Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SUPPORT ELEMENT AND TUBE LOCKING ASSEMBLY FOR A DELIVERY APPARATUS

APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to bio-medical assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a locking assembly for a support element and a tube of a delivery apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Catheters are widely used in medical field for specific applications such as, cardiovascular, urological, gastrointestinal, neurovascular and ophthalmic procedures. Catheters are thin flexible tubes generally made up of medical grade material.
[3] During medical procedures, these catheters are inserted into the body cavity, duct or vessels, or any part of the body for example, brain, skin and adipose tissues to allow the drainage, administration of fluids or gasses, to access surgical instruments.
[4] Current available catheters include one or more tubes and a nose cone provided towards a distal end of the catheter. The tubes are made of a biocompatible, flexible polymeric material for easier insertion of the catheter into a body cavity and minimizing damage to the tissues. The nose cone is made of a soft, flexible, biocompatible material to reduce trauma during the insertion and navigation of the catheter inside the body.
[5] Conventionally, the nose cones and the tubes are coupled to each other using an adhesive, for example, a medical grade glue or Loctite. The adhesive, once the catheter is in the body, may loosen due to the environment and pressure inside the body. This may lead to inaccurate and imprecise insertion of the catheter during medical procedures. Further, the weaking of the adhesive bond may also result in separation of the nose cone and the tube inside the body, causing the nose cone to migrate into the body. This may lead to various complications including life threatening causes for the patient.
[6] Hence, there arises a need of an assembly which overcomes the problems related to conventionally available assemblies.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[7] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[8] The present disclosure relates to a delivery apparatus. In an embodiment, the delivery apparatus includes a support element and a tube. The support element includes a first opening provided at a proximal end of the support element and a wall extending from the first opening towards a distal end of the support member. The wall defines a recess. The tube includes a plurality of protrusions provided towards a distal end of the tube. The plurality of protrusions extends towards a proximal end of the tube and makes a pre-defined angle with an outer surface of the tube. At least a proximal portion of the plurality of protrusions is configured to reside within the recess.
[9] In another embodiment, the delivery apparatus includes a support element and a tube. The support element includes a first portion provided towards a proximal end of the support element. The first portion has a first inner diameter at its proximal end and a second inner diameter at its distal end, wherein the second inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter. The tube includes an extended portion provided towards a distal end of the tube. The extended portion has a first outer diameter at its proximal end and a second outer diameter at its distal end, wherein the second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter. The extended portion is configured to reside in the first portion. The first inner diameter of the first portion is equal to the first outer diameter of the extended portion and the second inner diameter of the first portion is equal to the second outer diameter of the extended portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[10] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[11] Fig. 1A depicts a perspective view of an assembly 100 of a tube 120 and a support element 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 1B depicts an exploded view of the assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 1C depicts a cross-section view of the assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 2A depicts a perspective view of the support element 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of the support element 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 3A depicts perspective view of a tube 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view of the tube 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[18] Fig. 4 depicts a delivery apparatus 10 having the assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[19] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of an assembly 200 having a support element 210 and a tube 220, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[20] Fig. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the support element 210, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[21] Fig. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the tube 220, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[22] Fig. 8 depicts the delivery apparatus 10 having the assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[23] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[24] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[25] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[26] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[27] The present disclosure relates to an assembly including a support element and a tube. According to various embodiments, the support element and the tube are designed such that when assembled, the support element and the tube are securely locked with each other without a need of any adhesive. The proposed assembly may be deployed as a part of any suitable delivery apparatus used in various medical procedures such as stent delivery, valve delivery, etc. The proposed locking mechanism ensures that the support element and the tube remain securely coupled with each other throughout a medical procedure, thereby preventing separation of the tube and the support element. Consequently, the present disclosure eliminates the risk of complications and life-threatening conditions associated with conventional devices. Further, due to the simple design of the support element and the tube, it is easier for a medical practitioner to assemble them with each other. As a result, the procedure time is decreased and overall cost of the delivery apparatus is reduced. Thus, the teachings of the present disclosure improve the overall outcome for the patients.
