Transcatheter delivery device

Abstract

Disclosed are embodiments of a nosecone for a transcatheter delivery device. The nosecone may include a distal portion and a proximal portion. A longitudinal axis may extend from a distal end of the distal portion to a proximal end of the proximal portion. The proximal portion may have a shoulder region adjacent the distal portion of the nosecone and a body region proximal to the shoulder region. The outer surface of the nosecone may have a cross-sectional profile taken along the longitudinal axis of the nosecone. The cross-sectional profile of the body region may have a convex shape when viewed from the center of gravity of the body region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 112,326, filed on November 11, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to embodiments of delivery devices for catheter - based procedures, such as the trans - catheter implantation of artificial devices into a patient's vasculature.

Background Art

[0003] The human heart can be affected by various valvular diseases. These valvular diseases can lead to significant cardiac dysfunction and ultimately require repair of the natural valve or replacement of the natural valve with a prosthetic valve. Many known repair devices (e.g., stents) and prosthetic valves, as well as many known methods for implanting these devices and valves in humans, exist. Percutaneous and minimally invasive surgical approaches are used in a variety of procedures to deliver prosthetic medical devices to locations inside the body that are not readily accessible by surgery, or where non-surgical access is desirable. In a particular embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve is crimped onto the distal end of a delivery device and can be advanced through the patient's vascular structure (e.g., through the femoral artery and aorta) until the prosthetic valve reaches the implantation site in the heart. The prosthetic valve is then expanded to its functional size, for example, by inflating a balloon to which the prosthetic valve is attached and activating a mechanical actuator that applies expansion force to the prosthetic valve, or by deploying the prosthetic valve from the delivery device sheath so that the prosthetic valve can self-expand to its functional size. Similar transcatheter procedures can also be used to implant docking devices or pre-stents within the patient's own valve annulus (e.g., the patient's own mitral annulus, aortic annulus, pulmonary annulus, tricuspid valve, etc.). The prosthetic valve can be positioned within the docking device and radially expanded so that it can be securely fixed within the docking device. In addition, transcatheter delivery devices can be used to implant stents (or other prostheses) into the body's blood vessels, such as coronary arteries and / or peripheral blood vessels, to treat various vascular diseases.

[0004] The delivery device must have sufficient strength to push its way through the patient's vascular structure. It must also have sufficient flexibility to navigate the meandering anatomical structure of the patient's vascular system. Furthermore, the delivery device may come into contact with prosthetic devices during the delivery procedure. Therefore, the delivery device must be configured not to damage or displace prosthetics. Typical delivery devices have drawbacks despite their increased size. Therefore, improvements to delivery devices are desirable. [Overview of the project]

[0005] This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for transcatheter procedures, including specific designs of nose cones.

[0006] Specific embodiments of this disclosure relate to a device for transcatheter procedures. The device may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and a nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft, having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The outer surface of the nose cone may have a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion may include a body region. The inclination of the body region may increase progressively from the distal end of the body region to the proximal end of the body region.

[0007] Certain embodiments of this disclosure also relate to another apparatus for transcatheter procedures. The apparatus may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and a nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft, having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion of the nose cone may include a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone, a connecting region connected to the distal end of the shaft, and a body region located between the shoulder region and the connecting region. The outer surface of the nose cone may have a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cross-sectional profile of the body region may include a first section having a first incline, a second section having a second incline, and a third section having a third incline, the first section adjacent to the connecting region, the third section adjacent to the shoulder region, and the second section located between the first and second sections. The first incline may be greater than the second and third inclines, and the second incline may be greater than the third incline.

[0008] Certain embodiments of this disclosure also relate to a nose cone for a transcatheter delivery device. The nose cone may include a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the proximal portion. The proximal portion may include a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone and a body region proximal to the shoulder region. The outer surface of the nose cone may have a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the nose cone. The cross-sectional profile of the body region may have a convex shape when viewed from the centroid of the body region.

[0009] Certain embodiments of this disclosure further relate to assemblies for transcatheter procedures. The assembly may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion; and an artificial implant removably connected to the distal end portion of the shaft. The proximal portion of the nose cone may include a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone, a connecting region connected to the distal end of the shaft, and a body region located between the shoulder region and the connecting region. The outer surface of the nose cone may have a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cross-sectional profile of the body region may have a convex shape when viewed from the center of gravity of the body region.

[0010] The aforementioned and other purposes, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a partial side view of an exemplary delivery assembly, including a delivery device and an embedded device partially positioned within the delivery sheath of the delivery device. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a detailed view of the nose cone of the delivery device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows a partial side view of the delivery assembly from Figure 1A, with the implanted device fully positioned within the delivery sheath. [Figure 2A]Figure 2A shows the distal end of the delivery assembly inserted into the patient's vascular structure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows the implanted device partially exposed from the delivery device and partially extended at the implantation site. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C shows the implanted device after being removed from the delivery device and fully expanded at the implantation site. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D shows the delivery device being drawn out of the patient's vascular structure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the nose cone of the delivery device in contact with the artificial implant. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the distal end portion of a delivery device, including an inner shaft and one embodiment of the nose cone. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows a side view of the distal end portion of the delivery device shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the delivery device shown in Figure 4A, cut along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft of the delivery device, indicated by line 4C-4C in Figure 4A. [Figure 4D] Figure 4D shows a detailed view of the proximal portion of the nose cone shown in Figure 4C. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the distal end portion of the delivery device, including another embodiment of the inner shaft and nose cone. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a side view of the distal end portion of the delivery device shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the delivery device shown in Figure 5A, cut along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft of the delivery device, indicated by line 5C-5C in Figure 5A. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows a detailed view of the proximal portion of the nose cone shown in Figure 5C. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of the distal end portion of the delivery device, including another embodiment of the inner shaft and nose cone. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows a side view of the distal end portion of the delivery device shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the delivery device of FIG. 6A taken along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft of the delivery device, as indicated by line 6C-6C of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the distal end portion of a delivery device including a further embodiment of the inner shaft and the nose cone. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a side view of the distal end portion of the delivery device of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the delivery device of FIG. 7A taken along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft of the delivery device, as indicated by line 7C-7C of FIG. 7A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] General Considerations It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can be adapted to deliver and implant an artificial device at any of the cardiac autologous annuli (e.g., pulmonary annulus, aortic annulus, mitral annulus, and tricuspid annulus) and can be used with any of a variety of delivery techniques (e.g., retrograde, antegrade, transseptal, transventricular, transatrial, etc.).

[0013] For the purposes of this specification, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be construed in any way as limiting. Instead, the present disclosure is directed to all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. The methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited to any particular aspect or feature, or combination thereof, and the disclosed embodiments need not have any one or more particular advantages or solve any problems. The techniques from any example can be combined with the techniques described in any one or more of the other examples. Considering the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed techniques can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely preferred examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed techniques.

[0014] Although some of the operations of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular sequential order for the sake of presentation, it should be understood that this description method includes permutations unless a particular order is required by the specific terms described below. For example, operations described sequentially may, in some cases, be rearranged or performed simultaneously. Further, for simplicity, the accompanying drawings may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in combination with other methods. Additionally, this description may use terms such as "provide" or "achieve" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations performed. The actual operations corresponding to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily recognizable by those skilled in the art.

[0015] In this application and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural form unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates. In addition, the term "includes" means "comprises." Furthermore, the terms "coupled" and "connected" generally mean being coupled or related electrically, electromagnetically, and / or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically), and do not exclude the existence of intermediate elements between coupled or related items unless otherwise specified.

