Braiding system, such as for forming medical braids, and associated devices and methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for forming a braid of filaments, such as a continuous tubular braid having more than one braid pattern of the filaments along its length. In some embodiments, a system in accordance with the present technology can include a maypole-type braider including a drive unit having multiple gears defining slots and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the gears. The system can include multiple drive bases constrained within the slots. The drive bases are configured to move between the slots when the drive mechanism rotates the gears. The system can further include multiple carriers each coupled to a corresponding filament. The carriers are configured to be releasably coupled to corresponding ones of the drive bases such that the carriers move with the corresponding ones of the drive bases when the drive bases move between the slots.

Description

Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00BRAIDING SYSTEM, SUCH AS FOR FORMING MEDICAL BRAIDS, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 715,227, filed November 1, 2024, and titled “BRAIDING SYSTEM, SUCH AS FOR FORMING MEDICAL BRAIDS, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety7.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for forming a braid of filaments, such as a continuous tubular braid having more than one filament pattern along its length.BACKGROUND

[0003] Braids generally comprise many filaments interwoven together to form a cylindrical or otherwise tubular structure. Such braids have a wide array of medical applications. For example, braids can be designed to collapse into small catheters for deployment in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Once deployed from a catheter, some braids can expand within the vessel or other bodily lumen in which they are deployed to, for example, occlude or slow the flow of bodily fluids, trap or filter particles within a bodily fluid, and / or retrieve blood clots, foreign objects, etc., in the body.

[0004] Some known machines for forming braids operate by moving spools of wire such that the wires paid out from individual spools cross over / under one another. However, these braiding machines are not suitable for forming braids have different braiding patterns along their length. In particular, the spools are typically fixed to move through a constant pattern relative to one another such that the braid pattern remains constant along the length of the braid. Other known braiding machines secure a weight to each wire to tension the wires, and position the wire and each of the wires within a vertical tube. The braiding machine then moves the tubes and corresponding wires in discrete radial and arcuate paths around a mandrel to form a braid. In such machines, a pattern of the braid can be adjusted during formation of the braid by stopping the machine and moving some or all of the weights and attached filaments to different ones of the-1-184157855.1Attorney Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 tubes. However, this process can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and relies heavily on the skill of the operator moving the weights and filaments between tubes. Accordingly, braids can vary’ from one machine to another based on the operator. Moreover, such vertical-tube-based braiding machines typically operate much more slowly than spool-type braiding machines.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a braiding system in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] Figure IB is an enlarged view of a portion of the braiding system of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 1C is an enlarged view of a portion of the braiding system of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective side views of a paying carrier of the braiding system of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] Figures 3A and 3B are enlarged perspective views of a filament securing assembly of the paying carrier of Figures 2A and 2B in a closed position and an open position, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective side views of a receiving carrier of the braiding system of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0012] Figure 5A is a bottom perspective view of a carrier base of a carrier of the braiding system of Figure 1 A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0013] Figures 5B and 5C are a top perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a drive base of the braiding system of Figure 1 A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] Figures 6A-6D are enlarged views of a portion of the braiding system of Figure 1A illustrating movement of one carrier of the braiding system in accordance with embodiments of the present technology._7_184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00

[0015] Figures 7A-7C are perspective side views of different braid patterns of filaments formed on a mandrel by the braiding system of Figure 1 A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0016] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the braiding system of Figure 1A in which carriers of the braiding system are attached to corresponding drive bases of the braiding system in a 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement for braiding filaments in a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0017] Figures 9A-9C are schematic illustrations of different braid patterns that can be formed by the braiding system of Figure 1A, along with corresponding rotation and placement of carriers of the braiding system in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0018] Figure 10 is a flow diagram of a process or method for forming a braid of filaments in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0019] Figure 11 is a flow diagram of a process or method for forming a braid of filaments attached to a medical device in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0020] Figure 12 is an isometric view of clot treatment device at least partially formed by the method of Figure 11 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present technology is generally directed to systems, devices, and methods for forming a braid of filaments, such as a continuous tubular braid having more than one braiding pattern of the filaments along its length. In some embodiments, a braiding system in accordance with the present technology can comprise a maypole-type braider including a drive unit having a plurality7of gears (e.g., hom gears) and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the gears. The gears can include one or more slots along a perimeter thereof and can be positioned circumferentially about a braiding axis of the system. The system can include a mandrel spaced apart from the drive unit and positioned along the braiding axis. The system can further include a plurality of carriers configured to maintain tension on one end of a plurality of filaments (e.g., wires, strands) and / or to pay the filaments out from a spool. Each carrier can include a carrier base configured to be releasably attached and detached from a corresponding one of a plurality of drive bases positioned within the slots. The drive unit can operate to rotate the gears to pass the drive bases and the attached carriers between different slots of the gears to drive the carriers relative to one another and the braiding axis to braid the filaments on the mandrel.-3-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00

[0022] In some aspects of the present technology, the carriers can be simply, easily, and modularly detached and reattached to the drive bases to have different configurations. Each different configuration of the carriers can cause the resultant braid of the filaments to have a different braid pattern. For example, the carriers can be arranged in different configurations to form a 1 filament over 1 filament under 1 filament braid pattern, a 2 filaments over 2 filaments under 2 filaments braid pattern, a 1 filament over 2 filaments under 2 filaments braid pattern, and / or the like. In some aspects of the present technology, the carriers can be reconfigured during operation of the braiding system to form a continuous braid such that the continuous braid has two or more different braid patterns along its length.

[0023] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in Figures 1A-12 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology . In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems often associated with braiding systems, filament carrying devices, braiding patterns, and / or the like are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology'. Those of ordinary' skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, and / or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. Moreover, although many of the devices and systems are described herein in the context of forming a medical braid, the present technology can be used to form other types of braids such as, for example, for microelectronics, packing, textiles, etc.

[0024] The terminology' used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the technology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

[0025] The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope unless expressly indicated. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be enlarged to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as the position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the present technology. Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are-4-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles and features without departing from the present technology. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the present technology can be practiced without several of the details described below.

