MAGNETIC SYSTEM TO PREVENT MIGRATION OF INTRA-LUMINAL MEDICAL STENT AND METHOD THEREOF
Systems and methods for fixing a stent in position in an anatomical lumen. Such systems and methods include an intra-luminal stent and a magnet, implanted, for example, in the subcutaneous layer of the subject. The stent and the magnet are magnetically coupled such that the magnetic forces fix the stent in position. Use of the invention permits fixation of an intra-luminal stent to avoid stent migration while minimizing tissue damage.
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The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/331,571, filed May 4, 2016, entitled “Magnetic Based System to Prevent Migration of Intra-Luminal Medical and Related Method Thereof”; of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to stents used in anatomical lumens, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and more particularly relates to minimally invasive stents and methods for delivering said stents to and removing said stents from a body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONStents used within anatomical lumens, such as gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, are generally tubular support structures. Stents are typically composed of a metallic or polymeric mesh and are flexible, capable of expansion, and biocompatible. Delivery of these stents is typically achieved through the use of catheters, whereby a collapsed stent is inserted into the lumen of an organ and then allowed to expand. Retrieval is usually accomplished through an endoscopic or bronchoscopic procedure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,291 to Bolea et al. describes a stent that is retrievable by an endoscopic tool once the stent is collapsed within the lumen. This patent does not disclose the use of magnetic forces or any method of the fixation of the stent. Another example of stent retrieval is U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,098 to Taylor et al., which describes retrieval of a stent with a magnetic tipped catheter. '098 to Taylor et al. does utilize magnetic forces, however the magnetic forces are utilized solely to couple a stent with a retrieval of a catheter, not to fix a stent in position. In some instances, removal or retrieval of a stent requires open surgery.
Since movement within the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts is constant, the use of stents, while effective, is plagued by the problem of stent migration, where the stent moves within the lumen of the stented organ. Currently, stents rely on friction between them and the organ in which they are placed or attachment to the wall of the organ itself in order to maintain their position. Designs that increase friction incorporate small spikes, ridges, or interstices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,411 to Lashinski et al. describes a stent having an increased coefficient of friction between the exterior surface of the stent and the wall of a blood vessel through the use of an adhesive bond or a series of peaks and valleys. '411 to Lashinski et al. does not disclose the use of magnetic forces for fixation of a stent.
Unfortunately, the use of designs that rely on increasing the friction between the device and the organ cause damage to the organ tissue and are also associated with a higher risk of a life-threatening complication: the erosion of the stent through the wall of the stented organ. Accordingly, there exists a need for systems and methods to maintain the position of the stent without relying on friction.
Attachment to the wall of the organ itself is achieved through the use of structures (such as burrs, stitches, and ridges) that penetrate or puncture the wall of the organ. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,292 to Makower et al. describes using a suture to attach an implant, such as a stent, to an anatomical vessel or hollow organ wall. European Patent No. 0,983,024 to Swanstrom describes a method of attaching a stent to the wall of a hollow organ through a clamping mechanism that passes completely through the wall of the organ.
Unfortunately, the use of designs that rely on attaching the stent to the wall of the organ itself causes damage to the organ tissue. There exists a need for systems and methods to maintain the position of the stent without relying on friction or attachment.
None of the patents and patent applications described above provide the important advantages of fixing an intra-luminal stent through the use of magnetic forces. The stents described above are such that the stents rely on frictional forces or attachment to maintain the position of the stent. None of these stents utilize magnetic forces for fixation.
Magnetic forces have been used in medical devices and systems. The insertion of magnets into a body is not problematic. Magnets have been inserted into the human body for the foreseen medical benefits of magnetism alone. For example, International Pat. Application Publication No. WO 02/080815 to Barry describes a stent that is composed of magnetic material for the utilization of the therapeutic benefits of magnets. Other devices which are magnetic or include magnetic properties are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,589 to Brooks; U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,088 to Davis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,743 to Russell; U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,111 to Mitsuno et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,498 to Snider. Magnetic forces have also been used in intra-luminal stents (but not for fixation of a stent). For example, CN Pat. No. 204379493 uses magnetic forces to shrink the stent in order to prevent damage to the wall of the lumen when the stent is retrieved. Other devices, systems, and methods which utilize magnetic forces for the retrieval, dislocation or removal of a stent or other medical implantation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,715 to Ducharme and U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,569 to Taylor et al.