[28] Fig. 1A depicts an exemplary assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Figs. 1B and 1C depict an exploded view and a cross-sectional view of the assembly 100. The assembly 100 has a distal end 100a and a proximal end 100b. The assembly 100 includes a support element 110 and a tube 120.
[29] Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary support element 110, according to an embodiment. The support element 110 has a distal end 110a and a proximal end 110b. In an embodiment, the support element 110 is a nose cone. The support element 110 is provided towards the distal end 100a of the assembly 100. In an embodiment, the support element 110 has a tapered shape from the proximal end 110b towards the distal end 110a such that the diameter of the support element 110 decreases from the proximal end 110b towards the distal end 110a of the support element 110. For example, the support element 110 is conical in shape. Optionally, the support element 110 also has a slight taper towards the proximal end 110b. The tapered proximal end 110b simplifies the design of the support element 110, makes it more efficient to manufacture. The support element 110 is tubular, defining a lumen 110d. The lumen 110d has a conical shape and is configured to receive a distal portion of the tube 120. The support element 110 has a second opening 110n situated at the distal end 110a and a first opening 110c situated at the proximal end 110b. The second opening 110n extends from the distal end 110a into the lumen 110d and is provided to provide a passage for a guidewire (not shown). The first opening 110c has a circular shape. The support element 110 includes a wall 110e. In an embodiment, the wall 110e projects inwards from the proximal end 110b towards the distal end 110a and extends to a partial length of the support element 110. The wall 110e is annular. The diameter of the wall 110e decreases from the proximal end 110b towards the distal end 110a such that the wall 110e has a frustum shape. The wall 110e has a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the wall 110e and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the wall 110e. The second inner diameter of the wall 110e is smaller than the first inner diameter of the wall 110e. Further, the second inner diameter is less than or equal to a diameter of the tube 120. In the depicted embodiment, the second inner diameter of the wall 110e is equal to the diameter of the tube 120. The first inner diameter of the wall 110e may range between 1 mm and 4 mm. The second inner diameter of the wall 110e may range between 0.45 mm and 3.45 mm. In an example implementation, the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter of the wall 110e are 1.9 mm and 1.35 mm, respectively. The wall 110e defines a recess 110f. In an embodiment, the recess 110f is annular. The recess 110f accommodates a portion of the tube 120 to provide locking with the tube 120 as explained later. The support element 110 has a pre-defined length ranging from 6 mm to 40 mm. In an embodiment, the support element 110 has a length of 24.5 mm. The diameter of the support element 110 at the distal end 110a and at the proximal end 110b may range from 3 mm to 8.5 mm and from 0.5 mm to 4 mm, respectively. In an embodiment, the diameter of the support element 110 at the proximal end 110b and at the distal end 110a are 7.5 mm and 2 mm, respectively. The support element 110 may be made of a suitable soft, biocompatible material such as, without limitation, Polyether block amide (PEBAX), low density polyethylene (LDPE), silicon, etc. In an embodiment, the support element 110 is made of LDPE. The wall 110e may be made of the same or different material than the rest of the support element 110. During medical procedures, the support element 110 causes minimum trauma to the vessel walls as a delivery apparatus is navigated through the vascular system. Soft and flexible material of the support element 110 reduces the risk of damage and irritation to the delicate endothelial lining of the blood vessels.
