Patent Grant
11937786
Inventive concepts relate generally to imaging systems, and in particular, neural and cardiac optical imaging systems including imaging probes and delivery devices.
Imaging probes have been commercialized for imaging various internal locations of a patient, such as an intravascular probe for imaging a patient's heart. Current imaging probes are limited in their ability to reach certain anatomical locations due to their size and rigidity. Current imaging probes are inserted over a guidewire, which can compromise their placement and limit use of one or more delivery catheters through which the imaging probe is inserted. There is a need for imaging systems that include probes with reduced diameter, high flexibility and the ability to be advanced to a patient site to be imaged without a guidewire, as well as systems with one or more delivery devices compatible with these improved imaging probes.
According to one aspect of the present inventive concepts, an imaging system comprises an imaging probe comprising an elongate shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion. The imaging probe further comprises a rotatable optical core positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft and comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the rotatable optical core configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit, and an optical assembly positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end, the optical assembly configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. The imaging probe is constructed and arranged to collect image data from a patient site. The system further comprises at least one delivery device (e.g. a first delivery catheter) constructed and arranged to slidingly engage (e.g. slidingly receive) the imaging probe. The imaging system can further comprise a rotating assembly constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly. The imaging system can further comprise a retraction assembly constructed and arranged to retract the optical assembly and the elongate shaft (e.g. retract the elongate shaft to cause retraction of the elongate shaft and the optical assembly in unison).
In some embodiments, the imaging probe is constructed and arranged such that relative motion between the elongate shaft and the optical assembly is prevented. In these embodiments, the elongate shaft can comprise a transparent segment (e.g. a transparent segment positioned about the optical assembly) that is less than or equal to 15 mm in length, less than or equal to 6 mm in length, or less than or equal to 4 mm in length. The imaging probe can further comprise a connector rotatably attached to the rotatable optical core and fixedly attached to the elongate shaft, and the connector can be constructed and arranged to cause the prevention of the relative motion between the elongate shaft and the rotatable optical core.
In some embodiments, the imaging system comprises an OCT imaging system.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises an outer diameter (OD) less than or equal to 0.025″.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises an OD less than or equal to 0.022″.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises an OD less than or equal to 0.018″.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises an OD less than or equal to 0.016″.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises an OD less than or equal to 0.015″.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises an OD less than or equal to 0.014″.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: PEEK, polyimide, nylon; FEP; PTFE; Pebax; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion comprises a braided portion.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises at least one delivery catheter constructed and arranged to slidingly receive the imaging probe. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a catheter from the group consisting of: a 7 Fr to 9 Fr Introducer; a 5 Fr to 7 Fr guide catheter; an intermediate catheter with an inner diameter (ID) between 0.053″ to 0.070″; a microcatheter with an ID between 0.0165″ and 0.027″; and combinations thereof. The at least one delivery device can further comprise at least a first guidewire. The at least one delivery device can further comprise at least a second guidewire with an OD less than the OD of the first guidewire. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise an ID of approximately 0.021″, or an ID of at least 0.0165″. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise an ID of approximately 0.027″. The at least one delivery device can be constructed and arranged to receive optically transparent fluid within the at least one delivery device. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a proximal portion and a Touhy valve positioned on the proximal portion. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a catheter with an OD of approximately 0.0240″ and an ID of approximately 0.0165″. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a distal end and a marker proximate the distal end. The marker can comprise a marker selected from the group consisting of: radiopaque marker; ultrasonically visible marker; magnetic marker; and combinations thereof. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a shaft with a distal portion including a transparent segment. The transparent segment can comprise an OD of approximately 0.022″ and an ID of approximately 0.0165″. The transparent segment can comprise a length of up to 50 cm. The transparent segment can comprise a length of up to 10 cm. The transparent segment can comprise a length of up to 5 cm. The transparent segment can be configured to be advanced within an implanted device, and the optical assembly can be configured to be retracted within the transparent segment. The implanted device can comprise a device selected from the group consisting of: flow diverter; Pipeline flow diverter; coil; stent; covered stent; aneurysm treatment implant; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device is constructed and arranged to slidingly receive the elongate shaft, and the at least one delivery device comprises a transparent distal portion.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises at least one guidewire. The at least one guidewire can be constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the imaging probe. The imaging probe can comprise a rapid exchange lumen in the distal portion of its elongate shaft. The at least one delivery device can further comprise at least one delivery catheter constructed and arranged to slidingly receive the at least one guidewire. The at least one guidewire can comprise a guidewire selected from the group consisting of: a guidewire with an OD between and 0.038″; a guidewire with an OD between 0.010″ and 0.018″; an access length guidewire such as a guidewire with a length of approximately 200 cm; an exchange length guidewire such as a guidewire with a length of approximately 300 cm; a guidewire with a length between 175 cm and 190 cm; a guidewire with a length between 200 cm and 300 cm and/or an OD between 0.014″ and a hydrophilic guidewire; a Stryker Synchro™ guidewire; a Terumo guidewire such as the Terumo Glidewire™ guidewire; a Terumo Traxcess™ guidewire; an X-Celerator™ guidewire; an X-Pedion™ guidewire; an Agility™ guidewire; a Bentson™ guidewire; a Coon™ guidewire; an Amplatz™ guidewire; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the imaging probe comprises a diameter (e.g. an OD) between and 0.016″ and the at least one delivery device comprises a guidewire constructed and arranged to access the patient site, and the patient site comprises a neural site or a cardiac site. The at least one delivery device can further comprise a first delivery catheter comprising an ID between and 0.027″ and constructed and arranged to advance over the guidewire to the patient site. The imaging probe can be constructed and arranged to be advanced within the first delivery catheter after the guidewire is removed from the first delivery catheter, the first delivery catheter can be configured to be retracted after the imaging probe is advanced into the first delivery catheter, and the imaging probe can be configured to be retracted after retraction of the first delivery catheter, the retraction of the imaging probe can be performed while the image data is collected. The system can further comprise flushing medium constructed and arranged to be delivered through the first delivery device as the imaging probe is retracted to collect the image data (e.g. flushing medium which passes between the imaging probe and the first delivery device). The imaging probe can be constructed and arranged to be removed from the first delivery catheter after the image data is collected, and the guidewire can be constructed and arranged to be inserted into the first delivery catheter after the probe is removed. The neural or cardiac site can comprise at least one of aneurysm, stenosis, thrombus or an implant.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises a first guidewire configured to access a patient site (e.g. a neural site or a cardiac site), a first delivery catheter including an ID between 0.021″ and 0.027″ and a distal portion comprising a transparent segment, and configured to advance over the guidewire to the patient site, and the system is configured to collect the image data by retracting the optical assembly while the optical assembly is positioned within the transparent segment of the first delivery catheter. The imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion can comprise an OD between 0.014″ and 0.016″.
In some embodiments, the patient site comprises a neural site or a cardiac site, and the patient site can comprise a site selected from the group consisting of: an aneurysm; stenosis; thrombus; implant; and combinations thereof. The at least one delivery device can comprise a delivery catheter.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises: a first guidewire configured to access the patient site, such as when the patient site comprises a neural site or a cardiac site; a first delivery catheter comprising an ID of approximately 0.027″, the first delivery catheter configured to be advanced over the first guidewire; and a second delivery catheter comprising an OD of approximately 0.025″ and a distal portion including a transparent segment. The second delivery catheter can be configured to be advanced over the first guidewire through the first delivery catheter, and to slidingly receive the imaging probe. The imaging probe can comprise a diameter (e.g. an OD) of approximately 0.016″.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises a first delivery catheter comprising a 5 Fr to 7 Fr guide catheter and a proximal portion with a Touhy valve and a second delivery catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter and further configured to slidingly receive the imaging probe. The system can further comprise a third delivery catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter and further configured to slidingly receive the imaging probe. The imaging probe can comprise a diameter (e.g. an OD) between 0.014″ and 0.016″.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises at least one delivery catheter, and the probe and the at least one delivery catheter are constructed and arranged such that the optical assembly remains beyond the distal end of the at least one delivery catheter during the collection of the image data. The system can be configured to retract the optical assembly during the image data collection. The imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion can comprise an OD of approximately 0.014″. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise an OD of approximately 0.022″. The imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion can comprise an OD of between 0.014″ and 0.016″ and the at least one delivery catheter can comprise an OD of approximately 0.032″. The imaging probe can comprise a length up to 200 cm and the at least one delivery catheter can comprise a length at least 2 cm shorter than the length of the imaging probe. The imaging probe can further comprise a spring tip on the distal end of the imaging probe elongate shaft. The spring tip can comprise a radiopaque portion. The spring tip can comprise a length between 2 cm and 3 cm. The at least one delivery device can further comprise a guide catheter with a proximal end comprising a Touhy valve. The imaging probe can be configured to be removed from the at least one delivery catheter. The system can further comprise a treatment device configured to be inserted through the at least one delivery catheter.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises at least one delivery catheter comprising a distal portion with a transparent segment, and the probe and the at least one delivery catheter are constructed and arranged such that the optical assembly remains within the transparent segment of the at least one delivery catheter during the collection of the image data. The imaging probe elongate shaft distal portion can comprise an OD of approximately 0.014″. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise an ID of approximately 0.0165″. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise an OD of approximately 0.022″. The at least one delivery catheter distal portion can comprise a marker. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a spring tip. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a rapid exchange tip.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises a first delivery catheter comprising an introducer such as a vascular introducer, and a second delivery catheter comprising a guide catheter such as a 6 Fr guide catheter including a distal end for positioning proximate the aortic arch and a third delivery catheter comprising an ID between 0.021″ and 0.027″ and a distal end constructed and arranged to be advanced to a location as distal as the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The third delivery catheter distal end can be constructed and arranged to be advanced to a location proximate a location selected from the group consisting of: internal ceratoid artery; intracranial internal carotid artery (from the cervical ICA); petrous ICA; proximal cavernous ICA; distal cavernous/clinoidal ICA; supraclinoid ICA; the M1 segment V3-4 junction of the vertebral artery; distal V4; proximal basilar; proximal-mid basilar; mid-basilar; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery catheter comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, a Touhy valve and/or a length of approximately 90 cm; a third delivery catheter comprising an intermediate catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter and comprising an OD less than 7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a fourth delivery catheter comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter and comprising an ID less than 0.027″; a first guidewire configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter, the second delivery catheter, the third delivery catheter and/or the fourth delivery catheter and comprising a length of between 175 cm and 190 cm; a second guidewire configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter, the second delivery catheter, the third delivery catheter and/or the fourth delivery catheter and comprising a length of between 175 cm and 190 cm; and combinations thereof. The system can further comprise a power injector. The system can further comprise an implant comprising a flow diverter. The flow diverter can comprise at least one of a Pipeline™ flow diverter or a Pipeline Flex™ flow diverter.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery catheter comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, a Touhy valve and/or a length of approximately 90 cm; a third delivery catheter comprising an intermediate catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter and comprising an OD less than 7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a fourth delivery catheter comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter and comprising a Surpass™ delivery catheter, an OD less than 3.3 Fr or less than 3.7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 135 cm; a first guidewire configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter, the second delivery catheter, the third delivery catheter and/or the fourth delivery catheter and comprising an exchange length guidewire; and combinations thereof. The system can further comprise a power injector. The system can further comprise an implant comprising a flow diverter. The flow diverter can comprise at least one of a Surpass™ flow diverter or a Surpass Future™ flow diverter.