Gripper for an elongated medical member

Abstract

A gripper for an elongated medical member comprising: a gripper body comprising a first thread; a nut comprising a second thread configured to interact with the first thread; and a gripping element placed within the gripper body configured to grip the elongated medical member; wherein, if the nut is rotated in a first direction, the first and second threads are configured to interact with each other to increase a force being exerted on the gripping element; wherein, if the nut is rotated in a second direction, the first and second threads are configured to interact with each other to decrease the force being exerted on the gripping element; wherein the gripping element is configured to grip the elongated medical member if the force being exerted on it is above a predetermined threshold; wherein the gripping element comprises at least one winding of thread; and wherein the at least one winding is configured to contact the elongated medical member when the force is above the predetermined threshold.

Description

[0001] UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 1 - 30A-167 723

[0002] GRIPPER FOR AN ELONGATED MEDICAL MEMBER

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a gripper for an elongated medical member comprising a gripper body, a nut and a gripping element.

[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0006] Tuohy-Borst and hemostasis valves are available on the market. The main purpose of these valves is to prevent backflow during a medical procedure, typically back bleeding. These valves are manually controlled endovascular device valves with 0- rings inside. Manual rotation of one part of the valve in relation to another part leads to the tightening or loosening of the inner silicone O-ring around the inserted endovascular device. There are also valves where silicone O-ring is compressed by a spring instead of manual rotation.

[0007] If, for example, a guiding catheter with an 8 Fr (French scale) diameter is inserted into a patient's vessel, another catheter with a 4 Fr diameter may be inserted inside the guiding catheter. Due to the significant difference in diameters between these catheters, there will be back bleeding from the patient's vessel. A Tuohy-Borst or hemostasis valve is attached to the end tip of the guiding catheter via a Luer lock, and the smaller catheter is then passed through the valve into the guiding catheter. To adjust for the catheter diameter, these adapters allow manual rotation of one casing part relative to the other. This creates pressure on the silicone O-ring(s) inside, forming a seal to prevent back bleeding.

[0008] However, the skilled person understands that there is a need to improve the gripping of such catheters, as present solutions ensure only back bleeding prevention, but not gripping.

[0009] There is therefore a need for improved grippers for elongated medical members.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is set out in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 2 - 30A-167 723

[0012] According to a first aspect, we describe a gripper for an elongated medical member comprising: a gripper body comprising a first thread; a nut comprising a second thread configured to interact with the first thread; and a gripping element placed within the gripper body configured to grip the elongated medical member; wherein, if the nut is rotated in a first direction, the first and second threads are configured to interact with each other to increase a force being exerted on the gripping element; wherein, if the nut is rotated in a second direction, the first and second threads are configured to interact with each other to decrease the force being exerted on the gripping element; wherein the gripping element is configured to grip the elongated medical member if the force being exerted on it is above a predetermined threshold; wherein the gripper further comprises at least one winding of thread comprised in or wound around the gripping element; and wherein the at least one winding is configured to contact the elongated medical member when the force is above the predetermined threshold.

[0013] The gripper body may be of any suitable design that allows for the nut to be placed around the outside of the gripping body, and for the gripping element to be placed inside the gripping body. In some examples, the gripping body is at least partially comprised of a flexible material which flexes when the nut is rotated in the first and / or second direction. In particular, the gripping body may comprise a plastic and / or a metal that allows for the gripping element to flex, when a force is exerted on the gripping element, and grip the elongated medical member, as described herein. In some examples, the metallic material may not be able to flex. The gripping element may comprise silicone and / or rubber and / or an elastic material.

[0014] Alternatively, a metal and / or plastic material may be used, which may not be elastic. The first thread may be of any suitable pitch and thread angle that allows for the gripper to function as described herein (e.g. a screw-type thread).

[0015] The nut may comprise any suitable material such as, for example, a plastic and / or a metal that may allow for the nut to flex under an external force exerted on the nut. In some examples, the metallic material may not be able to flex. The second nut thread is configured to interact with the first gripper body thread and so, may have corresponding characteristics. Upon rotating the nut in the first direction, pressure may be applied to the gripping element via the interaction between the first and second threads. This pressure may then cause the gripping element to decrease its inner diameter, thereby gripping the elongated medical member. UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 3 - 30A-167 723

[0016] As described herein, the first and second directions are opposite directions of rotation for the nut. In particular, the first and second directions may be in relation to a rotation around a longitudinal axis of the elongated medical member and / or a longitudinal axis of the gripping body and / or a longitudinal axis along which the elongated medical member can pass through the gripping body. For example, the first direction may refer to a clockwise rotation of the nut, and the second direction may refer to an anti-clockwise rotation of the nut, or vice versa.

