WO2025051366A1

WO2025051366A1 - Medical device for blocking a vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2025051366A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/074604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franck BOGNER; Shaun BONNER; Cian DULLY; Matthew Cullen
Original assignee: Clearstream Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2023-09-07
Filing date: 2023-09-07
Publication date: 2025-03-13

Abstract

A medical device for blocking and collapsing a blood vessel. The medical device comprises a first catheter having a first plug positioned at a distal end thereof, wherein the first plug is an expandable plug and is detachable from the first catheter, and a second catheter having a second plug positioned at a distal end thereof, wherein the second plug is detachable from the second catheter. The first catheter is longitudinally moveable relative to the second catheter, and one of the first catheter or the second catheter comprises a suction lumen.

Description

Medical Device for Blocking a Vessel

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to medical devices for blocking and collapsing a blood vessel and medical device for blocking fluid flow through a vessel .

Background

Medical devices for restricting or blocking a vessel can be used in the treatment of a number of medical conditions which require blood flow through a blood vessel to be restricted or blocked .

In some instances , the blood vessel through which the flow of blood is to be restricted or blocked may be a vein . For example , Chronic Venous Insuf ficiency ( CVI ) is a medical condition which occurs when the valves in a vein become damaged allowing blood to leak backwards thereby causing pooling of blood in the veins and elevated blood pressure . Such valve damage may occur as the result of aging, extended sitting or standing, or a combination of aging and reduced mobility .

CVI may be treated by inserting a medical device into a damaged vein in order to block the flow of blood through that vein and thereby close that vein . In some instances , collapsing the vein may result in improved restriction of blood flow through the vein . This will result in blood flow being rerouted to nearby healthy veins instead .

In other instances , the blood vessel through which the flow of blood is to be restricted or blocked may be an artery . For example , in order to treat some types of tumours , the arteries feeding blood to the tumour may be blocked or restricted with a medical implant to starve the tumour o f blood, also known as tumor embolization . An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling or bulge in the aorta which can cause li fe-threatening bleeding i f it ruptures . Medical devices or implants may be inserted into arteries which feed the aneurysm in order to stop the flow of blood into the aneurysm . Such medical devices may also be utili zed in other medical procedures such as balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) , or as preparation for large vital organ or tissue resections .

A number of medical implants exist in the art for blocking a blood vessel by vessel emboli zation . However, these devices can suf fer from drawbacks such as migration, lack of control over the deployment of the device , and unsatis factory blocking or occlusion of the vessel .

In view of the above , there is a need in the art for improved medical devices for blocking a vessel or collapsing a vessel which provide improved occlusion or blocking of the vessel , are simple to operate and provide improved accuracy and control over deployment of the medical device .

Summary

In a first aspect of the present disclosure , there is provided a medical device for blocking and collapsing a blood vessel . The medical device comprises a first catheter having a first plug positioned at a distal end thereof , wherein the first plug is an expandable plug and is detachable from the first catheter, and a second catheter having a second plug positioned at a distal end thereof , wherein the second plug is detachable from the second catheter . The first catheter is longitudinally moveable relative to the second catheter, and one of the first catheter or the second catheter comprises a suction lumen . In some embodiments , this may result in a medical device which can ef fectively collapse and block a blood vessel .

Throughout this disclosure , the term ' suction lumen' is used to refer to a lumen of a catheter which is adapted for aspirating a fluid .

The first catheter may be positioned at least partially within the second catheter .

In some embodiments , this may allow the first catheter to ef fectively move longitudinally relative to the second catheter .

The first catheter may comprise the suction lumen .

The first catheter may comprise a rigid ring at its distal end, proximally of the first plug .

In some embodiments , this may prevent the first catheter from collapsing during aspiration of the blood vessel .

The rigid ring may be radiopaque .

In some embodiments , this may allow the position of the first plug and first catheter to be detected under fluoroscopy and thereby result in more accurate positioning of the medical device .

The first expandable plug may have a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration .

The second plug may be an expandable plug and may have a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration . In some embodiments , this may result in improved sealing between the second plug and the blood vessel .

The first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and second expandable plugs may comprise a sel f-expanding mesh .

In some embodiments , this may provide for a simple and ef fective way to expand the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plugs .

The sel f-expanding mesh may be made from a shape memory material .

The sel f-expanding mesh may be made from nitinol .

In the radially collapsed configuration, the sel f-expanding mesh may be folded .

