Guidewire for cannula placement

Abstract

A guidewire is provided for backloading and inserting a percutaneous pump attached to a cannula. The guidewire (500) includes a proximal section (540) made of a first material, the proximal section having a first diameter, a rounded proximal tip (542), and a distal tip (512). The guidewire also includes a distal section (510) made of a second material, the distal section having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, a distal end, and a proximal end abutting the distal end of the proximal section. The first material of the proximal section is selected to be softer than the material of the percutaneous pump to reduce damage to the percutaneous pump during backloading. The distal section of the guidewire is configured to be stiffer than the proximal section to allow insertion of the percutaneous pump into a desired location without damaging the guidewire.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 862,090, filed September 22, 2015. This application is also related to U.S. Patent No. 6,007,478, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] background A blood pump, such as a percutaneous intracardiac blood pump assembly, is introduced into the heart to pump blood from the heart into an artery, such as the pulmonary artery. When activated within the heart, the blood pump assembly draws blood from the left ventricle and forces it into the aorta, or draws blood from the right ventricle and forces it into the pulmonary artery, through a cannula. Blood pump assemblies are introduced into the vascular system surgically or percutaneously during a cardiac procedure. In one common approach, the pump assembly is inserted into the femoral artery via a catheterization procedure using a guidewire.

[0003] To create an insertion pathway, an introducer is inserted through the arteriotomy into the femoral artery. A placement guidewire is then advanced, distal end first, through the sheath and into the artery. Once the guidewire is inserted into the artery, a pump assembly, including a pump and a cannula, is backloaded onto the proximal end of the guidewire and pushed along the guidewire into the patient. The pump assembly may then be used with a catheter. Backloading, as defined herein, involves inserting the proximal end of the guidewire (which remains outside the patient) into the distal end of the catheter and then advancing the catheter distally over the wire. Backloading the pump assembly allows the guidewire to remain in place within the patient while different sized catheters or sheaths are inserted and removed during the course of a procedure. However, the cannula of the pump assembly can be tortuous or rigid. In these cases, the guidewire may not be stiff enough to allow backloading of the pump all the way to the pulmonary valve, which could result in the pump cannula displacing the guidewire out of the pulmonary valve. For example, in a system that pumps blood from the inferior vena cava to an opening in the pulmonary artery, the pump cannula may have a 3D shape with two "S" turns in different planes. This can make backloading the pump assembly and inserting it into the patient particularly difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] overview A system, method, and apparatus are presented for an improved guidewire for cannula placement. The improved guidewire facilitates guidewire insertion into a heart pump without damaging the heart pump. The improved guidewire is particularly useful for pumps with complex or tortuous geometries, such as the IMPELLA RP pump or other pumps adapted for use in the right ventricle (e.g., between the inferior vena cava and the pulmonary artery).

[0005] The improved guidewire disclosed herein can be inserted through an arteriotomy into a patient's arterial system. The guidewire includes a first distal section, an intermediate pumping section, and a backloaded proximal section. The first distal section is inserted into the patient's arterial system first. The first distal section is flexible and has a rounded end, which allows a physician to insert the guidewire while minimizing trauma to the patient. For example, during insertion, the first distal section of the guidewire may come into contact with the wall of the patient's artery or a lumen disposed within the patient's artery. Therefore, using a low-friction, highly flexible material, such as a plastic or polymer, for the first distal section can reduce trauma and discomfort to the patient.

[0006] The intermediate pump delivery section is connected to the first distal section. The first distal section of the guidewire facilitates insertion into the patient, while the intermediate pump delivery section facilitates backloading of the pump assembly onto the guidewire. The pump assembly includes a pump affixed to a cannula. During backloading, the proximal end of the guidewire, which remains outside the patient, must be inserted into the pump and threaded through the cannula before the pump and cannula can be pushed along the guidewire to reach the desired site. Depending on the application, the cannula can take various shapes. For example, in some pumps for the right ventricle (e.g., the Impella RP pump), the pump is placed at one end of a cannula with a complex three-dimensional shape that includes two "S" bends in different planes. Having the intermediate pump delivery section of the guidewire that is stiffer than the first distal section facilitates backloading of the stiff cannula and minimizes the risk of the guidewire being displaced by the stiff cannula. The pump delivery section can have a larger diameter and be made of a stiffer material than the first distal section.

[0007] The intermediate section of the guidewire is connected to the backloading proximal section. The intermediate section, also called the intermediate pump delivery section, facilitates guiding the pump assembly into position without displacing the guidewire, while the backloading proximal section minimizes damage to the pump during the backloading process. The backloading proximal section is softer and more flexible than the intermediate pump delivery section, allowing it to be inserted into the pump without damaging it. This is particularly useful because the small size of the pump and the guidewire routinely complicate initiating the backloading process. Inserting the guidewire into the pump through the small gap between the impeller blades and the housing can take several attempts.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first distal section, the intermediate pump delivery section, and the backloaded proximal section of the guidewire have different stiffness due to differences in material, construction, shape, or a combination thereof.