[0026] With regard to the terms '‘distal” and '‘proximal” within this description, unless otherwise specified, the terms can reference a relative position of the portions of a catheter subsystem with reference to an operator and / or a location in the vasculature. Also, as used herein, the designations “rearward,” “forward,” “upward,” “downward,” and the like are not meant to limit the referenced component to a specific orientation. It will be appreciated that such designations refer to the orientation of the referenced component as illustrated in the Figures; the systems of the present technology can be used in any orientation suitable to the user.

[0027] In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical, or at least generally similar, elements. To facilitate the discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference number refers to the Figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, braiding system j_00 is first introduced and discussed with reference to Figures 1 A- 1C.

[0028] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter disclosed. To the extent any materials incorporated herein by reference conflict with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls.

[0029] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a braiding system 100 (“system 100”) in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 100 can also be referred to as a braiding machine, a braider, a braid formation system, and / or the like. In general, the system 100 can include some features / components that are at least generally similar in structure and function, or identical in structure and function, to existing braiding machines, such as maypoletype braiding machines and / or any of the braiding machines manufactured and sold by Steeger USA, Inc. of Inman, South Carolina. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the system 100 comprises a modified 96-carrier horizontal medical braider of the type manufactured by Steeger USA.

[0030] The system 100 includes a drive unit 101 having a plurality of gears 102 (e.g., hom gears) and a drive mechanism (obscured in Figure 1 A; e.g., a motor assembly) configured to rotate the gears 102. The gears 102 are positioned circumferentially in a circular array about a horizontal-5-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 or braiding axis H of the system 100. A mandrel 104 is spaced apart from the drive unit 101 and positioned along the braiding axis H. The mandrel 104 can be movable toward and / or away from the drive unit 101 during operation of the system 100. Figure IB is an enlarged view of a portion of the system 100 shown in Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figures 1 A and IB, the gears 102 can each include a plurality of (e.g., four) slots 103 formed in / along a perimeter thereof. The system 100 further includes a plurality of carriers 110, such as individually identified first or paying carriers 110a and second or receiving carriers 1 10b. The carriers 110 are generally configured to maintain tension on one end portion of one of a plurality of filaments 105 (e.g., wires, strands) to be woven into a braid about the mandrel 104 (Figure 1A) and / or to pay out the filament 105 from a spool. The filaments 105 can comprise metal, string, synthetic polymer, plastic, and / or other flexible materials. The paying carriers 110a can be generally similar or identical to one another, and the receiving carriers 110b can be generally similar or identical to one another. The carriers 110 can be coupled within corresponding ones of the slots 103 in the gears 102. The drive unit 101 is operable to rotate the gears 102 to pass the carriers 110 between different slots 103 of the gears 102 to move the carriers 110 relative to one another and the braiding axis H to form the braid on the mandrel 104, as is known in the art of maypole-ty pe braiding machines. For example, the drive unit 101 can drive a first subset of the carriers 110 (e.g., the paying carriers 110a) in a first direction about the braiding access H and a second subset of the carriers 110 (e.g., the receiving carriers 110b) in a second direction opposite the first direction about the braiding access H.

[0031] The present technology’ is directed to a configuration of the carriers 110 that enables a method of operating the braiding system 100 to form continuous braids having differing braid patterns of the filaments 105 (e.g., 1 filament over 1 filament under 1 filament, 2 filaments over 2 filaments under 2 filaments, etc.) along a length thereof. As described in detail below, the resultant braid pattern is dependent on an initial positioning of the carriers 110 w ithin the slots 103. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the carriers 110 is secured within a corresponding one of the slots 103 via a coupling between a carrier base 120 of the carrier 1 10 and a drive base 150 secured within (e.g., constrained by) the corresponding one of the slots 103. Each coupled pair of the drive bases 150 and carrier bases 120 can be referred to as a base assembly. The couplings between the drive bases 150 and the carrier bases 120 maintain the positions of the earners 110 along the braiding axis H during operation of the system 100. During operation of the system 100, the drive bases 150 are constrained within the slots 103 of the drive unit 101 based on a pre- loaded configuration of the drive bases 150. How ever, as described in further detail below with-6-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 reference to Figures 2A-6D, the carrier bases 120 can be detached from the drive bases 150 to permit reconfiguring and repositioning of the carriers 110 during formation of a braid on the mandrel 104 (Figure 1 A) to permit variations in a braid pattern of the braid.

[0032] In contrast, in conventional braiding systems, such as the braiding machines manufactured and sold by Steeger USA, the carriers each have an integral base assembly that is fixed within the slots of the drive unit such that the carriers are restricted to have only a single pre-loaded pattern that cannot be switched midway through system operation and braiding. Referring to Figure 1 A, for example, the drive unit 101 can include one or more loading bays 106 that can be opened to permit loading of conventional carriers into the slots 103. Such conventional carriers can only be loaded to achieve a single preselected braid pattern, and it is not possible to open the loading bays 106 to introduce new carriers or remove carriers during operation in a manner that would be needed to change the braid pattern. That is, such conventional braiding machines are restricted to a single pre-loaded carrier pattern that produces a single braid pattern, and cannot be reconfigured during operation to form different braid patterns for the same continuous braid.

[0033] In some aspects of the present technology, the drive bases 150 can be loaded into the slots 103 in a selected configuration via the loading bays 106, and the carriers 110 can be selectively / modularly coupled to the drive bases 150 to achieve a desired braid pattern. A number of drive bases 150 can be greater than a number of the carriers 110 to permit, for example, the carriers 110 to be selectively coupled to different subsets of the drive bases 150 to achieve different braid patterns during operation of the system 100.