[0017] The gripping element is described in more detail below.

[0018] The force being exerted on the gripping element is preferably a force directed towards the center of the gripping element, but may additionally or alternatively be a force in any suitable direction that leads to the elongated medical member being gripped by the gripping element once the force reaches a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may depend on a parameter of the elongated medical member. The predetermined threshold may be of such a level to allow for the elongated medical member to be gripped and held during the rotation and during the linear motion of the elongated medical member by the user. In other words, once gripped, the elongated medical member may be kept steady in place if a particular amount of force is applied to liner / rotational direction. The predetermined threshold may additionally or alternatively be determined to be such a threshold that, the elongated medical member is not compressed and / or an outer surface of the elongated medical member is not damaged. The force may, in some examples, be applied to the gripping element via compression of the gripping element by the gripping body and / or the nut insert (as described below) upon rotation of the nut in the first direction.

[0019] The thread preferably comprises a sterile and / or biocompatible material, the thread may be a monolite / single thread, similar to fishing line, or made from thinner threads, such as, for example, cotton or synthetic threads. This thread is then wound around the gripping element so as to create a winding configured to contact the elongated medical member when the force is above the predetermined threshold. That is to say, the gripping body comprises, in some examples, an opening for the elongated medical member, and then the thread is wound around the gripping element in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated medical member. The use of such a thread increases the friction coefficient of the gripping element, thereby allowing for a more secure gripping of the elongated UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 4 - 30A-167 723 medical member while it is being gripped. The thread may also reduce the chance of the elongated medical member being damaged while it is being gripped.

[0020] In some examples, there is a plurality of windings of thread, wherein the windings are spaced equally around the gripping element. This may improve the friction coefficient of the gripping element and so, lead to a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member while it is being gripped. In particular, the plurality of windings may be such that the elongated medical member is placeable in the center of the gripper. In some examples, the plurality of winding may comprise a cross windings, to further increase the gripping capabilities of the gripper. The positioning of the windings may be of any positioning in such a way to optimize the gripping of the elongated medical member. The plurality of windings may comprise cloth, which itself may comprise a plurality of threads and / or windings of thread. Alternatively, a plurality of threads may be used.

[0021] In some examples, the gripper further comprises a sprayable and / or glueable layer between the gripping element and the at least one winding and / or elongated medical member. The at least one winding may, in some examples, exert a frictional force on at least one other part of the gripper, in particular the gripping element, leading to a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member. In some examples, the sprayable and / or glueable layer may replace the at least one winding. In some examples, the sprayable and / or glueable layer may be located between the at least one winding and the O-ring, as described herein. This may further increase the gripping capabilities of the gripper, thereby allowing for a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member. The layer may comprise any suitable material that can be sprayed and / or glued onto the gripping element. In particular, this may be a liquid material.

[0022] In some examples, the gripping element is an O-ring, wherein the O-ring preferably comprises silicone. The gripping element may comprise alternatively or additionally comprise rubber and / or an elastic material. Alternatively, a metal and / or plastic material may be used, which may not be elastic. This may allow for the thread to be wound around the O-ring. The use of silicone may mean that the gripping element is contractible when pressure / force is applied to it, leading to a gripping element that more securely grips the elongated medical member. Additionally or alternatively, any other suitable material with elastic properties could be used. UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 5 - 30A-167 723

[0023] In some examples, the gripper body, the nut and the gripping element comprise aligned openings, wherein the aligned openings are configured to allow the elongated medical member to be inserted through the gripper. This may allow for the elongated medical member to be fed through the gripper. Aligned openings may mean that the elongated medical member is not kinked within the gripper, leading to a less stress being applied to the member, and a longer lifespan. The openings may be of any suitable shape and diameter as long as the elongated medical member is allowed to pass through the openings. In some examples, each of the openings have different diameters.

[0024] In some examples, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element is configured to not rotate. This may lead to an improved gripping of the elongated medical member as there is a lower chance of the gripping element slipping. This leads to improved patient safety due to, for example, the above feature also leading to a prevention, or lower likelihood, of the elongated medical member being damaged while being gripped. If the elongated medical member is damaged, this, and insertion of a damaged elongated medical member into a patient, may lead to injury to the patient.