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery catheter comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, an ID of approximately 0.088″, a length of between 80 cm and 90 cm and/or a distal end configured to be positioned proximate the aortic arch; a third delivery catheter comprising a reperfusion catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter and comprising an OD between 3.8 Fr and 5.4 Fr and/or a length between 132 cm and 153 cm; a fourth delivery catheter comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter and comprising an OD of approximately 2.6 Fr and/or a length of approximately 160 cm; and combinations thereof. The system can further comprise a power injector. The system can further comprise a treatment device comprising a stent retriever or other thrombus removal device. The treatment device can comprise a Penumbra ACE™ stent retriever device.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery catheter comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, a Touhy valve and/or a length of approximately 90 cm; a third delivery catheter comprising an intermediate catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter and comprising an OD less than 7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a fourth delivery catheter comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter and comprising an ID of approximately 0.0165″ and/or a length of approximately 150 cm; a first guidewire configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter, the second delivery catheter, the third delivery catheter and/or the fourth delivery catheter and comprising an OD of approximately 0.014″ and/or a length between 175 cm and 190 cm; and combinations thereof. The system can further comprise a power injector. The system can further comprise a treatment device comprising a coil deployment catheter. The system can further comprise at least one coil.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a treatment device. The collected image data can include data of the treatment device. The treatment device can comprise a device selected from the group consisting of: a balloon catheter constructed and arranged to dilate a stenosis or other narrowing of a blood vessel; a drug eluting balloon; an aspiration catheter; a sonolysis device; an atherectomy device; a thrombus removal device such as a stent retriever device; a Trevo™ stentriever; a Solitaire™ stentriever; a Revive™ stentriever; an Eric™ stentriever; a Lazarus™ stentriever; a stent delivery catheter; a microbraid implant; an embolization system; a WEB™ embolization system; a Luna™ embolization system; a Medina™ embolization system; and combinations thereof. The treatment device can comprise a thrombus removal device. The thrombus removal device can comprise a stent retriever device.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises an implant. The collected image data can include data of the treatment device. The implant can comprise a device selected from the group consisting of: a flow diverter; a Pipeline™ flow diverter; a Surpass™ flow diverter; an embolization coil; a stent; a Wingspan™ stent; a covered stent; an aneurysm treatment implant; and combinations thereof. The implant can comprise an aneurysm treatment implant. The implant can comprise a flow diverter. The implant can comprise a covered stent. The implant can comprise a stent. The implant can comprise a coil.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a console including an assembly selected from the group consisting of: rotating assembly; a retraction assembly; an imaging assembly; a light source; an algorithm; a display; and combinations of these.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises an imaging assembly configured to provide light to optical assembly and to collect light from optical assembly. The imaging assembly can comprise a light source. The light source can comprise at least two light sources. The light source can be configured to deliver light with a center wavelength between 800 nm and 1700 nm. The light source can be configured to deliver light with a center wavelength of approximately 1300 nm or approximately 1380 nm. The light source can be configured to deliver light with bandwidths between 5% and 15% of a center wavelength. The light source can be configured to deliver light in the 1.31 μm band. The light source can be configured to deliver light at a power level of approximately 20 mW.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a rotating assembly constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly. The rotating assembly can be constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly at a rate between 40 rps and 1000 rps. The rotating assembly can be constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly at a rate between 50 rps and 2500 rps, or between 150 rps and 2500 rps. The rotating assembly can be constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly at a rate of approximately 250 rps. The system can be configured to operate in an imaging mode and a preview mode, and the rotating assembly can be constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly at a first rate during the imaging mode, and at a second rate during the preview mode, and the second rate can be slower than the first rate. The rotating assembly can be constructed and arranged to rotate the optical assembly at a rate between 40 rps and 1000 rps during the imaging mode and at a rate of between 30 rps and 140 rps during the preview mode. The system can be configured to linearly position the optical assembly while in the preview mode.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a retraction assembly constructed and arranged to retract at least the optical assembly. The retraction assembly can be further constructed and arranged to retract the imaging probe elongate shaft (e.g. retract the elongate shaft and optical assembly in unison). The retraction assembly can be constructed and arranged to retract the optical assembly at a rate between 5 mm/sec and 60 mm/sec during the collection of the image data. The retraction assembly can be constructed and arranged to retract the optical assembly at a rate of approximately 40 mm/sec during the collection of the image data. The retraction assembly can be constructed and arranged to retract the optical assembly a distance between 10 mm and 150 mm during the collection of the image data. The retraction assembly can be constructed and arranged to retract the optical assembly a distance of approximately 40 mm during the collection of image data. The retraction assembly can be constructed and arranged to retract the optical assembly for a time period between 2 seconds and 15 seconds during the collection of image data.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises an algorithm configured to adjust an operational parameter. The operational parameter can comprise a parameter selected from the group consisting of: a rotational parameter such as rotational velocity of the rotatable optical core and/or the optical assembly; a retraction parameter of the imaging probe elongate shaft and/or the optical assembly such as retraction velocity, distance, start position, end position and/or retraction initiation timing; a position parameter such as position of the optical assembly; a line spacing parameter such as lines per frame; an image display parameter such as a scaling of display size to vessel diameter; an imaging probe configuration parameter; an injectate parameter such as a saline to contrast ratio configured to determine an appropriate index of refraction; a light source parameter such as power delivered and/or frequency of light delivered; and combinations thereof. The algorithm can be configured to adjust an operational parameter selected from the group consisting of: a retraction parameter; a parameter triggering the initiation of a pullback of the imaging probe elongate shaft; a pullback parameter adjusted based on lumen clearing; a pullback parameter adjusted based on a signal from an injector; a pullback parameter adjusted based on image data collected; an imaging probe parameter such as arm path length; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a display configured to display one or more images based on the collected image data. The display can be configured to display video based on the collected image data. The display can be configured to display images at a frame rate of less than or equal to 250 frames/second.
In some embodiments, the system (e.g. the imaging probe or other system component) further comprises a functional element. The functional element can comprise at least two functional elements. The functional element can comprise an element selected from the group consisting of: sensor; transducer; and combinations thereof. The functional element can comprise a sensor configured to produce a signal. The functional element can comprise a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a physiologic sensor; a pressure sensor; a strain gauge; a position sensor; a GPS sensor; an accelerometer; a temperature sensor; a magnetic sensor; a chemical sensor; a biochemical sensor; a protein sensor; a flow sensor such as an ultrasonic flow sensor; a gas detecting sensor such as an ultrasonic bubble detector; a sound sensor such as an ultrasound sensor; and combinations thereof. The sensor can comprise a physiologic sensor selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor such as a blood pressure sensor; a blood gas sensor; a flow sensor such as a blood flow sensor; a temperature sensor such as a blood or other tissue temperature sensor; and combinations thereof. The sensor can comprise a position sensor configured to produce a signal related to a vessel path geometry (e.g. a 2D or 3D vessel path geometry). The sensor can comprise a magnetic sensor. The sensor can comprise a flow sensor. The system can further comprise an algorithm configured to process the signal produced by the sensor. The functional element can comprise a transducer. The functional element can comprise a transducer selected from the group consisting of: a heating element such as a heating element configured to deliver sufficient heat to ablate tissue; a cooling element such as a cooling element configured to deliver cryogenic energy to ablate tissue; a sound transducer such as an ultrasound transducer; a vibrational transducer; and combinations thereof. The functional element can comprise a pressure relief valve. The functional element can comprise at least one sidehole. The functional element can comprise a visualizable marker. The functional element can comprise a deployable functional element. The functional element can comprise an implantable functional element. The imaging probe can comprise the functional element. The functional assembly can be proximate the optical assembly. The system can further comprise a console, and the console can comprise the functional element. The system can further comprise an injector, and the injector can comprise the functional element.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises an injector constructed and arranged to deliver injectate to the at least one delivery device. The injector can be configured to deliver fluid to perform a flushing procedure. The flushing procedure can be performed based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of: a pre-determined volume of injectate to be delivered; a pre-determined time during which injectate is delivered; an amount of time of delivery including a time extending from a time prior to retraction of the imaging probe elongate shaft until the collecting of the image data has been completed; and combinations thereof. The system can further comprise injectate comprising one or more fluids to be delivered by the injector. The injectate can comprise fluid selected from the group consisting of: optically transparent material; saline; visualizable material; contrast; Dextran; an ultrasonically reflective material; a magnetic material; and combinations thereof. The injectate can comprise contrast and saline. The injectate can comprise at least 20% contrast. The injector can comprise a first reservoir and a second reservoir, and the injectate can comprise a first fluid delivered from the first reservoir and a second fluid delivered from the second reservoir. The injector can be configured to deliver the first and second fluids at different rates.
According to another aspect of the present inventive concepts, a method of creating an image comprises: (a) selecting an imaging probe according to any claim herein; (b) selecting at least one delivery device; (c) advancing a first delivery device within a blood vessel of the patient, the first delivery device comprising a first delivery catheter comprising a distal end; (d) advancing the imaging probe within the first delivery catheter such that the optical assembly of the imaging probe is proximate a patient site; (e) retracting the elongate shaft of the imaging probe and collecting image data of the patient site during the retraction; and (f) creating one or more images based on the collected image data. The optical assembly can be positioned within the first delivery catheter during the collection of the image data. The first delivery catheter can comprise a transparent segment and the optical assembly can be within the transparent segment during the collecting of the image data. The optical assembly can be positioned distal to the distal end of the first delivery catheter during the collection of the image data.
In some embodiments, the patient site comprises a blood vessel selected from the group consisting of: artery of patient's neck; vein of patient's neck; artery of patient's head; vein of patient's head; artery of patient's brain; vein of patient's brain; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the patient site comprises one or more locations proximate the patient's spine.
In some embodiments, the image data comprises data representing tissue selected from the group consisting of: wall tissue of a blood vessel of the patient site; thrombus proximate the patient site; occlusive matter proximate the patient site; a blood vessel outside of blood vessel in which the optical assembly is positioned; tissue outside of blood vessel in which the optical assembly is positioned; extracellular deposits outside of the lumen of the blood vessel in which optical assembly is positioned; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, step (e) further comprises collecting image data of an implanted device proximate the patient site, and the image created in step (f) further comprises one or more images of the implanted device. The implanted device can comprise a device selected from the group consisting of: flow diverter; aneurysm repair implant; stent; covered stent; coil; and combinations thereof. Step (e) can further comprise collecting image data of an implant placement procedure, and the image created in step (f) can further comprise creating one or more images of the implant placement procedure. Step (e) can further comprise collecting image data of a treatment device, and the image created in step (f) can further comprise creating one or more images of the treatment device. Step (f) can further comprise creating one or more images of the treatment procedure.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises at least one delivery catheter constructed and arranged to slidingly receive the imaging probe. The at least one delivery catheter can comprise a catheter from the group consisting of: a 6 Fr to 8 Fr guide catheter; a 5 Fr to 6 Fr intermediate catheter; a microcatheter with an ID between 0.0165″ and 0.027″ (e.g. between 0.021″ and 0.027″); and combinations thereof. The at least one delivery device can further comprise at least a first guidewire. The at least one delivery device can further comprise at least a second guidewire with an OD less than the OD of the first guidewire.