[0034] Figure 1C is an enlarged view of a portion of the system 100 shown in Figure 1 A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, a medical device 107 is positioned on / over the mandrel 104 and the system 100 is configured to form a braid of the filaments 105 to be connected to the medical device 107. The medical device 107 can be a stent or stent-like structure having a plurality of interconnected struts defining openings therebetween. In particular, the medical device 107 can have a distal end portion 108 and a plurality of openings 109 positioned proximate to the distal end portion 108. In some embodiments, each of the filaments 105 extends through one or more of the openings 109. For example, referring to Figures 1A and 1C, the filaments 105 can each have a first end portion coupled to one of the paying carriers 110a, a second end portion coupled to one of the receiving carriers 110b, a first braiding portion 160 extending from the paying carrier 110a to one of the-7-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 openings 109 of the medical device 107, and a second braiding portion 161 extending from the first braiding portion 160 and the opening 109 to the receiving carrier 110b. In such an arrangement, the first and second braiding portions 160, 161 can be braided relative to one another via the corresponding movement of the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b, respectively. Accordingly, when considering the pattern of a braid formed by the filaments 105, the first and second braiding portions 160, 161 of each filament 105 can be considered as separate filaments. In some embodiments, the medical device 107, the extension of the filaments 105 through the openings 109, and / or the resultant structure including a braid of the filaments 105 formed to be attached to the medical device 107 can have some features generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to any of the clot treatment devices described in detail in (i) U.S. Patent No. 9,700,332. filed September 16. 2016, and titled “INTRAVASCULAR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR OCCLUSION AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” (ii) U.S. Patent No. 10,098,651, filed April 26, 2017, and titled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULAR OCCLUSION,” and / or (iii) U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 125,397, filed December 17, 2020, and titled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULAR OCCLUSION,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0035] In other embodiments, the system 100 can form a braid of the filaments 105 that is not formed on / connected to the medical device 107. That is, for example, some or all of the receiving carriers 110b can be omitted or replaced with paying carriers 110a such that the system 100 can form a braid of separate filaments that do not extend to the mandrel 104 from the carriers 110 and from the mandrel 104 back to the carriers 110.

[0036] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective side views of one of the paying carriers 110a of the system 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the paying carrier 110a can include a carrier body 221 attached to and / or integrally formed with the carrier base 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the paying carrier 110a further includes a spool 222 of one of the filaments 105 mounted to the carrier body 221 via an arm or post 223, a tensioning assembly 230 mounted to the carrier body 221, a first eyelet 224 mounted to / defined by the carrier body 221, and a second eyelet 225 mounted to / defined by the carrier body 221. The spool 222 can be rotatably mounted to the post 223 to permit the spool 222 to rotate and pay out the filament 105 during operation of the system 100 (Figure 1A). The spool 222 can be removed from the post 223 and replaced when the filament 105 has been fully or partially used in a braiding operation of the system 100.-8-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning assembly 230 includes (i) a first roller assembly 231 mounted to the carrier body 221 via a first arm 235 and having one or more (e.g., three) first rollers 232 and (ii) a second roller assembly 233 mounted to the earner body 221 via a second arm 236 and having one or more (e.g., three) second rollers 234. The first and second rollers 232, 234 can be configured to rotate relative to the first and second arms 235, 236, respectively, and can each define a channel or groove for receiving the filament 105 therearound. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second roller assemblies 231, 233 can be pivotably mounted to the carrier body 221. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the second arm 236 is pivotably coupled to the carrier body 221. The tensioning assembly 230 can further include a plunger 237 coupled to a biasing member (not shown; e.g., a compression spring) and configured to bias the second rollers 234 away from the first rollers 232 (e.g., in a direction toward the spool 222 and away from the second eyelet 225).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the filament 105 extends from the spool 222, through the first eyelet 224, around the first roller assembly 231, around the second roller assembly 233, and through the second eyelet 225. More specifically, for example, the filament 105 can extend from the first eyelet 224, around a first one of the first rollers 232, around a first one of the second rollers 234. around a second one of the first rollers 232, around a second one of the second rollers 234, around a third one of the first rollers 232, around a third one of the second rollers 234, and so on, before being routed through the second eyelet 225. In this configuration, the biasing force of the plunger 237 acts to apply a tension force on the filament 105 (e.g., on the first braiding portion 160 of the filament 105 as shown in Figure 1C) in a direction extending through the second eyelet 225 in the direction of an arrow T (Figure 2A).

[0039] As described in detail below with reference to Figure 5 A, the carrier base 120 can include one or more retaining features configured to releasably couple the carrier base 120 and the paying carrier 110a to a corresponding one of the drive bases 150 (Figure 1A) mounted within one of the slots 103 of the system 100 (Figure 1A). The paying carrier 110a can further comprise a filament securing assembly 240 mounted to the carrier body 221 proximate the second eyelet 225. In the illustrated embodiment, the filament securing assembly 240 comprises a latch 241 pivotably coupled to a body 242. The latch 241 is movable between (i) a closed position shown in Figures 2A and 2B in which the latch 241 is positioned over the filament 105 to secure / clamp the filament 105 in position between the body 242 and the latch 241 and inhibit or even prevent movement of the filament 105 through the second eyelet 225 (e.g., in the direction of the arrow-9-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00T), and (ii) an open position in which the latch 241 is pivoted away from the fdament 105 to permit movement of the filament 105 through the second eyelet 225.

[0040] For example, Figures 3A and 3B are enlarged perspective views of the paying carrier 110a. including the filament securing assembly 240 of Figures 2A and 2B in the closed position and the open position, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, the latch 241 can be at least partially formed of a magnetic material and the filament securing assembly 240 can include a first magnet 343 (Figure 3B; obscured by the latch 241 in Figure 3 A) mounted to / integrated within the body 242 and configured to retain the latch 241 in the closed position. The latch 241 can be moved from the closed position to the open position by applying a force greater than the retaining force between the latch 241 and the first magnet 343 to pivot the latch 241 aw ay from the first magnet 343. In some embodiments, the filament securing assembly 240 can further include a second magnet 344 (Figure 3A; obscured by the latch 241 in Figure 3B) mounted to / integrated within the body 242 and configured to retain the latch 241 in the closed position. In other embodiments, the second magnet 344 can be omitted and / or the first magnet 343 and / or the second magnet 344 can comprise other types of securing features, such as hook features, snap-fit features, clip features, and the like.