[30] Figs. 3A and 3B depict an exemplary tube 120, according to an embodiment. The tube 120 has a distal end 120a and a proximal end 120b. The tube 120 has an elongated body. The tube 120 has a lumen 120d extending throughout the length of the tube 120. The tube 120 may have a circular cross-section. During medical procedures, the guidewire is passed through the lumen 120d of the tube 120. The tube 120 includes a plurality of protrusions 120e provided towards the distal end 120a of the tube 120. In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 120e extend from the distal end 120a towards the proximal end 120b. In another embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 120e extend from the outer surface of the tube 120 at a pre-defined distance from the distal end 120a of the tube 120. The plurality of protrusions 120e are capable of radial expansion and compression. For example, in response to pressure being applied on the plurality of protrusions 120e, the plurality of protrusions 120e is configured to compress radially and in response to the pressure being released, the plurality of protrusions 120e is configured to radially expand and regain original shape. Thus, the plurality of protrusions 120e exhibit spring-like characteristic. The tube 120 may be provided with more than two protrusions 120e. In an embodiment, the tube 120 has four protrusions 120e. In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 120e are disposed uniformly on the periphery of the tube 120, though in another embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 120e may be disposed non-uniformly. The plurality of protrusions 120e make a pre-defined angle with the tube 120 (as shown in Fig. 3B). The pre-defined angle may correspond to the tapering angle of the lumen 110d of the support element 110 for proper locking. The pre-defined angle may range between 10° and 65°. In an example implementation, the pre-defined angle is 45°. The plurality of protrusions 120e may have a shape such as, without limitation, rectangular, oval, square, triangular, etc. In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 120e have a rectangular shape. The plurality of protrusions 120e are suitably dimensioned. The length and the width of the plurality of protrusions 120e may range between 3 mm to 38 mm and between 2 mm to 6 mm, respectively. In an embodiment, the length and width of the plurality of protrusions 120e are 22 mm and 5 mm, respectively. The tube 120 may have a length ranging from 400 mm to 2800 mm. In an embodiment, the tube 120 has a length of 1100 mm. The tube 120 may have a diameter ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In an embodiment, the tube 120 has a diameter of 1.4 mm. The tube 120 may be made of a material such as, without limitation, Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), polyurethane, etc. In an embodiment, the tube 120 is made of PEEK. During a medical procedure, the tube 120 provides structural support to the delivery apparatus 10. The tube 120 helps to maintain the integrity and shape of the delivery apparatus 10 as it is navigated through the vascular system.
[31] To assemble the tube 120 and the support element 110, the distal end 120a of the tube 120 is inserted into the support element 110 through the first opening 110c. When the distal end 120a comes in contact with the wall 110e, a pressure is applied on the plurality of protrusions 120e by the wall 110e. This pressure causes the plurality of protrusions 120e to radially compress, allowing the distal end 120a of the tube 120 to slide inside the lumen 110d of the support element 110. When the plurality of protrusions 120e enter the lumen 110d fully, the pressure is released and the plurality of protrusions 120e radially expand to revert to original shape. A proximal portion of the plurality of protrusions 120e is disposed within the recess 110f (depicted in Fig. 1C). The wall 110e (hence, the recess 110f) and the plurality of protrusions 120e are dimensioned such that the recess 110f prevents the plurality of protrusions 120e from sliding out of the lumen 110d in the proximal direction. Therefore, the tube 120 remains securely locked with the support element 110.