In some embodiments, the first delivery catheter comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween, and the imaging probe can be advanced within the first delivery catheter. During step (b) the distal end of the first delivery catheter can be advanced to a location at least partially within the patient site, and during step (d) the first delivery catheter can be retracted to expose the optical assembly prior to performing the retraction of step (e). During step (e) the optical assembly can remain distal to the distal end of the first delivery catheter during the collection of the image data. During step (b) the distal end of the first delivery catheter can be advanced to a location proximal to the patient site, and during the collection of image data in step (e) the optical assembly can remain distal to the first delivery catheter distal end. During step (b) the distal end of the first delivery catheter can be advanced to a location at least partially within the patient site, and during the collection of image data in step (e) the optical assembly can remain within first delivery catheter. The first delivery catheter can comprise a transparent segment, and the optical assembly can remain within the transparent segment during the collection of image data in step (e).
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises a first guidewire and a microcatheter comprising an ID of between 0.0165″ and 0.027″ (e.g. between 0.021″ and 0.027″), and the method comprises: advancing the first guidewire to a location within or distal to the patient site; advancing the microcatheter over the first guidewire to a location within or distal to the patient site; removing the first guidewire and inserting the imaging probe through the microcatheter to a location within or distal to the patient site; retracting the microcatheter to expose the optical assembly; and flushing through at least one of the microcatheter or another delivery catheter while retracting the optical assembly during the image data collection of step (e). The method can further comprise removing the imaging probe from the microcatheter and inserting a second guidewire through the first delivery catheter. The first guidewire can comprise the second guidewire. The second guidewire can comprise a different guidewire than the first guidewire. The patient site can comprise a patient site selected from the group consisting of: aneurysm; stenosis; thrombus; implant; and combinations thereof, and the imaging probe can be advanced at least within the patient site.
In some embodiments, the at least one delivery device comprises a first guidewire and a microcatheter comprising an ID of between 0.0165″ and 0.027″ (e.g. between 0.021″ and 0.027″), and a distal portion comprising a transparent segment, and the method comprises: advancing the first guidewire to a location within or distal to the patient site; advancing the microcatheter over the first guidewire to a location within or distal to the patient site; removing the first guidewire and inserting the imaging probe through the microcatheter to a location within or distal to the patient site; flushing through at least one of the microcatheter or another delivery catheter while retracting the optical assembly during the image data collection of step (e), and the optical assembly remains within the microcatheter transparent segment. The method can further comprise removing the imaging probe from the microcatheter and inserting a second guidewire through the first delivery catheter. The first guidewire can comprise the second guidewire. The second guidewire can comprise a different guidewire than the first guidewire. The patient site can comprise a neural site or a cardiac site selected from the group consisting of: aneurysm; stenosis; thrombus; implant; and combinations thereof, and the imaging probe can be advanced at least within the patient site.
In some embodiments, the first delivery catheter comprises a distal portion including one or more sideholes, and the method further comprises delivering injectate in a flushing procedure that causes the injectate to pass through the one or more sideholes (e.g. injectate exits the lumen of the first delivery catheter via the one or more sideholes). The first delivery catheter can comprise a microcatheter with an ID less than or equal to 0.027″.
In some embodiments, the first delivery catheter is advanced to a location proximate the patient site, and the method comprises advancing the imaging probe optical assembly beyond the distal end of the first delivery catheter.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises implanting an implantable device. The implantable device can comprise a device selected from the group consisting of: a flow diverter; a Pipeline™ flow diverter; a Surpass™ flow diverter; an embolization coil; a stent; a Wingspan™ stent; a covered stent; an aneurysm treatment implant; and combinations thereof. The patient site can comprise the implanted device or a site in which the implanted device will be implanted, and the method can comprise advancing the imaging probe optical assembly to the patient site; collecting image data of the patient site; analyzing the image data collected; and implanting the implantable device based on the analysis. The analysis can modify an implantation parameter selected from the group consisting of: selection of the implantable device; selection of the implantable device porosity; selection of the implantable device coverage (e.g. percentage of the surface area of vessel covered by metal or other material of the implantable device); selection of the implantable device pore density; selection of the implantable device diameter; selection of the implantable device length; selection of the location to implant the implantable device; a dilation parameter for expanding the implantable device once implanted; a repositioning of the implantable device once implanted; selection of a second implantable device to be implanted; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the method comprises accessing the patient site with the optical assembly; collecting image data of the implanted device; analyzing the image data and identifying at least one implantation issue; and adjusting the implantation of the implanted device. The implantation issue identified can comprise an issue selected from the group consisting of: malposition of implanted device; inadequate deployment of implanted device; presence of air bubbles; and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises advancing a diagnostic and/or treatment device through the first delivery catheter while the imaging probe resides within the first delivery catheter. The first delivery catheter can comprise an ID between 0.050″ and 0.085″. The first delivery catheter can comprise an ID between 0.053″ and 0.072″. The first delivery catheter can comprise an ID between 0.070″ and 0.072″. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can be advanced within the first delivery catheter prior to Step (c). The diagnostic and/or treatment device can be advanced within the first delivery catheter after Step (c). The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise an OD less than or equal to 0.035″. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise an OD less than or equal to 0.030″. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise an OD less than or equal to 0.025″. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise an OD less than or equal to 0.020″. The method can further comprise automatically detecting the delivery of a flushing material. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise a treatment device configured to deliver one or more coils to treat an aneurysm. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise a treatment device configured to remove thrombus. The diagnostic and/or treatment device can comprise a treatment device configured to deliver a stent. The treatment device can be configured to deliver a covered stent. The method can further comprise: performing a clinical procedure with the diagnostic and/or treatment device; performing an assessment of the image data; and determining if an additional clinical procedure is desired based on the image data. The assessment of the image data can comprise a review of a 2D and/or 3D image of the patient site PS prior to, during and/or after the clinical procedure. The assessment of the image data can comprise a review of a 2D and/or 3D image of any implants implanted in the patient during the procedure. The assessment can determine one or more of: sufficient occlusion; sufficient occlusion of an aneurysm by implantation of coils or a covered stent; adequate positioning of an implant with tissue; adequate apposition of an implant with tissue; adequate flow through a native vessel; and combinations thereof. The method can further comprise: performing an additional clinical procedure; and collecting additional image data related to the additional clinical procedure. The additional clinical procedure can comprise a procedure selected from the group consisting of: implantation of one or more additional implants; additional dilation of an implant; and combinations thereof.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present inventive concepts will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same or like elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concepts. Furthermore, embodiments of the present inventive concepts may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing an inventive concept described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be further understood that the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It will be further understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various limitations, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these limitations, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one limitation, element, component, region, layer or section from another limitation, element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first limitation, element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second limitation, element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present application.
It will be further understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached”, “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly on or above, or connected or coupled to, the other element, or one or more intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly attached”, “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
It will be further understood that when a first element is referred to as being “in”, “on” and/or “within” a second element, the first element can be positioned: within an internal space of the second element, within a portion of the second element (e.g. within a wall of the second element); positioned on an external and/or internal surface of the second element; and combinations of one or more of these.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be further understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in a figure is turned over, elements described as “below” and/or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The term “and/or” where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.
As described herein, “room pressure” shall mean pressure of the environment surrounding the systems and devices of the present inventive concepts. Positive pressure includes pressure above room pressure or simply a pressure that is greater than another pressure, such as a positive differential pressure across a fluid pathway component such as a valve. Negative pressure includes pressure below room pressure or a pressure that is less than another pressure, such as a negative differential pressure across a fluid component pathway such as a valve. Negative pressure can include a vacuum but does not imply a pressure below a vacuum. As used herein, the term “vacuum” can be used to refer to a full or partial vacuum, or any negative pressure as described hereabove.
The term “diameter” where used herein to describe a non-circular geometry is to be taken as the diameter of a hypothetical circle approximating the geometry being described. For example, when describing a cross section, such as the cross section of a component, the term “diameter” shall be taken to represent the diameter of a hypothetical circle with the same cross sectional area as the cross section of the component being described.
The terms “major axis” and “minor axis” of a component where used herein are the length and diameter, respectively, of the smallest volume hypothetical cylinder which can completely surround the component.
The term “transducer” where used herein is to be taken to include any component or combination of components that receives energy or any input, and produces an output. For example, a transducer can include an electrode that receives electrical energy, and distributes the electrical energy to tissue (e.g. based on the size of the electrode). In some configurations, a transducer converts an electrical signal into any output, such as light (e.g. a transducer comprising a light emitting diode or light bulb), sound (e.g. a transducer comprising a piezo crystal configured to deliver ultrasound energy), pressure, heat energy, cryogenic energy, chemical energy; mechanical energy (e.g. a transducer comprising a motor or a solenoid), magnetic energy, and/or a different electrical signal (e.g. a Bluetooth or other wireless communication element). Alternatively or additionally, a transducer can convert a physical quantity (e.g. variations in a physical quantity) into an electrical signal. A transducer can include any component that delivers energy and/or an agent to tissue, such as a transducer configured to deliver one or more of: electrical energy to tissue (e.g. a transducer comprising one or more electrodes); light energy to tissue (e.g. a transducer comprising a laser, light emitting diode and/or optical component such as a lens or prism); mechanical energy to tissue (e.g. a transducer comprising a tissue manipulating element); sound energy to tissue (e.g. a transducer comprising a piezo crystal); chemical energy; electromagnetic energy; magnetic energy; and combinations of one or more of these.
As used herein, the term “patient site” refers to a location within the patient, such as a location within a body conduit such as a blood vessel (e.g. an artery or vein such as an artery or vein of the heart) or a segment of the GI tract (e.g. the esophagus, stomach or intestine), or a location within an organ. A “patient site” can refer to a location in the spine, such as within the epidural space or intrathecal space of the spine. A patient site can include a location including one or more of: an aneurysm; a stenosis; thrombus and/or an implant.
As used herein, the term “neural site” refers to a patient site proximate the brain, such as at a location within the neck, head or brain of a patient. A neural site can include a location proximate the brain including one or more of: an aneurysm; a stenosis; thrombus and/or an implant.
As used herein, the term “proximate” shall include locations relatively close to, on, in and/or within a referenced component or other location.
As used herein, the term “transparent” and “optically transparent” refer to a property of a material that is relatively transparent (e.g. not opaque) to light delivered and/or collected by one or more components of the imaging system or probe of the present inventive concepts (e.g. to collect image data of a patient site).
It is appreciated that certain features of the inventive concepts, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the inventive concepts which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. For example, it will be appreciated that all features set out in any of the claims (whether independent or dependent) can be combined in any given way.
The present inventive concepts include imaging systems comprising imaging probes (e.g. optical imaging probes) and one or more delivery devices, such as delivery catheters and/or guidewires. The imaging probe can be configured to be positioned proximate a patient site and to collect image data from the patient site, such as a neural site, spinal site, cardiac site and/or other patient site (e.g. as defined hereabove). The imaging probe comprises an elongate shaft including a lumen. In some embodiments, a rotatable optical core and a distally positioned optical assembly are positioned within the lumen of the probe shaft. The present inventive concepts further includes methods of introducing the imaging probe to a patient site, such as a neural site or cardiac site, using one or more delivery devices such as delivery catheters and/or guidewires. In some embodiments, the imaging probe is advanced through a delivery catheter to a patient site, without being advanced over a guidewire.