[0016] As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to a location, orientation, or part of the device that is closer to the user and further away from the implantation site. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to a location, orientation, or part of the device that is further away from the user and closer to the implantation site. For example, proximal movement of the device is movement of the device away from the implantation site and toward the user (e.g., out of the patient’s body), while distal movement of the device is movement of the device away from the user and toward the implantation site (e.g., into the patient’s body). The terms “longitudinal” and “axial” refer to axes extending in the proximal and distal directions, respectively, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” mean the listed values ​​and any value within 10% of the listed values. For example, “about 1 mm” means any value between about 0.9 mm and about 1.1 mm (including both ends).

[0018] Directions and other relative references (e.g., inside, outside, top, bottom, etc.) may be used to facilitate the discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be restrictive. For example, specific terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “top,” “bottom,” “internal,” and “external” may be used. Such terms are used to provide some degree of clarity of explanation, where applicable, particularly when dealing with relative relationships with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, such terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” part may become a “lower” part simply by inverting the object. Nevertheless, these are still the same part, and the object remains the same. As used herein, “and / or” means “and” or “or,” as well as “and” and “or.”

[0019] Delivery Assembly Overview Figures 1 and 2 show a delivery assembly according to one embodiment. The delivery assembly includes a delivery device 100 and an implantable device 120. The delivery device 100 is configured for transcatheter implantation of the implantable device 120.

[0020] As shown, the delivery device 100 includes a proximal end 104, a distal end 106, and a first shaft 102 (also called the “inner shaft,” “guidewire shaft,” or “nose cone shaft”) having a longitudinal axis 101 extending from the proximal end 104 to the distal end 106. In certain embodiments, the inner shaft 102 may have a lumen 108 extending between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 106. The delivery device 100 may also have a second shaft 112 (also called the “outer shaft”) extending over the inner shaft 102. For example, the outer shaft 112 may have a lumen 118 extending from the proximal end 114 to the distal end 116 of the outer shaft 112, and the inner shaft 102 may extend through the lumen 118 of the outer shaft 112. In some embodiments, the inner shaft 102 and the outer shaft 112 may be coaxial. In other embodiments, the inner shaft 102 and the outer shaft 112 may be non-coaxial, for example, the longitudinal axis 101 of the inner shaft may have an offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft 112.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1A, the implantable device 120 (also called the “artificial implant”) may be attached to the distal end portion of the internal shaft 102. As described below, the implantable device 120 may be movable between a radially compressed (or “compressed”) state and a radially expanded state.

[0022] The distal end 106 of the inner shaft 102 may be connected to a nose cone 140. The nose cone 140 may have a proximal end 144 and a distal end 146 (also called the “distal tip”). The proximal end 144 of the nose cone 140 may be fixed to the distal end 106 of the inner shaft 102 by any fixing means, including thermal bonding, overmolding, adhesive, mechanical locking, etc. In certain embodiments, the nose cone 140 may have a lumen 148 extending from the proximal end 144 to the distal end 146 of the nose cone 140. The lumen 148 of the nose cone 140 can be linearly connected to the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 102, that is, the lumen 148 of the nose cone 140 and the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 102 can form a continuous linear lumen extending from the distal end 106 of the nose cone to the proximal end 104 of the inner shaft 102.

[0023] The nose cone 140 may have a proximal portion 154 and a distal portion 156. The distal portion 156 may taper radially outward from the distal tip 146 to the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156. The tapered distal portion 156 can facilitate non-traumatic navigation through the patient's vascular structure. The proximal portion 154 of the nose cone 140 may have a shoulder region 160 and a body region 162. The shoulder region 160 is generally cylindrical in shape and may have a smaller diameter than the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156. The body region 162 may taper radially inward from the proximal end of the shoulder region 160 to the proximal end 144 of the proximal portion 154. Thus, the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156 (which also defines the distal end of the shoulder region 160) can define the maximum diameter of the nose cone 140. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the shoulder region 160 has a step decrease in diameter from the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156, resulting in a wall 161 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101. In addition, when taking the cross-sectional profile of the nose cone 140 along the longitudinal axis 101, the inclination of the profile of the proximal portion 154 may have a discontinuity (i.e., a step change) at the boundary between the shoulder region 160 and the main body region 162.

[0024] In some embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be held in a radially compressed state by a delivery sheath or capsule 130. The axial length of the delivery sheath 130 may be approximately the same as, or greater than, the axial length of, the implantable device 120 when it is radially compressed. Thus, the delivery sheath 130 may be configured to completely cover the implantable device 120 during delivery. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1A to 1B, at least the main body portion 132 of the delivery sheath 130 may have a larger diameter than the outer shaft 112. The proximal end portion of the delivery sheath 130 may taper radially inward to connect to the distal end 116 of the outer shaft 112. In other embodiments, the delivery sheath 130 may have a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the delivery sheath 130 may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer shaft 112.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end portion 134 of the delivery sheath 130 may be connected to the distal end 116 of the outer shaft 112. The proximal end portion 134 of the delivery sheath 130 may be coupled to the distal end 116 of the outer shaft 102 by any known means, including but not limited to thermal bonding, adhesive, mechanical locking, etc. In other embodiments, the delivery sheath 130 may be an integral part of the outer shaft 112. For example, the distal end portion of the outer shaft 112 (which may have a larger or the same diameter as the proximal end portion of the outer shaft 112) may function as the delivery sheath 130, holding the implanted device 120 in its crimped state.

[0026] During delivery, the distal end 136 of the delivery sheath 130 may be configured to abut against the shoulder region 160 (e.g., wall 161) of the nose cone 140, completely covering the implantable device 120. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 1B, the distal end 136 of the delivery sheath 130 and the distal end of the shoulder region have approximately the same diameter as the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156 (or the distal end of the shoulder region 160). Thus, the outer surface of the distal portion 156 of the nose cone may have a smooth transition to the outer surface of the delivery sheath 130 when the distal end 136 of the delivery sheath 130 abuts against the shoulder region 160 (e.g., wall 161) of the nose cone 140.

[0027] In some embodiments, both the proximal end 104 of the inner shaft 102 and the proximal end 114 of the outer shaft 112 can be connected to the handle 180. In other embodiments, the proximal end 104 of the inner shaft 102 can be coupled to a first handle, and the outer shaft 112 can be coupled to a second handle that is movable relative to the first handle. In some embodiments, the handle 180 may include a drive mechanism 182 (e.g., in the form of one or more manually rotatable knobs and / or motor-driven actuators) configured to perform axial movement of the outer shaft 112 (and the delivery sheath 130 connected thereto) relative to the inner shaft 102. After reaching the target implantation site, the drive mechanism 182 can be activated to move the delivery sheath 130 proximal to the inner shaft 102 and the implanted device 120 attached thereto, thereby exposing the implanted device 120. In some embodiments, the handle 180 may also include a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the outer shaft 112 (and the delivery sheath 130 connected thereto) relative to the inner shaft 102, allowing axial movement. Activating the locking mechanism can prevent the embedded device 120 from advancing too quickly from the delivery sheath 130.

[0028] In some embodiments, the handle 180 may further include an adjustment mechanism 184 configured to adjust the curvature of the outer shaft 112. For example, the adjustment mechanism 184 may include one or more rotatable knobs and / or motor-driven actuators connected to one or more pull wires connected to the distal end portion of the outer shaft. By actinguating the adjustment mechanism 184, the tension of the pull wires can be adjusted to steer the distal end portion of the outer shaft 112 to a desired angle, thereby facilitating the navigation of the delivery device 100 within the patient's vascular structure.