[32] The assembly 100 may be used in any suitable delivery apparatus during various medical procedures such as stent delivery, valve delivery, etc. Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary delivery apparatus 10 having the assembly 100, according to an embodiment. The delivery apparatus 10 may be a catheter, a braided stent delivery system, a laser-cut stent delivery system, a valve delivery system, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the delivery apparatus 10 is a braided stent delivery system. The delivery apparatus 10 includes a handle 20, a pusher tube 30, a hub 40 and a braided catheter 50. In an embodiment, the handle 20 provided at a proximal end of the delivery apparatus 10 is used to hold the pusher tube 30. The handle 20 allows the surgeon a controlled operation of the delivery apparatus 10. The pusher tube 30 is coupled to the handle 20 using any suitable coupling mechanism. The hub 40 is coupled to the pusher tube 30 towards a distal end of the pusher tube 30. A proximal end of the braided catheter 50 is coupled to a distal end of the hub 40. The hub 40 is used to hold the braided catheter 50 during a stent deployment procedure. The tube 120 is coupled to the braided catheter 50. In an embodiment, the tube 120 may be an inner tube of the delivery apparatus 10. A stent (not shown) may be crimped on the tube 120. The tube 120 provides structural support to the braided catheter 50 during delivery. The tube 120 also helps in maintaining integrity and shape of the stent as the stent is navigated through the vasculature system. During a stent delivery procedure, the braided catheter 50 coupled to the delivery apparatus 10 (having the tube 120 and the support element 110) is navigated through cavities (e.g., blood vessels) of a patient to a target location. The soft material of the support element 110 prevents the blood vessels from damage and prevents trauma. Once the braided catheter 50 reaches the target location, a guidewire is inserted from a proximal end of the delivery apparatus 10. The guidewire passes through the lumen 120d of the tube 120, the lumen 110d of the support element 110 to exit at the second opening 110n of the support element 110. The user then manipulates the handle 20 appropriately to advance the pusher tube 30 and navigate the stent over the guidewire to an exact desired location. The user then moves the pusher tube 30 to push the tube 120 (and hence, the stent) out of the braided catheter 50 at the desired location. The user holds the hub 40 at this stage. Once the stent comes out, the stent expands and is delivered. The unique locking mechanism of the assembly 100 ensures secure coupling of the support element 110 and the tube 120, thereby eliminating the risk of separation of the support element 110 and the tube 120 during the medical procedure and thereby preventing associated complications. It should be appreciated that the delivery apparatus 10 illustrated in Fig. 4 is merely exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. The assembly 100 may be deployed in any suitable delivery apparatus and the same is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.
[33] Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary assembly 200, according to an embodiment. The assembly 200 has a distal end 200a and a proximal end 200b. The assembly 200 includes a support element 210 and a tube 220.
[34] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary support element 210, according to an embodiment. The support element 210 has a distal end 210a and a proximal end 210b. In an embodiment, the support element 210 is a nose cone. The support element 210 is provided towards the distal end 200a of the assembly 200. The support element 210 includes a second portion 210e and a first portion 210f. The second portion 210e is situated towards the distal end 210a and the first portion 210f is situated towards the proximal end 210b. The second portion 210e has a tapering profile such that the diameter of the second portion 210e decreases from a proximal end of the second portion 210e towards a distal end of the second portion 210e. In an embodiment, the second portion 210e has a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the second portion 210e and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the second portion 210e. The first inner diameter of the second portion 210e is greater than the second inner diameter of the second portion 210e. The first portion 210f has a tapering profile such that the diameter of the first portion 210f decreases from a distal end of the first portion 210f towards a proximal end of the first portion 210f. Thus, the support element 210 has a diamond shape, according to an embodiment. Although in the depicted embodiment the support element 210 has a diamond shape, in various embodiments, the support element 210 may have any other suitable shape such as without limitation, tapered, round, oval, conical, flared, etc. The first portion 210f has a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the first portion 210f and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the first portion 210f. The second inner diameter of the first portion 210f is greater than the first inner diameter of the first portion 210f. Thus, inner diameter of the first portion 210f decreases towards the proximal end of the first portion 210f. This decrease in the inner diameter may have a pre-defined profile, e.g., linear, parabolic, oval, stepped, etc. The first inner diameter of the first portion 210f may range between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm. The second inner diameter of the first portion 210f may range between 3 mm and 8.5 mm. In an example implementation, the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter of the first portion 210f are 1 mm and 5 mm, respectively. The first portion 210f and the second portion 210e may have the same or different lengths. In the depicted embodiment, the second portion 210e is longer than the first portion 210f. The support element 210 has a second opening 210n provided at the distal end 210a and a first opening 210c provided at the proximal end 210b. The second opening 210n may have a circular shape. The second opening 210n provides a passage for a guidewire (not shown). In an embodiment, the first opening 210c is circular, though it may have any other suitable shape. In an embodiment, the diameter of the first opening 210c is smaller than the diameter of the second opening 210n. The support element 210 has a tubular structure, thereby defining a lumen 210d. The lumen 210d has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the support element 210 (e.g., diamond shaped cross-section) and is configured to accommodate the distal portion of the tube 220. The support element 210 has a pre-defined length ranging from 6 mm to 40 mm. In an embodiment, the support element 210 has a length of 24.5 mm. The support element 210 is made of a suitable soft, biocompatible material such as, without limitation, Polyether block amide (PEBAX), low density polyethylene (LDPE), silicon, etc. In an embodiment, the support element 210 is made of LDPE.