[0025] In some examples, the gripping element comprises a gripping layer between the gripping element and the elongated medical member.. This gripping layer may increase the friction coefficient of the gripping element, leading to a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member.

[0026] In some examples, the gripping layer comprises a synthetic material and / or cotton. If cotton is used, cloth in particular may be used. The gripping layer may comprise a sterile and / or biocompatible material. The material is preferably safe with regards to contact with blood during a procedure. Additionally or alternatively, the gripping layer may be a liquid material layer, with the liquid material being glued, sprayed, or applied to the gripping element in any other suitable manner.

[0027] In some examples, the gripper further comprises a nut insert placed within the gripping body. In particular, the nut insert may be placed within the gripping body which itself is surrounded, at least partially, by the nut. The nut insert may comprise any suitable material that allows for the nut insert to function as described herein. In particular, a plastic and / or metallic material may be used. Furthermore, it is preferred that the nut insert comprises a low coefficient of friction to allow for the rotation of the nut and / or application of force onto the gripping element. Upon rotation of the UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 6 - 30A-167 723 nut in the first direction, the nut insert may directly and / or indirectly apply the force on the gripping element leading to the gripping of the elongated medical member. The nut insert, in some examples, also comprises an aligned hole like as described above in relation to the nut, gripping body and gripping element.

[0028] In some examples, as the nut is rotated in the first direction, the gripping element is configured to be compressed by the nut and the nut insert. This may lead to an improved application of force on the gripping element as the force may be more evenly spread across the gripping element, leading to a longer lifespan of the gripping element.

[0029] In some examples, the nut comprises at least one protrusion for a user and / or a machine to grip the nut. The at least one protrusion may allow for easier tightening and / or loosening of the nut and / or for easier rotation of the nut in the first and / or second direction. The protrusion may be of any suitable design that allows for a user and / or a machine to rotate the nut. In some examples, the nut may be rotated by a portion of an endovascular robotic system via, for example, a motor.

[0030] In some examples, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element is configured to create a watertight seal around an exterior of the elongated medical member. This may prevent liquids from flowing through the gripper, thereby improving patient safety.

[0031] In some examples, the gripper further comprises a limiting element configured to limit a rotation of the nut. This may lead to a rotation of the nut in, for example, the first direction being limited. This may therefore limit the force being applied to the gripping element and so, the elongated medical member, preventing damage to, and extending the lifetime of, both elements. It may also lead to the nut being prevented from overtightening, thereby extending the lifetime of the nut.

[0032] In some examples, the opening of the gripping element comprises at least two different diameters, and wherein the opening is configured to be of a first diameter at a first side and a second side of the gripping element, wherein the first and second sides are opposite sides, and wherein the opening is configured to be of a second diameter between the first and second sides within the gripping element. This opening may allow for the placement of (silicone) O-rings and / or (silicone) gripping elements. The function of such geometry may allow for constant gripping / squeezing of the elongated medical member, while it is being gripped, and UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 7 - 30A-167 723 allow for a constant gripping around the circumference of the elongated medical member.

[0033] In some examples, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

[0034] In some examples, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripper is configured to act as a hemostatic valve. This may prevent liquids from flowing through the gripper, thereby improving patient safety. In any of the examples outlined throughout the present disclosure, in order for the gripper to act as a hemostatic valve, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element may be configured to create a watertight seal around an exterior of the elongated medical member.

[0035] In some examples, the gripper comprises the elongated medical member. The elongated medical member is described in more detail below.

[0036] In some examples, the elongated medical member is suitable for an endovascular procedure. The elongated medical member may be, for example, a guidewire, a catheter, a stent, a PTA balloon catheter, a stent balloon, or any other suitable elongated medical member.

[0037] Any advantages and features described in relation to the any of the above examples may be realized in any of the other examples described above.

[0038] Even if some of the aspects described above have been described in reference to the gripper, these aspects may also apply to a method for gripping an elongated medical member, preferably within an endovascular robotic system.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] These and other aspects of the invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a gripper according to some example implementations as described herein; UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 8 - 30A-167 723

[0042] Figure 2 shows a cut-away view of a gripper according to some example implementations as described herein;

[0043] Figure 3 shows a gripping element according to some example implementations as described herein; and

[0044] Figure 4 shows a gripping element according to some example implementations as described herein.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a gripper according to some example implementations as described herein.

