Abstract
Some embodiments of the invention advantageously leverage the expansion of the prostatic urethra using adjustable lumen tension rings (ALTRs) of desired sizes to control and improve flow throughout the range of the urethra. As such, some embodiments include tension ring(s) or cylinders that sits either inside or outside the prostatic wall and is at least partially within the lumen and/or is partially or fully anchored, attached, adhered, or otherwise held in place with respect to the bladder or other locations within the urethra and/or elsewhere in the urethra. The expansion of the lumen can be pre-configured based on pre-operative metrology of the prostatic urethra to a customized and adjustable fit across the various zones within the urethra and based on the patient specific and evolving needs.
Claims
1. A device for maintaining patency of a prostatic urethra, comprising: a shape memory member comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway therebetween configured to facilitate flow of body fluids therebetween, the shape memory member further comprising a plurality of partial or complete loops between the proximal end and the distal end, the shape memory member comprising a central portion and lateral portions, wherein the central portion comprises a first diameter and the lateral portions comprise a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is not equal to the second diameter, wherein the shape memory member further comprises a first radially compressed configuration transformable to a second radially enlarged configuration.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the central portion has a generally constant first diameter throughout the entire length of the central portion.
5-8. (canceled)
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more manipulation features proximate at least one of the proximal end and the distal end.
10. (canceled)
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the one or more manipulation features are selected from the group consisting of an eyelet, a hook, and a loop.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal end comprises a sharp edge configured to pierce the urethral wall to anchor into the prostate itself and keep it expanded from outside the urethral wall.
15-17. (canceled)
18. A delivery system comprising: a device as in claim 14; and a delivery tool comprising a device channel comprising an outer sheath and an inner member, the device configured to be disposed between the inner member and the outer sheath, the delivery tool comprising a locking member configured to reversibly lock the device within the device channel.
19. The delivery system of claim 18, wherein the delivery tool comprises a cystoscope.
20. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in a patient, comprising: expanding a lumen of the prostatic urethra in the patient using an expandable member; radially expanding at least one device comprising a shape memory member comprising a plurality of windings within the lumen of the prostatic urethra to expand the diameter of the prostatic urethra, the at least one device comprising a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion, the larger diameter portion providing a radial force against the prostatic urethra sufficient to maintain patency of the prostatic urethra; and unlocking a manipulation feature of the at least one device from a delivery tool.
21-25. (canceled)
26. The method of claim 20, wherein the delivery tool comprises a cystoscope comprising a device channel, an outer sheath, and an inner member, wherein the device is disposed between the inner member and the outer sheath and in a radially compressed configuration during delivery.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising axially moving the outer sheath relative to the device to allow the device to radially expand.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the device channel comprises a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 6 mm.
29. The method of claim 20, wherein following radially expanding the at least one device within the lumen of the prostatic urethra, no more than about 25% of an entire surface area of the device is exposed to urine flow within the prostatic urethra.
30. The method of claim 20, wherein following radially expanding the at least one device within the lumen of the prostatic urethra, no more than about 3 cm.sup.2 of the entire surface area of the device is exposed to urine flow within the prostatic urethra.
31-33. (canceled)
34. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one device is custom created based on biometry of the patient's prostatic urethra.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one device is custom created based on measured patient parameters selected from one or more of pre-operative imaging, prostatic dimensions, PUA (prostatic urethral angle), IPP (intravesical prostate protrusion), and RPUL (ratio between the prostatic urethral length and prostate volume).
36. A method of repositioning or removing a device for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in a patient, comprising: delivering an effector tool proximate the prostatic urethra and a previously implanted device residing within the lumen of the prostatic urethra, wherein a previously implanted device comprises one or more shape memory member comprising a plurality of windings, the windings forming a lumen with a variable inner diameter, the device maintaining the patency of the lumen of the prostatic urethra; contacting a manipulation feature of the previously-implanted device with the effector tool; locking the manipulation feature of the at least one device; and removing or repositioning the device.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising delivering energy from the effector tool to the manipulation feature to change the size and/or shape of the device.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the manipulation feature comprises a hook, a loop, a magnet, or a threaded feature.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0091] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a male urethra and associated anatomy.