[0041] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective side view s of one of the receiving carriers 110b of the system 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The receiving earner 110b can include several components generally similar or identical to, and can operate in a manner generally similar or identical to, the paying carrier 110a described in detail above with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. For example, similar or identical components in Figures 4A and 4B are referred to with the same reference numbers as Figure 2A and 2B.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, however, a tensioning filament 445 extends at least partially around the spool 222, and from the spool 222, through the first eyelet 224, around the first roller assembly 231, around the second roller assembly 233, through the second eyelet 225, and to a filament securing member 446. More specifically, the tensioning filament 445 can extend from the first eyelet 224, around a first one of the first rollers 232, around a first one of the second rollers 234. around a second one of the first rollers 232, around a second one of the second rollers 234, around a third one of the first rollers 232, around a third one of the second rollers 234. and so on, before being routed through the second eyelet 225 to the filament securing member 446. In this configuration, the biasing force of the plunger 237 acts to apply a tension force on the tensioning filament 445 in a direction extending through the second eyelet 225 in the direction of-10-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 the arrow T (Figure 4A). The tensioning filament 445 can comprise a wire, string, synthetic polymer, and / or another flexible member, and can have a first end coupled / secured to the spool 222 and a second end coupled / secured to the filament securing member 446. The spool 222 can rotate to pay out the tensioning filament 445 through the second eyelet 225.

[0043] In some embodiments, the filament securing member 446 is configured to be secured to an end of one of the filaments 105 extending from one of the paying carriers 110a (Figures 1 A- 2B). For example, the filament securing member 446 can comprise a clamp or other member configured to be releasably secured to the end of the filament 105. When the filament securing member 446 is attached to the end of the filament 105, the receiving carrier 110b can tension the filament 105 in the same or a similar manner to that described above with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. The filament securing member 446 can be configured (e.g., shaped, sized) to inhibit or even prevent movement of the filament securing member 446 through the second eyelet 225 in the direction of the arrow T. Accordingly, the receiving carrier 110b can comprise an integrated assembly that operates to tension one end of one of the filaments 105 (e.g., the second braiding portion 161 of the filament 105 as shown in Figure 1C) without paying out the filament 105 like the paying carriers 110a (Figures 1A, IB, 2A, and 2B).

[0044] Accordingly, referring to Figures 1C-2B, 4A, and 4B, the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b can be arranged in pairs in which a single one of the filaments 105 extends from the spool 222 of the paying carrier 110, to / through the medical device 107, and to the filament securing member 446 of the receiving carrier 110b. In this configuration, the tensioning assembly 230 of the paying carrier 110a maintains tension on the first braiding portion 160 (Figure 1C) of the filament 105, and the tensioning assembly 230 of the receiving carrier 110b maintains tension on the second braiding portion 161 (Figure 1C) of the filament 105 during operation of the system 100. In some embodiments, the filament securing assembly 240 can be used to lock the filament 105 during initial positioning of the filament 105 through the medical device 107. For example, an operator can pull the filament 105 to pay the filament 105 out from the spool 222 of the paying carrier 110a to a desired length, and then move the latch 241 to the closed position to inhibit or even prevent the filament 105 from being pulled back in the direction of the arrow T. With little or no tension in the filament 105, the operator can easily thread the filament 105 through the medical device 107 and couple the filament 105 to the filament securing member 446 of the receiving carrier 110b. During operation of the system 100, the latch 241 can be moved to the open position to permit the paying carrier 110a to pay out the filament 105 through the second-11-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 eyelet 225. Similarly, the latch 241 can be closed during the movement / repositioning of the carriers 110 to form different braid patterns, as described in detail below.

[0045] Figure 5A is a bottom perspective view of one of the carrier bases 120 of the carriers 110 of the system 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier base 120 includes a circular connector body 526 having apost 527 extending therefrom. A plurality of magnets 528 (including individually identified first magnets 528a and second magnets 528b) can be mounted to / within the connector body 526, such as within recesses formed therein. In some embodiments, the first magnets 528a are mounted opposite one another, the second magnets 528b are mounted opposite one another, and the first magnets 528a are larger than the second magnets 528b.

[0046] Figures 5B and 5C are a top perspective view' and a side view, respectively, of one of the drive bases 150 of the system 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figure 5B, in the illustrated embodiment the drive base 150 includes a circular connector body 556 defining a recess 557. A plurality of magnets 558 (including individually identified first magnets 558a and second magnets 558b) can be mounted to / within the body 556, such as within recesses formed therein. In some embodiments, the first magnets 558a are mounted opposite one another, the second magnets 558b are mounted opposite one another, and the first magnets 558a are larger than the second magnets 558b.

[0047] Referring to Figure 5C, the drive base 150 can further include a retaining feature 551 extending downward from the connector body 556. The retaining feature 551 can be T-shaped or similarly shaped, including a flange portion 552 and a connecting portion 553 extending between the flange portion 552 and the body 556. The retaining feature 551 can be integrally formed with the connector body 556 or coupled thereto. Referring to Figures 1A and 5C, the retaining feature 551 is configured to secure the drive base 150 within a corresponding one of the slots 103. More particularly, before operation of the system 100, the drive base 150 can be loaded into one of the slots 103 of the drive unit 101 through one of loading bays 106 such that (i) the connecting portion 553 extends through one of the slots 103, (ii) the flange portion 552 is positioned below' the gears 102 within the drive unit 101 (Figure 1A), and (iii) the connector body 556 is positioned above the gears 102 and accessible. The flange portion 552 and the connector body 556 are configured (e g., shaped, sized) to retain the position of the drive base 150 within the slots 103 along the braiding axis H. In other embodiments, the retaining feature 551 can comprise more than one of the flange portions 552 and / or the connecting portions 553.-12-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00