In some embodiments , this may allow the diameter of the first plug and/or the second plug to be reduced for improved passage and advancement through the vessel anatomy .

The first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and second expandable plugs may further comprise a membrane .

In some embodiments , this may result in improved blocking or occluding of the vessel .

The first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprises one or more outer expandable rings and one or more membranes attached to the one or more outer expandable rings .

In some embodiments , this may provide for a simple and ef fective way to expand the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plugs . The first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and the second expandable plugs may comprise a plurality of outer expandable rings arranged longitudinally and a plurality of membranes attached to the expandable rings .

The one or more outer expandable rings may be sel f-expanding rings .

The sel f-expanding rings may be made from a shape-memory material .

The sel f-expanding rings may be made from nitinol .

In the radially collapsed configuration, the one or more outer expandable rings may be folded radially inwards to form a star shape .

In some embodiments , this may allow the diameter of the first and/or second plug to be reduced for improved passage and advancement through the vessel anatomy .

The membrane may be made from PTFE .

The first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and the second expandable plugs may comprise a compressible material .

Longitudinally compressing the compressible material may move the first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and the second expandable plug from the radially collapsed configuration to the radially expanded configuration .

In some embodiments , this may provide for a simple and ef fective way to expand the first and/or second expandable plugs .

The first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and the second expandable plug may comprise a proximal plate and a distal plate positioned on opposite sides of the compressible material and a screw mechanism for compressing the compressible material between the proximal plate and the distal plate .

The first expandable plug, or the second expandable plug, or both the first and the second expandable plugs may comprise an inflatable balloon having a one-way valve .

In some embodiments , this may allow the inflatable balloon to remain inflated when detached from the catheter .

The first expandable plug and the second expandable plug may be made from a bioresorbable material .

In some embodiments , this may allow the first and second expandable plugs to remain in the body .

The medical device may further comprise a vacuum pump connected to a proximal end of the suction lumen .

In some embodiments , this may provide an ef fective way to aspirate the blood vessel through the suction lumen .

The medical device may further comprise a first detachment mechanism between the first plug and the first catheter . The first detachment mechanism may comprise a screw mechanism or a locking tab mechanism .

In some embodiments , this may provide an ef fective mechanism for detaching the first plug from the first catheter .

The medical device may comprise a second detachment mechanism between the second plug and the second catheter .

The second detachment mechanism may comprise a screw mechanism or a locking tab mechanism .

In some embodiments , this may provide an ef fective mechanism for detaching the second plug from the second catheter .

In a second aspect of the present disclosure , there i s provided a medical device for blocking fluid flow through a vessel . The medical device may comprise : an elongate member ; a plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers positioned around the elongate member, the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers fixed to a distal end of the elongate member ; and one or more longitudinally moveable locking elements , each having an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration . In the unlocked configuration the locking element is longitudinally moveable relative to the longitudinally arranged fibers , and in the locked configuration the locking element is locked to the longitudinally arranged fibers and configured to move the longitudinally arranged fibers relative to the flexible elongate member .

In some embodiments , this may result in a medical device which can be accurately positioned and deployed in a more controlled manner to ef fectively block fluid flow through a vessel or isolate a speci fic section of a vessel . In some embodiments , this may also result in a medical device which can be used in a number of vessels with di f ferent diameters to ef fectively block fluid flow through the vessel .

The elongate member may be a wire or shaft .

The longitudinally arranged fibers may comprise nitinol .

In some embodiments , this may allow the fibers to ef fectively deform and block fluid flow through the vessel .

The one or more locking elements may be positioned around the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers .

The one or more locking elements may be moved between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration by rotation .

In some embodiments , this may provide for a simple and ef fective way to move the locking elements between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration .

The one or more locking elements may each comprise a locking ring .

The locking ring may have an inner surface comprising longitudinally arranged grooves or ridges for engaging the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers .

In some embodiments , this may provide an ef fective way for the locking elements to be locked to the longitudinally arranged fibers in the locked configuration .

The locking ring may comprise a plurality of holes for the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers to pass through . In some embodiments , this may provide an ef fective way for the locking elements to be locked to the longitudinally arranged fibers in the locked configuration .

The locking ring may comprise a central hole for the elongate member to pass through and the plurality of holes may be circumferentially positioned around the central hole .

In some embodiments , this may provide an ef fective way for the locking elements to be locked to the longitudinally arranged fibers in the locked configuration and moveable relative to the elongate member .