[0092] FIG. 2A shows a schematic cross-section of the prostatic urethra and the bladder in the case of a healthy prostate and an enlarged prostate. The schematic of an enlarged prostate is further detailed in FIG. 2B.
[0093] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the enlarged prostate in the prostatic urethra. FIG. 3B illustrates the use of a guide catheter into the prostatic urethra. FIG. 3C illustrates the deployment of a balloon technique to expand the prostatic urethra. FIG. 3D illustrates the deployment of the ALTRs (Adjustable Lumen Tension Rings) in a minimally invasive procedure. FIG. 3E illustrates the deployment of the leading edge of the ALTR into the prostatic urethral wall into the prostate. FIG. 3F illustrates further deployment of the ALTR into the prostate while the prostate is an expanded (balloon) state. FIG. 3G illustrates the in-situ location of the ALTR with the manipulation feature(s) remaining inside the urethral wall. FIG. 3H illustrates the deflation of the balloon once the ALTR is able to anchor the prostate and keep the prostatic urethra wide-open. FIG. 3I illustrates the removal of the balloon and guide-wire and shows the ALTR expanding the prostate from outside the lumen and keeping the prostatic urethra wide-open.
[0094] FIG. 3J illustrates a retrieval device to remove the ALTR with ease and using a minimally invasive procedure. FIG. 3K illustrates the ALTR partially wound into the retrieval device. FIG. 3L illustrates the ALTR fully wound into the retrieval device.
[0095] FIGS. 3M-3O schematically illustrate additional embodiments of prosthetic devices implanted within the prostatic urethra.
[0096] FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the ALTR device where the device is able to guide along the interstitial space between the prostate and the external urethral wall.
[0097] FIGS. 5A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR device where the device is of a wire form. FIG. 5A is an isometric view; FIG. 5B is a side view, and FIG. 5C is a top view (entry).
[0098] FIGS. 6A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR device where the device is of a ribbon form. FIG. 6A shows a flat ribbon. FIG. 6B shows a flat ribbon with the manipulating feature at the leading or trailing edge. FIG. 6C shows a bent ribbon.
[0099] FIGS. 6D-F illustrate additional embodiments of devices that can include no more than a single, or a plurality of, complete or incomplete rings configured to maintain the patency of a lumen.
[0100] FIG. 6G illustrates use of multiple devices of various sizes in the lumen to control the shape of the expansion and amount and direction flow.
[0101] FIGS. 6H-6I illustrates a generally cylindrical embodiment of a device, according to some embodiments.
[0102] FIGS. 6J-6M illustrate embodiments of devices using a plurality of multifilaments or polyfilaments to expand the lumen wall.
[0103] FIGS. 6N-6P illustrate embodiments of devices that are delivered in a minimally invasive form, such as a substantially linear biased form in some cases as shown, and retain the intended unbiased shape in-situ.
[0104] FIG. 7A illustrates delivery of the ALTR into the urethra with an enlarged prostate. FIG. 7B illustrates the delivered and in-situ ALTR where the tension of the ALTR is able to keep the prostatic wall expanded and open. FIG. 7C shows additional ALTRs delivered within the prostatic urethra. FIG. 7D shows a variant of the ALTR with a higher diameter in the central portion of the ALTR. FIG. 7E shows additional ALTRs of this variant delivered within the prostatic urethra. FIG. 7F shows a variant ALTR that covers the entire length of the prostatic urethra.
[0105] FIG. 7G illustrates a retrieval device to remove the ALTR with ease and using a minimally invasive procedure. FIG. 7H illustrates the ALTR partially wound into the retrieval device. FIG. 7I illustrates the ALTR fully wound into the retrieval device.
[0106] FIG. 8 illustrates a variant of the ALTR delivered inside the urethral walls.
[0107] FIGS. 9A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR with two manipulating features on the leading and trailing ends. FIG. 9A is a top-view; FIG. 9B is a side view; and FIG. 9C is an isometric view of the ALTR.
[0108] FIGS. 10A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR with variable diameter along the length of the ALTR. FIG. 10A is a top-view; FIG. 10B is a side view; and FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the ALTR.
[0109] FIGS. 11A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR with a torsion spring design. FIG. 11A is a top-view; FIG. 11B is a side view; and FIG. 11C is an isometric view of the ALTR.