[0048] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the carrier base 120 (and one of the carriers 110 attached thereto; Figures 1 A-2B, 4A, and 4B) can be coupled to the drive base 150 by positioning the post 527 of the carrier base 120 within the recess 557 of the drive base 150 such that the magnets 528 of the carrier base 120 and the magnets 558 of the drive base 150 exert a magnetic force to secure the carrier base 120 to the drive base 150. In some embodiments, the carrier base 120 can be rotated to align the first magnets 528a thereof with the first magnets 558a of the drive base 150 and the second magnets 528b thereof with the second magnets 558b of the drive base 150. In some aspects of the present technology, the differential sizes of the first and second magnets 528a, b of the carrier base 120 and the first and second magnets 558a, b of the drive base 150 can facilitate positioning of the carrier base 120 in a desired rotational position by providing a tactile feel to an operator connecting the carrier base 120 to the drive base 150. To decouple (e.g., release) the carrier base 120 (and one of the carriers 110 attached thereto; Figures 1A-2B, 4A, and 4B) from the drive base 150, the operator can pull the carrier base 120 away from the drive base 150 against the magnetic force exerted by the magnets 528 of the carrier base 120 and the magnets 558 of the drive base 150.

[0049] In other embodiments, the carrier base 120 and / or the drive base 150 can have different or additional features that facilitate a releasable coupling therebetween. For example, instead of or in addition to the magnets 528, 558, the carrier base 120 and / or the drive base 150 can include other retaining features, such as features for facilitating a slip fit, features for facilitating an interference fit, clips, pins, screw, and / or “key” locking features. Likewise, the post 527 and the recess 557 can be omitted, reversed, and / or the carrier base 120 and / or the drive base 150 can have different or additional features that facilitate indexing and alignment therebetween.

[0050] Figures 6A-6D are enlarged views of a portion of the system 100 shown in Figure 1 A illustrating movement of one of the carriers 110 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figures 6A-6D, the drive bases 150 comprise a first drive base 150a positioned / secured within a first one of the slots 103 (obscured) in one of the gears 102, a second drive base 150b positioned within a second one of the slots 103 (obscured) in the gear 102, a third drive base 150c positioned within a third one of the slots 103 (obscured) in the gear 102, and a fourth drive base 150d positioned within a second one of the slots 103 (obscured) in the gear 102. As described in detail above, the drive bases 150 are secured to the drive unit 101 and are not removable therefrom during operation of the system 100. In Figure 6A, one of the carriers 110 is coupled / attached to the first drive base 150a via the carrier base 120. The carrier 110 can be decoupled / detached from the first drive base 150a and subsequently coupled / attached to the-13-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 second drive base 150b (Figure 6B), the third drive base 150c (Figure 6C), the fourth drive base 150d (Figure 6D), or any of the other drive bases 150 within the system 100. In some embodiments, some or all of the drive bases 150 can be color-coded to facilitate positioning of the carriers in a configuration corresponding to a desired braid pattern, as described in further detail below.

[0051] Figures 7A-7C are perspective side views of different braid patterns of the filaments 105 formed on the mandrel 104 by the system 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figure 7A, the carriers 110 (Figure 1 A) can be attached to the drive bases 150 (Figure 1A) in a selected configuration to braid the filaments 105 in a 1 filament over 1 filament under 1 filament (“1 over 1 under 1”) pattern. In the 1 over 1 under 1 pattern, each of the filaments 105 alternately passes under, then over another one of the filaments 105. The filaments 105 helically rotate in opposite directions.

[0052] Referring to Figure 7C, the carriers 110 (Figure 1A) can be attached to the drive bases 150 (Figure 1) in a selected configuration to braid the filaments 105 in a 2 filaments over 2 filaments under 2 filaments ('‘2 over 2 under 2”) pattern. In the 2 over 2 under 2 pattern, side-by- side pairs of the filaments 105 alternately pass under another side-by-side pair of the filaments 105, then over another side-by-side pair of the filaments 105. The side-by-side pairs of the filaments 105 helically rotate in opposite directions.

[0053] Referring to Figure 7B, changing the braid pattern from the 1 over 1 under 1 pattern shown in Figure 7A to the 2 over 2 under 2 pattern shown in Figure 7C during operation of the system 100 (Figure 1A) can generate a transition section in which the filaments 105 transition from the 1 over 1 under 1 pattern to the 2 over 2 under 2 pattern. Referring to Figures 1 A and 7A-7C, a number of the filaments 105 in the braid can be modified by including more or fewer of the filaments and corresponding ones of the carriers 110.

[0054] Referring to Figure 1A, in the illustrated embodiment the carriers 110 are attached to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150 in a 1 over 1 under 1 arrangement / configuration for braiding the filaments 105 in a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern as shown in Figure 7A. In some embodiments, in the 1 over 1 under 1 arrangement, pairs of the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b that are attached to the same one of the filaments 105 (e.g., to the first and second braiding portions 160, 161 of Figure 1C) are attached to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150 positioned in adjacent ones of the slots 103 of a single one of the gears 102. The pairs of the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b can be coupled to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150-14-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 positioned in the slots 103 of alternating ones of the gears 102. The paying carriers 110a can be positioned radially outside the receiving carriers 110b such that, for example, operation of the system 100 drives the paying carriers 110a and the receiving carriers 1 10b in opposite directions about the braiding axis H. In some embodiments, different subsets of the drive bases 150 can have different colors that correspond to the 1 over 1 under 1 arrangement to help guide a user in attaching the carriers 110 to the drive bases 150 in the intended arrangement.