[0029] Although not shown, it should be understood that when the implantable device 120 is balloon-inflatable as described below, the delivery device 100 may further include a third shaft (also called the “intermediate shaft” or “balloon shaft”). In some embodiments, the balloon shaft may extend over the inner shaft 102 and into the lumen of the outer shaft 112 118. A folded balloon may be mounted on the distal end portion of the balloon shaft, and the implantable device 120 may be crimped onto the balloon shaft (for example, on the folded balloon or adjacent to the folded balloon). The proximal end portion of the balloon shaft may also be connected to the handle 180. The implantable device 120 can be expanded radially by inflating the balloon, for example by injecting inflation fluid into the balloon through a port located on the proximal end portion of the balloon shaft.

[0030] In other embodiments, the implantable device 120 may include a self-expanding frame or stent. In such embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be compressed radially (e.g., using a crimping device), and the radially compressed implantable device 120 may be loaded into a delivery capsule (e.g., a sheath) of a delivery device. The implantable device 120 may be expanded radially at or adjacent to the implantation site by unfolding the implantable device 120 from within the delivery capsule, thereby allowing the implantable device 120 to expand radially from a delivery configuration to a functional configuration. In some cases, the self-expanding implantable device may be further expanded by an expansion device (e.g., a balloon) (e.g., during the initial implantation procedure and / or subsequent procedures).

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the implantable device 120 may include a mechanically expandable frame or stent. In such embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be positioned in a radially compressed configuration (e.g., via actuators of the implantable device and / or crimping device) and removably coupled to a delivery device. In some embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be housed in a delivery capsule (e.g., similar to some self-expanding prostheses) or exposed on a delivery device (e.g., similar to some balloon-expandable prostheses). Once inserted into the patient's vascular structure and positioned at or adjacent to the implantation site, the mechanically expandable implantable device may be radially expanded from a radially compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration by acting one or more actuators of the implantable device on the delivery device.

[0032] In addition, the guidewire 170 (see, for example, Figures 1C and 2A) may extend through the lumen of the inner shaft 102 and the lumen 148 of the nose cone 140, so that the inner shaft 102, the outer shaft 112, and the nose cone 140 can be fed along the guidewire 170 to position the implantable device 120 at the target implantation site.

[0033] Further details regarding delivery devices or systems configured to deliver an implantable device to a target implant, including components of such devices or systems (e.g., handles, inner shafts, outer shafts, balloon shafts, etc.), can be found in U.S. Patents 9,061,119, 10,363,130, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0263764, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 945,039, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0034] Embedded devices In certain embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be a prosthetic valve configured to allow blood to flow through the prosthetic valve in a first direction and to prevent blood from flowing through the prosthetic valve in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In certain embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be a docking device or pre-stent configured to receive and hold a prosthetic valve or other implantable device. In certain embodiments, the implantable device 120 may be a stent configured to be at least partially inserted into a blood vessel in the patient's vascular system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the embedded device 120 may have a frame 122 including a plurality of support columns 124. The support columns 124 may be interconnected with each other by a plurality of joints 128 to define a plurality of cells and form a grid structure.

[0036] Before insertion into the patient, the frame 122 (and therefore the implantable device 120) may be radially compressed or crimped onto the distal end portion of the inner shaft 102 using a crimping device such as those described in, for example, U.S. Patents 7,993,394, 9,277,992, 9,757,232, and 10,010,412, International Application PCT / US2019 / 028831, and U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 62 / 945,039 and 62 / 876,206 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The frame 122 (and therefore the implantable device 120) remains in a radially compressed state and can therefore maintain a relatively small radial profile during the implantation procedure.

[0037] After reaching the target implantation site, the implantable device 120 can be deployed by radially expanding the frame 122. The frame 122 (and therefore the implantable device 120) can be radially expanded by various means. For example, in one embodiment, the frame 122 can be radially expanded by inflating a balloon of a delivery device that can be positioned within the frame (e.g., before and / or during the implantation procedure). In another embodiment, the frame 122 may be elastic and self-expanding. For example, the frame 122 may include a shape memory material (e.g., nitinol) so that it can expand to its functional size when the frame 122 is not restrained by a delivery sheath (e.g., 130). In yet another embodiment, the frame 122 can be mechanically expanded. For example, the supports 124 of the frame 122 may be hinged to each other so that an axial force applied to the frame 122 (e.g., by pushing the opposing ends of the frame toward each other) can cause the frame to expand radially. Optionally, the frame 122 may be radially expandable in multiple ways or in combination of ways (e.g., balloon expandable, self-expanding, and / or mechanically expandable). Additional details relating to exemplary implantable devices having an expandable frame are described in U.S. Patents 7,780,723, 9,061119, 9,393,110, 9,339,384, 10,363,130, and 10,588,744, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0153689, and 2019 / 0000615, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 990,299, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0038] Examples of transplant procedures As an example, Figures 2A to 2D illustrate the procedure for implanting an artificial device at a target implantation site. Specifically, in this embodiment, the artificial device is a self-expanding docking device, and the target implantation site is the patient's own pulmonary valve. Using a similar procedure, the artificial device can be delivered and deployed within any internal surface of the heart or body lumen (e.g., superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, tricuspid valve, mitral valve, aortic valve, aorta, etc.).

[0039] Figure 2A shows a guidewire 170 inserted into the lung bed through the patient's vascular structure. Specifically, the guidewire 170 can be advanced into the pulmonary artery 50 via the femoral vein, inferior vena cava, right atrium, tricuspid valve, right ventricle, and right ventricular outflow tract. Under fluoroscopy, a delivery device 100 (showing only the outer shaft 112, delivery sheath 130, and nose cone 140) holding the implantable device 120 can be delivered along the guidewire 170. The delivery device 100 can be advanced until the implantable device 120 reaches the intended landing zone 60 where the implantable device 120 is deployed.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 2B, the outer shaft 112 (and the delivery sheath 130 connected to it) is progressively retracted relative to the inner shaft 102, allowing the implantable device 120 to be deployed. As the distal portion of the implantable device 120 is no longer covered by the delivery sheath 130, the distal portion of the frame 122 begins to self-expand. When the frame 122 is partially expanded, the deployed position of the implantable device 120 may be re-evaluated. If repositioning of the implantable device 120 is necessary, the distal portion of the frame 122 may be compressed and re-captured by the delivery sheath 130 (for example, by moving the outer shaft 112 distally until it contacts the nose cone 140). The implantable device 120 may then be repositioned within the landing zone 60 intended for redeployment.

[0041] Further retraction of the outer shaft 112 allows the proximal portion of the frame 122 to be exposed from the delivery sheath 130. The implantable device 120 can then be released from the inner shaft 102. Thus, as shown in Figure 2C, the frame 122 can be fully expanded and frictionally engaged with the inner wall of a blood vessel (e.g., the pulmonary artery or right ventricular outflow tract), i.e., the implantable device 120 is fully deployed into the intended landing zone 60.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2D, after the implantable device 120 is deployed in the intended landing zone 60, the delivery device 100 can be retracted from the patient's vascular structure on the guidewire 170.

[0043] Although not shown, it should be understood that after the delivery device 100 is withdrawn from the patient's vascular structure, the prosthetic valve can then be delivered to and received by the implantable device 120 via another delivery device (which may be identical or different from 100). In addition, although the implantable device 120 is shown to be self-expandable, as stated above, it should be understood that the implantable device 120 may also be balloon-expandable or mechanically expandable.

[0044] Further details relating to the transplantation procedure are described in U.S. Patents 10,363,130 and 10,265,169, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0263764, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 085,901, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0045] Overview of nose cones As described above, the maximum diameter of the nose cone 140 is located at the boundary between the proximal portion 154 and the distal portion 156, i.e., at the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156. The distal portion 156 of the nose cone 140 typically tapers radially inward toward the distal tip 146, facilitating non-traumatic navigation of the patient's anatomical structures.

[0046] The proximal portion 154 of the nose cone 140 may also gradually decrease in diameter from its maximum diameter at the proximal end 158 of the distal portion 156 to a much smaller diameter at the proximal end 144 of the proximal portion 154, which may be approximately the same as the diameter of the inner shaft 102.

