1
MAGNETIC RETRIEVAL DEVICE AND
METHOD OF USE
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/724,239 filed on Nov. 28, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,304, which is a regular application filed under 35 U.S.C. § 111 (a) claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) (1), of provisional application Ser. No. 60/168,306, having a filing date of Dec. 1,1999, filed under 35 U.S.C. §111(b).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for retrieving a device which is positioned within a remote location. This location is preferably located within the human body, and more preferably within the human urethra.
The subject invention provides for apparatus and methods for retrieving devices remotely when access otherwise would require more expensive and/or complex procedures such as optical viewing, ultrasonic detection, x-ray, fluoroscopy and grasping with a forceps. Remote (i.e. indwelling) devices may be of many configurations, with medical or other industrial applications. With human medical applications, the remote device could consist of, though not be limited to, intraurethral devices such as stents, shunts or valved devices. Urethral (or uteral) devices may be sized from a total profile in diameter from 2 to as large as 40 French, with device length likely to vary according to the application.
Features and methods of the embodiments of this application may be compatible with the following applications, incorporated herein by reference: URETHRAL DEVICE WITH ANCHORING SYSTEM, Ser. No. 09/411,491, filed Oct. 4, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,060 issued on Apr. 24, 2001; URETHRAL APPARATUS WITH POSITION INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF, Ser. No. 09/340,491, filed Jun. 30, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,060 issued on Jul. 10, 2001; MAGNETICALLY LATCHED DEFORMABLE DOME URINARY FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF, Ser. No. 60/179,038 filedFeb. 1,2000, filed as a regular application on Jan. 26,2001 and assigned Ser. No. 09/772,088, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,702 issued on Mar. 4, 2003.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus and method for retrieving a remotely located device equipped with a magnetic coupler is provided. The apparatus includes a magnetic coupling carried at an end of an elongate member for attracting the magnetic coupler of the remotely located device, and aligning the magnetic coupler with the magnetic coupling. A frictional engagement device, substantially housing the magnetic coupling therein, is adapted for trapping the magnetic coupler therein such that a retrieval force applied to the apparatus is transferred to the remotely located device via the basket to thereby facilitate sure retrieval of the device as by magnetic mechanical entrapment.
More specific features and advantages obtained in view of those features will become apparent with reference to the drawing figures and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 schematically shows the apparatus of the subject invention being advanced toward a remotely deployed device for which retrieval is sought;
2
FIG. 2 schematically shows a portion of the remotely deployed device coupled to the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2A schematically shows the magnetic coupler captured within the basket of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and axially 5 aligned with respect to the magnetic coupling;
FIGS. 3 and 3A schematically show an alternate embodiment of the subject invention illustrating the relationship between the basket and the magnetic coupling, the basket being selectively axially retractable relative to the magnetic 10 coupling;
FIGS. 4 and 4A schematically show a further embodiment of the subject invention illustrating the relationship between the basket and the magnetic coupling, namely that the basket is capable of radial collapse upon being selectively axially 15 retracted relative to the magnetic coupling; and,
FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B schematically show yet another embodiment of the subject invention illustrating a non-basket mechanical capture structure.
20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus and method of this invention requires only simple equipment. The securing is accomplished by a simple magnetic coupling apparatus incorporated functionally with
25 the remote device. FIG. 1 illustrates the remote device. The remote device 10 is equipped with a tether 16 at distal extremity 14 from the remote device 10 within passageway 24 as illustrated in FIG. 1. A magnetic coupler 22 is attached distally to tether 16. This magnetic coupler 22 is constructed of
30 a material that is magnetic in properties, or further is magnetized.
The tether 16 is sized and secured in a manner such that it has sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the force required to pull the remote device from the location and its
35 specific environment through the necessary passageway 24. The size of the device and the environment of the passageway 24 will determine the mechanical requirements of the tether 16 and the method of attachment. The magnetic coupler 22 is linked magnetically with the retrieval tools as illustrated by
40 the disclosed embodiments of retrieval devices. FIG. 1 illustrates the retrieval tool 30 of the first embodiment located within passageway 24 near the distal extremity 14 of remote device 10.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a indwelling device 10
45 which is retrievable from a urinary tract environment. The indwelling device 10 consists of a proximal extremity 12, and a distal extremity 14. The tether 16 has a proximal extremity 18, and a distal extremity 20. Tether proximal extremity 18 is secure at distal extremity 14 of indwelling device 10. A mag
50 netic coupler 22 is secured to distal extremity 20 of tether 16. This magnetic coupler 22 is constructed of a material that is magnetic in properties, or magnetized. Tether 16 may be secured to the magnetic coupler 22 at any radial orientation. Securing of the tether 16 radially away from the magnetic
55 coupler 22 centerline provides a torque upon separation which is useful in entrapment. The preferred magnetic material for magnetic coupler 22 is magnetized Samarium Cobalt 20, whereas the preferred magnetic material for magnetic coupling 34 magnetization is Neodynium 27. All the mag
60 netic materials are preferably coated with a suitable coating for biocompatable inertness such as Class VI epoxy or vapor deposited paraxylene.
Tether 16 is sized and secured in a manner such that it has sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the force required
65 to pull the indwelling device from the location and its specific environment through the necessary passageway 24. The size of the device and the environment of the passageway 24 will