None of the patents and patent applications described above provide the important advantages of fixing an intra-luminal stent through the use of magnetic forces. The devices, systems, and methods described above utilize magnetic forces for purposes other than fixation of a stent, for example, the use magnetism for the retrieval of a stent. Magnetic forces have, however, been utilized in medical devices, systems, and methods to anchor some component of such device, system, or method to an organ. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,598 to Belhe et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0009690 A1 to Belhe et al., an implant in the gastrointestinal tract is anchored to an organ in the gastrointestinal tract by magnetic forces. The implant is essentially an intra-luminal stent, inserted into the gastrointestinal tract to treat metabolic disorders. The hollow, cylindrical implant is anchored to an organ in the gastrointestinal tract through magnetic coupling to another band, attached to the outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,194 to Gannoe et al. describes a system that utilizes magnetic forces to anchor an inflatable stomach implant to the wall of the stomach. The implant is intended to reduce the available space in the stomach in order to control the volume of food consumed. The inflatable implant has a magnetic portion that is magnetically coupled to a magnetic material attached to the outside of the stomach wall. The external magnet is attached to the stomach with an adhesive or is surgically inserted into the organ tissue.
The devices described above that include magnetic fixation both rely on attaching the magnet to the organ. Moreover, the magnetic components are located inside the abdomen. Attaching the magnet to the organ tissue itself causes damage to the organ tissue, including erosion through the organ wall over time. None of these devices, systems, or methods utilize a less invasive subcutaneous magnetic implant to hold another component of the device, system, or method in place.
The aforementioned patents present two important challenges with respect to medical stents: 1) fixing a stent in position while avoiding the use of tissue-damaging frictional forces and attachment to the organ wall and 2) implanting a magnet in a minimally invasive way such as to avoid damage to bodily organs. Both are resolved by various aspects of embodiments of the invention contained within this application.
OverviewAn aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is directed to, among other things, an improved intra-luminal stent which is configured to be fixed in position through the use of magnetic forces.
The use of metallic stents in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts where movement is constant, although effective, continues to be plagued by the problem of stent migration, where the stent moves further down the lumen of the stented organ. The migrated stent then loses its effectiveness and potentially poses significant risk to the subject in terms of obstruction of the lumen or erosion into or through the organ tissue. An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may comprise, but not limited thereto, a two-part system and method to fix the position of a stent in the anatomical lumens of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, or other organ systems. For example, one component may be the intra-luminal stent itself that will have magnetic properties, for example, a ferrous composition. The second component may be a modest-sized magnet that can be implanted into the subject relative to the stent location, for example in the easily accessible, adjacent subcutaneous space. In this way, an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention uses magnetic forces to achieve the fixation of the stent in an anatomical lumen. The positioning and strength of the magnet, as well as the number of magnets required, may be determined based on the location and position of the stent.
One of the advantages of an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is preventing intra-luminal stent migration while avoiding the use of tissue-damaging frictional forces and attachment to the wall of the relevant organ. Currently, stents rely on attachment to the wall of the organ itself or friction between them and the organ in which they are placed to maintain their position. Unfortunately, attachment to the wall of the organ itself causes damage to the organ tissue. Similarly, designs that increase the friction between the stent and the stented organ, for example through the use of small spikes, ridges, or interstices, are associated with tissue damage in addition to a higher risk of a life-threatening complication: the erosion of the stent through the wall of the stented organ.
Another advantage of an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is that the surgical procedure required for the implantation of the magnet is minimally invasive. One embodiment of the present invention is that the magnet or magnets can be implanted into the subcutaneous, intramuscular, or sub-fascial layer of the subject. In another embodiment of the present invention, the magnet or magnets can be positioned on or in the cutaneous layer of the subject. Thus, the teachings of aspects of various embodiments of the present invention overcome the limitations of prior art modes of intra-luminal stents by fixing the stent in position while minimizing tissue damage and using a minimally invasive procedure.