[35] Fig. 7 depicts an exemplary tube 220, according to an embodiment. The tube 220 has a distal end 220a and a proximal end 220b. The tube 220 has an elongated body. The tube 220 has a lumen 220d extending throughout the length of the tube 220. The lumen 220d may have a circular cross-section. During medical procedures, the guidewire is passed through the lumen 220d of the tube 220. The tube 220 has an extended portion 220e provided towards the distal end 220a of the tube 220. The extended portion 220e is capable of radial expansion and compression. For example, in response to pressure being applied on the extended portion 220e, the extended portion 220e is configured to compress radially and in response to the pressure being released, the extended portion 220e is configured to radially expand and regain original shape. Thus, the extended portion 220e exhibits spring-like characteristic. When the tube 220 is assembled with the support element 210, the extended portion 220e is configured to reside within the first portion 210f of the support element 210. The extended portion 220e of the tube 220 and the first portion 210f of the support element 210 may have a matching shape and dimensions. In an embodiment, the extended portion 220e has a conical shape such that the diameter of the extended portion 220e decreases from the distal end 220a towards the proximal end 220b. The extended portion 220e has a first outer diameter towards a proximal end of the extended portion 220e and a second outer diameter towards a distal end of the extended portion 220e. The second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter. Thus, the outer diameter of the extended portion 220e decreases towards the proximal end of the extended portion 220e. This decrease in the outer diameter may have a pre-defined profile, e.g., linear, parabolic, oval, stepped, etc. The first outer diameter of the extended portion 220e may range between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. The second outer diameter of the extended portion 220e may range between 3 mm and 8.5 mm. In an example implementation, the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter of the extended portion 220e are 1.4 mm and 7 mm, respectively. In an embodiment, the first inner diameter of the first portion 210f is equal to the first outer diameter of the extended portion 220e and the second inner diameter of the first portion 210f is equal to the second outer diameter of the extended portion 220e. Further, the diameter of the first opening 210c is less than or equal to the first outer diameter of the extended portion 220e and the diameter of the second opening 210n is greater than the first outer diameter of the extended portion 220e. In an embodiment, the length of the extended portion 220e is the same as the length of the first portion 210f. The extended portion 220e may have a pre-defined length ranging from 3 mm to 38 mm. In an embodiment, the extended portion 220e has a length of 22 mm. The tube 220 may have a length ranging from 400 mm to 2800 mm. In an embodiment, the tube 220 has a length of 1100 mm. The tube 220 may have a diameter ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In an embodiment, the tube 220 has a diameter of 1.4 mm. The tube 120 may be made of a material such as without limitation, PEEK, polyurethane etc. In an embodiment, the tube 120 is made of PEEK.