[0055] The number of the drive bases 150 can be greater than the number of the carriers 110 such that some of the drive bases 150 are not attached to corresponding ones of the carriers 110. In some aspects of the present technology, the additional drive bases 150 can be utilized in different braiding arrangements of the carriers 110. For example, Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the braiding system 100 in which the carriers 110 are attached to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150 in a 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement / configuration for braiding the filaments 105 in a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern as shown in Figure 7C in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, in the 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement pairs of the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b that are attached to the same one of the filaments 105 (e.g., to the first and second braiding portions 160, 161 of Figure 1C) are attached to corresponding drive bases 150 positioned in adjacent ones of the slots 103 of a single one of the gears 102. Two pairs of the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b can be coupled to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150 positioned in the slots 103 of the same one of the gears 102, and the filled gears 102 can be spaced apart in a 1 full 5 empty 1 full 1 empty' 1 full arrangement. Again, different subsets of the drive bases 150 can have different colors that correspond to the 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement to help guide a user in attaching the carriers 110 to the drive bases 150 in the intended arrangement.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1A and 8, in some embodiments the system 100 can first be operated with the carriers 110 in the 1 over 1 under 1 arrangement to form a braid of the filaments 105 on the mandrel 104 in a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern. The system 100 can then be stopped, and some or all of the carrier bases 120 can be detached from the drive bases 150 and attached to other ones of the drive bases 150 such that the carriers 110 are in the 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement. Next, the system 100 can be operated with the carriers 110 in the 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement to continue forming the braid of the filaments 105 on the mandrel 104 in a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern (e.g., including a transition section therebetw een as shown in Figure 7B). In some aspects of the present technology-, the drive bases 150 do not need to be removed from the drive unit 101 (e.g.. via the loading bays 106) to achieve the change in braid pattern. Instead, the carriers 110-15-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 can be modularly detached and then reattached to different ones of the drive bases 150 to change the braid pattern.

[0057] The carriers 110 can be attached to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150 in various different arrangements for braiding the filaments 105 in a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern, and / or other braid patterns. Figures 9A-9C, for example, are schematic illustrations of different braid patterns that can be formed by the system 100 along with corresponding rotation and placement of the carriers 110 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Figure 9A illustrates a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, Figure 9B illustrates a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern, and Figure 9C illustrates a 1 filament under 2 filaments over 2 filaments (“1 under 2 over 2”) braid pattern. Referring to Figure 9C, in the 1 under 2 over 2 braid pattern, each of the filaments 105 alternately passes under two, then over two of the filaments 105. The filaments 105 helically rotate in opposite directions.

[0058] Figure 10 is a flow diagram of a process or method 1070 for forming a braid of filaments in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Although some features of the method 1070 are described in the context of the system 100 described in detail above with reference to Figures 1A-9C for illustration, one skilled in the art will readily understand that the method 1070 can be carried out using other suitable systems and / or devices described herein.

[0059] At block 1071, the method 1070 can include attaching a plurality7of carriers, each coupled to a filament, to corresponding drive bases coupled to a drive unit in a first configuration. For example, the carriers 110 can be attached to corresponding ones of the drive bases 150 in the1 over 1 under 1 arrangement shown in Figure 1 A, in the 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement shown in Figure 8, and / or in another arrangement. Each of the carriers can be coupled to different filaments, or pairs of the carriers can be coupled to different end portions of the same filament (e.g., the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b coupled to the first and second braiding portions 160. 161 of the filament 105, respectively).

[0060] At block 1072, the method 1070 can include operating the drive unit to braid the filaments on a mandrel in a first braid pattern corresponding to the first configuration. For example, the drive unit 101 can rotate the gears 102 to move the carriers 110 between the slots 103 to braid the filaments 105 on the mandrel 104 to have a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern (e.g., Figures 7A and 9A), a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern (e.g., Figures 7C and 9B), a 1 over 2 under2 braid pattern (e.g.. Figure 9C), and / or other braid patterns.-16-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00

[0061] At block 1073. the method 1070 can include stopping operation of the drive unit. For example, the drive unit 101 can cease rotation of the gears 102 such that the carriers 110 are stationary.

[0062] At block 1074. the method 1070 can include detaching some or all of the carriers from the corresponding drive bases. For example, some or all of the carriers 1 10 can be detached from the drive bases 150 by pulling them away from the drive bases 150 against the magnetic or other retaining force between the drive bases 150 and the carrier bases 120.

[0063] At block 1075, the method 1070 can include reattaching the some or all of the carriers to corresponding different drive bases in a second configuration different from the first configuration. For example, if the first configuration is the 1 over 1 under 1 arrangement shown in Figure 1A, the carriers 110 can be attached to corresponding one of the drive bases 150 in the 2 over 2 under 2 arrangement shown in Figure 8 and / or in another arrangement.

[0064] Finally, at block 1076, the method 1070 can include operating the drive unit to braid the filaments on the mandrel in a second braid pattern different from the first braid pattern and corresponding to the second configuration. For example, if the first braid pattern is the 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, the drive unit 101 can rotate the gears 102 to move the carriers 110 between the slots 103 to braid the filaments 105 on the mandrel 104 to have the 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern, the 1 over 2 under 2 braid pattern (e.g., Figure 9C), and / or other braid patterns. Accordingly, in some aspects of the present technology the method 1070 can operate to quickly form a continuous braid having differing braid patterns along its length. Moreover, the method 1070 can include changing the configuration of the earners more than two times to form a braid with more than two different braid patterns.

[0065] Figure 11 is a flow diagram of a process or method 1180 for forming a braid of filaments attached to a medical device in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Although some features of the method 1180 are described in the context of the system 100 described in detail above with reference to Figures 1A-9C for illustration, one skilled in the art will readily understand that the method 1180 can be carried out using other suitable systems and / or devices described herein.

[0066] At block 1181, the method 1 180 can include threading a plurality of filaments, each extending from a corresponding first carrier, through a portion of a medical device. For example, each of the filaments 105 extending from the spool 222 of a corresponding paying carrier 110a can be threaded through one of the openings 109 in the medical device 107 of Figure 1C. As-17-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 described in detail above, in some embodiments the filament securing assembly 240 of each paying carrier 110a can be used to lock the filament 105 in position after a desired amount has been paid out from the spool 222 to permit easy threading of the filament 105 through the medical device 107.

[0067] At block 1 182, the method 1 180 can include securing each of the filaments to a corresponding second carrier. For example, each of the filaments 105 can be secured to a corresponding one of the filament securing members 446 of one of the receiving carriers 110b.