[0009] The guidewires disclosed herein offer several potential advantages. The guidewires are flexible enough at their proximal ends to pass through the pump without undue trauma. At the same time, the guidewires are rigid enough at their distal ends to guide the cannula into place without shifting during backloading. This can help avoid multiple insertions of the guidewire into the patient, minimizing the risk of damage to the patient's arterial system.

[0010] In one aspect, a system for inserting a percutaneous pump includes a percutaneous pump, a cannula, and a guidewire. The cannula has a cannula diameter, a proximal inlet, and a distal outlet. The percutaneous pump is positioned at and secured to the distal outlet of the pump. The guidewire includes a proximal section having a first stiffness and a first diameter, and a distal section connected to the proximal section having a second stiffness and a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The distal section is stiffer than the proximal section to allow the cannula to be inserted and positioned at a desired location without displacing the guidewire.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the proximal section of the guidewire uses a first material that is softer than the material of the percutaneous pump to reduce damage to the percutaneous pump during backloading of the cannula onto the guidewire.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the proximal section is made of a first material having a first stiffness and the distal section is made of a second material having a second stiffness.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the proximal section is made of a first structure having a first stiffness and the distal section is made of a second structure having a second stiffness.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the guidewire includes a distal tip connected to the distal end of the distal section.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the cannula has a three-dimensional shape with a first "S" bend in a first plane and a second "S" bend in a second plane different from the first plane.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the proximal section has a rounded proximal end made of a third material.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is 0.72. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is at least 0.7. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is between 0.6 and 0.9.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the stiffness of the proximal section is less than the stiffness of the distal section.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the proximal section extends 40-75% of the total length of the guidewire.

[0020] In another aspect, a guidewire for backloading and inserting a percutaneous pump includes a proximal section and a distal section. The proximal section is made of a first material and has a first diameter. The proximal section includes a rounded proximal end and a distal end. The distal section is made of a second material and has a second diameter. The second diameter of the distal section is larger than the first diameter of the proximal section. The proximal end of the distal section abuts the distal end of the proximal section. The first material of the proximal section is selected to be softer than the material of the percutaneous pump to reduce damage to the pump housing or blades during backloading of the percutaneous pump onto the guidewire. The distal section is configured to be stiffer than the proximal section so that the percutaneous pump can be inserted and moved to a desired location without displacing the guidewire.

[0021] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the second material is greater than the stiffness of the first material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the proximal section is made of a first structure and has a first stiffness, and the distal section is made of a second structure and has a second stiffness.

[0023] In some embodiments, the proximal section is made of a first structure and has a first stiffness, and the distal section is made of a second structure and has a second stiffness.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the stiffness of the proximal section is less than the stiffness of the distal section.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the proximal section is coated and the distal section is uncoated.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is 0.72. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is at least 0.7. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is between 0.6 and 0.9.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the proximal end extends 40-75% of the total length of the guidewire.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the proximal section includes a distal tip connected to the distal end of the distal section.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the rounded proximal end of the proximal section is made of a third material.

[0030] In another aspect, a method for inserting a percutaneous pump includes inserting a guidewire through a distal end of a cannula supporting the percutaneous pump and pushing the guidewire through the cannula. The guidewire includes a proximal section having a first stiffness and a first diameter, and a distal section connected to the proximal section and having a second stiffness and a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The distal section is stiffer than the proximal section to insert the cannula into a desired location without displacing the guidewire.