Referring now to
Imaging probe 100 comprises an elongate shaft, shaft 110, comprising proximal end 111, distal end 119, mid portion 115, and distal portion 118. A connector, connector 102 is positioned on the proximal end 111 of shaft 110, such as a connector configured to operably attach probe 100 to console 200. Imaging probe 100 is configured to provide a patient image (e.g. a three dimensional image created when shaft 110 of imaging probe 100 is retracted). In some embodiments, imaging probe 100 and/or another component of system 10 is of similar construction and arrangement to the similar components described in applicant's U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/148,355, titled “Micro-Optic Probes for Neurology”, filed Apr. 29, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
Imaging probe 100 is constructed and arranged to collect image data from a patient site, such as patient site PS shown in
In some embodiments, optical assembly 130 is constructed and arranged to collect data related to the position of a treatment device, such as treatment device 91 described herebelow, during a patient treatment procedure.
Delivery catheters 50 can comprise one or more delivery catheters, such as delivery catheters 50a, 50b, 50c through 50n shown. Delivery catheters 50 can include a vascular introducer, such as when delivery catheter 50a shown in
Each delivery catheter 50 comprises a shaft 51 (e.g. shafts 51a, 51b, 51c and 51n shown), each with a distal end 59 (e.g. distal ends 59a, 59b, 59c and 59n shown). A connector 55 (e.g. connectors 55a, 55b, 55c and 55n shown) is positioned on the proximal end of each shaft 51. Each connector 55 can comprise a Touhy or other valved connector, such as a valved connector configured to prevent fluid egress from the associated catheter 50 (with and/or without a separate shaft positioned within the connector 55). Each connector 55 can comprise a port 54 (e.g. ports 54b, 54c and 54n as shown on delivery catheters 50b, 50c, and 50n), such as a port constructed and arranged to allow introduction of fluid into the associated delivery catheter 50 and/or for removing fluids from an associated delivery catheter 50. In some embodiments, a flushing fluid, as described herebelow, is introduced via one or more ports 54, such as to remove blood or other undesired material from locations proximate optical assembly 130. Port 54 can be positioned on a side of connector 55 and can include a luer fitting and a cap and/or valve. Shafts 51, connectors 55 and ports 54 can each comprise standard materials and be of similar construction to commercially available introducers, guide catheters, diagnostic catheters, intermediate catheters and microcatheters used in interventional procedures.
Each delivery catheter 50 comprises a lumen 52 (reference number 52 shown on delivery catheter 50a but removed from the remaining delivery catheters 50 for illustrative clarity) extending from the connector 55 to the distal end 59 of shaft 51. The diameter of each lumen 52 defines the ID of the associated delivery catheter 50. Each delivery catheter 50 can be advanced over a guidewire (e.g. guidewire 60) via lumen 52. In some embodiments, a delivery catheter 50 is configured for rapid exchange advancement and retraction over a guidewire, such as via a sidecar as described herebelow in reference to
Delivery catheters 50 can comprise one or more delivery catheters selected from the group consisting of: an introducer; a vascular introducer; an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a delivery catheter (also referred to as a guide catheter) for positioning through the aortic arch (e.g. such that it's distal end is just distal or otherwise proximate the aortic arch) such as a delivery catheter with an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr or an ID of approximately 6.5 Fr; a delivery catheter (also referred to as an intermediate catheter) for insertion through a larger, previously placed delivery catheter, such as an intermediate delivery catheter with an ID of between 0.053″ and 0.070″; a delivery catheter (also referred to as a microcatheter) with an ID of between 0.0165″ and 0.027″; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, delivery catheters 50 comprise a first delivery catheter 50INTRO comprising an introducer, such as an introducer with an ID of between 7 Fr and 9 Fr or an ID of approximately 8 Fr. Delivery catheters 50 can further comprise a second delivery catheter 50 constructed and arranged to be inserted into the first delivery catheter 50, such as a second delivery catheter 50GUIDE, which can be constructed and arranged for positioning through the aortic arch and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr or an ID of approximately 6.5 Fr. Delivery catheters 50 can comprise a third delivery catheter 50 constructed and arranged to be inserted through the first delivery catheter 50INTRO and/or the second delivery catheter 50GUIDE, such as a third delivery catheter 50INTER with an ID of between 0.053″ and 0.070″. Delivery catheters 50 can comprise a fourth delivery catheter 50MICRO constructed and arranged to be inserted through the first, second and/or third delivery catheters 50, such as a fourth delivery catheter 50MICRO with an ID of between 0.0165″ to 0.027″. Imaging probe 100 can be constructed and arranged to be inserted through first, second, third and/or fourth delivery catheters 50, such as when imaging probe 100 comprises an OD of less than 0.070″, such as when at least the distal portion of imaging probe 100 comprises an OD of less than or equal to 0.025″, 0.022″, 0.018″, 0.016″, 0.015″ or 0.014″. In some embodiments, at least the distal portion of imaging probe 100 comprises an ID of approximately 0.014″ (e.g. an ID between 0.012″ and 0.016″). In some embodiments, system 10 comprises a probe 100 and one or more delivery catheters 50 as described herebelow in reference to
Each delivery catheter 50 can comprise an optically transparent segment, such as a segment relatively transparent to light transmitted and/or received by optical assembly 130, such as transparent segment 57 shown on delivery catheter 55n and described herein. Transparent segment 57 can comprise a length of up to 50 cm, such as a length of between 1 cm and 15 cm, or a length of up to 2 cm or up to 5 cm.
Each delivery catheter 50 can comprise a spring tip, not shown but such as spring tip 104 described herein as attached to shaft 110 of probe 100.
Guidewires 60 can comprise one or more guidewires, such as guidewires 60a, 60b through 60n shown. Guidewires 60 can comprise one or more guidewires constructed and arranged to support advancement (e.g. intravascular advancement) of probe 100 (e.g. via a rapid exchange lumen in distal portion 118 of shaft 110) and/or a delivery catheter 50 into a patient site PS such as a neural site or a cardiac site. Guidewires 60 can comprise one or more guidewires selected from the group consisting of: a guidewire with an OD between 0.035″ and 0.038″; a guidewire with an OD between 0.010″ and 0.018″; an access length guidewire such as a guidewire with a length of approximately 200 cm; an exchange length guidewire such as a guidewire with a length of approximately 300 cm; a guidewire with a length between 175 cm and 190 cm; a guidewire with a length between 200 cm and 300 cm and/or an OD between 0.014″ and 0.016″; a hydrophilic guidewire; a Stryker Synchro™ guidewire; a Terumo guidewire such as the Terumo Glidewire™ guidewire; a Terumo Traxcess™ guidewire; an X-Celerator™ guidewire; an X-Pedion™ guidewire; an Agility™ guidewire; a Bentson™ guidewire; a Coon™ guidewire; an Amplatz™ guidewire; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, system 10 comprises a probe 100 and one or more guidewires 60 as described herebelow in reference to
System 10 can comprise various sets and configurations of delivery catheters 50 and guidewires 60. In some embodiments, delivery catheters 50 comprise a first delivery catheter 50INTRO comprising an introducer (e.g. a vascular introducer), and at least two delivery catheters 50 that are inserted through delivery catheter 50INTRO, these catheters comprising corresponding different sets of IDS and ODS, such as to allow sequential insertion of each delivery catheter 50 through the lumen 52 of a previously placed delivery catheter 50, as described in detail herein. In some embodiments, a first delivery catheter 50 is advanced over a first guidewire 60, and a smaller OD delivery catheter 50 is subsequently advanced over a smaller OD guidewire 60 (e.g. after the first guidewire 60 is removed from the first delivery catheter 50 and replaced with the second guidewire 60). In some embodiments, after image data is collected by an imaging probe 100 positioned within a delivery catheter (e.g. after a retraction in which the image data is collected), imaging probe 100 is removed and replaced with a guidewire 60 over which an additional device can be placed (e.g. another delivery catheter 50, a treatment device 91, an implant delivery device 80 or other device). In some embodiments, probe 100, one or more delivery catheters 50 and/or one or more guidewires 60 are inserted, advanced and/or retracted as described herebelow in reference to
As an alternative to advancement of probe 100, one or more delivery catheters 50 and/or one or more guidewires 60 through one or more blood vessels (e.g. advancement of or more delivery catheters 50 over a guidewire 60 through one or more arteries or veins), one or more of these devices can be advanced to a patient site PS via a non-blood vessel lumen, such as the epidural and/or intrathecal space of the spine, or via another body lumen or space (e.g. also as can be performed over a guidewire 60).
In some embodiments, one or more delivery catheters 50 comprise a functional element 53 (e.g. functional elements 53a, 53b, 53c and 53n shown). Each functional element 53 can comprise one or more functional elements such as one or more sensors, transducers and/or other functional elements as described in detail herebelow.
Referring additionally to
In some embodiments, a fluid 190 is included in lumen 112 (e.g. in the space not occupied by core 120 and optical assembly 130), such as fluid 190a and fluid 190b shown in
Shaft 110 can comprise one or more materials, and can comprise at least a portion which is braided. In some embodiments, at least the distal portion 118 of shaft 110 comprises an OD less than or equal to 0.025″, such as an OD less than or equal to 0.022″, 0.018″, 0.016″, 0.015″ or 0.014″. In some embodiments, shaft 110 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide, nylon; fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); polyether block amide (Pebax); and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, shaft 110 comprises at least a portion including a braid including stainless steel and/or a nickel titanium alloy, such as a shaft 110 that includes a braid positioned over thin walled FEP or PTF. The braided portion can be coated with Pebax or other flexible material.
Viewing portion 117 of shaft 110 can comprise one or more materials, and can comprise similar or dissimilar materials to a different portion of shaft 110. Viewing portion 117 can comprise a similar ID and/or OD as one or more other portions of shaft 110. In some embodiments, viewing portion 117 comprises an inner and/or outer diameter that is larger than an inner and/or outer diameter of shaft 110 at mid portion 115 of shaft 110. Viewing portion 117 can comprise a similar or dissimilar flexibility as one or more other portions of shaft 110. Viewing portion 117 can comprise one or more optically transparent materials selected from the group consisting of: Pebax; amorphous PEEK; polyimide; glass; sapphire; and combinations of one or more of these.
In some embodiments, a flexible tip portion is positioned on the distal end of shaft 110, such as spring tip 104 shown. Spring tip 104 can comprise a length of between 0.5 cm and 5 cm, such as a length of approximately 1 cm, 2 cm or 3 cm. At least a portion of spring tip 104 can be made visible to an imaging apparatus, such as by including a radiopaque material such as platinum visible to an X-ray imaging device. Spring tip 104 can comprise a core comprising a material such as stainless steel.