[0068] Blocks 1183-1188 of the method 1180 can be similar or identical to blocks 1071— 1076 of the method 1070 of Figure 10. For example, the paying and receiving carriers 110a, b can be secured to the drive bases 150 in a first configuration (block 1 183), the drive unit 101 can be operated to braid the filaments 105 attached to the medical device 107 in a first braid pattern corresponding to the first configuration (block 1184), operation of the drive unit 101 can be ceased during braiding of the filaments 105 (block 1185), some or all of the paying carriers 110a and / or the receiving carriers 110b can be detached from the drive bases 150 (block 1186), the some or all of the paying carriers 110a and / or the receiving carriers 110b can be reattached to different ones of the drive bases 150 in a different second configuration (block 1187), and the drive unit can be operated again to braid the filaments 105 attached to the medical device 107 in a second braid pattern different from the first braid and corresponding to the second configuration (block 1188).

[0069] Figure 12 is an isometric view of a clot treatment device 1290 at least partially- formed by the method 1 180 of Figure 11 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology-. In the illustrated embodiment, the clot treatment device 1290 comprises the medical device 107, which is a stent or stent-like structure, and the filaments 105, which are braided into a braid 1292 that is fixedly attached to the distal end portion 108 of the medical device 107. The braid 1292 has a first region 1295 having a first braid pattern (e.g., 1 over 1 under 1) and a second region 1296 having a second braid pattern (e g., 2 over 2 under 2) different from the first braid pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, distal ends of the filaments 105 are secured together by a hub 1293 that is also secured to an elongate shaft 1294. The clot treatment device 1290 can have some features generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to any of the clot treatment devices described in detail in (i) U.S. Patent No. 9,700,332, filed September 16, 2016, and titled “INTRAVASCULAR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR OCCLUSION AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” (ii) U.S. Patent No. 10,098,651, filed April 26, 2017,-18-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 and titled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULAR OCCLUSION.” and / or (iii) U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 125.397, filed December 17. 2020, and titled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULAR OCCLUSION,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0070] The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of the present technology:1. A system for forming a braid of filaments, comprising: a drive unit including a plurality of gears defining slots and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the gears; a plurality of drive bases constrained within the slots, wherein the drive bases are configured to move between the slots when the drive mechanism rotates the gears; and a plurality of carriers each coupled to a corresponding one of the filaments, wherein the carriers are configured to be releasably coupled to corresponding ones of the drive bases such that the carriers move with the corresponding ones of the drive bases when the drive bases move between the slots.2. The system of example 1 wherein individual ones of the drive bases include a first magnet, wherein individual ones of the carriers include a carrier base having a second magnet, and wherein the first and second magnets are configured to provide a retention force between the carrier base and the drive base to releasably couple the carrier to the drive base.3. The system of example 1 or example 2 wherein the carriers comprise first carriers and second earners, wherein individual ones of the first carriers include a spool of the corresponding one of the filaments, and wherein individual ones of the second carriers are coupled to an end portion of the corresponding one of the filaments.4. The system of example 3 wherein individual ones of the first carriers further comprise a body and a latch movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position, and wherein one of the filaments is clamped between the latch and the body in the closed position.-19-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO005. The system of example 3 wherein the filaments are braiding filaments, wherein individual ones of the second carriers further comprise a spool of a tensioning filament and a filament securing member coupled to the tensioning filament, and wherein the filament securing member is configured to be secured to the end portion of the corresponding one of the braiding filaments.6. The system of any of examples 1-5 wherein some or all of the plurality of drive bases are color-coded to facilitate positioning of the plurality of carriers in a configuration corresponding to a desired braid pattern.7. The system of any of examples 1-6 wherein a number of the plurality of drive bases is greater than a number of the plurality of carriers.8. The system of any of examples 1-7 wherein each of the plurality of drive bases includes a retaining feature configured to secure the corresponding drive base within a corresponding one of the slots.9. A method of forming a braid of filaments, the method comprising: attaching a plurality of carriers in a first configuration to corresponding drive bases constrained to move within a drive unit, wherein each of the carriers is coupled to one of the filaments; operating the drive unit to move the drive bases relative to one another to form the braid of the filaments on a mandrel having a first braid pattern corresponding to the first configuration: stopping operation of the drive unit; detaching some or all of the carriers from the corresponding drive bases; reattaching the some or all of the carriers in a second configuration to corresponding different drive bases constrained to move within the drive unit: and again operating the drive unit to move the drive bases relative to one another to form the braid of the filaments on the mandrel having a second braid pattern corresponding to the second configuration.-20-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO0010. The method of example 9 wherein the first braid pattern is a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern.11. The method of either example 9 or example 10 wherein the second braid pattern is a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern.12. The method of example 9 wherein the first braid pattern is a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern.13. The method of example 9 wherein the first braid pattern and the second braid pattern are at least one of a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern, and a 1 over 2 under 2 braid pattern.14. The method of any of examples 9-13 wherein the carriers comprise first carriers and second earners, wherein individual ones of the first carriers include a spool of the corresponding one of the filaments, and wherein individual ones of the second carriers are coupled to an end portion of the corresponding one of the filaments.15. The method of example 14 wherein the method further comprises: threading each of the filaments through an opening in a medical device positioned on the mandrel; and coupling the individual ones of the second earners to the end portion of the corresponding one of the filaments.16. A carrier for use in a braiding machine, comprising: a carrier base configured to be releasably coupled to a drive base of the braiding machine; a carrier body coupled to the carrier base; a tensioning assembly coupled to the carrier body; an eyelet; a filament securing assembly coupled to the carrier body, wherein the filament securing assembly comprises a body and a latch movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position; and a spool of a filament rotatably coupled to the drive base, wherein —-21-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 the filament is configured to extend from the spool, through the tensioning assembly, and through the eyelet, and in the closed position, the filament is clamped between the latch and the body such that the filament securing assembly inhibits the filament from moving through the eyelet in a direction toward the spool.17. The carrier of example 16 wherein the filament securing assembly further comprises a first magnet coupled to the body and a second magnet coupled to the latch, and wherein the first and second magnets exert a force to retain the latch in the closed position.18. The carrier of either example 16 or example 17 wherein the carrier base comprises a first magnet configured to be releasably coupled to a second magnet of the drive base to releasably couple the carrier base to the drive base.19. A carrier for use in a braiding machine, comprising: a carrier base configured to be releasably coupled to a drive base of the braiding machine; a carrier body coupled to the carrier base; a tensioning assembly coupled to the carrier body: an eyelet; a spool of a first filament rotatably coupled to the drive base; and a filament securing member coupled to an end portion of the first filament, wherein — the first filament is configured to extend from the spool, through the tensioning assembly, and through the eyelet to the filament securing member, the filament securing member is configured to be releasably secured to an end portion of a second filament, and the filament securing member is sized and shaped to inhibit the filament securing member and the second filament from moving through the eyelet in a direction toward the spool.20. The carrier of example 19 wherein the filament securing member is configured to releasably clamp the end portion of the second filament.