[0047] Figure 1 shows the gripper having a gripper body 101, a nut 102 and a nut insert 103.

[0048] The gripper body 101 may be of any suitable design that allows for the nut 102 to be placed around the outside of the gripping body 101, and for the gripping element (see figure 2) to be placed inside the gripping body 101. In some examples, the gripping body 101 is at least partially comprised of a flexible material which flexes when the nut 102 is rotated in the first and / or second direction. The first thread may be of any suitable pitch and thread angle that allows for the gripper to function as described herein.

[0049] The second thread, on the nut 102, is configured to interact with the first thread and so, may have corresponding characteristics. Upon rotating the nut 102 in the first direction, pressure may be applied to the gripping element via the interaction between the first and second threads. This pressure may then cause the gripping element to decrease its inner diameter, thereby gripping the elongated medical member (described in more detail below).

[0050] The nut 102, in this example, comprises four protrusions, but the skilled person understands that any number of protrusions may be used. Such protrusions allow for a user and / or a machine to grip the nut 102. The protrusions may allow for easier tightening and / or loosening of the nut 102 and / or for easier rotation of the nut 102 in the first and / or second direction. The protrusion may be of any suitable design that allows for a user and / or a machine to rotate the nut 102. In some examples, the UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 9 - 30A-167 723 nut 102 may be rotated by a portion of an endovascular robotic system via, for example, a motor of the robotic system.

[0051] In some examples, the gripper further comprises a nut insert 103 placed within the gripping body 101. In particular, the nut insert 103 may be placed within the gripping body 101 which itself is surrounded, at least partially, by the nut 102. Upon rotation of the nut 102 in the first direction, the nut insert 103 may directly and / or indirectly apply the force on the gripping element leading to the gripping of the elongated medical member.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a cut-away view of a gripper according to some example implementations as described herein.

[0053] Here, it can be seen that the gripping element 104 is inside the gripping body 101 and is part of the overall gripper.

[0054] The gripping element 104 is, in this example, an O-ring preferably comprising silicone. This O-ring 105 is shown in more detail in Figure 3. However, the skilled person understands that the gripping element 104 may be any suitable shape, as long as there is an opening allowing for the elongated medical member to pass through the gripping element 104. The use of silicone may mean that the gripping element 104 is contractible when pressure / force is applied to it, leading to a gripping element 104 that more securely grips the elongated medical member.

[0055] The force being exerted on the gripping element, as described herein, is preferably a force directed towards the center of the gripping element, 104 but may additionally or alternatively be a force in any suitable direction that leads to the elongated medical member being gripped by the gripping element 104 once the force reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element 104 is configured to not rotate. This may lead to an improved gripping of the elongated medical member as there is a lower chance of the gripping element 104 slipping.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, as the nut 102 is rotated in the first direction, the gripping element 104 is configured to be compressed by the nut 102 and the nut insert 103. This may lead to an improved application of force on the gripping element UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 10 - 30A-167 723

[0058] 104 as the force may be more evenly spread across the gripping element 104, leading to a longer lifespan of the gripping element 104.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element 104 is configured to create a watertight seal around an exterior of the elongated medical member. This may prevent liquids from flowing through the gripper, thereby improving patient safety. Preferably, this may cause the gripper to act as a hemostatic valve, which is particularly advantageous in medical procedures.

[0060] In addition to the above, there is at least one winding of thread around the gripping element 104. The thread is thread that preferably comprises a sterile and / or biocompatible material and, in particular, may be suitable for surgeries and / or medical procedures. This thread is wound around the gripping element 104 so as to create a winding configured to contact the elongated medical member when the force is above the predetermined threshold. The thread is wound around the gripping element 104 in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated medical member. The use of a thread increases the friction coefficient of the gripping element 104, thereby allowing for a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member while it is being gripped. The thread may also reduce the chance of the elongated medical member being damaged while it is being gripped.

[0061] Preferably, there is a plurality of windings of thread, wherein the windings are spaced equally around the gripping element 104. This may improve the friction coefficient of the gripping element 104 and so, lead to a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member while it is being gripped. The skilled person understands that alternatively, the windings may be unevenly spaced around at least a portion of the circumference of the gripping element 104.

[0062] This gripping element 104 with an O-ring 105 and windings 106 is shown in more detail in Figure 4. Furthermore, the embodiment shown in Figure 4 shows the gripping layer, as described in more detail below.