[0047] The reduction in diameter of the proximal portion 154 can create a shoulder region 160 including a wall 161, where the distal end 136 of the delivery sheath 130 may abut to hold the implanted device 120 in a radially compressed state. The implanted device 120, crimped onto the distal end portion of the inner shaft 102, can generally be positioned proximal to the nose cone 140. In one exemplary embodiment, the distal end of the implanted device 120 is adjacent to the proximal end 144 of the nose cone 140. In another embodiment, the distal end of the implanted device 120 may overlap with at least a portion of the proximal portion 154 of the nose cone 140. It is desirable that the proximal portion 154 of the nose cone 140 has a shorter axial length than the distal portion 156. Reducing the axial length of the proximal portion 154 may allow the implanted device 120 to be positioned closer to the distal portion 156 of the nose cone 140. As a result, the delivery sheath 130 can be designed with a shorter axial length while still ensuring that it completely covers the implanted device 120 and can contact the shoulder region 160 (e.g., wall 161).

[0048] When the delivery device 100 is withdrawn from the patient's body after the implanted device 120 has been deployed, the shoulder region 160 of the nose cone 140 may come into contact with part or a portion of the deployed implanted device 120 (e.g., frame, seam, leaf-like portion, skirt, etc.). This contact may, at least in part, be a result of the internal shaft and therefore the fact that the nose cone 140 is non-coaxial with the implanted device 120, as shown in Figure 3.

[0049] Example of a nose cone As described below, a delivery device having an improved nose cone design (such as delivery device 100) (see, for example, the nose cone shown in Figures 4A to 7C) may enable, for example, the smooth withdrawal of the nose cone from a deployed implanted device. The disclosed nose cone can move so as to glide over the components of the implanted device even when the inner shaft and the nose cone are not coaxial with the implanted device.

[0050] geometric terms Where applicable, the inclination of a section (or part, region, segment, or similar) in a cross-sectional profile of a nose cone cut along the central axis of the nose cone is measured relative to the central axis of the nose cone, for example, based on the acute angle formed between the section (or part, region, segment, or similar) and the central axis of the nose cone.

[0051] Where otherwise described herein, the center of gravity (also called the “geometric center”) of an object comprising a portion (or section, region, segment, or similar) of a nose cone is the arithmetic mean position of all points of the object. When the object has a uniform density, the center of gravity of the object is also the center of mass of the object. For a portion (or section, region, segment, or similar) of a nose cone that is symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the nose cone, the center of gravity of that portion (or section, region, segment, or similar) of the nose cone is typically located on the central axis of the nose cone.

[0052] Where applicable, the cross-sectional profile of a nose cone in a particular region (or portion, section, segment, or similar) is convex with respect to a viewpoint (e.g., the centroid of the region) when it curves radially outward with respect to the central axis of the nose cone, and concave with respect to a viewpoint when it curves radially inward with respect to the central axis of the nose cone.

[0053] Where used herein, several types of conic sections, including ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas, are used to describe the curvature of a section (or part, region, segment, or similar) in the cross-sectional profile of a nose cone. A conic section is a curve obtained as the intersection of the surface of a cone and the cross-section. An ellipse occurs when the intersection of the cone and the cross-section is a closed curve. A conic section is a hyperbola when the cross-section is parallel to the axis of rotation of the cone. A conic section is a parabola when the cross-section is parallel to the generatrix of the cone.

[0054] Example of a nose cone shape Figures 4A to 4D show the distal end portion of a delivery device 100 having one embodiment of a nose cone 240 having an improved shape design compared to the nose cone 140 of Figure 1A. Specifically, the nose cone 240 comprises a proximal portion, the proximal portion having a main body region whose longitudinal cross-sectional profile corresponds to a parabolic curve.

[0055] Similar to 140, the nose cone 240 has a proximal portion 254 and a distal portion 256. The distal portion 256 of the nose cone 240 may taper radially outward from the distal end or distal tip 246 of the distal portion 256 to the proximal end 258 of the distal portion 256, and the proximal portion 254 of the nose cone 240 may taper radially inward from the proximal end 258 of the distal portion 256 to the proximal end 244 of the proximal portion 254. Thus, the proximal end 258 of the distal portion 256 defines the maximum diameter of the nose cone 240. The proximal end 244 of the proximal portion 254 may be connected to the distal end 106 of the inner shaft 102. The longitudinal axis 101 of the inner shaft 102 may coincide with the central axis 241 of the nose cone 240. In addition, the nose cone 240 has a lumen 248 extending from the proximal end 244 to the distal end 246 and may be linearly connected to the lumen 108 of the medial shaft 102. The proximal portion 254 of the nose cone 240 may also have a shoulder region 260 located proximal to the distal portion 256 and a body region 262 located proximal to the shoulder region 260. However, as described below, the shoulder region 260 and body region 262 of the nose cone 240 have a smoother geometric shape compared to the nose cone 140.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4C to 4D, the main body region 262 may have a nonlinear or curved cross-sectional profile. Specifically, the cross-sectional profile of the main body region 262 may have a convex shape with respect to the centroid 262c of the main body region 262. In one embodiment, the convex shape of the main body region 262 may be defined by a parabolic curve. In another embodiment, the convex shape of the main body region 262 may be defined by a hyperbola. In yet another embodiment, the convex shape of the main body region 262 may be defined by an elliptic curve.

[0057] The inclination of the main body region 262 can be progressively increased from the distal end 262d of the main body region 262 to the proximal end 262p of the main body region 262 (in this embodiment, the proximal end 262p of the main body region 262 is also the proximal end 244 of the proximal portion 254). For example, the main body region 262 may include a first section 222 having a first inclination S1, a second section 224 having a second inclination S2, and a third section 226 having a third inclination S3. As shown in Figures 4C to 4D, the first section 222 is adjacent to the distal end 106 of the medial shaft 102, the third section 226 is adjacent to the shoulder region 260, and the second section 224 is located between the first section 222 and the third section 226. The first inclination S1 may be greater than the second inclination S2 and the third inclination S3, and the second inclination S2 may be greater than the third inclination S3.

[0058] As shown, the shoulder region 260 may also have a nonlinear or curved cross-sectional profile. Specifically, the shoulder region 260 may have a peak portion 230 connected to the distal portion 256 of the nose cone 240 and a valley portion 228 connected to the distal end 262d of the main body region 262. The diameter of the shoulder region 260 may decrease progressively from the peak portion 230 to the valley portion 228.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the valley portion 228 may have a fourth slope S4, and the peak portion 230 may have a fifth slope S5. The fourth slope S4 may be approximately the same as or smaller than the third slope S3. In some embodiments, the fourth slope S4 may be smaller than the fifth slope S5. In some embodiments, the boundary between the peak portion 230 and the valley portion 228 may have the maximum slope of the shoulder region 260.

[0060] Where applicable, when comparing the slopes of different sections or parts (e.g., S1 to S5), the slope of each section or part is measured in the same manner. For example, in one embodiment, the slope of a section or part is measured as the average slope of that section or part. In another embodiment, the slope of a section or part is measured as the median slope of that section or part. In yet another embodiment, the slope of a section or part is measured as the maximum slope of that section or part. In yet another embodiment, the slope of a section or part is measured as the minimum slope of that section or part.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion 254 of the valley portion 228 may have a concave shape with respect to the centroid 260c of the shoulder region 260, and the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion 254 of the peak portion 230 may have a convex shape with respect to the centroid 260c of the shoulder region 260. The respective concave or convex shapes of the valley portion 228 and the peak portion 230 can be defined, for example, by a parabola, hyperbola, or elliptic curve. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region 260 (including both the peak portion 230 and the valley portion 228) may have a concave shape with respect to the centroid 260c of the shoulder region 260. The concave shape of the shoulder region 260 can be defined, for example, by a parabola, hyperbola, or elliptic curve.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the peak portion 230 of the shoulder region 260 may be configured to engage with the distal end of the delivery sheath. For example, during delivery of the implantable device 120, the distal end 136 of the delivery sheath 130 may be configured to press against the peak portion 230 of the shoulder region 260 to hold the implantable device 120 in a radially compressed state.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion 256 can be such that the distal end 246 of the distal portion 256 is linearly connected to the proximal end 258 of the distal portion 256. For example, as shown in Figure 4C, the line connecting the distal end 246 and the proximal end 258 in the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion 256 is substantially straight.