[0110] FIGS. 12A-C illustrate various views of an embodiment of an ALTR with a large diameter central portion and smaller diameter lateral portions.
[0111] FIGS. 13A-C illustrate various views of an embodiment of an ALTR with a small diameter central portion and larger diameter lateral portions.
[0112] FIGS. 14A-D illustrate various views on an embodiment of an ALTR reversibly coupled to a delivery tool.
[0113] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate published information on clinical parameters based on prostatic urethral biometry (PUA, IPP, and RPUL, etc.) and correlation to clinical signs and symptoms of BPH.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0114] Several factors influence the onset and progression of BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, also known as Benign Prostate Hypertrophy). The most common factor is aging and the shift in hormonal balance. FIG. 1 illustrates the cross-section of the male urethra in detail.
[0115] The prostate is shown right below the bladder. The region of urethra surrounded by the prostate is the prostatic urethra, which is bounded by the bladder opening proximally and the membranous urethra distally, on the way to the cavernous (penile) urethra and external urethral orifice. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the prostatic urethra is compressed to a reduced diameter when the prostate is enlarged. This leads to the various symptoms observed in the progression of BPH, including but not limited to urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, hesitancy, weak stream, straining, and prolonged voiding.
[0116] Disclosed herein are devices, including adjustable lumen tension rings (ALTRs) embodiments that can be configured to adjust the diameter and opening of the prostatic urethra. ALTRs can include various generally prosthetic devices, including tubular members configured to maintain or improve the patency of at least a portion of the urethra, such as the prostatic urethra. In some embodiments, a device can improve the patency of the prostatic urethra, but not the membranous urethra or penile urethra. In some embodiments, a device can be placed partially or completely within the membranous and/or penile urethra only, or in combination with the prostatic urethra to treat urethral strictures or stenosis that may not necessarily be caused by an enlarged prostate. FIG. 3A is a schematic side cross-sectional line drawing of an enlarged prostate 302 between the bladder side 300 and distal end of the urethra 301.
[0117] Disclosed herein are methods for deploying prosthetic devices, including fixed lumen or adjustable lumen tension rings (ALTRs) using an expandable member, such as a balloon technique, expandable device (e.g., movable cage with struts), or the like (FIGS. 3B to 3I). A guide catheter 303 with a balloon 304 is shown in FIG. 3B, which upon deployment and balloon expansion (e.g., with a gas, liquid, or other media) expands the prostatic urethra 302 via a circumferential radial outward force of the balloon as shown in FIG. 3C. An embodiment of an ALTR 306 can be implanted using a catheter or deployment device 305 into the prostatic urethra. In some embodiments, the leading edge of the ALTR 306 can optionally be used to create an incision in the prostatic urethral wall 307, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E. In some embodiments, the method is non-penetrating with respect to a urethral wall, such as the prostatic urethral wall 307. In some embodiments, the deployment of the ALTR 306 can be controlled by a spring-loaded plunger or threaded screw type tool 309. Some embodiments of the ALTR 306 can be deployed into the balloon 304 expanded prostate 302, such that it anchors or keeps the prostate expanded and away from the urethra, keeping the prostatic urethral space wide-open, as shown in FIG. 3F. Additionally, some embodiments of the ALTR may also include a manipulating feature 308 to allow further control, repositioning, and/or removal of the ALTR, as shown in FIGS. 3H and 3I. The expandable member e.g., balloon 304 can be deflated and removed once the ALTR 306 is implanted, as shown in FIG. 3H. FIG. 3H also illustrates the deflation of the balloon once the ALTR is able to anchor the prostate and keep the prostatic urethra wide-open. FIG. 3I illustrates the removal of the balloon and guide-wire and shows the ALTR expanding the prostate from outside the lumen and keeping the prostatic urethra wide-open. In some embodiments, the method is exclusively performed intra-urethrally. In some embodiments, the method does not involve circumferentially decreasing the diameter of one or both lobes of the prostate, e.g., with sutures.
[0118] Disclosed herein are manipulation features 308 within the prosthetic devices, such as ALTR 203. In some embodiments, the ALTR 306 can include one, two, or more manipulating features 308 such as barbs, grooves or loops to allow easy capture, re-alignment, re-positioning and removal of the ALTR 306, if/when needed. The manipulation features may be on or off axis, inside or outside the urethral wall, and penetrating or non-penetrating with respect to the urethral wall and/or prostate, for example. One key aspect of the manipulation feature in the ALTR in some embodiments is to allow control for reversibility of the procedure.