In short, an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a heretofore unappreciated system and method for fixing a stent in position within an anatomical lumen.
The invention itself, together with the further objects and attendant advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the instant specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating select embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings.
An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides, among other things, the analytical tools and method to fix an intra-luminal stent in position using magnetic forces. An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides, but not limited thereto, guidance that shall facilitate the use of a minimally invasive medical system and method to fix an intra-luminal stent in position that minimizes the possibility of tissue and organ damage. Although the systems and methods disclosed herein describe stents located in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, as depicted in
In another embodiment, the magnet 316 may be positioned on the cutaneous layer 9 of the subject 1 (e.g., disposed on the surface of the subject or exterior to the surface of the subject, as depicted by the dashed lines referenced as 316). For implementation on the cutaneous layer 9 (e.g., disposed on the surface of the subject 1 or exterior to the surface of the subject 1) the magnet 316 may be affixed to the epidermis 10 of the subject 1 through the use of an adhesive or may be incorporated into a wearable garment.
In another embodiment, the magnet may be positioned in the cutaneous layer 9 of the subject 1, which includes the epidermis 10 and dermis 2, as depicted by the dotted lines referenced as 116 in
In order to more clearly and concisely describe the subject matter of the claims, the following definition is intended to provide guidance as to the meaning of a specific term used in the following written description, examples, and appended claims. As used herein, the term anatomical lumen means a lumen corresponding to an organ of the subject. The term anatomical lumen includes, but is not limited to, the inside of the duodenum, the inside of the colon, the inside of the esophagus, and the inside of the trachea and bronchi.
Practice of the invention will be still more fully understood from the following examples, which are presented herein for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.
An example of one potential use of an aspect of an embodiment of the system is represented in
Still referring to
To determine the size, shape, and strength of the magnet, an aspect includes examining the characteristics of the stent itself, including the size, shape, material, and magnetic attraction, as well as the distance and location of the corresponding magnet. Compounds such as metals, ferrous materials, or magnetizable materials are suitable for the stent. Other equivalent substances for the stent would also be suitable. Identification of equivalents is within the skill of the ordinary practitioner and would require no more than routine experimentation. It is to be appreciated that the stent may be composed of such compounds in part or in whole. In an embodiment the stent may be composed entirely of a metal or some other non-ferrous material that can be magnetically coupled to a magnet. In an embodiment the stent may be made of a biocompatible material or coated with a material, e.g. silicone, to achieve biocompatibility. The stent may also be designed to be flexible and/or expandable. In an embodiment, the stent is flexible in order to be able to follow the contours of the anatomical lumen into which it is inserted. In another embodiment, the stent is expandable such that when the stent is inserted, the stent may begin in a collapsed state. Once the stent reaches the desired location for stent placement, the stent is then allowed to expand. An aspect of an embodiment may comprise a stent or magnet that may include using a balloon or any other suitable implantation method to expand the stent, as well as a self-expanding mechanism.
The insertion of a duodenal stent 511 into the duodenum 35 through the use of an endoscope 17 as depicted in
With respect to the magnet, compounds such as metals, ferrous materials, or magnetizable materials are likewise suitable. Other equivalent substances for the magnet would also be suitable. Identification of equivalents is within the skill of the ordinary practitioner and would require no more than routine experimentation. It is to be appreciated that the magnet may be composed of such compounds in part or in whole. In an embodiment, the magnet may be composed entirely of a ferrous material. Such material may be biocompatible, or may be coated with a material, e.g. silicone, to achieve biocompatibility. While it is to be appreciated that the magnet may be any size or shape appropriate for the fixation of a corresponding stent, an embodiment may include a thin, round magnet. The round nature is beneficial for implants generally in order to minimize tissue damage. The thinness is beneficial with respect to the embodiment of the invention wherein, as depicted in
When the stent is no longer needed, in an embodiment it is removed endoscopically and the magnet or magnets may be removed under local anesthesia. It is to be appreciated that the stent may also be removed through natural peristalsis. Such an embodiment would be used, for example, for a duodenal stent 35, as depicted in
Another example of one potential use of an aspect of an embodiment of the system is represented in
In an embodiment, such as shown in
Still referring to
When the stent is no longer needed, in an embodiment it is removed endoscopically and the magnet is removed through removal of the gastronomy tube 22. It is to be appreciated that the stent may also be removed through natural peristalsis. Such an embodiment would be used, for example, for a duodenal stent 811, as depicted in
Generally referring to aspects of
In an embodiment, delivery of magnets may also be achieved through the use of catheters or other medical devices, equipment, tools or instruments, whereby a collapsed magnet is inserted into the intended location or anatomical lumen or region. Once the magnet reaches the desired location or anatomical lumen or region for magnet placement, the magnet is then allowed to expand through a self-expanding mechanism (as well as other available expansion or deployment mechanisms or materials). In an embodiment, the magnet may also be designed to be flexible. In an embodiment, the magnet may be flexible in order to be able to follow the contours of the anatomical region or lumen (or other location) into which it is inserted, placed or disposed. Any of the components (or sub-components) disclosed herein may have similar expansion and flexibility design characteristics and performance.