Console 200 can comprise an assembly, rotating assembly 210 constructed and arranged to rotate at least rotatable optical core 120. Console 200 can comprise an assembly, retraction assembly 220, constructed and arranged to retract shaft 110 and/or optical assembly 130. In some embodiments, retraction assembly 220 and probe 100 can be configured such that during image data collection, retraction assembly 220 retracts optical assembly 130 and shaft 110 in unison. In these embodiments, shaft 110 can comprise a relatively short viewing window, viewing portion 117 surrounding optical assembly 130, since optical assembly 130 does not translate within shaft 110. For example, in these embodiments, viewing portion 117 can comprise a length less than or equal to 20 mm, less than or equal to 15 mm, less than or equal to 6 mm, or less than or equal to 4 mm, such as when viewing portion 117 comprises a length of approximately 3 mm. In these embodiments in which viewing portion 117 comprises a relative short length, viewing portion 117 can comprise a material that is softer and/or more flexible than other portions of shaft 110 (e.g. without significantly impacting the column and/or torsional strength of probe 100). In some embodiments, viewing portion 117 comprises a length between 5 mm and 50 mm, such as a length of approximately 10 mm or approximately 12 mm. In these embodiments in which optical assembly 130 does not translate within shaft 110, shaft 110 diameter (ID and/or OD) can be reduced at locations proximal to viewing portion 117, such as when the OD of shaft 110 (at least the portion of shaft 110 surrounding and proximate optical assembly), comprises an OD of less than or equal to 0.025″, 0.016″ or 0.014″. Alternatively or additionally, in these embodiments in which optical assembly 130 does not translate within shaft 110, portions of the shaft proximal to optical assembly 130 (e.g. proximal to viewing portion 117) can include a non-transparent construction, such as a braided construction or a construction using materials such as metal tubing (e.g. nitinol or stainless steel hypotube), such as to improve pushability of probe 100. Rotating assembly 210 and/or retraction assembly 220 can be of similar construction and arrangement to those described herebelow in reference to
Rotational assembly 210 can be constructed and arranged to rotate core 120 (and subsequently one or more components of optical assembly 130) at a rotational velocity of approximately 250 rps, or at a rotational velocity between 40 rps and 1000 rps. In some embodiments, rotational assembly 210 is constructed and arranged to rotate core 120 at one rate (e.g. at least 50 rps or approximately 250 rps) during image data collection (i.e. an “imaging mode”), and at a different rate (e.g. a slower rate, such as a rate between 30 rps and 150 rps) during a “preview mode”. During preview mode, a “positioning operation” can be performed in which optical assembly 130 is linearly positioned and/or a flush procedure can be initiated. The positioning operation can be configured to visualize bright reflections (e.g. via one or more implants such as an implanted stent, flow director and/or coils). Alternatively or additionally, the preview mode can be configured to allow an operator (e.g. a clinician) to confirm that optical assembly 130 has exited the distal end 59 of a surrounding delivery catheter 50. The preview mode can be configured to reduce time and acceleration forces associated with rotating core 120 at a velocity to accommodate image data collection (e.g. a rotational velocity of at least 150 rps or approximately 250 rps).
Retraction assembly 220 can be constructed and arranged to retract optical assembly 130 (e.g. by retracting shaft 100) at a retraction rate of approximately 40 mm/sec, such as a retraction rate between 5 mm/sec and 60 mm/sec. Retraction assembly 220 can be constructed and arranged to perform a pullback of between 20 mm and 100 mm. such as a pullback that is performed in a time period between 1.0 seconds and 15.0 seconds.
Console 200 can comprise a display 250, such as a display configured to provide one or more images (e.g. video) based on the collected image data. Imaging assembly 230 can be configured to provide an image on display 250 with an updated frame rate of up to approximately 250 frames per second (e.g. similar to the rotational velocity of core 120). Display 250 can provide a 2-D and/or 3-D representation of 2-D and/or 3-D data.
Console 200 can comprise one or more functional elements, such as functional element 203 shown in
Console 200 can comprise an algorithm, such as algorithm 240 shown, which can be configured to adjust (e.g. automatically and/or semi-automatically adjust) one or more operational parameters of system 10, such as an operational parameter of console 200, probe 100 and/or a delivery catheter 50. Alternatively or additionally, algorithm 240 can be configured to adjust an operational parameter of a separate device, such as injector 300 or implant delivery device 80 described herebelow. In some embodiments, algorithm 240 is configured to adjust an operational parameter based on one or more sensor signals, such as a sensor signal provided by a sensor-based functional element of the present inventive concepts as described herein (e.g. a signal provided by one or more of functional elements 53, 83, 93, 103, 203, 303). Algorithm 240 can be configured to adjust an operational parameter selected from the group consisting of: a rotational parameter such as rotational velocity of core 120 and/or optical assembly 130; a retraction parameter of shaft 110 and/or optical assembly 130 such as retraction velocity, distance, start position, end position and/or retraction initiation timing (e.g. when retraction is initiated); a position parameter such as position of optical assembly 130; a line spacing parameter such as lines per frame; an image display parameter such as a scaling of display size to vessel diameter; a probe 100 configuration parameter; an injectate 305 parameter such as a saline to contrast ratio configured to determine an appropriate index of refraction; a light source 231 parameter such as power delivered and/or frequency of light delivered; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, algorithm 240 is configured to adjust a retraction parameter such as a parameter triggering the initiation of the pullback, such as a pullback that is initiated based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of: lumen clearing; injector 300 signal; change in image data collected (e.g. a change in an image, based on the image data collected, that correlates to proper evacuation of blood from around optical assembly 130); and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, algorithm 240 is configured to adjust a probe 100 configuration parameter, such as when algorithm 240 identifies (e.g. automatically identifies via an RF or other embedded ID) the attached probe 100 and adjusts a parameter such as arm path length and/or other parameter as listed above.
Injector 300 can comprise a power injector, syringe pump, peristaltic pump or other fluid delivery device configured to inject a contrast agent, such as radiopaque contrast, and/or other fluids. In some embodiments, injector 300 is configured to deliver contrast and/or other fluid (e.g. contrast, saline and/or Dextran). In some embodiments, injector 300 delivers fluid in a flushing procedure as described herebelow. In some embodiments, injector 300 delivers contrast or other fluid through a delivery catheter 50 with an ID of between 5 Fr and 9 Fr, a delivery catheter 50 with an ID of between 0.53″ to 0.70″, or a delivery catheter 50 with an ID between 0.0165″ and 0.027″. In some embodiments, contrast or other fluid is delivered through a delivery catheter as small as 4 Fr (e.g. for distal injections). In some embodiments, injector 300 delivers contrast and/or other fluid through the lumen of one or more delivery catheters 50, while one or more smaller delivery catheters 50 also reside within the lumen 52. In some embodiments, injector 300 is configured to deliver two dissimilar fluids simultaneously and/or sequentially, such as a first fluid delivered from a first reservoir and comprising a first concentration of contrast, and a second fluid from a second reservoir and comprising less or no contrast. Injector 300 can comprise one or more functional elements, such as functional element 303 shown in
Implant 85 can comprise an implant (e.g. a temporary or chronic implant) for treating one or more of a vascular occlusion or an aneurysm. In some embodiments, implant 85 comprises one or more implants selected from the group consisting of: a flow diverter; a Pipeline™ flow diverter; a Surpass™ flow diverter; an embolization coil; a stent; a Wingspan™ stent; a covered stent; an aneurysm treatment implant; and combinations of one or more of these. Delivery device 80 can comprise a catheter or other tool used to deliver implant 85, such as when implant 85 comprises a self-expanding or balloon expandable portion. Implant delivery device 80 can comprise a functional element, such as functional element 83 shown in
Treatment device 91 can comprise an occlusion treatment or other treatment device selected from the group consisting of: a balloon catheter constructed and arranged to dilate a stenosis or other narrowing of a blood vessel; a drug eluting balloon; an aspiration catheter; a sonolysis device; an atherectomy device; a thrombus removal device such as a stent retriever device; a Trevo™ stentriever; a Solitaire™ stentriever; a Revive™ stentriever; an Eric™ stentriever; a Lazarus™ stentriever; a stent delivery catheter; a microbraid implant; an embolization system; a WEB™ embolization system; a Luna™ embolization system; a Medina™ embolization system; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, probe 100 is configured to collect data related to treatment device 91 (e.g. treatment device 91 location, orientation and/or other configuration data), after treatment device 91 has been inserted into the patient. Treatment device 91 can comprise a functional element, such as functional element 93 shown in
2nd Imaging device 92 can comprise an imaging device such as one or more imaging devices selected from the group consisting of: an X-ray; a fluoroscope such as a single plane or biplane fluoroscope; a CT Scanner; an MRI; a PET Scanner; an ultrasound imager; and combinations of one or more of these.
Functional elements 53, 83, 93, 103, 113, 203, and/or 303 can each comprise one or more sensors, transducers and/or other functional elements, as described in detail herebelow.
In some embodiments, a functional element 113 is positioned proximate optical assembly 130 (e.g. distal to optical assembly 130 as shown in
In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103, 113, 203 and/or 303 comprise a sensor, such as a sensor configured to provide a signal related to a parameter of a system 10 component and/or a sensor configured to provide a signal related to a patient parameter. Functional element 53, 83, 93, 103, 113, 203 and/or 303 can comprise one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of: a physiologic sensor; a pressure sensor; a strain gauge; a position sensor; a GPS sensor; an accelerometer; a temperature sensor; a magnetic sensor; a chemical sensor; a biochemical sensor; a protein sensor; a flow sensor such as an ultrasonic flow sensor; a gas detecting sensor such as an ultrasonic bubble detector; a sound sensor such as an ultrasound sensor; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103, 113, 203 and/or 303 can comprise one or more physiologic sensors selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor such as a blood pressure sensor; a blood gas sensor; a flow sensor such as a blood flow sensor; a temperature sensor such as a blood or other tissue temperature sensor; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, algorithm 240 is configured to process the signal received by a sensor, such as a signal provided by a sensor as described herein. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises a position sensor configured to provide a signal related to a vessel path (e.g. a vessel lumen path) in three dimensions. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises a magnetic sensor configured to provide a signal for positioning optical assembly 130 relative to one or more implanted devices (e.g. one or more implants 85 described herein comprising a ferrous or other magnetic portion). In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises a flow sensor, such as a flow sensor configured to provide a signal related to blood flow through a blood vessel of the patient site PS (e.g. blood flow through a stenosis or other partially occluded segment of a blood vessel). In these embodiments, algorithm 240 can be configured to assess blood flow (e.g. assess the significance of an occlusion), such as to provide information to a clinician regarding potential treatment of the occlusion. In some embodiments, optical assembly 130 comprises functional element 113, such as when optical assembly 130 is constructed and arranged as a sensor that provides a signal related to blood flow. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises a flow sensor configured to provide a signal used to co-register vessel anatomic data to flow data, which can be used to provide pre and post intervention modeling of flow (e.g. aneurysm flow), assess risk of rupture and/or otherwise assess adequacy of the intervention. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises an ultrasound sensor configured to provide a signal (e.g. image or frequency data) which can be co-registered with near field optical derived information provided by optical assembly 130. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 are configured to be deployed by their associated device, such as to implant the functional element (e.g. a sensor-based functional element) into the patient. The implantable functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 can comprise microchip and/or MEMS components. The implantable functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 can comprise at least a portion that is configured to be visualized (e.g. by image data collected by probe 100 and/or a separate imaging device such as second imaging device 92).
In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103, 113, 203 and/or 303 can comprise one or more transducers selected from the group consisting of: a heating element such as a heating element configured to deliver sufficient heat to ablate tissue; a cooling element such as a cooling element configured to deliver cryogenic energy to ablate tissue; a sound transducer such as an ultrasound transducer; a vibrational transducer; and combinations of one or more of these.