[0119] Disclosed herein are various methods of removing the prosthetic devices, including ALTR 306, in cases where reversibility or repositioning is desired. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive retrieval device 309 can be deployed via the urethra containing a retrieval wire with a feature 311 that links with the manipulating feature 308 in the ALTR 306, as shown in FIG. 3J. In some embodiments, the retrieval feature 311 and manipulating feature 308 can be linked via a hook-loop, hook-hook, or loop-hook type set-up, as shown in FIG. 3J. In some embodiments, one or both of the retrieval feature 311 and manipulating feature 308 can include complementary magnets, a gripper including, for example, movable jaws, an adhesive, a suction mechanism, and the like. In some embodiments, the retrieval device 309 may wind-in the ALTR 306 into a track or threaded feature 310 within the 309 devices, as shown in FIGS. 3K and 3L. The insertion, anchoring/connection to 308 and the removal of the ALTR 306 may all be performed by external controls (outside the body) of the 703 devices in some cases.
[0120] FIGS. 3M-3O illustrate additional embodiments of devices that can be configured to adjust the diameter and opening of the prostatic urethra. FIG. 3M is a side view of an embodiment of a lumen tension ring 206 implanted within the prostatic lumen, also illustrating the bladder side 300, distal end of the urethra 301, and prostate 302 as previously described. The device 206 can be in a circular or semi-circular wire/tube shape as shown in FIG. 3M. In some embodiments, the device 206 can be shaped as a cylinder or portion of a cylinder, cone, and similar variations as shown in FIG. 3N. The device 206 can also include one or more fixation elements 204 that can promote fixation of the device to the urethral wall to prevent migration and dislocation of the device 206. In some embodiments, the device 206 may include a protrusion or indentation for stabilizing and/or fixing the device at the wall. The fixation elements 204 can also include sub-elements to anchor the device to the wall, for example, grooves, teeth, ridges, or a saw-tooth pattern, for example, as described for example elsewhere herein.
[0121] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices such as ALTR 306 such that the ALTR is inserted in the interstitial space 392 between the prostate 302 and the external urethral wall 395, keeping the prostate 302 separated from the wall 395 and thus the prostatic urethra wide-open for free flow of bodily fluids. In such embodiments, the ALTR does not penetrate the prostate itself. FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the ALTR device where the device 306 is able to guide along the interstitial space 392 between the prostate 302 and the external urethral wall 395.
[0122] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices such as ALTR 306 in a wire form with a manipulating feature or features 308 at the proximal or distal end of the ALTR. FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrates various views of such an embodiment. The manipulating feature can be, for example, an eyelet 308 extending radially inwardly as shown in FIG. 5C or outwardly in other embodiments, or other features as disclosed elsewhere herein.
[0123] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices such as ALTR 306 in a flat or angulated ribbon form with a manipulating feature or features 308 at the proximal or distal end of the ALTR. For example, the structure could be generically helical with a plurality of revolutions as shown, with a flattened cross-section such as oval or rectangular for example. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrates various views of such an embodiment. The flat plane of the ribbon shown in the images (FIGS. 6A and 6B) is perpendicular to direction of travel. The ribbon can include proximal and/or distal free ends. Other variants of the embodiments could have the flat portion of the ribbon along the direction of travel, i.e. along the urethral wall or at various angles from the urethral wall. In some embodiments, the ribbon is a continuous structure where each revolution/loop of the ribbon is not connected to directly adjacent revolutions/loops at any points other than the winding of the continuous ribbon.
[0124] FIGS. 6D-F illustrate additional embodiments of devices that can include only a single, or a plurality of, complete or incomplete rings configured to maintain the patency of a lumen. A plurality of spaced-apart, directly adjacent, or overlapping discrete devices can be deployed in some embodiments. As disclosed for example elsewhere herein, a device 203 can include one or many manipulation features 308 such as grooves or loops to allow easy capture, re-alignment, re-positioning and removal of the device 203, if/when needed. FIG. 6E illustrates an embodiment of a device 203 with an additional manipulation feature 308′, that is off-axis and extends away from the wall. FIG. 6F shows an embodiment of a device 203 that is semi-circular in shape with a sweep angle of approximately 180 degrees. The sweep angle or central angle of the device 203 (or each sweep in devices that include a plurality of winds) can be between, for example, about 10 degrees and about 360 degrees, such as about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, or 360 degrees, or angles including any two of the foregoing angles.