Any of the components or modules referred to with regards to any of the present invention embodiments of the device discussed herein, may be integrally or separately formed with one another. Further, redundant functions or structures of the components or modules may be implemented.
Any of the components or modules may be a variety of widths and lengths as desired or required for operational purposes.
It should be appreciated that various sizes, dimensions, contours, rigidity, shapes, flexibility and materials of any of the components or portions of components in the various embodiments of the device discussed throughout may be varied and utilized as desired or required. Similarly, locations and alignments of the various components may vary as desired or required. Moreover, modes and mechanisms for connectivity or interchangeability may vary.
It should be appreciated that the device (and system) and related components of the device (and system) discussed herein may take on all shapes along the entire continual geometric spectrum of manipulation of x, y, and z planes to provide and meet the anatomical, environmental, and structural demands and operational requirements. Moreover, locations and alignments of the various components may vary as desired or required.
It should be appreciated that as discussed herein, a subject may be a human or any animal. It should be appreciated that an animal may be a variety of any applicable type, including, but not limited thereto, mammal, veterinarian animal, livestock animal or pet type animal, etc. As an example, the animal may be a laboratory animal specifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to human (e.g. rat, dog, pig, monkey), etc. It should be appreciated that the subject may be any applicable human patient, for example.
Although illustrative variations of the present invention are described above, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. It is intended in the following claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
EXAMPLESPractice of an aspect of an embodiment (or embodiments) of the invention will be still more fully understood from the following examples and experimental results, which are presented herein for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.
Example 1A medical system for fixing a stent in position within an anatomical lumen of a subject. The medical system may comprise: an intra-luminal stent; and a magnet wherein said magnet is configured to be implanted in the subject in one or more of the following locations: the subcutaneous layer of the subject, the intra-muscular layer of the subject, or the sub-fascial layer of the subject. And wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position.
Example 2The medical system of example 1, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 3The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 2), wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 4The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-3, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is expandable.
Example 5The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-4, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
Example 6The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-5, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
Example 7The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-6, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
Example 8The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-7, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
Example 9The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-8, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 10The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-9, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
Example 11The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-10, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
Example 12The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-11, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
13. The medical system of example 12 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-11, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 14The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-13, in whole or in part), wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
Example 15The medical system of example 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-14, in whole or in part), wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Example 16A method for fixing a medical stent in position of a subject. The method may comprise: inserting a stent in an anatomical lumen; implanting a magnet in the subject in one or more of the following locations: the subcutaneous layer of the subject, the intra-muscular layer of the subject, or the sub-fascial layer of the subject; and employing a magnetic force between said stent and said magnet to fix said stent in position.
Example 17The method of example 16, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 18The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 17), wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 19The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-18, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is expandable.
Example 20The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-19, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
Example 21The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-20, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
Example 22The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-21, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
Example 23The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-22, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
Example 24The medical system of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-23, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 25The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-24, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
Example 26The method of example 25 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-24, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 27The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-26, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
Example 28The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-27, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
Example 29The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-28, in whole or in part), wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
Example 30The method of example 16 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 17-29, in whole or in part), wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Example 31A medical system for fixing a stent in position within an anatomical lumen of a subject. The medical system may comprise: an intra-luminal stent; a magnet wherein said magnet is configured to be disposed on the subject disposed on a cutaneous location; and wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position.