[0064] Figures 5A to 5D show the distal end portion of the delivery device 100 having another exemplary embodiment of the nose cone 340. Specifically, the nose cone 340 comprises a proximal portion, the proximal portion having a longitudinal cross-sectional profile having a main region corresponding to a parabola and a connecting region corresponding to an elliptic curve.

[0065] Similar to 240, the nose cone 340 has a proximal portion 354 and a distal portion 356. The proximal end 358 of the distal portion 356 may define the maximum diameter of the nose cone 340. The proximal end 344 of the proximal portion 354 may be connected to the distal end 106 of the inner shaft 102. The longitudinal axis 101 of the inner shaft 102 may coincide with the central axis 341 of the nose cone 340. In addition, the nose cone 340 has a lumen 348 extending from the proximal end 344 to the distal tip 346 of the nose cone 340, which may be connected linearly to the lumen 108 of the inner shaft 102.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5C to 5D, the proximal portion 354 of the nose cone 340 may also have a shoulder region 360 located proximal to the distal portion 356 and a body region 362 located proximal to the shoulder region 360. However, compared to the nose cone 240, the proximal portion 354 of the nose cone 340 may have an additional connecting region 364 located between the body region 362 and the medial shaft 102, for example, the connecting region 364 may connect the proximal end 350 of the body region 362 to the distal end 106 of the medial shaft 102.

[0067] In some embodiments, the distal portion 356 of the nose cone 340, the shoulder region 360, and the main body region 362 may have substantially the same geometric shape as the distal portion 256, shoulder region 260, and main body region 262 of the nose cone 240, respectively. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the main body region 362 may be convex with respect to the center of gravity 362c of the main body region 362, and the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region 360 may be concave with respect to the center of gravity 360c of the shoulder region 360.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion 354 of the connection region 364 may have a different curvature than that of the main region 362. For example, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the connection region 364 may have a concave shape with respect to the centroid 364c of the connection region 364 (in contrast to the convex shape of the main region 362). The concave shape of the connection region 364 may be defined by a parabolic, hyperbolic, or elliptic curve. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the connection region 364 may linearly connect the proximal end 350 of the main region 362 to the distal end 106 of the inner shaft 102 (i.e., forming a substantially straight line between the proximal end 350 of the main region 362 and the distal end of the inner shaft 102).

[0069] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the connecting region 364 may also have a convex shape (defined, for example, by a parabola, hyperbola, or elliptic curve) with respect to the centroid 364c of the connecting region 364. The convex shape of the connecting region 364 may be the same as or different from the convex shape of the main region 362. In a particular embodiment, the cross-sectional profiles of the main region 362 and the connecting region 364 may form a continuous convex shape with respect to the centroid 362c of the main region 362. In this case, the connecting region 364 merges into the main region 362. In other words, the proximal portion 254 shown in Figures 4C-4D can be considered a special case of the proximal portion 354 shown in Figures 5C-5D, in which the cross-sectional profiles of the connecting region 364 and the main region 362 have the same curvature.

[0070] Figures 6A to 6C show the distal end portion of the delivery device 100 having another exemplary embodiment of the nose cone 440. Specifically, the nose cone 440 comprises a proximal portion similar to 354 shown in Figures 5A to 5D, and a distal portion whose longitudinal cross-sectional profile corresponds to an elliptic curve.

[0071] Similar to 340, the nose cone 440 has a proximal portion 454 and a distal portion 456. The proximal end 458 of the distal portion 456 may define the maximum diameter of the nose cone 440. The proximal end 444 of the proximal portion 454 may have a shoulder region 460 located proximal to the distal portion 456, a body region 462 located proximal to the shoulder region 460, and a connecting region 464 located between the body region 462 and the medial shaft 102. The longitudinal axis 101 of the medial shaft 102 may coincide with the central axis 441 of the nose cone 440. The nose cone 440 also has a lumen 448 extending from the proximal end 444 to the distal tip 446 of the nose cone 440, which can connect linearly to the lumen 108 of the medial shaft 102.

[0072] In some embodiments, the proximal portion 454 (including the shoulder region 460, the main body region 462, and the connecting region 464) may have substantially the same geometric shape as the proximal portion 354 of the nose cone 340. However, in contrast to the distal portion 356 of the nose cone 340 which has a linear cross-sectional profile, the distal portion 456 of the nose cone 440 may have a non-linear or curved cross-sectional profile.

[0073] For example, in the illustrated example, the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion 456 has a convex shape with respect to the centroid 456c of the distal portion 456. In one embodiment, the convex shape of the distal portion 456 can be defined by a parabola. In another embodiment, the convex shape of the distal portion 456 can be defined by a hyperbola. In yet another embodiment, the convex shape of the distal portion 456 can be defined by an elliptic curve.

[0074] Figures 7A to 7C show the distal end portion of the delivery device 100 having yet another exemplary embodiment of the nose cone 540. Specifically, the nose cone 540 comprises a proximal portion similar to 254 shown in Figures 4A to 4D and a distal portion comprising two sections having different curvatures.

[0075] Similar to 240, the nose cone 540 has a proximal portion 554 and a distal portion 556. The proximal end 558 of the distal portion 556 may define the maximum diameter of the nose cone 540. The proximal portion 554 may have a shoulder region 560 located proximal to the distal portion 556 and a body region 562 located proximal to the shoulder region 560. The longitudinal axis 101 of the medial shaft 102 may coincide with the central axis 541 of the nose cone 540. The nose cone 540 also has a lumen 548 extending from the proximal end 544 to the distal tip 546 of the nose cone 540, which can be linearly connected to the lumen 108 of the medial shaft 102.

[0076] In some embodiments, the proximal portion 554 (including the shoulder region 560 and the body region 562) may have substantially the same geometric shape as the proximal portion 254 of the nose cone 240. However, in contrast to the distal portion 256 of the nose cone 240 which has a linear cross-sectional profile, the distal portion 556 of the nose cone 440 may have a non-linear or curved cross-sectional profile.

[0077] For example, in certain embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion 556 may have a concave shape with respect to the centroid 556c of the distal portion 556. The concave shape of the distal portion 556 may be defined by a parabola, a hyperbola, or an elliptic curve.

[0078] In other embodiments, the distal portion 556 may include multiple sections, each section having its own curvature. For example, the distal portion 556 may have a tip section 568 and a body section 566 located proximal to the tip section 568. In one exemplary embodiment, the tip section 568 may have a concave shape with respect to its centroid 568c, and the body section 566 may have a convex shape with respect to its centroid 566c. The respective concave or convex shapes of the tip section 568 and the body section 566 may be defined by a parabola, hyperbola, or elliptic curve. In yet another embodiment, the tip section 568 may have a linear cross-sectional profile, and the body section 566 may have a non-linear cross-sectional profile (e.g., a convex shape, or a hybrid shape of convex and concave).

[0079] Example of a nose cone dimension embodiment The dimensions of the different parts (or sections, segments, regions, or similar) of the nose cone described above may be configured to maintain a small overall profile of the nose cone while improving its ability to be smoothly drawn out of the implanted device during the delivery procedure. Nose cone dimensions are described below using nose cones 240 and 340 as examples, but it should be understood that similar dimensions may apply to nose cones 440 and 540 described above.