[0125] Also disclosed herein are various sizings of devices 203 within the prostatic urethra or another body lumen. FIG. 6G illustrates use of multiple devices 203 of various sizes in the lumen to control the shape of the expansion and amount and direction flow. FIG. 6H illustrates a generally cylindrical embodiment a device 203 and FIG. 6I illustrates a cylindrical embodiment of a device 203 with fixation elements 204 that can provide anchoring to the urethral wall and extend radially outward as shown. In some embodiments, a device can include a constant sidewall. In some embodiments, a device does not include a constant sidewall or covering, and includes the wire outline form of the cylinder with the remaining area being free space open to the luminal sidewall.
[0126] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of devices 203 using a plurality of multifilaments or polyfilaments to expand the lumen wall (as shown in FIG. 6J). FIG. 6K illustrates an embodiment of the device 203 where fixation elements 204 such as irregular perimeter, crests & trough like features are used to provide anchoring and prevent migration. FIG. 6L and FIG. 6M illustrates another embodiment with manipulation features 308, 308′ that allow ease of manipulation, relocation, and retraction as described elsewhere herein.
[0127] Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices 203 that are delivered in a minimally invasive form 2003, such as a substantially linear biased form in some cases as shown, and retain the intended unbiased shape in-situ 203. FIG. 6N illustrates an embodiment of the device 203 where the sweep is slightly below 360 degrees, such as between about 300 degrees and about 360 degrees, or between about 300 degrees and about 359 degrees, or between about 320 degrees and about 359 degrees, and forming an incomplete loop. FIG. 6O illustrates an embodiment of the device 203 with multiple sweeps (spring-like) where the net sweep angle is between about 700 and about 740 degrees. FIG. 6P illustrates an embodiment of the device 203 with multiple sweeps (spring-like) where the net sweep angle is between about 1000 and about 1160 degrees. In some embodiments, the pathway of the shape of the device 203 generally reverse traces the shape of the first sweep. Depending on the sizing of the device 203, the number of sweeps, such as 360-degree sweeps can vary from 1 to 10 for example. Disclosed herein are embodiments that either partially or wholly cover the prostatic urethra. The illustrations shown here also demonstrate manipulation features 308 that allow ease of manipulation, relocation, and retraction.
[0128] Disclosed herein are methods for deploying prosthetic devices, such as adjustable lumen tension rings (ALTRs) within the prostatic urethra (FIGS. 7B to 7F). In some embodiments, the leading edge 701 or other portion of the ALTR 306 can be inserted using an insertion device 700 between the prostatic overlap in the urethra, as shown in FIG. 7A. In some embodiments, upon partial or complete insertion, the ALTR 306 can spring into place, assuming a radially expanded configuration, and keep the pro static urethra wide-open, due to the shape-memory nature of the ALTR 306 material, as shown in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, multiple ALTRs 306 of similar or varying diameters can be deployed within the urethra depending on the prostatic anatomy, as shown in FIG. 7C. Some embodiments can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more devices, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values, such as between 1 and 10 devices, or between 2 and 8 devices for example. Each device can be placed directly adjacent to, e.g., in contact with each other, overlapping with each other, or spaced apart and not directly contacting each other, or combinations thereof. Additionally, some embodiments may have one, two, or more relatively larger diameter rings 702 within the ALTR 306 relative to other rings of the ALTR that are either centrally located, as shown in FIG. 7D or positioned elsewhere depending on the anchoring requirements within the prostatic urethra. In other embodiments, multiple such ALTRs 306 may be deployed within the urethra as shown in FIG. 7E. In some embodiments, one large ALTR could be deployed covering the entire length of the prostatic urethra, with similar or varying diameter along its length, as shown in FIG. 7F.