[0031] [The present invention 1001] transdermal pumps and; a cannula having a cannula diameter, a proximal inlet, and a distal outlet abutting the transcutaneous pump; a guidewire having a proximal section having a first stiffness and a first diameter, and a distal section connected to the proximal section having a second stiffness and a second diameter greater than the first diameter; 1. A system for inserting a percutaneous pump, comprising: the distal section being stiffer than the proximal section to insert the cannula into a desired location without displacing the guidewire; The system. [The present invention 1002] The system of the present invention 1001, wherein the proximal section uses a first material that is softer than the material of the percutaneous pump to reduce damage to the percutaneous pump during backloading of the cannula onto the guide wire. [The present invention 1003] The system of the present invention 1001, wherein the proximal section is made of a first material having a first stiffness and the distal section is made of a second material having a second stiffness. [The present invention 1004] The system of the present invention 1001, wherein the proximal section is made of a first structure having a first stiffness, and the distal section is made of a second structure having a second stiffness. [The present invention 1005] The system of claim 1001, wherein said guidewire further comprises a distal tip connected to the distal end of said distal section. [The present invention 1006] 1001. The system of claim 10, wherein the cannula has a three-dimensional shape having a first S-bend in a first plane and a second S-bend in a second plane different from the first plane. [The present invention 1007] The system of the present invention 1001, wherein the proximal section has a rounded proximal end made of a third material. [The present invention 1008] The system of the present invention 1001, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is 0.72. [The present invention 1009] The system of the present invention 1001, wherein the proximal section extends over 40-75% of the total length of the guidewire. [The present invention 1010] a proximal section made of a first material and having a first diameter, a rounded proximal end, and a distal end; a distal section made of a second material and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a distal end, and a proximal end abutting the distal end of the proximal section; 1. A guidewire for backloading and inserting a percutaneous pump, comprising: the first material is selected to be softer than a material of the transdermal pump to reduce damage to the transdermal pump during backloading; the distal section being configured to be stiffer than the proximal section to insert the percutaneous pump into a desired location without damaging the guidewire; The guide wire. [The present invention 1011] The guidewire of the present invention 1011, wherein the stiffness of the second material is greater than the stiffness of the first material. [The present invention 1012] The guidewire of the present invention 1011, wherein the proximal section is made of a first structure and has a first stiffness, and the distal section is made of a second structure and has a second stiffness. [The present invention 1013] The guidewire of the present invention 1011, wherein the proximal section is coated and the distal section is uncoated. [The present invention 1014] The guidewire of the present invention 1011, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section to the diameter of the distal section is 0.72. [The present invention 1015] The guidewire of the present invention 1011, wherein the proximal section extends over 40 to 75% of the total length of the guidewire. [The present invention 1016] The guidewire of the present invention 1011 further comprising a distal tip connected to the distal end of said distal section. [The present invention 1017] The guidewire of the present invention 1011, wherein the rounded proximal end of the proximal section is made of a third material. [The present invention 1018] inserting a guidewire through the distal end of a cannula supporting the percutaneous pump; and Pushing the guidewire through the percutaneous pump 1. A method for inserting a percutaneous pump, comprising: the guidewire includes a proximal section having a first stiffness and a first diameter, and a distal section connected to the proximal section having a second stiffness and a second diameter greater than the first diameter; and the distal section being stiffer than the proximal section to allow insertion of the cannula into a desired location without displacing the guidewire; The method. Variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art after considering this disclosure. The disclosed features may be implemented in any combination and subcombination (including multiple subcombinations and subcombinations) with one or more other features described herein. The various features may be combined or integrated into other systems, including any of their component parts. Moreover, certain features may be omitted or not implemented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cannula assembly. [Figure 2] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a conventional guidewire. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates exemplary damage to a blade of a percutaneous pump resulting from backloading the percutaneous pump onto a conventional guidewire. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates exemplary damage to a blade of a percutaneous pump resulting from backloading the percutaneous pump onto a conventional guidewire. [Figure 5] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a guidewire. [Figure 6] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a guidewire. [Figure 7] 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a guidewire. [Figure 8] 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a guidewire. [Figure 9] 2 shows a table of data relating to the properties of the guidewire of FIG. 2 and any of the guidewires of FIGS. 2-8. [Figure 10] 2 shows a table of data relating to the properties of the guidewire of FIG. 2 and any of the guidewires of FIGS. 2-8. [Figure 11] 9 shows the percutaneous pump backloaded on a guidewire according to one of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exemplary process for inserting a guidewire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Detailed Description Certain exemplary embodiments will be described to provide a general understanding of the systems, methods, and devices described herein. While the embodiments and features described herein are specifically described with respect to use in connection with a percutaneous blood pump system for the right ventricle, it will be understood that all components and other features outlined below may be combined with one another in any suitable manner and adapted for use with other types of cardiac therapy and cardiac assist devices, including blood pump systems or balloon pumps for the left ventricle, cardiac assist devices implanted using a surgical incision, and the like.

[0035] The systems, methods, and devices described herein provide a guidewire having a first proximal section and a second distal section, allowing a cannula to be inserted over the guidewire without displacing the guidewire or damaging a pump coupled to the cannula. The proximal section of the guidewire is less rigid than the distal section of the guidewire due to the shape or material of the proximal section. For example, the proximal section of the guidewire may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the distal section. In another example, the proximal section of the guidewire may be made of a material that is less rigid than the material of the distal section of the guidewire. In yet another example, the proximal section of the guidewire may have a structure that is less rigid than the structure of the distal section of the guidewire. The lower stiffness of the proximal section compared to the stiffness of the distal section allows a physician to more easily insert the guidewire into a percutaneous pump located at the distal end of the cannula. In particular, a physician may insert the proximal section of the guidewire into a gap located between the housing and the blades of a percutaneous pump without damaging the blades or damaging or rupturing the housing.