[0071] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term about whether or not explicitly indicated. The term about, in the context of numeric values, generally refers to a-22-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function and / or result). For example, the term about can refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term about 100 can refer to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include, or is not related to, anumerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.

[0072] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0073] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

[0074] Moreover, unless the word “or"’ is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of "or" in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and / or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.-23-184157855.1

Claims

1. Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00CLAIMSI / W e claim:

1. A system for forming a braid of filaments, comprising: a drive unit including a plurality of gears defining slots and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the gears; a plurality of drive bases constrained within the slots, wherein the drive bases are configured to move between the slots when the drive mechanism rotates the gears; and a plurality of carriers each coupled to a corresponding one of the filaments, wherein the carriers are configured to be releasably coupled to corresponding ones of the drive bases such that the carriers move with the corresponding ones of the drive bases when the drive bases move between the slots.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein individual ones of the drive bases include a first magnet, wherein individual ones of the carriers include a carrier base having a second magnet, and wherein the first and second magnets are configured to provide a retention force between the carrier base and the drive base to releasably couple the carrier to the drive base.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the carriers comprise first carriers and second carriers, wherein individual ones of the first carriers include a spool of the corresponding one of the filaments, and wherein individual ones of the second carriers are coupled to an end portion of the corresponding one of the filaments.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein individual ones of the first carriers further comprise a body and a latch movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position, and wherein one of the filaments is clamped between the latch and the body in the closed position.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the filaments are braiding filaments, wherein individual ones of the second carriers further comprise a spool of a tensioning filament and a filament securing member coupled to the tensioning filament, and wherein the filament securing-24-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 member is configured to be secured to the end portion of the corresponding one of the braiding filaments.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein some or all of the plurality of drive bases are color- coded to facilitate positioning of the plurality of carriers in a configuration corresponding to a desired braid pattern.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein a number of the plurality of drive bases is greater than a number of the plurality of carriers.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of drive bases includes a retaining feature configured to secure the corresponding drive base within a corresponding one of the slots.

9. A method of forming a braid of filaments, the method comprising: attaching a plurality of carriers in a first configuration to corresponding drive bases constrained to move within a drive unit, wherein each of the carriers is coupled to one of the filaments; operating the drive unit to move the drive bases relative to one another to form the braid of the filaments on a mandrel having a first braid pattern corresponding to the first configuration; stopping operation of the drive unit; detaching some or all of the carriers from the corresponding drive bases; reattaching the some or all of the carriers in a second configuration to corresponding different drive bases constrained to move within the drive unit; and again operating the drive unit to move the drive bases relative to one another to form the braid of the filaments on the mandrel having a second braid pattern corresponding to the second configuration.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first braid pattern is a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern.-25-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO0011. The method of claim 9 wherein the second braid pattern is a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the first braid pattern is a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the first braid pattern and the second braid pattern are at least one of a 1 over 1 under 1 braid pattern, a 2 over 2 under 2 braid pattern, and a 1 over 2 under 2 braid pattern.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the carriers comprise first carriers and second carriers, wherein individual ones of the first carriers include a spool of the corresponding one of the filaments, and wherein individual ones of the second carriers are coupled to an end portion of the corresponding one of the filaments.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the method further comprises: threading each of the filaments through an opening in a medical device positioned on the mandrel; and coupling the individual ones of the second earners to the end portion of the corresponding one of the filaments.

16. A carrier for use in a braiding machine, comprising: a carrier base configured to be releasably coupled to a drive base of the braiding machine; a carrier body coupled to the carrier base; a tensioning assembly coupled to the carrier body; an eyelet; a filament securing assembly coupled to the carrier body, wherein the filament securing assembly comprises a body and a latch movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position; and a spool of a filament rotatably coupled to the drive base, wherein — the filament is configured to extend from the spool, through the tensioning assembly, and through the eyelet, and-26-184157855.1Attornev Docket No 111552 8053 WO00 in the closed position, the filament is clamped between the latch and the body such that the filament securing assembly inhibits the filament from moving through the eyelet in a direction toward the spool.

17. The carrier of claim 16 wherein the filament securing assembly further comprises a first magnet coupled to the body and a second magnet coupled to the latch, and wherein the first and second magnets exert a force to retain the latch in the closed position.

18. The carrier of claim 16 wherein the carrier base comprises a first magnet configured to be releasably coupled to a second magnet of the drive base to releasably couple the carrier base to the drive base.

19. A carrier for use in a braiding machine, comprising: a carrier base configured to be releasably coupled to a drive base of the braiding machine; a carrier body coupled to the carrier base; a tensioning assembly coupled to the carrier body; an eyelet; a spool of a first filament rotatably coupled to the drive base; and a filament securing member coupled to an end portion of the first filament, wherein — the first filament is configured to extend from the spool, through the tensioning assembly, and through the eyelet to the filament securing member, the filament securing member is configured to be releasably secured to an end portion of a second filament, and the filament securing member is sized and shaped to inhibit the filament securing member and the second filament from moving through the eyelet in a direction toward the spool.

20. The carrier of claim 19 wherein the filament securing member is configured to releasably clamp the end portion of the second filament.-Tl-184157855.1

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