart is beating.

[0064] "Two post alignment means connecting a pair of features" or "connecting a pair of features" in the sense of this disclosure means that the pair is a part and a counterpart that are used to connect two medical device parts by a medical connecting device according to the present disclosure, thereby improving the alignment and durability of the device.

[0065] "Two-part" or "two-part medical device" within the meaning of this disclosure means, in each case, two parts connected by a single medical connection device according to this disclosure, and multiple parts (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) can be connected together to form a functional multi-part medical device.

[0066] Various aspects of the disclosure are described below.

[0067] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the problem underlying the present application is solved by a medical connecting device useful for connecting two or more medical device parts, comprising engagement and locking of two connecting mechanisms of two medical device parts, a first connecting mechanism forming part of the first medical device and a second connecting mechanism forming part of the second medical device, the medical connecting device comprising or exhibiting at least one snap-lock tongue and one snap-lock cover.

[0068] A medical connecting device advantageously provides a fast, easy and reliable means for connecting two or more parts of a medical device, and may additionally be capable of connecting said medical device parts prior to or during implantation or during the delivery process or deployment procedure.

[0069] The different medical device parts only need to be connected, which automatically creates a precise and tight connection between the different parts, which is also a reliable and safe connection without causing any damage to the tissue due to the atraumatic and advantageous shape of the snap-lock cover, which by its construction avoids any damage to the surrounding tissue.

[0070] Moreover, an added advantage is that the connection does not involve additional assembly steps or materials, such as welding, stitching or gluing.

[0071] Additionally, with the advantageous medical connection devices of the present disclosure, the materials of the medical parts and their materials are not exposed to mechanical, thermal, chemical or other stresses that may negatively affect the materials and durability of the device during use on a patient.

[0072] Finally, the advantageous medical connection device of the present disclosure involves faster manufacturing and assembly, reduced material and process time, and therefore less cost, and therefore the medical connection device of the present disclosure is economically advantageous.

[0073] The use of the medical connection device according to the present disclosure also resumes with special sounds that are not possible with known mechanisms of chemical connection approaches.

[0074] The medical connection device according to the present disclosure may exhibit variations in its design and may be adapted for specific applications, for example for use with stents, replacement heart valve prostheses.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the medical connection device according to the present disclosure may be advantageously modified such that the snap lock cover further comprises at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight snap lock hard stops and / or at least one, preferably two, three or four snap lock cover skirts, thus advantageously allowing more precise adjustment of the position of the connection posts and allowing two or more different medical device parts to be connected with highly accurate alignment as required.

[0076] The one or more snap lock hard stops of the medical connection device according to the present disclosure can be positioned to be useful and consistent with other design features. The medical connection device according to the present disclosure can be designed such that the one or more snap lock hard stops are positioned at the proximal or distal end of the snap lock cover or / and in the area between the distal and proximal ends.

[0077] The snap lock cover of the medical connection device according to the present disclosure is not limited in its geometrical dimensions or geometrical design, and can be adapted under functional and technical considerations according to the needs of other mechanisms. The snap lock cover according to the present disclosure can be, for example, a medical connection device, and the snap lock cover is a rounded shape, a square cut shape, an angular shape, or / and a longitudinal shape.

[0078] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem underlying the present application is solved by a two-part medical device comprising a first part and a second part, each part comprising at least one connecting mechanism, the one connecting mechanism of the first part and the one connecting mechanism of the second part being aligned in the same or opposite direction, a snap-lock cover engaging the two connecting mechanisms, the two connecting mechanisms being locked by at least one snap-lock tongue, preferably one or two snap-lock tongues, and at least one post tongue stop of each connecting mechanism, and multiple medical device parts may be connected.

[0079] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem underlying the present application is solved by a two-part stent, comprising an inner stent and an outer stent, each stent comprising at least one connecting mechanism, one connecting mechanism of the first stent and one connecting mechanism of the second stent being aligned in the same or opposite direction, a snap-lock cover engaging the two connecting mechanisms and locking the two connecting mechanisms by at least one snap-lock tongue, preferably one or two snap-lock tongues, and at least one strut tongue stop of each connecting mechanism, and multiple medical device parts may be connected.