[0080] For example, the dimensions of the shoulder region (e.g., 260) may be configured to ensure that the nose cone can both engage with the distal end of the delivery sheath during delivery of the implantable device and be smoothly withdrawn from the implantable device after it has been deployed.

[0081] On the one hand, the inclination (e.g., S5) of the peak portion of the shoulder region (e.g., 230) may be large enough so that the peak portion can resist the delivery sheath 130 moving distally beyond the peak portion. On the other hand, the inclination (e.g., S5) of the peak portion (e.g., 230) may be much smaller than 90 degrees so that the peak portion can slide along the implanted device 120 when the delivery device is withdrawn.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the slope (e.g., S5) of the peak portion (e.g., 230) may be in the range of about 0 to about 65 degrees, or about 0 to about 45 degrees. In certain embodiments, the slope (e.g., S4) of the valley portion (e.g., 228) may be in the range of about 0 to about 65 degrees, or about 0 to about 45 degrees. In certain embodiments, the maximum slope of the cross-sectional profile in the shoulder region (e.g., 260) may be in the range of about 15 to about 65 degrees. In one particular embodiment, the maximum slope of the cross-sectional profile in the shoulder region is about 40 degrees.

[0083] The inclination (or inclination range) of the shoulder region (e.g., 260) is influenced by both the axial length of the shoulder region and the radial depth of the shoulder region (also called "shoulder depth"). As described above, the proximal end (e.g., 258) of the distal portion (e.g., 256) may define the maximum diameter of the nose cone, shown as D1 in Figure 4C. The distal end (e.g., 262d) of the body region (e.g., 262) of the proximal portion (e.g., 254) may define another diameter, shown as D2 in Figure 4C. The shoulder depth, shown as Δ in Figure 4C, can be defined as half the difference between D1 and D2, i.e., Δ = (D1 - D2) / 2. The axial length of the shoulder region (e.g., 260), shown as Ls in Figure 4D, can be measured as the axial length between the proximal end (e.g., 258) of the distal portion (e.g., 256) and the distal end (e.g., 262d) of the main body region (e.g., 262).

[0084] In certain embodiments, the shoulder region (e.g., 260) may have an axial length Ls in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In one particular embodiment, the axial length of the shoulder region Ls is about 2.5 mm.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the shoulder depth Δ may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 2.5 mm. In one particular embodiment, the shoulder depth Δ is about 1.0 mm.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the ratio of shoulder depth to the axial length of the shoulder region, i.e., Δ / Ls, may be in the range of about 0.02 to about 2.50. In one particular embodiment, the ratio Δ / Ls is about 0.40.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the ratio D2 / D1 may be in the range of about 0.50 to about 0.96. In one particular embodiment, the ratio D2 / D1 is about 0.75.

[0088] Where applicable, the dimensions and / or shape of the main body region (e.g., 262) may also be configured in conjunction with the configuration of the shoulder region (e.g., 260). For example, the inclination of the proximal portion 254 (of the cross-sectional profile) may be configured to change progressively (e.g., increasing or decreasing). In other words, the inclination of the proximal portion 254 may change continuously without step changes. Thus, there are no abrupt changes in diameter not only in the shoulder region 260 or the main body region 262, but also in the boundary between the distal portion 256 and the shoulder region 260, or between the shoulder region 260 and the main body region 262.

[0089] In addition, as shown in Figure 4D, the inclination of the main body region 262 may be configured such that the cross-sectional profile of the main body region 262 may include a section 272 having at least a relatively large inclination, where the tangent 270 in section 272 does not interfere with the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region 260 (including its distal end, which is also the proximal end 258 of the distal portion 256). In certain embodiments, section 272 may extend from the proximal end 262p of the main body region 262 to the midpoint 262m of the main body region 262. For example, section 272 may be located within a first section 222 or a second section 224. In other embodiments, section 272 may extend from the midpoint 262m of the main body region 262 to the distal end 262d of the main body region. For example, section 272 may be located within a second section 224 or a third section 226.

[0090] As described above with reference to Figure 3, when the delivery device is retracted, the vertices 126 and / or joints 128 of the annular frame 122 of the implanted device 120 may come into contact with the proximal portion 254 of the nose cone 240. The nose cone design described above can, among other things, improve the ease with which the nose cone can be withdrawn from the deployed implanted device. Specifically, the gradual decrease in diameter (instead of a step decrease) and the continuous variation in the slope (instead of a step change) in the proximal portion 254 allow the vertices 126 and / or joints 128 of the frame 122 to slide smoothly along the outer surface of the proximal portion 254 without being obstructed by any part of the nose cone 240 when the delivery device is retracted. In addition, due to the relatively large incline in section 272, the delivery device 100 can be further retracted proximally, for example, by deflecting the frame 122 and causing the frame 122 to slide distally to the nose cone 240 along the tangential 270 (extending radially away from the shoulder region 260). As a result, the shoulder region 260 of the nose cone 240 can slide smoothly along the frame as the nose cone 240 is retracted through the lumen of the frame 122.

[0091] The overall inclination of the main body region (e.g., 262) may be influenced by the axial length of the main body region (shown as L3 in Figure 4C) and the diameter D2 at the distal end of the main body region (e.g., 262d). In certain embodiments, the axial length L3 of the main body region may range from about 2 mm to about 20 mm. In one particular embodiment, the axial length L3 of the main body region is about 5.5 mm.

[0092] If the proximal portion of the nose cone (e.g., 354) has a connection region (e.g., 364), the dimensions of the connection region may be configured similarly to those of the shoulder region (e.g., 360) and the body region (e.g., 362).

[0093] For example, in a particular embodiment, the maximum inclination of the cross-sectional profile of the connection region (e.g., 364) may range from about 20 degrees to about 65 degrees. In a particular embodiment, the maximum inclination of the cross-sectional profile of the connection region (e.g., 364) is about 40 degrees.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the connection region (e.g., 364) may have an axial length in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 5.0 mm. In one particular embodiment, the axial length of the connection region (e.g., 364) is about 1.0 mm.

[0095] In addition, specific dimensions of the distal portion of the nose cone may also be configured to reduce the overall profile of the nose cone and facilitate non-traumatic navigation within the patient's vascular structure.

[0096] The axial length of the nose cone (indicated as L) is the sum of the axial length of the distal portion (indicated as L1) and the axial length of the proximal portion (indicated as L2), as shown in Figure 4C.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the axial length of the distal portion (e.g., 256) may be in the range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 80 mm. In one particular embodiment, the axial length L1 of the distal portion is approximately 35 mm.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the axial length of the proximal portion to the axial length of the distal portion, i.e., L2 / L1, may be in the range of about 0.03 to about 1.00. In one particular embodiment, the ratio L2 / L1 is about 0.25.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the axial length of the nose cone to the maximum diameter of the nose cone, i.e., L / D1, is in the range of about 1.5 to about 20.0. In one particular embodiment, the ratio L / D1 is about 6.5.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the axial length of the main body region to the axial length of the distal portion, i.e., L3 / L1, may be in the range of about 0.02 to about 0.95. In one particular embodiment, the ratio L3 / L1 is about 0.20.

[0101] Naturally, the various nose cone shapes described above and shown in Figures 4-7 are merely examples. Other variations of the nose cone shape based on the same principles as disclosed herein are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the overall curvature of the proximal and / or distal portions, the number and shape of different regions / sections within the proximal and / or distal portions (e.g., shoulder region, body region, connection region, etc.), the axial length and / or relative ratio of different portions (or segments, sections, regions, or similar), the diameter and / or relative ratio of different portions (or segments, sections, regions, or similar) may be modified to maintain an overall small profile of the nose cone (e.g., with respect to diameter and axial length) while improving the ability of the nose cone of the delivery device to be drawn out of the patient's vascular structure after deployment of the implanted device.