[0129] Disclosed herein are various methods of removing the prosthetic devices, such as ALTR 306, in cases where reversibility or repositioning is desired. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive retrieval device 703 can be deployed via the urethra containing a retrieval wire with a feature 704 that links with the manipulating feature 308 in the ALTR 306, as shown in FIG. 7G. In some embodiments, the retrieval feature 704 and manipulating feature 308 can be linked via a hook-loop, hook-hook, or loop-hook type set-up, as shown in FIG. 7G, or other features including those discussed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the retrieval device 703 may wind-in the ALTR 306 into a track or threaded feature 705 within the 703 devices, as shown in FIGS. 7H and 7I. The insertion, anchoring/connection to 308 and the removal of the ALTR 306 may all be performed by external controls (outside the body) of the 703 devices.
[0130] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices, including ALTR 306 that can form a double-helix or return pattern as shown in FIG. 8, in some cases with two discrete ends distally and a continuous loop end proximally without free ends. In some embodiments, there are two manipulating features 308 shown with both in the entry plane on the distal end of the device 306, although some embodiments could include only one, or three, four or more manipulating features for example.
[0131] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices, including ALTR 306 that are configured to be delivered in a minimally invasive form and retain the intended shape in-situ 900. FIGS. 9A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR with two manipulating features, such as eyelets or other features as disclosed herein, on both the leading and trailing ends. Each manipulating feature can be the same size and shape as shown, or different sizes and/or shapes in other embodiments. FIG. 9A is a top-view; FIG. 9B is a side view; and FIG. 9C is an isometric view of the ALTR. In some embodiments, the ALTR may be circular in shape with multiple sweeps (rotations). In some variants, ALTR 1000 may have 2 to 30 total sweeps (or rotations), whole or partial sweeps, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 sweeps, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values. In some embodiments the pitch (separate between each ring) can be between about 0.0001″ and about 0.2″, such as about 0.0001″, 0.0005″, 0.001″, 0.005″, 0.01″, 0.05″, 0.1″, 0.2″, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values Disclosed herein are embodiments that either partially or wholly cover the prostatic urethra, such as for example, at least about, about, or no more than about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% of the axial length of the prostatic urethra, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values The illustrations shown here also demonstrate the manipulation features 901 that allow ease of manipulation, relocation, and retraction using a separate retrieving device. In some embodiments, the implanted ALTR will not extend axially into the bladder and/or the membranous or penile urethra. In some embodiments, the implanted ALTR extends axially into one or more of the bladder, membranous, and/or penile urethra.
[0132] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices, including ALTR 306 that are delivered in a minimally invasive form and retain the intended shape in-situ 1000. FIGS. 10A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR with variable diameter 1001 along the length of the ALTR. FIG. 10A is a top-view; FIG. 10B is a side view; and FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the ALTR. In some embodiments, the ALTR may be circular in shape with multiple sweeps (rotations). In some variants, ALTR 1000 may have 2 to 30 total sweeps (or rotations), whole or partial sweeps. In some embodiments the pitch (separation between each ring) within each section, or the entire device can be between about 0.0001″ to about 0.2″, such as about 0.0001″, 0.0005″, 0.001″, 0.005″, 0.01″. 0.05″. 0.1″ 0.15″, 0.2″, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values. Disclosed herein are embodiments that either partially or wholly cover the prostatic urethra. The illustrations shown here also demonstrate the manipulation features 1002 that allow ease of manipulation, relocation, and retraction using a separate retrieving device. In some embodiments, the central portion of the ALTR may have the largest diameter 1001 to allow better anchoring within the prostatic urethra and prevent migration within the urethra, with gradually decreasing diameters from the central portion to one or both ends as illustrated
[0133] Disclosed herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices, including ALTR 306 that can be delivered in a minimally invasive form and retain the intended shape in-situ 1100. FIGS. 11A-C illustrates a variant of the ALTR with a variable diameter 1101 along the length of the ALTR. FIG. 11A is a top-view; FIG. 11B is a side view; and FIG. 11C is an isometric view of the ALTR. In some embodiments, the ALTR may be circular in shape with multiple sweeps (rotations). In some variants, ALTR 1000 may have between about 2 and about 30 total sweeps (or rotations), whole or partial sweeps. In some embodiments the pitch (separate between each ring) can be between 0.0001″ to 0.2″, or ranges or values described elsewhere herein. Disclosed herein are embodiments that either partially or wholly cover the prostatic urethra. The illustrations shown here also demonstrate the manipulation features 1102 that allow ease of manipulation, relocation, and retraction using a separate retrieving device. In some embodiments, the central portion of the ALTR may have the largest diameter 1101 to allow better anchoring within the prostatic urethra and prevent migration within the urethra, but in contrast to FIGS. 10A-10C, the central portion of the ALTR can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more (or ranges including any two of the foregoing values) relative constant larger diameter 1101 complete or partial sweeps or rotations, while the more lateral portions 1103 can have relatively constant diameter complete or partial sweeps or rotations that are of a smaller diameter than the central larger diameter sweeps or rotations. In some embodiments, the expanded length and/or number of rotations of the larger diameter central portion is about, or no more than about 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or less of that of the entire expanded length and/or number of rotations of the device.