[0080] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem underlying the present application is solved by a heart valve replacement prosthesis comprising a replacement valve and a two-part stent, the two-part stent comprising an inner stent and an outer stent, each stent comprising at least one connection mechanism, one connection mechanism of the first stent and one connection mechanism of the second stent being aligned in the same or opposite direction, and a snap-lock cover engaging the two connection mechanisms and locking the two connection mechanisms by at least one snap-lock tongue and one strut tongue stop of each connection mechanism. The number of snap-lock tongues and each strut tongue stop, strut hard stop, snap-lock hard stop can be adapted to be useful for each application and can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 for each means.

[0081] It may be advantageous for the struts to be aligned such that the cut edges of the tube that taper from an outward direction to an inward direction with respect to the original tube (to start with the tube) are aligned such that the tapers are oriented in opposite directions for improved alignment of the side-by-side regions. This may mean less erosion and wear during operation in the context of the heart valve in the heart when the heart is beating.

[0082] A heart valve replacement prosthesis according to the present disclosure and as described above represents an advantage in that the material is not subjected to mechanical, thermal, chemical or other stresses that may adversely affect the material and durability of the device when used in a patient, especially in the context of implantation in a patient's heart where large forces are generated and require good durability.

[0083] In general, the following feature variations apply equally to two-part medical devices or two-part stents or heart valve replacement prostheses, which may be constructed of two parts or multiple parts.

[0084] In one embodiment of the two-part medical device or two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis according to the present disclosure, the connection mechanism of the inner part or stent may advantageously be oriented inwards at an angle of about 3° to 60°, preferably 5° to 30°, more preferably 25°, relative to the longitudinal direction of the inner part or stent.

[0085] The parts to be connected may have special posts or other means for connecting the two parts by a snap-lock cover, and the parts are suitable for being connected by and fixed by the snap-lock cover. Thus, the two parts are properly aligned and reliably connected to form the desired final medical device. For example, the two parts may be positioned within each other to form the final medical device. In a preferred embodiment, a two-part medical device or two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis according to the present disclosure may be advantageously designed such that the connection mechanism of the outer part or stent is superimposed (aligned from top to bottom) from distal to proximal direction, or aligned side by side, inside to outside, inside to inside or outside to outside, with reference to the original tube from which the parts or stents were cut, or aligned with the connection mechanism of the inner part or stent at the cut edge of the tube to the cut edge of the tube.

[0086] Thus, depending on the design of the single parts of the medical device and / or their relative positioning to each other, the connection means, e.g., two posts (each post or connection means from one medical device part) may be positioned and aligned with each other to best form-fit the final design of the assembled medical device.

[0087] According to the present disclosure, the specific parts and means of the medical connection device or / and the two-part medical device or the two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis can be modified according to technical advantages or / and needs. Thus, the single features of the snap-lock cover, the snap-lock tongue, the snap-lock hard stop, the strut hard stop, the strut tongue stop, the strut alignment means, the snap-lock cover skirt and / or the strut (connecting strut or connecting means) can have different designs and different numbers as required under a specific application. The medical connection device or / and the two-part medical device or the two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis according to the present disclosure may preferably comprise one snap-lock cover, two, three or four snap-lock tongues and a corresponding number of strut tongue stops of the connection mechanism.

[0088] In another preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure, a two-part medical device or two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis may comprise one snap-lock hard stop and one strut hard stop on each connection mechanism, or may comprise two, three or four snap-lock hard stops and one or two strut hard stops on each connection mechanism.

[0089] In another preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure, the two-part medical device or two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis is characterized in that the snap-lock tabs are positioned along the longitudinal direction of the medical device, stent or prosthesis, or positioned at an angle of substantially 90° to the longitudinal direction, or positioned at an angle of 5° to 90°, or 10° to 45°, or 45° to the longitudinal direction.

[0090] In another preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure, the two-part medical device or two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis is characterized in that the connection mechanism is positioned at a distal region or distal end of a strut extending from each part of the medical device, stent or prosthesis.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure, the two-part medical device or two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis is characterized in that the or each connecting mechanism comprises at least one strut alignment means, preferably two strut alignment means of the pair of connecting mechanisms.

[0092] In another preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure, a two-part medical device or a two-part stent or heart valve replacement prosthesis is characterized in that it comprises at least one medical connecting device according to the present disclosure.

[0093] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem underlying the present application is solved by a method for assembling two or more medical device parts, such as stent parts, using one or more medical connecting devices according to the present disclosure to obtain an assembled medical device prosthesis.

[0094] In particular, the assembly of medical connection devices and respective methods for assembling medical parts according to the present disclosure have the advantage that the connections do not involve additional assembly steps that require time and / or material, such as welding, suturing or gluing.