The locking ring may have an outer surface with longitudinally arranged locking features for engaging corresponding locking features on a locking shaft .

In some embodiments , this may allow the locking elements to be ef fectively moved longitudinally and rotated by a locking shaft .

The locking features may comprise longitudinally arranged grooves , ridges or protrusions .

In some embodiments , this may allow the locking elements to be ef fectively moved longitudinally and rotated .

The locking features may comprise longitudinally arranged protrusions having a wedge-shape .

In some embodiments , the wedge-shapes protrusions may provide ef fective longitudinal and circumferential engagement with protrusions of the locking shaft to provide ef fective longitudinal and rotational movement of the locking elements . The medical device may further comprise a locking shaft having locking features for engaging the one or more locking elements .

The locking shaft may be positioned around the elongate member and the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers and may be longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate member and the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers .

The locking features of the locking shaft may be configured to engage corresponding locking features on the locking element to move the locking element longitudinally and rotate the locking element to move the locking element between the unlocked and locked configuration .

The locking features of the locking shaft may comprise radially inwardly extending grooves , ridges or protrusions .

In some embodiments , this may allow the locking shaft to longitudinally move the locking elements as well as rotate the locking elements to move them between the locked and the unlocked configuration .

The locking features of the locking shaft may comprise longitudinally arranged grooves , ridges or protrusions .

The medical device may comprise in the range of 4 to 30 longitudinally arranged fibers .

The one or more locking elements may comprise a first locking element and a second locking element positioned proximally of the first locking element . In some embodiments , this may allow multiple emboli zation structures to be formed with the device resulting in improved blocking or occluding of the vessel .

The one or more locking elements may comprise a first locking element , a second locking element , and a third locking element .

The plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers may be fixed to the elongate member with a fixed ring, a crimp, a weld or a distal cap .

The medical device may be configured to be removably attached to a catheter .

In some embodiments , this may allow the medical device to be used as a medical implant and remain in the body .

The medical device may further comprise a screw mechanism at a proximal end for removably attaching to the catheter .

In some embodiments , this may provide a simple and ef fective way to detach the medical device from the catheter .

The elongate member may be a flexible elongate member .

In some embodiments , this may result in improved navigation and advancement through the vessel anatomy .

In a third aspect of the present disclosure , there is provided a medical device for blocking fluid flow through a vessel . The medical device comprises : an elongate member ; one or more coils positioned around the elongate member with a first end of each coil fixed relative to the elongate member ; and a coil stopper attached to a second end of each coil and moveable relative to the elongate member . The one or more coils have a radially contracted configuration and a radially expanded configuration and wherein longitudinal movement of the coil stopper moves the coil between the radially contracted configuration and the radially expanded configuration .

In some embodiments , this may result in a medical device which can be deployed in a controlled manner and which can be used in a number of vessels with di f ferent diameters to ef fectively block fluid flow through the vessel .

The first end may be a distal end and the second end may be a proximal end .

Each of the one or more coils may comprise a wire or fibre wound around the elongate member .

In some embodiments , this may allow the coil to ef fectively move between the radially contracted configuration and the radially expanded configuration and provide ef fective occlusion of the vessel in the radially expanded configuration .

The one or more coils may be made from nitinol , stainless steel or a polymer .

In some embodiments , this may provide ef fective occlusion of the vessel in the radially expanded configuration .

Each of the one or more coils may be covered with a membrane .

In some embodiments , this may result in improved occlusion of the vessel .

The membrane may be made from PTFE . The medical device may further comprise a first membrane positioned at a proximal end of the coil and a second membrane positioned at a distal end of the coil .

In some embodiments , this may result in improved occlusion of the vessel .

The first membrane , or the second membrane , or both the first membrane and the second membrane may be made from PTFE .

The medical device may comprises a control shaft attached to the coil stopper for longitudinally moving the coil stopper relative to the first elongate member .

In some embodiments , this may allow for more controlled expansion of the coil and therefore allow the medical device to be used for treating a range of di f ferent vessel diameters .

The first elongate member may be positioned within the control shaft or the control shaft may be positioned within the first elongate member .

The one or more coils may comprise a first coil and a second coil positioned proximally of the first coil .

In some embodiments , this may provide for better occlusion of the vessel . In some embodiments , this may further allow a section of the vessel to be isolated .

The medical device may further comprise a radiopaque marker or ultrasound marker positioned at a distal end of each of the one or more coils .