[0036] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a blood pump assembly 100. The blood pump assembly 100 includes a pump 101, a pump housing 103, a proximal end 105, a distal end 107, a cannula 108, an impeller 109, an extension 102, a catheter 112, an inlet section 110, an outlet section 106, and a blood outlet 117. The catheter 112 is connected to the inlet section 110 of the cannula 108. The inlet section 110 is located near the proximal end 105 of the cannula, and the outlet section 106 is located near the distal end 107 of the cannula 108. The inlet section 110 includes a pump housing 103 having a peripheral wall 111 extending about an axis of rotation 113 of impeller blades 115 disposed radially outwardly of an inner surface of the pump housing 103 relative to an axis of rotation 113 (not shown) of the impeller 109 (not shown). The impeller 109 is rotatably coupled to the pump 101 at an inlet section 110 adjacent a blood outlet 117 formed in a wall 111 of the pump housing 103. According to an embodiment, the pump housing 103 may be constructed of metal. The extension 102, also referred to as a "pigtail," is connected to the distal end 107 of the cannula 108 and stabilizes the blood pump assembly 100 and assists in its correct placement within the heart. The pigtail 102 can be configured in a shape ranging from straight to partially curved. The pigtail 102 may be at least partially constructed of a flexible material and may have dual stiffness.

[0037] The cannula 108 has a shape that conforms to the anatomy of the patient's right ventricle. In this exemplary embodiment, the cannula has a proximal end 105 configured to be positioned near the patient's inferior vena cava and a distal end 107 configured to be positioned near the pulmonary artery. The cannula 108 includes a first segment S1 that extends from the inflow region to a point B between the inlet region 110 and the outlet region 106. The cannula 108 also includes a second segment S2 that extends from a point C between the inlet region 110 and the outlet region 106 to the outlet region 106. In some embodiments, B and C may be at the same location along the cannula 108. The first segment S1 of the cannula forms an "S" shape in a first plane. In some embodiments, the segment S1 can have a curvature of 30° to 180°. The second segment S2 of the cannula forms an "S" shape in a second plane. In some embodiments, segment S2 can have a curvature between 30° and 180° (e.g., 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, or 170°). The second plane can be different from the first plane. In some embodiments, the second plane is parallel to or coincident with the first plane.

[0038] In some embodiments, the blood pump assembly 100 is inserted percutaneously through the femoral artery into the right ventricle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the blood pump assembly 100 may be inserted percutaneously through the femoral artery into the left ventricle. When properly positioned, the blood pump assembly 100 pumps blood from an inlet section 110 located in the patient's left ventricle, through the cannula 108, and to a blood outlet 117 of the pump housing 103 located in the ascending aorta.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a conventional guidewire 200. The conventional guidewire includes a distal section 210, a distal tip 212, a coil wire 214, a core wire 216, a transition region 218, a proximal section 220, a proximal end 222, and the transition section 218. The coil wire 214 surrounds the core wire 216. The core wire 216 has a diameter that decreases from the transition region 218 to the tip of the distal section 212. The distal section 210 has a length L2 that is 25-50% of the overall length of the core wire 216. The core wire 216 also includes a proximal section 220 that extends between the proximal end 222 and the transition section 218. The proximal section 220 has a constant diameter. The proximal section 220 has a length that is 75-50% of the overall length of the core wire 216. The distal section 210 of the core wire is more flexible than the proximal section of the guidewire 200. This allows the physician to initially insert a guidewire into the patient to minimize trauma to the patient's arterial system.

[0040] 3 and 4 show exemplary damage to blades of a percutaneous pump. Exemplary blades 310 and 430 include scratched or dented portions 320 and 440 caused by attempting to insert a conventional guidewire between the pump housing (e.g., pump housing 103 in FIG. 1 ) and the blade (e.g., impeller blade 115 in FIG. 1 ). In this example, contact between the guidewire and the pump element results in scratching or denting of the pump element, rather than the guidewire (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). While only scratches and dents are shown, in some cases, the pump housing may be punctured when inserting a conventional guidewire. This is particularly a concern when using a guidewire made of a material with a higher scratch, indentation, or rebound hardness than the material used for the pump element.

[0041] As mentioned above, backloading and inserting a pump assembly (e.g., pump assembly 100 of FIG. 1 ) into a patient can be particularly difficult when the guidewire (e.g., guidewire 200 of FIG. 2 ) does not have sufficient stiffness. Therefore, some physicians may use a stiffer guidewire to backload a pump (e.g., pump 101 of FIG. 1 ) without displacing guidewire 200 out of the pulmonary valve. However, for certain pumps, such as Impeller RP pumps used in conjunction with an “S” turn cannula (e.g., cannula 108 of FIG. 1 ), a stiffer guidewire may not be a viable solution. In an exemplary embodiment of an Impeller RP pump (e.g., pump 101 of FIG. 1 ), the pump is very small, with the passage between the pump housing (e.g., pump housing 103 of FIG. 1 ) and the pump blades (e.g., impeller blades 115 of FIG. 1 ) being on the order of millimeters. Furthermore, impeller RP pump components such as the housing (e.g., housing 103 in FIG. 1 ) and blades (e.g., impeller blades 115 in FIG. 1 ) are particularly expensive to manufacture or replace due to their size and complexity. Instead of threading the guidewire straight through the aforementioned gap, any unwanted contact between the guidewire and the pump elements can cause damage. This is especially true for stiffer guidewires, such as those made of materials with higher scratch, indentation, or rebound hardness than the materials used for the pump elements. Guidewires with increased overall stiffness, either through increased diameter or material properties, can damage the pump housing or blades more severely than conventional guidewires.