[0102] Exemplary Embodiments In consideration of the above-mentioned implementation of the disclosed subject matter, this application discloses additional embodiments listed below. It should be noted that one feature of an embodiment alone, or two or more features of an embodiment incorporated in combination, and optionally in combination with one or more features of one or more further embodiments, are further embodiments similarly included within the disclosure of this application.

[0103] Example 1. Apparatus for transcatheter procedure,

[0104] A device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and a nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the outer surface of the nose cone has a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion includes a body region, and the inclination of the body region gradually increases from the distal end of the body region to the proximal end of the body region.

[0105] Example 2. Any embodiment of this specification, particularly the apparatus described in Example 1, wherein the main body region has a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the main body region.

[0106] Example 3. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 2, wherein the convex shape of the main body region is defined by a parabolic curve.

[0107] Example 4. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 2, wherein the convex shape of the main body region is defined by a hyperbola.

[0108] Example 5. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 2, wherein the convex shape of the main body region is defined by an elliptic curve.

[0109] Example 6. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the axial length of the main body area is in the range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 20 mm.

[0110] Example 7. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 6, wherein the axial length of the main body area is approximately 5.5 mm.

[0111] Example 8. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion further includes a connecting region located between the main body region and the distal end of the shaft.

[0112] Example 9. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 8, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion of the connection region has a concave shape with respect to the centroid of the connection region.

[0113] Example 10. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 8, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion of the connection region linearly connects the proximal end of the main body region to the distal end of the shaft.

[0114] Example 11. An apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the connection area has an axial length in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 5.0 mm.

[0115] Example 12. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 11, wherein the axial length of the connection area is approximately 1.0 mm.

[0116] Example 13. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion further includes a shoulder region located between the main body region and the distal portion of the nose cone.

[0117] Example 14. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 13, wherein the shoulder region comprises a peak portion connected to the distal portion of the nose cone and a valley portion connected to the distal end of the main body region, and the diameter of the shoulder region gradually decreases from the peak portion to the valley portion.

[0118] Example 15. Any embodiment of this specification, particularly the apparatus described in Example 14, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion of the valley portion has a concave shape with respect to the center of gravity of the shoulder region, and the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion of the peak portion has a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the shoulder region.

[0119] Example 16. An apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 13 to 15, wherein the shoulder region has an axial length in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0120] Example 17. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 16, wherein the axial length of the shoulder region is approximately 2.5 mm.

[0121] Example 18. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion linearly connects the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the distal portion.

[0122] Example 19. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion has a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the distal portion.

[0123] Example 20. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 19, wherein the convex shape of the distal portion is defined by an elliptic curve.

[0124] Example 21. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 19, wherein the convex shape of the distal portion is defined by a parabolic curve.

[0125] Example 22. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 19, wherein the convex shape of the distal portion is defined by a hyperbola.

[0126] Example 23. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the distal portion has a concave shape with respect to the center of gravity of the distal portion.

[0127] Example 24. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 23, wherein the concave shape of the distal portion is defined by an elliptic curve.

[0128] Example 25. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 23, wherein the concave shape of the distal portion is defined by a parabolic curve.

[0129] Example 26. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 23, wherein the concave shape of the distal portion is defined by a hyperbola.

[0130] Example 27. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the distal cross-sectional profile comprises a tip section and a body section proximal to the tip section, the tip section having a concave shape with respect to the center of gravity of the tip section, and the body section having a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the body section.

[0131] Example 28. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the distal portion of the nose cone has an axial length in the range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 80 mm.

[0132] Example 29. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 28, wherein the distal axial length is approximately 35 mm.

[0133] Example 30. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 28 to 29, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the proximal portion to the axial length of the distal portion is in the range of about 0.03 to about 1.00.

[0134] Example 31. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 30, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the proximal portion to the axial length of the distal portion is approximately 0.25.

[0135] Example 32. An apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the nose cone to the maximum diameter of the nose cone is in the range of about 1.5 to about 20.0.

[0136] Example 33. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 32, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the nose cone to the maximum diameter of the nose cone is about 6.5.

[0137] Example 34. Apparatus for transcatheter procedure,

[0138] A device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and a nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the nose cone comprises a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone, a connecting region connected to the distal end of the shaft, and a body region located between the shoulder region and the connecting region, the outer surface of the nose cone having a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the cross-sectional profile of the body region comprising a first section having a first inclination, a second section having a second inclination, and a third section having a third inclination, wherein the first section is adjacent to the connecting region, the third section is adjacent to the shoulder region, and the second section is located between the first and second sections, and the first inclination is greater than the second and third inclinations, and the second inclination is greater than the third inclination.

[0139] Example 35. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 34, wherein the first incline, the second incline, and the third incline are measured as the average incline of the first section, the second section, and the third section, respectively.

[0140] Example 36. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 34, wherein the first inclination, the second inclination, and the third inclination are measured as the inclination median values ​​of the first section, the second section, and the third section, respectively.

[0141] Example 37. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 34, wherein the first inclination, the second inclination, and the third inclination are measured as the maximum inclination of the first section, the second section, and the third section, respectively.

[0142] Example 38. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 34, wherein the first inclination, the second inclination, and the third inclination are measured as the minimum inclination of the first section, the second section, and the third section, respectively.

[0143] Example 39. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 38, wherein the shaft comprises a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the shaft, and the nose cone comprises a lumen extending through the nose cone and linearly connected to the lumen of the shaft.

[0144] Example 40. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 39, wherein the distal portion of the nose cone tapers radially outward from the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the distal portion, and the proximal portion of the nose cone tapers radially inward from the proximal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the proximal portion, the proximal end of the distal portion having a first diameter, and the distal end of the body region having a second diameter.

[0145] Example 41. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 40, wherein the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter defines the shoulder depth, and the shoulder depth is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0146] Example 42. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 41, wherein the shoulder depth is approximately 1.0 mm.

[0147] Example 43. An apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 41 to 42, wherein the ratio of the shoulder depth to the axial length of the shoulder region is in the range of about 0.02 to about 2.50.

[0148] Example 44. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 43, wherein the ratio of the shoulder depth to the axial length of the shoulder region is approximately 0.40.

[0149] Example 45. An apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 40 to 44, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is in the range of about 0.50 to about 0.96.

[0150] Example 46. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 45, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is about 0.75.

[0151] Example 47. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 46, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the main body region to the axial length of the distal portion is in the range of about 0.02 to about 0.95.

[0152] Example 48. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 47, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the main body region to the axial length of the distal portion is approximately 0.20.

[0153] Example 49. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 48, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the main body region has a convex shape with respect to the centroid of the main body region.

[0154] Example 50. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus according to Example 49, wherein the cross-sectional profiles of the main body region and the connecting region form a continuous convex shape with respect to the centroid of the main body region.

[0155] Example 51. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 49, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the connection region has a concave shape with respect to the centroid of the connection region.

[0156] Example 52. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 51, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region has a concave shape with respect to the center of gravity of the shoulder region.

[0157] Example 53. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 52, wherein the shoulder region comprises a peak portion connected to the distal portion of the nose cone and a valley portion connected to the main body region, and the inclination of the shoulder region is in the range of about 0 to about 65 degrees.

[0158] Example 54. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 53, wherein the maximum slope of the shoulder region is located at the boundary between the peak portion and the valley portion.

[0159] Example 55. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 54, wherein the maximum inclination of the shoulder region is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 65 degrees.

[0160] Example 56. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the apparatus described in Example 55, wherein the maximum inclination of the shoulder region is about 40 degrees.