In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises a pressure release valve configured to prevent excessive pressure from accumulating in the associated device. In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprises one or more sideholes, such as one or more sideholes used to deliver a fluid in a flushing procedure as described herein.
In some embodiments, functional element 53, 83, 93, 103, 113, 203 and/or 303 comprise a visualizable marker, such as when functional element 53, 83, 93, 103 and/or 113 comprise a marker selected from the group consisting of: radiopaque marker; ultrasonically reflective marker; magnetic marker; ferrous material; and combinations of one or more of these.
Probe 100 is configured to collect image data, such as image data collected during rotation and/or retraction of optical assembly 130. Optical assembly 130 can be rotated by rotating core 120. Optical assembly 130 can be retracted by retracting shaft 110. Optical assembly 130 can collect image data while surrounded by a portion of a shaft of a delivery catheter 50 (e.g. when within a transparent segment 57 of a delivery catheter) and/or when there is no catheter 50 segment surrounding optical assembly 130 (e.g. when optical assembly 130 has been advanced beyond the distal ends 59 of all delivery catheters 50 into which probe 100 is inserted.
During collection of image data, a flushing procedure can be performed, such as by delivering one or more fluids, injectate 305 (e.g. as propelled by injector 300 or other fluid delivery device), to remove blood or other somewhat opaque material (hereinafter non-transparent material) proximate optical assembly 130 (e.g. to remove non-transparent material between optical assembly 130 and a delivery catheter and/or non-transparent material between optical assembly 130 and a vessel wall), such as to allow light distributed from optical assembly 130 to reach and reflectively return from all tissue and other objects to be imaged. In these flushing embodiments, injectate 305 can comprise an optically transparent material, such as saline. Injectate 305 can comprise one or more visualizable materials, as described herebelow. Injectate 305 can be delivered by injector 300 as described hereabove.
Alternative or in addition to its use in a flushing procedure, injectate 305 can comprise material configured to be viewed by second imaging device 92, such as when injectate 305 comprises a contrast material configured to be viewed by a second imaging device 92 comprising a fluoroscope or other X-ray device; an ultrasonically reflective material configured to be viewed by a second imaging device 92 comprising an ultrasound imager; and/or a magnetic material configured to be viewed by a second imaging device 92 comprising an MM.
Injectate 305 can be delivered by one or more delivery catheters 50 (e.g. in the space between a first delivery catheter 50 and an inserted delivery catheter 50, or in the space between a delivery catheter 50 and an inserted probe 100). Injectate 305 delivered in a flushing procedure (or other injectate 305 delivery procedure) can be delivered out the distal end 59 of a delivery catheter 50 (e.g. a distal end 59 positioned proximal to optical assembly 130), as described herebelow in reference to
In some embodiments, the delivery of injectate 305 during a flushing procedure is based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of: a pre-determined volume of injectate to be delivered; a pre-determined time during which injectate is delivered; an amount of time of delivery including a time extending from a time prior to retraction of shaft 110 that continued until the collecting of the image data has been completed (e.g. completion of retraction of shaft 110); and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, injector 300 delivers fluid in a flushing procedure with an approximate flow profile selected from the group consisting of: contrast (e.g. between 20% and 100% contrast that can be mixed with saline) at 5 ml/second for 6 seconds (e.g. for imaging of a carotid artery including 4 seconds of collecting image data); contrast (e.g. between 20% and 100% contrast that can be mixed with saline) at 4 ml/second for 6 seconds (e.g. for imaging of a vertebral artery including 4 seconds of collecting image data); and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, a flushing procedure comprises delivery of injectate 305 (e.g. via one or more delivery catheters 50) for between 2 seconds to 8 seconds, such as a delivery of injectate for approximately 4 seconds (e.g. to purge blood or other non-transparent fluid from a luminal segment of a blood vessel or other area surrounding optical assembly 130 during collection of image data from a patient site PS). In similar flushing procedures, injectate 305 is delivered at a rate between 3 ml/second and 6 ml/second (e.g. via one or more delivery catheters 50), to purge non-transparent material.
In these flushing procedures, injectate 305 can comprise a transparent fluid selected from the group consisting of: saline; contrast; Dextran; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, the volume of injectate 305 delivered and/or the time of injectate 305 delivery during a flushing procedure is determined by a parameter selected from the group consisting of: type of procedure being performed; diameter of vessel in which optical assembly 130 is positioned; length of pullback; duration of pullback; and combinations of one or more of these. In some embodiments, injectate 305 is delivered during a flushing procedure by a delivery catheter with an ID greater than 0.027″ (e.g. a first delivery catheter 50 whose distal end 59 is more proximal than a second delivery catheter 50 inserted into the first delivery catheter 50). In some embodiments, injectate 305 is delivered via multiple lumens 52 in associated multiple delivery catheters 50 (e.g. in the space between two or more pairs of delivery catheters 50 arranged columinally).
In some embodiments, injectate 305 comprises a first fluid delivered in a first portion of a flushing procedure (e.g. a fluid comprising saline and/or a fluid comprising no or minimal contrast), and a second fluid including contrast (e.g. a second fluid comprising saline and contrast), such as to limit the amount of contrast delivered to the patient during the flush procedure. In these embodiments, injector 300 can comprise two reservoirs (as described hereabove), such as a first reservoir for supplying the first fluid and a second reservoir for supplying the second fluid. When comprised of two reservoirs, injector 300 can be configured to deliver the fluids in each reservoir at different rates, such as to achieve different pressures and/or to provide flushing through different catheters with different IDs.
As described herein, optical assembly 130 can be rotated (e.g. via rotation of core 120) and retracted (e.g. via retraction of shaft 110 by retraction assembly 220) during collection of image data, such as a rotation combined with retraction to create a 3D image of the patient site PS. In some embodiments, optical assembly 130 is rotated at a rate between 40 rps and 1000 rps, such as a rate of approximately 250 rps. In some embodiments, optical assembly 130 is rotated at a first rate during an imaging mode, and a second rate during a preview mode (imaging mode and preview mode each described hereabove). In some embodiments, the retraction of optical assembly 130 spans a distance of between 1 cm and 15 cm, such as a retraction of approximately 4 cm. In some embodiments, optical assembly 130 is retracted at a rate of between 1 mm/sec and 60 mm/sec. In some embodiments, the retraction of optical assembly 130 comprises a retraction of approximately 7.5 cm over 4 seconds and/or a retraction rate of approximately 20 mm/sec. In some embodiments, retraction of optical assembly 130 comprises a resolution of between 5 μm and 20 μm axially and/or a resolution between 20 μm and 100 μm longitudinally. The longitudinal resolution is governed by two factors: the spot-size (light beam cross-section) at the tissue surface being imaged and the spacing between successive rotations of optical assembly 130 during retraction. For a rotation rate of 100 rps and a pullback rate of 22 mm/sec, a pitch of 220 μm between rotations results. In these configurations, a spot size between 20 μm and 40 μm would result in collecting image data which under-samples the objects being imaged. System 10 can be configured to more closely match spot size with pitch, such as by correlating spot size with rotation rate and/or pullback rate.
In some embodiments, imaging probe 100 and a second device (e.g. a diagnostic and/or treatment device), such as implant delivery device 80 or treatment device 91 are positioned in a side-by-side configuration within a single delivery catheter 50, as described herebelow in reference to
Referring now to
In Step 2030, a delivery catheter 50 is advanced to a location proximate a patient site PS, such as a neural site or a cardiac site. Step 2030 can involve the advancement of multiple guidewires 60 and/or delivery catheters 50 each of which are advanced and/or retracted in sequential steps such that a most distal guidewire 60 and/or delivery catheter 50 eventually provides access to a patient site PS to be imaged (e.g. an intracranial location proximate the patient's brain), from a remote or otherwise different location, such as from the patient's leg (e.g. via a femoral artery), arm (e.g. via the brachial artery or radial artery), or neck (e.g. via a carotid artery). In some embodiments, an anti-coagulation procedure (e.g. the systemic delivery of a blood thinner such as heparin) is performed prior to inserting one or more delivery catheters 50. In some embodiments, one or more guidewires 60, one or more delivery catheters 50 and/or probe 100 is advanced through one or more veins of the patient. In some embodiments, one or more guidewires 60, one or more delivery catheters 50 and/or probe 100 is advanced through the spine of the patient (e.g. within the epidural space or intrathecal space of the spine). In some embodiments, one or more delivery devices (e.g. one or more guidewires 60 and/or delivery catheters 50) are advanced to a location within a patient site PS as described herebelow in reference to
In Step 2040, probe 100 is advanced over a guidewire 60 and/or through a delivery catheter 50 to the patient site PS (e.g. through the smallest diameter delivery catheter 50 of a series of delivery catheters 50 used to access the patient site PS as described herein).
In Step 2050, shaft 110 of probe 100 is retracted and image data is collected during the retraction (e.g. image data used to create a three dimensional image of tissue proximate the patient site PS). In some embodiments, optical assembly 130 is positioned (in Step 2040) distal to the distal end of a delivery catheter 50, and image data is collected while optical assembly 130 remains distal to the distal end of the delivery catheter 50 (e.g. as described herebelow in reference to
In some embodiments, a first delivery catheter 50INTRO comprises a vascular introducer (e.g. a 7 Fr to 9 Fr introducer) which can be placed through the patient's skin into a blood vessel (e.g. a vein or artery of the leg, arm or neck as described herein) or other anatomical location using standard percutaneous techniques. A second delivery catheter 50GUIDE (e.g. a guide catheter or a catheter with an OD between 5 Fr and 7 Fr) can be inserted through delivery catheter 50INTRO, and advanced to a first anatomical location such as a location over the aortic arch. Delivery catheter 50GUIDE can be advanced to the first anatomical location over a guidewire 60L, such as a hydrophilic guidewire comprising an OD between 0.035″ and 0.038″. Delivery catheter 50GUIDE can comprise a straight tip or angled tip guide catheter. In some embodiments, prior to advancement of delivery catheter 50GUIDE, a separate delivery catheter 50DIAG is inserted through delivery catheter 50INTRO, such as to effectively direct guidewire 60L into one or more blood vessels (e.g. when delivery catheter 50GUIDE comprises a straight tip guide catheter). In these embodiments, after the guidewire L is advanced into the desired blood vessel, the delivery catheter 50DIAG can be removed and replaced with delivery catheter 50GUIDE.
After delivery catheter 50GUIDE is in place, probe 100 can be inserted through delivery catheter 50GUIDE and advanced to a patient site PS to be imaged (e.g. advanced over guidewire 60L, advanced over a smaller or other different guidewire 60 after guidewire 60L is removed, or advanced without a guidewire after guidewire 60L is removed). Subsequently, imaging data can be obtained by rotating and/or retracting optical assembly 130 as described herein. Alternative to inserting probe 100 at this time, a smaller delivery catheter 50 can be inserted into and through delivery catheter 50GUIDE, such as a delivery catheter 50INTER comprising an intermediate catheter and/or a catheter with an ID between 0.053″ and 0.070″. Delivery catheter 50INTER can be advanced to a location more distal than the distal end 59 of delivery catheter 50GUIDE. In some embodiments, guidewire 60L is replaced with a different guidewire 60, such as a replacement with a smaller guidewire 60S (e.g. comprising an OD between 0.010″ and 0.014″).