Example 32The medical system of example 31, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 33The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 32), wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 34The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-33, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is expandable.
Example 35The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-34, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
Example 36The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-35, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
Example 37The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-36, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
Example 38The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-37, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
Example 39The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-38, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 40The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-39, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
Example 41The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-40, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
Example 42The method of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-41, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
Example 43The method of example 42 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-41, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 44The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-43, in whole or in part), wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
Example 45The medical system of example 31 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 32-44, in whole or in part), wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Example 46A method for fixing a medical stent in position of a subject. The method may comprise: inserting a stent in an anatomical lumen; configuring a magnet on the subject disposed on a cutaneous location; and employing a magnetic force between said stent and said magnet to fix said stent in position.
Example 47The method of example 46, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 48The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 47), wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 49The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-48, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is expandable.
Example 50The medical system of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-49, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
Example 51The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-50, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
Example 52The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-51, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
Example 53The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-52, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
Example 54The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-53, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
Example 55The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-54, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
Example 56The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-55, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
Example 57The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-56, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
Example 58The method of example 57 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-56, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the gastrointestinal tract through peristaltic contractions.
Example 59The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-58, in whole or in part), wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
Example 60The method of example 46 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 47-59, in whole or in part), wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Example 61A medical system for fixing a stent in position within a first anatomical lumen of a subject. The medical system may comprise: an intra-luminal stent, said intra-luminal stent configured to be disposed in the first anatomical lumen; a magnet wherein said magnet is configured to be disposed in a second anatomical lumen or remote location of the first anatomical lumen; and wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position with the first anatomical lumen of a subject.
Example 62The medical system of example 61, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 63The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 62), wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 64The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 62-63, in whole or in part), wherein said stent and/or said magnet is expandable.
Example 65The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 62-64, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
Example 66The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 62-65, in whole or in part), wherein said stent and/or said magnet is inserted endoscopically.
Example 67The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 62-66, in whole or in part), wherein said stent and/or said magnet is removed endoscopically.
Example 68The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 62-67, in whole or in part), wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
Example 69The medical system of example 61 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 62-68, in whole or in part), wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Example 70A method for fixing a medical stent in position within a first anatomical lumen of a subject. The method may comprise: disposing a stent in said first anatomical lumen; disposing a magnet in a second anatomical lumen or a remote location of said first anatomical lumen; and wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position within said first anatomical lumen of said subject.
Example 71The method of example 70, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 72The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 71), wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
Example 73The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 71-72, in whole or in part), wherein said stent and/or said magnet is expandable.
Example 74The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 71-73, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
Example 75The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 71-74, in whole or in part), wherein said stent and/or said magnet is inserted endoscopically.
Example 76The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 71-75, in whole or in part), wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
Example 77The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 71-76, in whole or in part), wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
Example 78The method of example 70 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 71-77, in whole or in part), wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Example 79The method of using any of the devices, systems, assemblies, or their components provided in any one or more of examples 1-78.
Example 80The method of providing instructions to use or operate of any of the devices, systems, assemblies, or their components provided in any one or more of examples 1-78.
Example 81The method of manufacturing any of the devices, systems, assemblies, or their components provided in any one or more of examples 1-78.
Example 82It is noted that the machine readable medium or computer useable medium may be configured to execute the subject matter pertaining to system or related methods disclosed in examples 1-78, as well as Examples 79-81.
REFERENCESThe devices, systems, apparatuses, materials, compositions, components, computer readable medium, algorithms, and methods (of manufacture and use) of various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may utilize aspects disclosed in the following references, applications, publications and patents and which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety (and which are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by inclusion in this section):
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Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, duration, contour, dimension or frequency, or any particularly interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. It should be appreciated that aspects of the present invention may have a variety of sizes, contours, shapes, compositions and materials as desired or required.
In summary, while the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention is to be considered as limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims, including all modifications and equivalents.
Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particularly interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all sub ranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a United States/foreign patent, United States/foreign patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.