[0134] FIGS. 12A-C illustrate further embodiments of prosthetic devices, such as an ALTR that can incorporate features such as disclosed and illustrated in connection with, for example, FIGS. 11A-11C, with a larger expanded length/number of revolutions of the central portion 1201 relative to smaller diameter lateral portions 1203. The central portion 1201 can have a first, larger relatively constant diameter as shown, and the lateral portions 1203 can have a second, smaller relatively constant diameter, with a continuous inner lumen therebetween that can be as previously described. In other embodiments, either or both of the central or lateral portions can have gradual or stepped variable diameters. Manipulation features 1202, such as eyelets or other disclosed herein, can be attached, connected, or integrally formed at one or both ends of the device, or at other locations, and be made of the same, or different materials as the rest of the device itself. In some embodiments, the expanded length and/or number of rotations of the larger diameter central portion is about, or no more than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more of that of the entire expanded length and/or number of rotations of the device.
[0135] FIGS. 13A-C illustrate further embodiments of prosthetic devices, such as an ALTR that can incorporate features such as disclosed and illustrated in connection with, for example, FIGS. 11A-12C, except having with a smaller expanded length/number of revolutions of the central portion 1301 relative to larger diameter lateral portions 1303. The central portion 1301 can have a first, smaller relatively constant diameter as shown, and the lateral portions 1303 can have a second, larger relatively constant diameter, with a continuous inner lumen therebetween that can be as previously described. In other embodiments, either or both of the central or lateral portions can have gradual or stepped variable diameters. Manipulation features 1302, such as eyelets or other disclosed herein, can be attached, connected, or integrally formed at one or both ends of the device, or at other locations, and be made of the same, or different materials as the rest of the device itself. In some embodiments, the expanded length and/or number of rotations of the larger diameter central portion is about, or no more than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more of that of the entire expanded length and/or number of rotations of the device.
[0136] In some embodiments, the larger diameter portions of the prosthetic devices can have an average or maximum diameter, for example, about or at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or more relative to the average or maximum diameter of the smaller diameter portions, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values.
[0137] In some embodiments, a device can have a fully expanded/unbiased axial length of between about 5 mm and about 20 mm, or about, at least about, or no more than about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm or more or less, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values.
[0138] In some embodiments, the larger diameter portions can have an outer diameter of about 8 mm to about 1 mm, or about, at least about, or no more than about 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm or more or less, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values.
[0139] In some embodiments, the smaller diameter portions can have an outer diameter of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, or about, at least about, or no more than about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 mm or more or less, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values.
[0140] In some embodiments, the central portion can have an axial length of between about 1 mm and about 15 mm or more or less, or about, at least about, or no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values.
[0141] FIGS. 14A-14D schematically illustrate views of a distal end of a delivery system 1450 for a prosthetic device 1400. The delivery system 1450 can include a sheath 1460 and an inner member 1470 of which the prosthetic device 1400 such as an ALTR can wrap around its outer diameter in a relatively radially compressed configuration. The delivery system 1450 can be deployed to a desired anatomical location, such as the prostatic urethra, for example. An expandable member can be utilized to dilate the prostatic urethra as described elsewhere herein. The delivery system 1450 can have gripping or other locking features 1480 configured to reversibly lock or otherwise attach to corresponding manipulation features 1402 of the device. Upon removal of the sheath 1460 (or advancement of the inner member 1470) for example as shown in FIG. 14D and unlocking of the locking features 1480 as shown in FIG. 14C, the device 1400 can transform to its unbiased, radially expanded configuration.