After delivery catheter 50INTER is in place, probe 100 can be inserted through delivery catheter 50INTER and advanced to a patient site PS to be imaged (e.g. advanced over guidewire 60L, advanced over a smaller or other different guidewire 60 after guidewire 60L is removed, or advanced without a guidewire after guidewire 60L is removed). Subsequently, imaging data can be obtained by rotating and/or retracting optical assembly 130 as described herein. Alternatively to inserting probe 100 at this time, a smaller delivery catheter 50 can be inserted into and through delivery catheter 50INTER, such as a delivery catheter 50MICRO comprising a microcatheter and/or a catheter with an ID between 0.0165″ and 0.027″. Delivery catheter 50MICRO can be advanced to a location more distal than the distal end 59 of delivery catheter 50INTER. In some embodiments, guidewire 60L is removed from delivery catheter 50INTER, and replaced with a smaller guidewire 60S, over which delivery catheter 50MICRO is advanced. Guidewire 60S can comprise a guidewire with an OD between 0.010″ and 0.014″.
After delivery catheter 50MICRO is in place, probe 100 can be inserted through delivery catheter 50MICRO and advanced to a patient site PS to be imaged (e.g. advanced over guidewire 60L or 60S, advanced over a smaller or other different guidewire 60 after guidewire 60L or 60S is removed, or advanced without a guidewire after guidewire 60L or 60S is removed). Subsequently, imaging data can be obtained by rotating and/or retracting optical assembly 130 as described herein. Alternatively to inserting probe 100 at this time, delivery catheter 50INTER can be advanced over delivery catheter 50MICRO (e.g. while a guidewire 60 is within delivery catheter 50MICRO), delivery catheter 50MICRO and any inserted guidewires 60 removed, and probe 100 inserted into delivery catheter 50INTER, as described herebelow in reference to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In some embodiments, delivery catheter 50 comprises a lumen with a closed end (also known as a “blind lumen”), such as is lumen 52 shown in
Referring now to
As described herein, guidewire 60 can comprise multiple guidewires, such as multiple guidewires with different lengths, diameters and/or stiffnesses, such as when a subsequent delivery catheter 50 is advanced over a more flexible guidewire 60 than a previous delivery catheter 50 (e.g. more flexible guidewires 60 are used to advance smaller delivery catheters 50 to a more distal location). In some embodiments, one or more of delivery catheters 50a-d comprise a Tuohy valve of a connector 55a-d, respectively, on their proximal end, such as to reduce blood leakage from the proximal end of the associated delivery catheter 50. In some embodiments, one or more delivery catheters 50 comprise a port 54 (e.g. port 54b shown on the proximal end of delivery catheter 50b), such as to connect to a source of contrast, flushing and/or other fluids to be delivered via a lumen 52 (not shown) of the associated delivery catheter 50.
The distal end 119 of shaft 110 is advanced to be proximate the distal end of delivery catheter 50d. In some embodiments, image data is collected while retracting shaft 110 while optical assembly 130 remains within the shaft of delivery catheter 50d (such as is described herebelow in reference to
A flushing procedure (e.g. as described herein) can be performed through any delivery catheter 50, prior to and/or during the collecting of image data by optical assembly 130. In some embodiments, pullback of shaft 110 is initiated when adequate clearing is confirmed, such as by analysis of image data collected by optical assembly 130 (e.g. an operator analysis of an image or an automated analysis performed by algorithm 240).
In some embodiments, system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more delivery devices and/or implants configured to treat a disease or disorder such as stroke and/or to remove thrombus from a blood vessel. In these embodiments, system 10 can comprise probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising a balloon guide catheter of approximately between 8 Fr or 9 Fr; a treatment device 91 (described hereabove in reference to
In some embodiments, system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more delivery devices and/or implants configured to treat a disease or disorder such as an aneurysm. In these embodiments, system 10 can be configured to treat the aneurysm by delivering coils, such as when system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising an approximately 6 Fr guide catheter such as a 6 Fr Cordis Envoy catheter (or similar) and/or a 6 Fr Penumbra Neuron catheter (or similar); a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Stryker SL-10 catheter (or similar); an implant 85 comprising one or more embolization coils such as one or more Target embolization coils (or similar); an implant delivery device such as a catheter configured to deliver one or more embolization coils; and combinations of one or more of these. In some aneurysm treatment applications including delivery of coils, system comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising an approximately 6 Fr guide catheter such as a 6 Fr Cordis Envoy™ catheter and/or a 6 Fr Penumbra Benchmark™ catheter; a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Stryker SL-10™ catheter (or similar); a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Covidien Echelon™ Catheter (e.g. Echelon 14, Echelon 10, or similar), such as a catheter with a length of approximately 150 cm with a 45° or 90° tip angle; a guidewire 60 comprising a Covidien X-Celerator™ hydrophilic guidewire, a Covidien X-pedion™ guidewire and/or a Stryker Synchro™ guidewire; one or more embolization coils; and combinations of one or more of these. In some aneurysm treatment applications including delivery of coils, system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter 50 comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter 50 comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, a Touhy valve and/or a length of approximately 90 cm; a third delivery catheter 50 comprising an intermediate catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter 50 and comprising an OD less than 7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a fourth delivery catheter 50 comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter 50 and comprising an ID of approximately 0.0165″ and/or a length of approximately 150 cm; a first guidewire 60 configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter 50, the second delivery catheter 50, the third delivery catheter 50 and/or the fourth delivery catheter 50 and comprising a diameter (e.g. an OD) of approximately 0.014″ and/or a length between 175 cm and 190 cm; injector 300 comprising a power injector; treatment device 91 comprising a coil deployment catheter; one or more coils; and combinations thereof.
Alternatively or additionally, system 10 can be configured to treat an aneurysm by implanting a flow diverter, such as when system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising a guiding catheter such as a guiding catheter with an ID of approximately 6 Fr and/or a length of approximately 110 cm (e.g. configured to be delivered to a location over the aortic arch); a guidewire 60 such as a guidewire with an OD of approximately 0.035″; a Cook Guidewire (or similar); a delivery catheter 50 comprising a catheter with an ID of approximately 0.058″, an OD of less than 7 Fr, and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a delivery catheter 50 with a distal portion with an OD of approximately 2.7 Fr, an ID of approximately 0.027″ and/or a length between 135 cm and 150 cm; a flow diverter such as a Covidien EV3 Pipeline™ flow diverter (or similar); a delivery catheter 50 comprising a delivery catheter 50 configured to deliver a flow diverter such as a Covidien Excelsior™ XT-27 catheter (or similar); and combinations of one or more of these. In some aneurysm treatment applications including implantation of a flow diverter, system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising an approximately 5 Fr or 6 Fr sheath such as a 6 Fr Cool Flexor Shuttle™ guiding catheter (e.g. which can be delivered over the aortic arch); a delivery catheter 50 of approximately 115 cm length and/or 0.058″ ID, such as a Covidien EV3™ 5 Fr catheter; a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Covidien Marksman™ 0.027″ catheter; an implant 85 comprising a Covidien EV3 Pipeline™ Flow Diverter (e.g. delivered by the Covidien Marksman™ 0.027″ catheter); a guidewire 60 comprising a Cook 0.035″ guidewire, a Covidien X-Celerator™ hydrophilic guidewire, a Covidien X-pedion™ guidewire and/or a Stryker Synchro™ guidewire; and combinations of one or more of these. In some aneurysm treatment applications including implantation of a flow diverter (e.g. a Pipeline™ or Pipeline Flex™ flow diverter), system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter 50 comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter 50 comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter 50 and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, a Touhy valve and/or a length of approximately 90 cm; a third delivery catheter 50 comprising an intermediate catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter 50 and comprising an OD less than 7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a fourth delivery catheter 50 comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter 50 and comprising an ID less than 0.027″; a first guidewire 60 configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter 50, the second delivery catheter 50, the third delivery catheter 50 and/or the fourth delivery catheter 50 and comprising a length of between 175 cm and 190 cm; a second guidewire 60 configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter 50, the second delivery catheter 50, the third delivery catheter 50 and/or the fourth delivery catheter 50 and comprising a length of between 175 cm and 190 cm; injector 300 such as a power injector; a flow diverter such as a Pipeline™ flow diverter or a Pipeline Flex™ flow diverter; and combinations of one or more of these. In some aneurysm treatment applications including implantation of a flow diverter (e.g. a Surpass™ or Surpass Future™ flow diverter), system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a first delivery catheter 50 comprising an introducer with an ID between 7 Fr and 9 Fr; a second delivery catheter 50 comprising a guide catheter configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter 50 and comprising an ID between 5 Fr and 7 Fr, a Touhy valve and/or a length of approximately 90 cm; a third delivery catheter 50 comprising an intermediate catheter configured to be slidingly received by the second delivery catheter 50 and comprising an OD less than 7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 115 cm; a fourth delivery catheter 50 comprising a microcatheter configured to be slidingly received by the third delivery catheter 50 and comprising a Surpass™ delivery catheter, an OD less than 3.3 Fr or less than 3.7 Fr and/or a length of approximately 135 cm; a first guidewire 60 configured to be slidingly received by the first delivery catheter 50, the second delivery catheter 50, the third delivery catheter 50 and/or the fourth delivery catheter 50 and comprising an exchange length guidewire; injector 300 such as a power injector; a flow diverter such as a Surpass™ flow diverter and/or a Surpass Future™ flow diverter; and combinations of one or more of these.
Alternatively or additionally, system 10 can be configured to treat an aneurysm by delivering stent assisted coils, such as when system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising an approximately 6 Fr guide catheter such as a 6 Fr Cordis Envoy™ catheter (or similar) and/or a 6 Fr Penumbra Neuron™ catheter (or similar); a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Cordis Prowler Select Plus™ catheter; an implant delivery device 80 and/or implant 85 comprising Cordis Enterprise™ vascular reconstruction device; a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Stryker XT27™ catheter; an implant delivery device 80 and/or implant 85 comprising a Stryker Neuroform EZ™ stent system; an implant 85 comprising one or more stents; an implant 85 comprising one or more embolization coils; and combinations of one or more of these. In some aneurysm treatment applications including delivery of stent assisted coils, system 10 comprises probe 100 and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a delivery catheter 50 comprising an approximately 6 Fr guide catheter such as a 6 Fr Cordis Envoy™ catheter and/or a 6 Fr Penumbra Neuron™ catheter; a delivery catheter 50 comprising a Cordis Prowler Select™ for Enterprise and/or a Covidien Marksman™ for Neuroform™; an implant 85 and/or delivery device 80 comprising a Stryker Neuroform EZ™ stent system; an implant 85 comprising one or more stents; an implant 85 comprising one or more embolization coils; a guidewire 60 comprising a Covidien X-Celerator™ hydrophilic guidewire, a Covidien X-pedion™ guidewire and/or a Stryker Synchro™ guidewire; and combinations of one or more of these.
Referring now to
In
A flushing procedure (e.g. as described herein) can be performed through any delivery catheter 50, during one or more of Steps 6A-E. In some embodiments, a flushing procedure is at least performed during Step 6D, such as via delivery catheter 50 shown, or a more proximal delivery catheter 50 (not shown). In some embodiments, pullback of shaft 110 is initiated when adequate clearing is confirmed by analysis of image data collected by optical assembly 130 (e.g. an operator analysis of an image or an automated analysis performed by algorithm 240).