Claims
1. A medical system for fixing a stent in position within an anatomical lumen of a subject, the medical system comprising:
- an intra-luminal stent;
- a magnet wherein said magnet is configured to be implanted in the subject in one or more of the following locations: the subcutaneous layer of the subject, the intra-muscular layer of the subject, or the sub-fascial layer of the subject; and
- wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position.
2. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
3. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
4. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is expandable.
5. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
6. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
7. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
8. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
9. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
10. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
11. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
12. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
13. The medical system of claim 12, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
14. The medical system of claim 1, wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
15. The medical system of claim 1, wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
16. A method for fixing a medical stent in position of a subject, said method comprising:
- inserting a stent in an anatomical lumen;
- implanting a magnet in the subject in one or more of the following locations: the subcutaneous layer of the subject, the intra-muscular layer of the subject, or the sub-fascial layer of the subject; and
- employing a magnetic force between said stent and said magnet to fix said stent in position.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is expandable.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
23. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
24. The medical system of claim 16, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
25. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
27. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
28. The method of claim 16, wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
29. The method of claim 16, wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
30. The method of claim 16, wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
31. A medical system for fixing a stent in position within an anatomical lumen of a subject, the medical system comprising:
- an intra-luminal stent;
- a magnet wherein said magnet is configured to be disposed on the subject disposed on a cutaneous location; and
- wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position.
32. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
33. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
34. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is expandable.
35. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
36. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
37. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
38. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
39. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
40. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
41. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
42. The method of claim 31, wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
44. The medical system of claim 31, wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
45. The medical system of claim 31, wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
46. A method for fixing a medical stent in position of a subject, said method comprising:
- inserting a stent in an anatomical lumen;
- configuring a magnet on the subject disposed on a cutaneous location; and
- employing a magnetic force between said stent and said magnet to fix said stent in position.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
48. The method of claim 46, wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is expandable.
50. The medical system of claim 46, wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
51. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is located in the respiratory tract.
52. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is located in the gastrointestinal tract.
53. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is inserted endoscopically.
54. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is configured to be advanced by peristaltic contractions.
55. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is removed through open surgery.
56. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
57. The method of claim 46, wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the lumen naturally.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein said stent is removed by advancing through the gastrointestinal tract through peristaltic contractions.
59. The method of claim 46, wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
60. The method of claim 46, wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
61. A medical system for fixing a stent in position within a first anatomical lumen of a subject, the medical system comprising:
- an intra-luminal stent, said intra-luminal stent configured to be disposed in the first anatomical lumen;
- a magnet wherein said magnet is configured to be disposed in a second anatomical lumen or remote location of the first anatomical lumen; and
- wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position with the first anatomical lumen of a subject.
62. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
63. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
64. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said stent and/or said magnet is expandable.
65. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
66. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said stent and/or said magnet is inserted endoscopically.
67. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said stent and/or said magnet is removed endoscopically.
68. The medical system of claim 61, wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
69. The medical system of claim 61, wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
70. A method for fixing a medical stent in position within a first anatomical lumen of a subject, the method comprising:
- disposing a stent in said first anatomical lumen;
- disposing a magnet in a second anatomical lumen or a remote location of said first anatomical lumen; and
- wherein a magnetic force between said intra-luminal stent and said magnet is configured to fix said stent in position within said first anatomical lumen of said subject.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein said stent is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
72. The method of claim 70, wherein said magnet is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a magnetizable material, and a magnetic metal.
73. The method of claim 70, wherein said stent and/or said magnet is expandable.
74. The method of claim 70, wherein said stent is designed to be flexible to follow the contours of said anatomical lumen.
75. The method of claim 70, wherein said stent and/or said magnet is inserted endoscopically.
76. The method of claim 70, wherein said stent is removed endoscopically.
77. The method of claim 70, wherein multiple of said magnets are used to fix said stent in position.
78. The method of claim 70, wherein said magnetic force is adjusted by the size, strength, and location of said magnet.
Type: Application
Filed: May 3, 2017
Publication Date: May 16, 2019
Applicant: University of Virginia Patent Foundation (Charlottesville, VA)
Inventors: Robert G. SAWYER (Kalamazoo, MI), Gorav AILAWADI (Charlottesville, VA)
Application Number: 16/098,143