[0095] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem underlying the present application is solved by using one or more medical connecting devices according to the present disclosure for connecting different medical device parts.

[0096] The use of a medical connection device according to the present disclosure provides an easy, reliable and cost-effective approach to, and is therefore superior to, known approaches in the prior art.

[0097] Working Example The following examples serve to illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to be construed as limiting in any way.

[0098] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a connection device according to the present disclosure, where a first post (001) and a second post (002) are placed inside a snap-lock cover (003), and the first post (001) and the second post (002) are locked by a snap-lock tongue (004). An optional feature of a snap-lock hard stop (008) and a post hard stop (007, 007') can be advantageous to better position and lock the posts (001, 002) in the snap-lock cover (003). An optional feature of a snap-lock cover skirt (011, 011') can further improve the retention of the posts (001, 002) in the snap-lock cover (003). The snap lock hard stops (008) and post hard stops (007, 007') can avoid or prevent the posts (001, 002) from continuing to slide within the snap lock cover (003). The snap lock cover skirts (011, 011') help avoid or at least reduce twisting of the posts (001, 002), thus preventing the posts from unlocking.

[0099] Figure 2 shows a main view of a longitudinal section of a two-part heart valve replacement prosthesis, with a close-up of the struts (001, 002) from different parts of the prosthesis that are not yet assembled but will be connected by a snap-lock cover (003). An outer first stent (005) and an inner second stent (006) are shown, and in the close-up the struts (001, 002) are shown aligned (see arrows) and introduced into the snap-lock cover (003) in the next step. The second stent (006) is pressed upwards inside the first stent (005), thus the struts (001, 002) are positioned below and above or above and below (strut 002 of the second stent 006 is the "lower strut" and strut 001 of the first stent 005 is the "upper strut"). It can also be shown in terms of the longitudinal stent / prosthesis orientation and in relation to the operator manipulating the catheter device for implantation and deployment, i.e., distal is "down" or "lower strut" and proximal is "up" or "upper strut". During alignment, the snap-lock cover (003) is placed over the two struts (001, 002) and locked by the snap-lock tongues (004), and the optional snap-lock hard stop (008) stops the two struts (001, 002) in the correct position by the strut hard stop (007, 007') for optimal locking of the struts (001, 002) by the snap-lock tongues (004). The optional snap-lock cover skirt (011, 011') contributes additional locking force in the proximal and distal directions (up and down). Furthermore, they can contribute to avoiding or preventing the connection from opening and thus contribute to a safe connection of the struts.

[0100] Figure 2a shows the continuation of the assembly process (locking process) of Figure 2. Now the struts (001, 002) of the two stents (005, 006) are perfectly aligned. Once the two struts (001, 002) are aligned, the snap-lock cover (003) is placed over them and the struts (001, 002) are introduced inside the snap-lock cover (003).

[0101] Figure 2b shows in an enlarged view the connected stents (005,006) with the struts (001,002) introduced inside the snap lock cover (003) and locked by the snap lock tongues (004). All other optional means for proper, safe and secure locking are in place (007,007',008,011,011').

[0102] Figures 3, 3a and 3b show different views (side and top views) of a snap lock cover according to the present disclosure, where the snap lock cover (003) comprises two snap lock tongues (004, 004') and two snap lock hard stops (008, 008').

[0103] Figure 3c shows a longitudinal cut of the snap-lock cover (003), showing the cut line (AA). The snap-lock tongues (004, 004') are directed inward and are flexible to the extent that the posts (001, 002, not shown here) are introduced and pressed as far as necessary inside the snap-lock cover, so that the corresponding parts on the posts (001, 002) are locked onto the snap-lock tongues (004, 004'). Optional features snap-lock hard stops (008, 008') and snap-lock cover skirt (011) are also shown.

[0104] 4 shows a variation of the snap lock cover (003) according to the present disclosure in which only one snap lock tab (004) is used, showing a top view, a cutaway (BB) and optional features (008, 008', 011).

[0105] FIG. 5 shows the alignment (see arrows) of the two posts (001,002) in detail, showing the post tongue stop (009,009') and the post hard stop (007,007', which is optional) of the post (001,002).

[0106] Figures 5a and 5b show the assembly of parts (001, 002, 003) to safely and easily connect two medical device parts. The arrow in Figure 5a shows the snap lock cover (003) being placed over the post (001, 002). In Figure 5b, the parts (001, 002, 003) are assembled and the two medical parts are safely connected to each other.