[0042] 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a guidewire 500. The guidewire 500 includes a soft distal section 510, a distal tip 512, a coil wire 514, a core wire 516, a transition section 518, an intermediate pump delivery section 530, a transition section 532, a backloaded proximal section 540, and a proximal tip 542. The soft distal section 510 extends between the transition section 518 and the distal tip 512. During use, the soft distal section 510 is inserted into a patient first. The soft distal section 510 includes a core wire 516 and a coil wire 518 wound around the core wire 516. The core wire 516 has a diameter that decreases from the transition section 518 to the distal tip 512. Instead of one proximal section as in guidewire 200, guidewire 500 includes two sections: intermediate pump delivery section 530 and back-loaded proximal section 540. Intermediate pump delivery section 530 and back-loaded proximal section 540 are coupled to intermediate pump delivery section 530 by transition section 532. Intermediate pump delivery section 530 extends between transition section 532 and transition section 518. Intermediate pump delivery section 530 is the portion of guidewire 500 having the largest diameter. Intermediate pump delivery section 530 may have a constant diameter. In some embodiments, intermediate pump delivery section 530 is not the widest section of the guidewire.

[0043] The back-loaded proximal section 540 extends between the proximal tip 542 and the transition section 532. The back-loaded proximal section 540 has a constant diameter. In some embodiments, the diameter of the proximal section 540 varies. The materials and construction of the back-loaded proximal section 540 and the intermediate pump delivery section 530 can be similar or identical. The back-loaded proximal section 540 has a smaller diameter than the intermediate pump delivery section 530, making it more flexible than the intermediate pump delivery section 530. The smaller diameter of the back-loaded proximal section facilitates the introduction of a guidewire into the pump with less force. In some embodiments, the back-loaded proximal section 540 is more flexible than the intermediate pump delivery section 530 because it is formed of a material or construction that is less stiff than the material or construction of the intermediate pump delivery section 530.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the backloaded proximal section 540 is more flexible than the intermediate pump delivery section 530 by having a material composition that is 100% more flexible than the material of the intermediate pump delivery section 530. The intermediate pump delivery section 530 can have a material composition that is 100% more rigid than the material of the backloaded proximal section 540. The more rigid material of the intermediate pump delivery section 530 can be made of any number of materials, including polyurethane or resin-impregnated fiber. The more flexible material can be made of any number of materials, including silicone compounds. In some embodiments, the two different materials can have the same chemical composition but different degrees of polymerization, crystallinity, or any other property.

[0045] The material of the backloaded proximal section 540 can be selected to reduce damage to the pump elements if there is unwanted contact between the guidewire and any pump elements. In particular, the material of the backloaded proximal section can be selected to have a lower scratch hardness, indentation hardness, or rebound hardness than the material used for the pump elements.

[0046] The proximal tip 542 of the back-loaded proximal section 540 is rounded and made of or coated with a different material than the rest of the back-loaded proximal section 540. For example, a lubricious coating or material can be used for the proximal tip 542. This allows a physician to more easily insert the proximal tip 542 and back-loaded proximal section 540 of the guidewire into the pump and cannula. These features, in turn, can help reduce damage to the blades and housing of the percutaneous pump into which the guidewire is inserted. The proximal tip 542 can be attached to the back-loaded proximal section 540 by adhesive or solvent bonding, mechanical fastening, insert molding, or any other suitable joining mechanism, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the proximal tip 542 can be integral with the back-loaded proximal section.