[0063] In some examples, the gripping element 104 comprises a gripping layer between the gripping element 104 and the thread. This gripping layer may increase the friction coefficient of the gripping element 104, leading to a more secure gripping of the elongated medical member. The gripping layer, in some examples, comprises a synthetic material and / or cotton in a fabric or mesh form. UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 11 - 30A-167 723

[0064] In this example, the opening of the gripping element 104 comprises at least two different diameters, wherein the opening is configured to be of the first diameter at a first side and a second side of the gripping element 104, wherein the first and second sides are opposite sides, and wherein the opening is configured to be of the second diameter between the first and second sides within the gripping element 104. When the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, this creates a chamber within the gripping element 104. In some examples, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter, thereby creating an opening that closes and then opens along the length of said opening.

[0065] In some examples, the gripper further comprises a limiting element configured to limit a rotation of the nut. This limiting element is preferably coupled to the gripping body 101, but may alternatively be coupled to the nut insert 103. This may lead to a rotation of the nut 102 in, for example, the first direction being limited. This may therefore limit the force being applied to the gripping element 104 and so, the elongated medical member, preventing damage to, and extending the lifetime of, both elements. It may also lead to the nut 102 being prevented from overtightening, thereby extending the lifetime of the nut 102.

[0066] The elongated medical member is suitable for an endovascular procedure. This elongated medical member is threaded through the aligned holes of the gripping body 101, nut 102, nut insert 103 and gripping element 104. Such alignment allows for a smooth movement of the elongated medical member through the gripper when the member is not being gripped. The elongated medical member may be, for example, a guidewire, a catheter, a stent, a PTA balloon catheter, a stent balloon, or any other suitable elongated medical member.

[0067] No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art and lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 12 - 30A-167 723CLAIMS1. A gripper for an elongated medical member, the gripper comprising: a gripper body comprising a first thread; a nut comprising a second thread configured to interact with the first thread; and a gripping element placed within the gripper body, wherein the gripping element is configured to grip the elongated medical member; wherein, if the nut is rotated in a first direction, the first and second threads are configured to interact with each other to increase a force being exerted on the gripping element; wherein, if the nut is rotated in a second direction, the first and second threads are configured to interact with each other to decrease the force being exerted on the gripping element; wherein the gripping element is configured to grip the elongated medical member if the force being exerted on the gripping element is above a predetermined threshold; wherein the gripper further comprises at least one winding of thread comprised in or wound around the gripping element; and wherein the at least one winding is configured to contact the elongated medical member when the force is above the predetermined threshold.

2. The gripper of claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of windings of thread, and wherein the windings are spaced equally around the gripping element.

3. The gripper of claim 2, wherein the plurality of windings of thread comprise a plurality of threads, in particular where the plurality of windings comprises cloth.

4. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sprayable gripping layer and / or glueable gripping layer between the gripping element and elongated medical member.

5. The gripper of claim 4, wherein the sprayable and / or glueable layer comprises a liquid material.UAB Inovatyvi medicina - 13 - 30A-167 7236. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping element is an O-ring, wherein the O-ring preferably comprises silicone.

7. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper body, the nut and the gripping element comprise aligned openings, wherein the aligned openings are configured to allow the elongated medical member to be inserted through the gripper.

8. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element is configured to not rotate.

9. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping element comprises a gripping layer between the gripping element and the thread.

10. The gripper of claim 9, wherein the gripping layer comprises a synthetic material and / or cotton and / or a liquid material.

11. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a nut insert placed within the gripping body.

12. The gripper of claim 11, wherein, as the nut is rotated in the first direction, the gripping element is configured to be compressed by the nut and the nut insert.

13. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nut comprises at least one protrusion for a user and / or a machine to grip the nut.

14. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripping element is configured to create a watertight seal around an exterior of the elongated medical member.

15. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a limiting element configured to limit a rotation of the nut.

16. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the opening of the gripping element comprises at least two different diameters, and wherein the opening is configured to be of a first diameter at a first side and a second side of the gripping element, wherein the first and second sidesUAB Inovatyvi medicina - 14 - 30A-167 723 are opposite sides, and wherein the opening is configured to be of a second diameter between the first and second sides within the gripping element.

17. The gripper of claim 16, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

18. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the force is above the predetermined threshold, the gripper is configured to act as a hemostatic valve.

19. The gripper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper comprises the elongated medical member.

20. The gripper of claim 19, wherein the elongated medical member is suitable for an endovascular procedure.

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