In some embodiments , this may allow for more accurate positioning of the medical device . The medical device may be configured to be removably attached to a catheter .

Brief Description of the Drawings

To enable better understanding of the present disclosure , and to show how the same may be carried into ef fect , reference will now be made , by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings , in which :

FIG . 1 shows a device for blocking and collapsing a blood vessel according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure .

FIGS . 2A to 2 F illustrate a method of using the device of FIG . 1 to block and collapse a vein .

FIGS . 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an expandable plug of the device of FIG . 1 in a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration .

FIGS . 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of the expandable plug of the device of FIG . 1 in a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration .

FIGS . 5A to 5C show a cross-sectional view of the expandable plug of FIGS . 4A and 4B in the radially expanded configuration, during the collapsing step, and in the radially collapsed configuration .

FIGS . 6A to 6C show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of an expandable plug of the device of FIG . 1 in the radially expanded configuration, during the collapsing step, and in the radially collapsed configuration .

FIGS . 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment of a detachment mechanism for detaching the expandable plug of the device o f FIG . 1 .

FIGS . 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of a detachment mechanism for detaching the expandable plug of the device o f FIG . 1 .

FIGS . 9A and 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism of FIG . 8A and 8B .

FIGS . 10A to 10G show another device for blocking a vessel according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure , and illustrate a method of using the device to block a vessel .

FIGS . 11A and 11B show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the locking element of the device of FIGS . 10A to 10G in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration .

FIGS . 12A and 12B show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the locking element of the device of FIGS . 10A to 10G in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration .

FIGS . I SA and 13B show cross-sectional views of the locking element of FIGS . 12A and 12B and a locking shaft in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration . FIGS . 14A to 14C show another device for blocking a vessel in a radially contracted configuration and a radially expanded configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure .

FIGS . 15A and 15B show another device for blocking a vessel in a radially contracted conf iguration and a radially expanded configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure .

Detailed Description

FIG . 1 shows a medical device 100 for blocking blood flow through a blood vessel and collapsing a blood vessel . The medical device includes a first catheter 110 and a first plug 120 positioned at a distal end of the first catheter 110 , with the first plug 120 being detachable from the first catheter 110 . The medical device 100 further includes a second catheter 130 and a second plug 140 positioned at the distal end of the second catheter 130 , with the second plug 140 being detachable from the second catheter 130 . The first plug 120 is expandable and may have a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration . In the radially expanded configuration, the radial extent of the first plug is greater than in the radially collapsed configuration . The second plug 140 may also be expandable and may similarly have a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration .

The first catheter 110 and first plug 120 are longitudinally moveable relative to the second catheter 130 and second plug 140 . The first catheter 110 may be positioned within a lumen of the second catheter 130 and may be longitudinally moveable therein . The first catheter 110 has a suction lumen 111 for aspirating a blood vessel . The first catheter 110 may further comprise a rigid ring 150 positioned at a distal end of the first catheter 110 proximal of the first plug 120 . The rigid ring 150 may provide structural stability to the distal end of the first catheter 110 to prevent the first catheter 110 and the suction lumen 111 from collapsing during aspiration of a blood vessel . The rigid ring 150 may further be made from a radiopaque material , such as platinum-iridium, gold or tantalum, for example . This allows the distal end of the first catheter 110 to be detected and viewed under fluoroscopy to allow for accurate positioning of the medical device 100 in the blood vessel . A vacuum pump (not shown) may be connected to the proximal end of the suction lumen 111 and may provide negative pressure or a vacuum to the suction lumen 111 to allow the suction lumen 111 to aspirate a blood vessel .

The first expandable plug 120 may comprise , for example , an inflatable balloon with a one-way valve , a compressible material which expands radially when compressed longitudinally, a sel f-expanding mesh, or a plurality o f expanding rings with a membranes . The second plug 140 may also be expandable and comprise , for example , an inflatable balloon with a one-way valve , a compressible material which expands radially when compressed longitudinally, a sel fexpanding mesh, or a plurality of expanding rings with membranes . In some embodiments , the second plug 140 may be non-expandable . The first plug 120 and the second plug 140 may be made from a bioresorbable material which can degrade and be absorbed into the tissue of a patient over time . Examples of suitable bioresorbable materials include Poly ( 4- Hydroxybutyrate ) ( P4BH) or Poly ( lactic-co-glycolic acid) ( PLGA) .