[0107] FIG. 5c shows the alignment of the two posts (001,002) in the snap lock cover (003), where the posts are aligned outside to inside when viewed from left to right, or inside to outside when viewed from right to left. The posts are tapered because the starting point is a medical part cut from a tube, e.g., a Nitinol tube, i.e., the outside of the tube is larger than the inside of the tube. In terms of the distal / proximal direction of the device, the two posts can be overlapping from distal to proximal, or side by side from distal to proximal. The different orientations and alignments mean that the post hard stop (007,007') and post tongue stop (009,009',009'',009'''') are properly placed on the posts for proper alignment and proper introduction into the snap lock cover (003).

[0108] Figure 5d is a side view of Figures 5a-c, showing the snap lock cover (003) with one snap lock tongue (004), the snap lock hard stop (008), two snap lock cover skirts (011, 011') and two posts (001, 002) with post hard stops (007, 007'). 004' and 008' are not visible.

[0109] 6-8 show various embodiments of a snap lock cover (003) according to the present disclosure.

[0110] Figures 6, 6a, 6b show the snap lock cover (003) in the form of a rounded shape. Two snap lock tongues (004, 004', 004'', 004''') are configured on both sides (one side is not visible in Figures 6a, 6b), and on one side of the snap lock cover (003) a snap lock hard stop (008) and two snap lock cover skirts (011, 011') are configured and visible. Thus, a connection means (e.g. posts of two medical device parts) will be engaged into the snap lock cover (003) from one side for connection of two medical device parts. Certain details are not visible because they are on the reverse side of the figures.

[0111] In particular, Fig. 6 shows the snap lock cover (003) in the form of a rounded shape with four snap lock tongues (004, 004', 004'', 004''', two snap lock hard stops (008, 008') and two snap lock cover skirts (011, 011' not visible). Thus, a connection means (e.g. posts of two medical device parts) will be engaged into the snap lock cover (003) from one side for connection of the two medical device parts.

[0112] FIG. 6a specifically shows a side view of FIG. 6, where features such as the two snap-lock tabs (004', 004''') and one snap-lock hard stop (008') are not visible.

[0113] FIG. 6b specifically shows an isometric view of FIG. 6, without visible features such as the two snap-lock tabs (004', 004'''), one snap-lock hard stop (008'), and one snap-lock cover skirt (011').

[0114] Figures 7-9c show a snap lock cover (003) according to the present disclosure, where the connecting means (e.g. posts 001, 002) are introduced into and engaged with the snap lock cover (003) from different sides. Each post (001, 002) comprises two post tongue stops (009, 009', 009'', 009''') and two post hard stops (007, 007'). The arrows indicate the direction in which the posts (001, 002) are introduced into the snap lock cover (003).

[0115] FIG. 8 shows a cutaway (CC) of FIG. 7, detailing the inwardly directed snap lock tangs (004, 004', 004'', 004'''). Also shown are optional features snap lock hard stops (008, 008', 008'', 008''') and snap lock cover skirts (011, 011').

[0116] Figures 9, 9a-9c show different embodiments according to the present disclosure of connecting posts of different medical device parts using a snap lock cover according to the present disclosure. Thus, the post tongue stops (009, 009', 009'', 009''') are positioned distal to each post (001, 002) and the snap lock tongues are locked further away from the side where each post (001, 002) is introduced into the snap lock cover (003). Only two snap lock tongues (004) may be included on the same or different sides of the snap lock cover (003), e.g., 180° opposite. Other angles of pivoting the snap lock tongue position can be envisaged.

[0117] Figure 9b shows the fully assembled device, and Figure 9c includes a cutaway (DD) of the connection device, with the posts shown locked by the snap lock tongues (004,004',004'',004''') and the post tongue stops (009,009',009'',009''').

[0118] Figures 10, 10a, 10b show different embodiments of the snap lock cover according to the present disclosure, where the snap lock cover has a rectangular shape. This has the advantage that the posts (001, 002) and the snap lock cover (003) are very tightly connected without hollow areas. The snap lock tongues (004), the snap lock cover skirts (011, 011') and the snap lock hard stops (008, 008') are shown.