[0047] 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of a second exemplary guidewire 600 according to certain embodiments. The guidewire 600 includes a soft distal section 610, a distal tip 612, a coil wire 614, a core wire 616, a transition region 618, an intermediate pump delivery section 630, a transition region 632, a backloaded proximal section 640, and a proximal tip 642. The guidewire 600 includes the distal section 610, which is initially inserted into a patient and extends between the transition region 618 and the distal tip 612. The soft distal section 610 includes a core wire 616 that has a diameter that decreases from the transition region 638 to the distal tip 612. The soft distal section 610 also includes a coil wire 614 that is wrapped around the core wire 616. The soft distal section 610 extends over a length L2, which may be 25-50% (e.g., 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%) of the total length of the guidewire 600. Preferably, the length L2 is 25-35% of the total length of the guidewire 600. Even more preferably, the length L2 is 30% of the total length of the guidewire 600. The guidewire 600 further includes, e.g., instead of the proximal section 220, two sections: an intermediate pump delivery section 630 and a backloaded proximal section 640 connected to the intermediate pump delivery section 630 by a transition section 632. The intermediate pump delivery section 630 extends between the transition section 632 and the transition section 618. The intermediate pump delivery section 630 may have a constant diameter D3, which may be 0.02-0.03", with 0.025" being a preferred value. The intermediate pump delivery section 630 has a length L3 that is 30% to 60% (e.g., 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%) of the length of the guidewire. Notably, D3 can be a diameter larger than any diameter of the backloaded proximal section 640. The backloaded proximal section 640 has a constant diameter D4 that can be between 0.017" and 0.019", with a preferred value being 0.018". The backloaded proximal section 640 can have a length L4 that is 40% to 75% (e.g., 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 75%) of the length of the guidewire. For example, for a guidewire with an overall length of 260 mm, the backloaded proximal section 640 has a length L4 of at least 100 mm.

[0048] At least one advantage of having diameter D4 of back-loaded proximal section 640 smaller than diameter D3 of intermediate pump delivery section 630 is increased flexibility of back-loaded proximal section 640. Another advantage is a reduction in the overall weight of the guidewire. This weight reduction is achieved because back-loaded proximal section 640 is made lighter and accounts for a substantial portion (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more) of the overall length of guidewire 600. A lighter guidewire may be easier for a physician to insert into a patient and may also be less damaging when inserted into a pump, such as pump 101 of blood pump assembly 100.

[0049] The back-loaded proximal section 640 can terminate in a proximal tip 652. The proximal tip 642 can be rounded or made of or coated with a material different from that of the back-loaded proximal section 640. For example, a lubricious coating or material can be used for the proximal tip 652. This allows the physician to more easily insert the proximal tip and back-loaded proximal section of the guidewire into the pump and cannula. On the other hand, these features can help reduce damage to the blades and housing of the percutaneous pump through which the guidewire is inserted.

[0050] 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a third exemplary guidewire 700 according to a specific embodiment. The guidewire 700 includes a soft distal section 710, a distal tip 712, a coil wire 714, a core wire 716, a transition region 718, an intermediate pump delivery section 730, a transition region 732, a back-loaded proximal section 740, and a proximal tip 742. The guidewire distal section 710 extends between the transition region 718 and the distal tip 712 and is initially inserted into the patient. The soft distal section 710 includes a core wire 716 having a diameter that decreases from the transition region to the distal tip 712. The soft distal section 710 includes a coil wire 714 wound around the core wire 716. The guidewire 700 further includes two sections, e.g., instead of the proximal section 220, the intermediate pump delivery section 730 and the back-loaded proximal section 740. The backloaded proximal section 740 is coupled to the intermediate pump delivery section 730 by a transition area 732. The material of the backloaded proximal section 740 is different from the material of the intermediate pump delivery section 730. The transition area 732 can be a conical section having a first diameter equal to the diameter of the backloaded proximal section 740 and a second diameter equal to the diameter of the intermediate pump delivery section. Alternatively, the transition area 732 can be a weld. The transition area 732 can be an abrupt transition resulting from joining two sections of different flexibility in a butt joint or a stepped joint. Alternatively, the transition area 732 can be a gradual transition using a composite structure in which the content of a more flexible material (e.g., the primary material of the backloaded proximal section 740) gradually replaces a more rigid material (e.g., the material of the intermediate pump delivery section 730). The use of different materials for the backloaded proximal section 740 and the intermediate pump delivery section 730 allows one section (e.g., the backloaded proximal section 740) to be optimized for insertion and the other section (e.g., the intermediate pump delivery section 730) to be optimized for pump delivery, which may also reduce the weight, cost, or both of the guidewire.

[0051] 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary guidewire 800 according to certain embodiments. The guidewire 800 includes a soft distal section 810, a distal tip 812, a coil wire 814, a core wire 816, a transition region 818, an intermediate pump delivery section 830, a transition region 832, a backloaded proximal section 840, and a proximal tip 842. The guidewire distal section 810, which is initially inserted into the patient, extends between the transition region 818 and the distal tip 812. The soft distal section 810 includes a core wire 816 that has a diameter that decreases from the transition region 838 to the distal tip 812. The soft distal section 810 can also include a coil wire 814 that is wrapped around the core wire 816. Guidewire 800 further includes two sections, e.g., instead of proximal section 220, a middle pump delivery section 830 and a back-loaded proximal section 840 connected to middle pump delivery section 830 by a transition section 832. Middle pump delivery section 830 can have a first configuration that is a core wire having a constant diameter. Back-loaded proximal section 840 can have a second configuration that includes core wire 843 and coil wire 844. Core wire 816 can have a constant diameter. Alternatively, core wire 843 can be tapered to have a first, larger diameter adjacent transition section 832 and a second, smaller diameter adjacent proximal tip 842. Coil wire 844 can be wound around core wire 843. Like core wire 843, coil wire 844 can have a constant diameter or a diameter that decreases from transition section 832 to proximal tip 842.