[36] To assemble the tube 220 with the support element 210, the proximal end 220b is inserted through the second opening 210n situated at the distal end 210a of the support element 210 such that the proximal end 220b exits from the first opening 210c of the support element 210. The user continues to push the tube 220 in the proximal direction until the proximal end of the extended portion 220e reaches the second opening 210n. At this stage, the user may apply some pressure on the tube 220 against the first opening 210c by pulling a proximal portion of the tube 220. Since the extended portion 220e is made of a soft, flexible material, the exerted pressure causes the extended portion 220e to deform (e.g., radially compress) and move inside the support element 210 towards the first portion 210f. Once the extended portion 220e is inside the first portion 210f, the extended portion 220e regains the original shape. Since the size and shape of the first portion 210f of the support element 210 and the extended portion 220e of the tube 220 match, the extended portion 220e snugly fits within the first portion 210f. Additionally, since the diameter of the first opening 210c is equal to the first outer diameter of the extended portion 220e, the extended portion 220e remains securely within the first portion 210f, thereby preventing the tube 220 from coming out of the support element 210 during the medical procedure.
[37] The assembly 200 may be used in any suitable delivery apparatus during various medical procedures such as stent delivery, valve delivery, etc. Fig. 8 illustrate the delivery apparatus 10 having the assembly 200, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the tube 220 may be an inner tube of the delivery apparatus 10. Structure of various other components of the delivery apparatus 10 can be referred from Fig. 4 and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. The unique locking mechanism of the assembly 200 ensures secure coupling of the support element 210 and the tube 220, thereby eliminating the risk of separation of the support element 210 and the tube 220 during the medical procedure and thereby preventing associated complications. It should be appreciated that the delivery apparatus 10 is merely exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. The assembly 200 may be deployed in any suitable delivery apparatus and the same is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.
[38] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A delivery apparatus comprising:
a. a support element (110) comprising:
i. a first opening (110c) provided at a proximal end (110b) of the support element (110); and
ii. a wall (110e) extending from the first opening (110c) towards a distal end (110a) of the support element (110), the wall (110e) defining a recess (110f); and
b. a tube (120) comprising a plurality of protrusions (120e) provided towards a distal end (120a) of the tube (120), the plurality of protrusions (120e) extending towards a proximal end (120b) of the tube (120) and making a pre-defined angle with an outer surface of the tube (120), at least a proximal portion of the plurality of protrusions (120e) is configured to reside within the recess (110f).
2. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element (110) comprises a lumen (110d) configured to receive a distal portion of the tube (120).
3. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall (110e) has a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the wall (110e) and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the wall (110e), the second inner diameter being smaller than first inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is less than or equal to a diameter of the tube (120).
4. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions (120e) is configured to radially compress in response to application of pressure and configured to radially expand in response to release of pressure.
5. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined angle ranges between 10° to 65°.
6. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions (120e) is uniformly distributed on a periphery of the tube (120).
7. A delivery apparatus comprising:
a. a support element (210) comprising a first portion (210f) provided towards a proximal end (210b) of the support element (210), the first portion (210f) having a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the first portion (210f) and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the first portion (210f), the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter; and
b. a tube (220) comprising an extended portion (220e) provided towards a distal end (220a) of the tube (220), the extended portion (220e) having a first outer diameter at a proximal end of the extended portion (220e) and a second outer diameter at a distal end of the extended portion (220e), the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter, the extended portion (220e) is configured to reside in the first portion (210f);
wherein, the first inner diameter of the first portion (210f) is equal to the first outer diameter of the extended portion (220e); and wherein the second inner diameter of the first portion (210f) is equal to the second outer diameter of the extended portion (220e).
8. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support element (210) comprises a second portion (210e) provided towards the distal end (210a) of the support element (210), the second portion (210e) having a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the second portion (210e) and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the second portion (210e), the second inner diameter of the second portion (210e) being smaller than the first inner diameter of the second portion (210e).
9. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support element (210) comprises a second opening (210n) at the distal end (210a) of the support element (210), the second opening (210n) having a diameter greater than the first outer diameter of the extended portion (220e).
10. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support element (210) comprises a first opening (210c) provided at the proximal end (210b) of the support element (210), the first opening (210c) having a diameter less than or equal to the first outer diameter of the extended portion (220e).
11. The delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the extended portion (220e) is configured to radially compress in response to application of pressure and configured to radially expand in response to release of pressure.