[0161] Example 57. The apparatus according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 34 to 56, wherein the inclination of the proximal portion changes continuously without step changes.

[0162] Example 58. A nose cone for a transcatheter delivery device, comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion comprises a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone and a main body region proximal to the shoulder region, the outer surface of the nose cone having a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the nose cone, and the cross-sectional profile of the main body region having a convex shape when viewed from the center of gravity of the main body region.

[0163] Example 59. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the nose cone described in Example 58, further comprising a lumen extending from the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the proximal portion.

[0164] Example 60. A nose cone according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 58 to 59, wherein the proximal portion further includes a proximal connecting region to the main body region, and the cross-sectional profile of the connecting region has a different curvature from that of the main body region.

[0165] Example 61. A nose cone according to any embodiment of this specification, particularly Example 60, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the connection region has a concave shape when viewed from the centroid of the connection region.

[0166] Example 62. A nose cone according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 60 to 61, wherein the maximum inclination of the cross-sectional profile of the connection region is in the range of about 20 degrees to about 65 degrees.

[0167] Example 63. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the nose cone described in Example 62, wherein the maximum inclination of the cross-sectional profile of the connection region is about 40 degrees.

[0168] Example 64. A nose cone according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 58 to 63, wherein the maximum inclination of the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 65 degrees.

[0169] Example 65. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the nose cone described in Example 64, wherein the maximum inclination of the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region is about 40 degrees.

[0170] Example 66. A nose cone according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 58 to 65, wherein the proximal end of the distal portion defines the maximum diameter of the nose cone.

[0171] Example 67. A nose cone according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 58 to 66, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the main body region includes at least a section, and the tangents in the section do not interfere with the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region.

[0172] Example 68. An assembly for transcatheter procedures,

[0173] An assembly comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion; and an artificial implant releasably connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, wherein the proximal portion of the nose cone comprises a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone, a connection region connected to the distal end of the shaft, and a body region located between the shoulder region and the connection region; the outer surface of the nose cone has a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; and the cross-sectional profile of the body region has a convex shape when viewed from the center of gravity of the body region.

[0174] Example 69. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 68, wherein the artificial implant is an artificial valve.

[0175] Example 70. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 69, wherein the artificial valve comprises a frame having a plurality of supports having a lattice structure.

[0176] Example 71. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 68, wherein the artificial implant is a stent.

[0177] Example 72. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 71, wherein the stent includes a plurality of supports having a lattice structure.

[0178] Example 73. An assembly according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 68-72, wherein the artificial implant is movable between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state.

[0179] Example 74. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 73, wherein the artificial implant is self-expandable.

[0180] Example 75. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 73, wherein the artificial implant is a balloon that can be expanded by radially expanding the balloon within the artificial implant.

[0181] Example 76. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 73, wherein the artificial implant is mechanically expandable by applying axial force to both the proximal and distal ends of the artificial implant.

[0182] Example 77. An assembly according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 68 to 76, wherein the distal end of the artificial implant is positioned proximal to and adjacent to the proximal portion of the nose cone.

[0183] Example 78. An assembly according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 68 to 76, wherein the distal end of the artificial implant overlaps with at least a portion of the proximal portion of the nose cone.

[0184] Example 79. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 68 to 78, further comprising a delivery sheath configured to be axially movable relative to the artificial implant, such that the artificial implant is covered by the delivery sheath when the distal end of the delivery sheath abuts against the shoulder region of the nose cone, and the artificial implant can be exposed when the delivery sheath is moved proximal to the artificial implant.

[0185] Example 80. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 79, wherein the distal end of the shoulder region defines the maximum diameter of the nose cone, and the distal end of the delivery sheath and the distal end of the shoulder region have substantially the same diameter.

[0186] Example 81. An assembly according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 79-80, wherein the shaft is an inner shaft and the assembly further comprises an outer shaft extending over the inner shaft.

[0187] Example 82. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 81, wherein the distal end of the outer shaft is connected to the proximal end of the delivery sheath.

[0188] Example 83. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 81, wherein the delivery sheath is an integral part of the outer shaft.

[0189] Example 84. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 81 to 83, comprising a drive mechanism in which the proximal end of an inner shaft and the proximal end of an outer shaft are connected to a handle, the handle being configured to perform axial movement of the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft.

[0190] Example 85. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 84, wherein the handle comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the curvature of the outer shaft.

[0191] Example 86. An assembly according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 81 to 85, further comprising an intermediate shaft extending between an inner shaft and an outer shaft, wherein the distal end of the intermediate shaft is connected to a balloon positioned within an artificial implant, and the proximal end of the intermediate shaft is connected to an inflation mechanism configured to radially expand the balloon.

[0192] Example 87. An assembly according to any embodiment of this specification, in particular any one of Examples 68 to 86, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the main body region includes at least a section, and the tangents in the section do not interfere with the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region.

[0193] Example 88. Any embodiment of this specification, in particular the assembly described in Example 87, wherein the section extends from the proximal end of the body region to the midpoint of the body region.

[0194] Given the numerous possible embodiments to which the principles of this disclosure may apply, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure or the claims. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for transcatheter procedures, A shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, A nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion, The outer surface of the nose cone has a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, The cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion includes the main body region, The inclination of the main body region gradually increases from the distal end of the main body region to the proximal end of the main body region. The cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion further includes a connection region located between the main body region and the distal end of the shaft, A device wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion of the connection region has a concave shape with respect to the centroid of the connection region, or the proximal end of the main body region is linearly connected to the distal end of the shaft.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body region has a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the main body region.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion further includes a shoulder region located between the main body region and the distal portion of the nose cone.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the shoulder region comprises a peak portion connected to the distal portion of the nose cone and a valley portion connected to the distal end of the main body region, and the diameter of the shoulder region gradually decreases from the peak portion to the valley portion.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion in the valley portion has a concave shape with respect to the center of gravity of the shoulder region, and the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion in the peak portion has a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the shoulder region.

6. A device for transcatheter procedures, A shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, A nose cone connected to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion, The proximal portion of the nose cone includes a shoulder region adjacent to the distal portion of the nose cone, a connecting region connected to the distal end of the shaft, and a main body region located between the shoulder region and the connecting region. The outer surface of the nose cone has a cross-sectional profile cut along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, The cross-sectional profile of the main body region includes a first section having a first inclination, a second section having a second inclination, and a third section having a third inclination, wherein the first section is adjacent to the connecting region, the third section is adjacent to the shoulder region, and the second section is located between the first section and the second section. The first incline is greater than the second incline and the third incline, and the second incline is greater than the third incline, A device wherein the cross-sectional profile of the proximal portion of the connection region has a concave shape with respect to the centroid of the connection region, or the proximal end of the main body region is linearly connected to the distal end of the shaft.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the distal portion of the nose cone tapers radially outward from the distal end to the proximal end of the distal portion, and the proximal portion of the nose cone tapers radially inward from the proximal end to the proximal end of the distal portion, the proximal end of the distal portion has a first diameter, and the distal end of the main body region has a second diameter.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter defines the depth of the shoulder, and the depth of the shoulder is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the ratio of the depth of the shoulder to the axial length of the shoulder region is in the range of 0.02 to 2.

50.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is in the range of 0.50 to 0.

96.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the main body region to the axial length of the distal portion is in the range of 0.02 to 0.

95.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the main body region has a convex shape with respect to the center of gravity of the main body region.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the shoulder region has a concave shape with respect to the center of gravity of the shoulder region.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the shoulder region comprises a peak portion connected to the distal portion of the nose cone and a valley portion connected to the main body region, and the inclination of the shoulder region is in the range of 0 to 65 degrees.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the inclination of the proximal portion changes continuously without step changes.

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