[0052] Coil wire 844 can provide resistance to radial deformation and can allow guidewire 800 to resume its original shape even after deformation that may be incurred during placement or manipulation within the heart. Coil wire 844 can have any number of cross-sectional shapes, including circular or rectangular cross-sections. Coil wire 844 can also have a varying axial density, which changes the elasticity or flexibility of backloaded proximal section 840.

[0053] 9 and 10 are tables summarizing the dimensions and material properties of exemplary embodiments of the guidewires shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-8.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a table showing the diameters, lengths, functions, materials, and coatings of a related art guidewire (e.g., guidewire 200 of FIG. 2) and an improved guidewire having a proximal section and a distal section (e.g., the guidewire of any of FIGS. 5-8). FIG. 9 shows that the outer diameter D1 of the related art guidewire is 0.025", the same as the outer diameter D1 of the improved guidewire distal section. In some embodiments, the outer diameter D1 of the improved guidewire distal section is 0.018". FIG. 9 shows that the diameter D2 of the improved guidewire proximal section is 0.018". In some embodiments, the diameter of the improved guidewire proximal section is 0.014". The function of the related art guidewire is both steering and guiding, but the improved guidewire proximal section is used for steering and the improved guidewire distal section is used for guiding. FIG. 9 includes an exemplary list of materials for both the related art guidewire and the improved guidewire (proximal and distal sections). For example, related art guidewires are generally made of stainless steel. The proximal section of the improved guidewire may be made of a stainless steel core wire with a coating, a coil jacket, or a plastic tubing jacket. Alternatively, the proximal section may be made of nitinol wire or plastic string. The proximal section of the improved guidewire may be coated. Similarly, the distal section of the improved guidewire may be made of a stainless steel core wire with a coating, a coil jacket, or a plastic tubing jacket. Alternatively, the distal section of the improved guidewire may be made of nitinol wire.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows force metrics for a related art guidewire proximal section (e.g., 220 in FIG. 2) having an outer diameter of 0.025" and an improved guidewire proximal section having an outer diameter of 0.018". When using the related art guidewire, the maximum backload force passing through the pump is 1.5 Newtons. This maximum backload force is significantly reduced to 0.3 N with the improved proximal guidewire. Furthermore, with the improved guidewire, the maximum sliding force of the guidewire is reduced from an initial resistance of 1.9 N to a stable sliding force of 0.7 N.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a system 1100 in which a percutaneous pump has already been backloaded onto a guidewire in one of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5-8. System 1100 includes a guidewire 1102, a pigtail 1104, and a cannula 1108. In the example of FIG. 11, system 1100 is curved to follow the shape of the pulmonary valve (not shown). As the physician backloads the pump and cannula 1108 onto guidewire 1102, guidewire 1102 passes through pigtail 1104, through cannula 1108, and into the gap located between the pump blades and housing.

[0057] FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 for inserting a percutaneous pump according to certain embodiments. Method 1200 may be performed to insert a subcutaneous pump, such as pump 101, over a guidewire, including the guidewires described in any of the previous embodiments. Method 1200 may be performed by inserting a guidewire (step 1210) that has previously been placed in a patient's artery through the distal end of a cannula that supports the percutaneous pump. Method 1200 further includes pushing the guidewire through the percutaneous pump (step 1220). The guidewire pushed through the percutaneous pump includes a proximal section having a first stiffness and a first diameter, and a distal section connected to the proximal section and having a second stiffness and a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The distal section of the guidewire is stiffer than the proximal section to insert the cannula into a desired location without displacing the guidewire.

[0058] At least one advantage of method 1200 is that it reduces the number of guidewire insertions into a patient, minimizing the risk of damage to the patient's arterial system. Method 1200 uses guidewire backloading to reduce the number of insertions into a patient. Another advantage of method 1200 is that it facilitates insertion of a guidewire into a pump, for example, pump 101 of blood pump assembly 100, which reduces the risk of damage during insertion.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the percutaneous pump may be backloaded onto the guidewire before the guidewire is placed in the patient's artery.In an alternative embodiment, the percutaneous pump may be backloaded onto the guidewire before the percutaneous pump is coupled to the cannula.