Referring now to
In
A flushing procedure (e.g. as described herein) can be performed through any delivery catheter 50, during one or more of Steps 7A-E. In some embodiments, a flushing procedure is at least performed during Step 7D, such as via delivery catheter 50 shown, or a more proximal delivery catheter 50 (not shown). In some embodiments, pullback of shaft 110 is initiated when adequate clearing is confirmed by analysis of image data collected by optical assembly 130 (e.g. an operator analysis of an image or an automated analysis performed by algorithm 240).
Referring now to
In
A flushing procedure (e.g. as described herein) can be performed through any delivery catheter 50, during one or more of Steps 8A-E. In some embodiments, a flushing procedure is at least performed during Step 8C, such as via delivery catheter 50 shown, or a more proximal delivery catheter 50 (not shown). In some embodiments, pullback of shaft 110 is initiated when adequate clearing is confirmed by analysis of image data collected by optical assembly 130 (e.g. an operator analysis of an image or an automated analysis performed by algorithm 240).
Referring now to
In
A flushing procedure (e.g. as described herein) can be performed through any delivery catheter 50, during one or more of Steps 9A-E. In some embodiments, a flushing procedure is at least performed during Step 9C, such as via delivery catheter 50 shown, or a more proximal delivery catheter 50 (not shown). In some embodiments, pullback of shaft 110 is initiated when adequate clearing is confirmed by analysis of image data collected by optical assembly 130 (e.g. an operator analysis of an image or an automated analysis performed by algorithm 240).
Referring now to
Delivery catheter 50INTER can have already been inserted (as shown in
Referring now to
Delivery catheter 50 comprises an elongate shaft, shaft 51 comprising a proximal portion 51a and a distal portion 51b. In some embodiments, distal portion 51b comprises a smaller diameter than proximal portion 51a. In some embodiments, proximal portion 51a comprises an OD of approximately 0.024″ and/or an ID of approximately 0.165″. In some embodiments, distal portion 51b comprises an OD of approximately 0.022″ and/or an ID of approximately 0.165″. In some embodiments, distal portion 51b is more flexible than proximal portion 51a. Distal portion 51b comprises an optically transparent portion, transparent segment 57. Distal portion 51b and/or transparent segment 57 can comprise a length of at least 1 cm, such as a length of at least 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 7 cm or 10 cm. Delivery catheter 50 can comprise one or more functional elements, such as functional element 53 shown positioned in distal portion 51b. In some embodiments, functional element 53 comprises a visualizable marker, such as a marker selected from the group consisting of: a radiopaque marker; an ultrasonically reflective marker; a magnetic marker; a ferrous marker; and combinations of one or more of these.
In some embodiments, delivery catheter 50 comprises a connector 55 on its proximal end, such as a Touhy or other connector comprising a port (e.g. port 54 described hereabove) which can attach to a supply of fluids as described herein (e.g. a syringe, a power injector, and the like).
Referring now to
System 10 further comprises injector 300, which can be configured to deliver one or more fluids to one or more delivery catheters 50 or other components of system 10. Port 54 of delivery catheter 50 is fluidly attached to injector 300 via tubing 301, such that fluid can be delivered in the space of lumen 52 that surrounds shaft 110 of probe 100 (e.g. the space between the outer wall of shaft 110 and the inner wall of shaft 51).
Just prior to image data collection, delivery of injectate 305 can be initiated by injector 300 propelling fluid into lumen 52 of shaft 51 (e.g. via tubing 301), such as to begin a flushing procedure to clear undesired material from locations surrounding optical assembly 130 (e.g. blood or other material that would prevent or at least limit image data collection by optical assembly 130). Injectate 305 is delivered to these locations via the distal end 59 of shaft 51 (distal end of lumen 52) and/or via sideholes 58. During image data collection (e.g. during rotation and retraction of optical assembly 130), delivery of injectate 305 by injector 300 continues. In some embodiments, a flushing procedure includes delivery of injectate 305 via both the distal end of shaft 51 and sideholes 58.
In some embodiments, delivery catheter 50 comprises multiple delivery catheters 50, one or more of which can include sideholes 58, and each of which can be used to deliver injectate 305 in a flushing or other fluid delivery procedure. Injectate 305 can comprise a contrast material (e.g. a ratio of radiopaque contrast and saline) such as to also allow fluoroscopic imaging of the patient site and neighboring areas.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, clamp 221 and retraction assembly 220 are constructed and arranged such that during a pullback of shaft 110, retraction assembly 220 pushes against clamp 221, and shaft 110 is retracted. After the pullback is complete, retraction assembly 220 can return to its starting position without advancing shaft 110 (as clamp 221 is not fixed to retraction mechanism 220).
Imaging probe 100 is also operatively connected to rotating assembly 210. Rotating assembly 210 comprises a motor and/or other rotating mechanisms used to rotate core 120 (e.g. and also optical assembly 130). Rotating assembly 210 and retraction assembly 220 can be of similar construction and arrangement to similar assemblies used in commercial catheter-based OCT systems. One or more components of system 10 can be disposable and/or reusable. Reusable components of system 10 can be configured to be resterilizable.
Referring now to
Referring additionally to
In Step 1510, delivery catheter 50MICRO is removed, leaving guidewire 60 in place (e.g. when guidewire 60 comprises an exchange length guidewire).
In Step 1515, a larger diameter catheter, delivery catheter 50INTER, is advanced to patient site PS over guidewire 60. Catheter 50INTER can comprise a delivery catheter with an ID of between 0.050″ and 0.085″, an ID between 0.053″ and 0.072″, or an ID between 0.070″ and 0.072″.
In Step 1520, guidewire 60 is removed from delivery catheter 50INTER (e.g. removed from a lumen of delivery catheter 50INTER).
In Step 1525, a first device (e.g. a device with an OD less than 0.035″) is advanced through a lumen of delivery catheter 50INTER, and in Step 1530, a second device (e.g. a device with an OD less than 0.035″) is advanced through a lumen of delivery catheter 50INTER (e.g. the same lumen). In some embodiments, the first device comprises a diagnostic and/or treatment device (e.g. device 80 and/or 91 described hereabove, device 80/91), and the second device comprises imaging probe 100 (i.e. imaging probe 100 is advanced after device 80/91). Alternatively, the first device comprises imaging probe 100 and the second device comprises a diagnostic and/or treatment device (e.g. device 80/91). In some embodiments, imaging probe 100 comprises an OD less than 0.020″, such as an OD less than or equal to 0.0165″. In these embodiments, device 80/91 comprises an OD (e.g. an OD less than or equal to 0.035″, 0.030″, 0.025″ or 0.020″) configured to be slidingly translated within delivery device 50INTER while imaging probe 100 is positioned within the same lumen of delivery device 50INTER (e.g. while probe 100 is similarly translated within the lumen of delivery device 50INTER).
In Step 1535, optical assembly 130 of imaging probe 100 is positioned at a desired location, such as a location within or otherwise proximate an occlusion or an aneurysm. An implant (e.g. implant 85) and/or other diagnostic or treatment portion of device 80/91 (e.g. a distal portion) can be positioned proximate the desired location as well, such as is shown in
In Step 1540, a fluoroscopic procedure is performed in which a desired location of optical assembly 130 is confirmed or achieved (e.g. via repositioning). A desired location of the diagnostic or treatment portion of device 80/91 can be confirmed or achieved as well. In some embodiments, a small bolus (e.g. 10 ml or less) of fluid including a contrast agent is introduced (e.g. through delivery catheter 50INTER), such as to enhance fluoroscopic visualization of patient site PS, device 80/91 and/or imaging probe 100.
In Step 1545, one or more imaging parameters of system 10 (e.g. as described herein) are set, such as by a clinician performing the imaging procedure. In some embodiments, console 200 of system 10 is set to a preview mode as described herein. Console 200 can be configured to be set in automatic, semi-automatic and/or manual modes (e.g. modes in which one or more imaging parameters are automatically, semi-automatically and/or manually adjusted). Console 200 can be configured to capture image data relatively continuously or intermittently.
System 10 can be configured to deliver flush material during image data capture, such as injectate 305 delivered via injector 300 as described hereabove in reference to
In some embodiments, console 200 is configured to collect image data in a manual mode. In these embodiments, injectate 305 can be delivered in small boluses, and delivery of injectate 305 (e.g. by injector 300) can be detected and/or controlled by console 200, such as to place time-stamps on the image data collected as described hereabove.
In Step 1550, using the device 80/91, a clinical procedure (e.g. a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure) is performed. Prior to, during and/or after performance of the clinical procedure, system 10 collects image data (e.g. via retraction of optical assembly 130 as described hereabove). In some embodiments, device 80/91 comprises a catheter configured to deliver one or more coils (e.g. occlusive coils configured to treat an aneurysm). In some embodiments, device 80/91 comprises a stentriever or other thrombus removal device. In some embodiments, device 80/91 comprises a stent delivery device, such as a covered stent delivery device.
In Step 1555, the image data collected by system 10 is reviewed, such as by the clinician performing the clinical and/or imaging procedure.
In Step 1560, an assessment of the image data is performed to determine if additional diagnosis and/or treatment is required or at least desired. The assessment can comprise a review of a 2D and/or 3D image of the patient site PS prior to, during and/or after the clinical procedure. Alternatively or additionally, the assessment can comprise a review of a 2D and/or 3D image of any implants (e.g. one or more implants 85) implanted in the patient during the procedure, such as to determine sufficient occlusion (e.g. sufficient occlusion of an aneurysm by implantation of coils or a covered stent), adequate positioning and/or apposition of an implant with tissue, adequate flow through a native vessel, and combinations of one or more of these.
If additional diagnosis and/or treatment is not desired, Step 1570 is performed in which the devices are removed from the patient and the procedure is complete.
If additional diagnosis and/or treatment is desired, Step 1565 is performed in which additional diagnosis and/or treatment is performed, such that Steps 1555, 1560 and 1565 are repeated until a desired result is achieved. Additional treatment can include implantation of one or more additional implants (e.g. additional coils implanted), additional dilation of an implant (e.g. dilation of a stent to improve apposition with tissue), and other treatments as described herein.
In some embodiments, in addition to Step 1550, image data is collected by system 10 in any one or more of Steps 1535 through 1550. In some embodiments, image data is collected while optical assembly 130 is retracted approximately 20 mm, which can be followed by an automated or manual advancement to the starting location or other position proximate a distal portion of patient site PS.
A flushing procedure (e.g. as described herein) can be performed through any delivery catheter 50, during one or more of Steps of method 1500 of
While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the present inventive concepts. Modification or combinations of the above-described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the inventive concepts, and variations of aspects of the inventive concepts that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. In addition, where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/350,021, filed on Jun. 17, 2021, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/820,991, filed on Mar. 17, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,064,873, issued Jul. 20, 2021, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/751,570, filed on Feb. 9, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,631,718, issued on Apr. 28, 2020, which is a U.S. National Stage entry of International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2016/049415, filed Aug. 30, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/212,173, titled “Imaging System includes Imaging Probe and Delivery Devices”, filed Aug. 31, 2015; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/368,387, titled “Imaging System Includes Imaging Probe and Delivery Devices”, filed Jul. 29, 2016; the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/212,173, titled “Imaging System including Imaging Probe and Delivery Devices”, filed Aug. 31, 2015; and International PCT Patent Application Serial Number PCT/US2016/027764, titled “Micro-Optic Probes for Neurology” filed Apr. 15, 2016; the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
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