[0142] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods to deliver and/or retrieve the prosthetic devices, such as ALTR 306 in a minimally invasive form. Temperature of the ALTR 306 can be manipulated (e.g., increased or decreased) by an insertion tool whose temperature can be externally controlled through an energy source (electrical, mechanical, thermal, RF, ultrasonic, etc.), such that it can alter the shape (shrink or expand) of the ALTR 306 to make insertion or retrieval procedures both minimally invasive, responsive, and easy to manipulate/handle. In some embodiments, the device can be repositioned by at least initially torqueing (e.g., twisting) the device rather than axially pushing or pulling the device in a proximal or distal direction.
[0143] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods to clean the prosthetic device, e.g., ALTR delivery 305/700 and retrieval 309/703 systems. Prior to deployment of the ALTR 306, a saline or other fluid flush may be performed to remove any urethral wall encrustation thereby improving the anchoring of the ALTR, and possibly minimizing the build-up of encrustation (e.g., from urinary sediment/crystal build-up on the device). An accessory to the ALTR 306 is a “roto rooter type” whereby a shaft is deployed within the lumen and a high-pressure saline jet(s) are sprayed unto an existing implant. The device can also optionally include a vacuum source to remove the encrustration-fluid combination. One objective of this accessory is to remove the encrustation of device thereby increasing the diameter of the urethra.
[0144] In some embodiments, a device can be configured to reduce undesirable encrustation with urine sediment, etc. that can build over time that can reduce the prostatic urethral diameter. In some embodiments, the device can include, for example, a wire, coil, or ribbon, for example with a relatively small diameter, that can be, for example, between about 0.005″ and about 0.02″, such as about or less than about 0.1″, 0.05″, 0.02″, 0.015″, or 0.01″ for example. In some embodiments, the device can have relatively larger diameter central portion or lateral portions, which sits further into the prostatic tissue behind the prostatic urethral luminal wall. Not to be limited by theory, one or more of the aforementioned features can limit exposure of the device to bodily fluids such as urine. In some embodiments, about or less than about 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or less of the total surface area of the device, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values, is exposed to the flow of urine and potential encrustation when implanted. In other words, a majority of surface area of the device does not “see” flow of urine and as such be exposed to potentially undesirable encrustation. In some embodiments, the total surface area of the device exposed to urine is about or less than about 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, or less square centimeters, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values. In some embodiments, the length of the expanded device in situ (or the sum of multiple devices in situ) can be between about 1 cm and about 5 cm, such as about 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm, or ranges including any two of the foregoing values, in some cases.
[0145] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods to deliver the prosthetic device, e.g., ALTR 306 using the ALTR delivery 305/700 and retrieval 309/703 systems. The systems can either be manually powered or powered by an energy powered source whereby the deployment of the ALTR is controlled and motorized. At a predetermined force or power, the ALTR is forcefully deployed and anchored into the walls of the urethra.
[0146] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods to use pre-operative measurements of the prostatic urethral physiology to customize the device, e.g., ALTR for the specific requirement. Imaging techniques such as optical microscopy, ultrasonography, CT-scan, measurement of PUA (prostatic urethral angle), IPP (intravesical prostate protrusion), RPUL (the ratio between the prostatic urethral length and prostate volume), can be utilized, such as in a pre-treatment procedure to determine and customize the ALTR design to fit the specific physiological and anatomical need of the patient. One or a plurality of customized devices can then be manufactured and then implanted, e.g., in a separate procedure. However, the sizing procedure and implantation procedure can be combined into a single procedure in other embodiments. FIGS. 15 and 16 contain published information on clinical parameters based on prostatic urethral biometry (PUA, IPP, and RPUL, etc.) and correlation to clinical signs and symptoms of BPH.
[0147] It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed above may be made and still fall within one or more of the inventions. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. Moreover, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, they can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. For example, actions such as “inserting the ALTR proximate to the distal end of the prostatic urethra” includes “instructing the inserting an ALTR proximate to the distal end of the prostatic urethra.” The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used herein include the recited numbers, and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.