[0060] Variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art after considering this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, any of the alternative embodiments described in FIGS. 5-8 may be combined. For example, the coiled structure of the proximal end of the guidewire of FIG. 7 may be combined with the various guidewire materials described with respect to FIGS. 5-6. In another example, the coiled structure of the proximal end of the guidewire of FIG. 7 may be combined with the welded transition described with respect to FIG. 6. The disclosed features may be implemented in any combination and subcombination (including multiple subcombinations and subcombinations) with one or more other features described herein. The various features described above, including any component parts thereof, may be combined or integrated into other systems. Moreover, certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0061] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the device or its component parts as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. While only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art upon reviewing this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting structures, material use, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the disclosed subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the location of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of separate elements or locations may be changed. The order of any process or method steps may be changed or re-sequenced in accordance with alternative embodiments. Also, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and configuration of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily envision a variety of other mechanisms and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that, unless otherwise specified, any parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application for which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be understood that the embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Additionally, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods, unless such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods are inconsistent, is within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] In the context of this disclosure, the term "coupled" refers to the direct or indirect joining of two members to one another. Such joining may be of a static or movable nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed with one another as one unitary body, or by the two members or the two members and any additional members being attached to one another. Such joining may be of a permanent nature or of a removable or releasable nature.

[0064] As used in this specification and the claims, the singular indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless clearly indicated otherwise. As used in this specification and the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one of a number of elements or a list, but also including two or more, and optionally including additional items not in the list. Only words clearly indicated otherwise, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," imply the inclusion of a number of elements or exactly one element in a list. In general, the word "or" as used herein should be construed as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., only one or the other, but not both) only when followed by words indicating exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."

[0065] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases (filler words) such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "with," "holding," "composed of," etc., should be understood to be open-ended, i.e., "including, but not limited to."

[0066] The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless expressly stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof are claimed.

[0067] Examples of changes, substitutions and variations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of the information disclosed herein. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety and constitute a part of this application.

Claims

1. a pump (101); a cannula (108) having a cannula diameter, an inlet region (110), and an outlet region (106) connected to the pump (101), the cannula (108) having a three-dimensional shape with a first S-bend (S1) in a first plane and a second S-bend (S2) in a second plane different from the first plane; 1. A system (100) for inserting a pump configured for percutaneous insertion into a vascular system, comprising: a guidewire (500) having a proximal section (540) having a first stiffness and a first diameter, and a distal section (510) connected to the proximal section (540) via an intermediate pump delivery section (530) and having a second stiffness and a second diameter larger than the first diameter; The system (100) has a distal section (510) that is stiffer than the proximal section (540) so that the cannula (108) can be inserted into the desired position without displacing the guide wire (500) when the cannula (108) is inserted into the guide wire (500).

2. 2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the proximal section (540) uses a first material that is softer than the material of the pump (101) to reduce damage to the pump (101) during backloading of the cannula (108) onto the guidewire (500).

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximal section is made of a first material having a first stiffness and the distal section is made of a second material having a second stiffness.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximal section is made of a first structure having a first stiffness and the distal section is made of a second structure having a second stiffness.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidewire further comprises a distal tip connected to a distal end of the distal section.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the proximal section has a rounded proximal end made of a third material.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the proximal section to a diameter of the distal section is 0.

72.

8. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the proximal section (540) extends for 40-75% of the total length of the guidewire (500).

9. A guidewire (500) for backloading and inserting a pump assembly (100) configured for percutaneous insertion into the vascular system, the guidewire (500) comprising: a proximal section (540) made of a first material and having a first diameter, the proximal section (540) having a rounded proximal end (542); and The guidewire (500) includes a distal section (510) made of a second material and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the distal section (510) having a distal end and a proximal end abutting the proximal section (540) via an intermediate pump delivery section (530), and the guidewire (500) is connected to a cannula (510) of the pump assembly (100) having a three-dimensional shape with a first S-bend (S1) in a first plane and a second S-bend (S2) in a second plane different from the first plane. The guidewire (500) is configured to backload a pump (101) of the pump assembly (100), the first material being selected to be softer than the material of the pump (101) to reduce damage to the pump (101) during backloading, and the distal section (510) is configured to be stiffer than the proximal section (540) to insert the pump (101) into a desired location without displacing the guidewire (500).

10. 10. The guidewire (500) of claim 9, wherein the second material has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the first material.

11. 11. The guidewire (500) of claim 10, wherein the proximal section (540) is made of a first structure and has a first stiffness, and the distal section (510) is made of a second structure and has a second stiffness.

12. 11. The guidewire (500) of claim 10, wherein the proximal section (540) is coated with a lubricious coating, and the distal section (510) is not coated with a lubricious coating.

13. 11. The guidewire (500) of claim 10, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the proximal section (540) to the diameter of the distal section (510) is 0.

72.

14. The guidewire (500) of claim 10, wherein the proximal section (540) extends over 40-75% of the total length of the guidewire (500).

15. The guidewire (500) of claim 10, further comprising a distal tip (512) connected to the distal end of the distal section (510).

16. 11. The guidewire (500) of claim 10, wherein the rounded proximal end (542) of the proximal section (540) is made of a third material.

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