[0119] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a post alignment means (010, 010') positioned on two posts (001, 002) that facilitates accurate alignment of the two posts and proper positioning within the snap lock cover (003). The arrows indicate the movement of the posts (001, 002) when they are assembled and connected to the snap lock cover (003, not shown in FIG. 11). Here, the orientation of the posts is up or down, outside or inside the original laser cut tube (e.g., Nitinol tube). Thus, the two posts are aligned cut side to cut side with respect to the original tube, with the outside tube side and the inside tube side facing up and down, respectively, or vice versa. With respect to the cut tube, they can also be shown assembled side by side with respect to the cut.

[0120] Figure 11a shows the connection process of the post (001, 002) including the post alignment means (010, 010') to a snap lock cover (003) that fits over the post (001, 002) and connects the two medical device parts simply and securely. Figure 11b shows the fully assembled parts (001, 002, 003).

[0121] FIG. 12 is a cutaway (EE) of FIG. 11b, showing the posts (001, 002) connected by a snap lock cover (003).

[0122] FIG. 13 shows a variation of the snap lock hard stop (008,008'), which in this view is at the distal end of the snap lock cover (003). Thus, the snap lock hard stop can be located at either the proximal or distal end of the snap lock cover, with the proximal location indicating the side where the post is introduced into the snap lock cover (003) and the distal location of the snap lock hard stop indicating the side opposite the side where the post is introduced into the snap lock cover (003). There can be more than one snap lock hard stop, and there can be more than one snap lock hard stop if positioned opposite the post introduction side (see e.g., FIG. 13, FIG. 13a, FIG. 13b, FIG. 13c).

[0123] FIG. 14 shows the snap lock cover (003) of FIG. 13c together with the posts (001, 002) and indicates by arrows the alignment of the posts (001, 002) and its assembly (FIGS. 14a, 14b).

[0124] Figures 15, 15a, 15b and 15c (cut plane FF) show a variation according to the present disclosure, where the snap lock hard stop (008, 008') is positioned inside the snap lock cover (003) and reaches its counterpart (post hard stop 007, 007') as a special design feature on the posts (001, 002) which is cut or carved as shown in Figure 16.

[0125] Figures 16a and 16b show the assembly (see arrows) of the posts (001, 002) and their connection with the snap-lock cover (003) and specially designed snap-lock hardstop (008). [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 001 First Pillar 002 Second Pillar 003 Snap-on cover 004 / 004' / 004'' / 004'' Snap locking tab 005 First stent 006 Second stent 007 / 007' Strut Hard Stop 008 / 008' / 008'' / 008'' Snap-lock hard stop 009 / 009' / 009'' / 009'' Support tongue stop 010 / 010' Post alignment means 011 / 011' Snap-fastening cover skirt

Claims

1. 1. A two-part medical device comprising: a first part having a first connection mechanism; a second part having a second connection mechanism; A cylindrical snap-lock cover; Equipped with Each of the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism includes a support and a support tongue stop formed at a tip of the support, The snap-lock cover has two snap-lock tongues, and the two snap-lock tongues are directed toward the inside of the cylindrical snap-lock cover; A two-part medical device, in which the posts of the first connection mechanism and the posts of the second connection mechanism are introduced together in the same direction inside the snap-lock cover, and the two post tongue stops pass through the snap-lock tongues due to the flexibility of the snap-lock tongues and are engaged with the snap-lock tongues.

2. The first part is a first stent; the second part is a second stent; 10. The two-part medical device of claim 1.

3. 1. A heart valve replacement prosthesis comprising: A replacement valve; A two-part medical device according to claim 2; Equipped with Heart valve replacement prosthesis.

4. 4. The heart valve replacement prosthesis of claim 3, wherein the first connection mechanism is oriented inwardly at an angle of about 3 degrees to 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the first stent.

5. 5. The heart valve replacement prosthesis of claim 3 or 4, wherein the second connection mechanism is overlapped or side-by-side in a proximal to distal direction, aligned inside to outside, inside to inside or outside to outside with respect to the original tube from which the second stent was cut, or aligned tube cut edge to tube cut edge with respect to the original tube from which the second stent was cut.

6. 6. The heart valve replacement prosthesis according to claim 3, wherein the snap-lock tabs are positioned in the longitudinal direction of the heart valve replacement prosthesis, or at an angle of substantially 90° to the longitudinal direction, or at an angle of 5° to 90° or 10° to 45° or 45° to the longitudinal direction.

7. 7. The heart valve replacement prosthesis according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first connection mechanism and / or the second connection mechanism comprise strut alignment means for the struts relative to each other.

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