FIGS . 2A to 2 F illustrate a method of using the medical device 100 to collapse a blood vessel and block the flow o f fluid through the blood vessel . In the exemplary method illustrated in FIGS . 2A to 2 F, the blood vessel is a vein V and the medical device 100 may be used to treat a varicose vein, for example . However, the medical device 100 may similarly be used to treat an artery .

Firstly, an access site to the vein V is created and the medical device 100 is inserted into the vein V through the access site . As shown in FIG . 2A, the medical device 100 i s then advanced through the vein V to a treatment site where the vein V is to be collapsed and the flow of blood through the vein V is to be blocked . During advancement of the medical device 100 through the vein V, the first catheter 110 and the second catheter 130 may be advanced together and the first plug 120 and the second plug 140 may be in the radially contracted configuration . This allows for easier navigation and advancement of the medical device 100 through the vein V .

Once the medical device 100 has reached the treatment site , the first plug 120 is expanded from the radially collapsed configuration to the radially expanded configuration such that it contacts the wall of the vein V and forms a seal with the wall of the vein V, as shown in FIG . 2B .

The second plug 140 is then positioned at the other end o f the treatment site by moving the second catheter 130 relative to the first catheter 110 . Once the second plug 140 is positioned at the desired position, the second plug 140 may be expanded from the radially collapsed configuration to the radially expanded configuration such that it engages the wall of the vein V and forms a seal therewith . As shown in FIG . 2C, the first catheter 140 is then detached from the first plug 120 and retracted such that the distal end of the first catheter 110 is positioned j ust distally of the second plug 140 . In some embodiments , the second plug 140 may be nonexpandable and provide a seal with the wall of the vein V when the aspiration through the suction lumen 111 and the reduced pressure in the vein V causes the diameter of the vein V to reduce . As shown in FIG . 2D, the contents of the vein V between the first plug 120 and the second plug 140 are then aspirated through the suction lumen 111 of the first catheter 110 . This may be achieved by turning on the vacuum pump which may be connected to a proximal end of the suction lumen 111 and which creates a vacuum or negative pressure in the suction lumen 111 which causes the blood in the vein V to be aspirated through the suction lumen 111 . The reduction in pressure further causes the section of the vein V between the first plug 120 and the second plug 140 to collapse .

Once the content of the vein between the two plugs 120 , 140 has been aspirated and the section of the vein V has collapsed, the first catheter 110 is withdrawn proximally through the second plug 140 , as shown in FIG . 2E . The external pressure on the second plug 140 causes the second plug 140 to collapse and sel f-seal the opening through which the first catheter 110 passes .

As shown in FIG . 2 F, the second catheter 130 is then detached from the second plug 140 . The first catheter 110 and the second catheter 130 are then withdrawn proximally from the vein V whilst the first plug 120 and the second plug 140 remain in the vein V . The first plug 120 and second plug 140 prevent any blood flow from flowing through the vein V, resulting in the blood flow being rerouted to nearby healthy veins instead . Over time , the vein V will die and the first plug 120 and second plug 140 , being made from a bioresorbable material , will degrade and be absorbed into the patient ' s body .

The medical device 100 therefore provides an ef fective way to collapse and block a blood vessel and avoids the use of chemical or thermal treatments .

FIGS . 3A and 3B show one embodiment of the first plug 120 of medical device 100 of FIG . 1 in the radially collapsed configuration and the radially expanded configuration, respectively .

The first plug 120 may comprise a compressible material 121 sandwiched between a proximal plate 122 and a distal plate 123 . The compressible material may include , for example , P4BH or PLGA. The proximal plate 122 and distal plate 123 may be positioned on opposite sides of the compressible material 121 and longitudinally moveable relative to each other to move the first plug 120 between the radially collapsed configuration, shown in FIG . 3A, an the radially expanded configuration, shown in FIG . 3B, via a screw mechanism . To allow this , the medical device 100 may comprise an elongate shaft 125 positioned within the suction lumen 111 of the first catheter 110 , the elongate shaft 125 having a screw 124 disposed at its distal end . The screw 124 may be rotatably attached to the distal plate 123 and in threaded engagement with the proximal plate 122 . In order to move the first plug 120 from the radially collapsed configuration of FIG . 3A to the radially expanded configuration of FIG . 3B, the elongate shaft 125 is rotated in a first direction, which causes the distal plate 123 and the proximal plate 122 to move longitudinally closer together and longitudinally compress the compressible material 121 . This results in the compressible material 121 expanding radially outwards , as shown in FIG . 3B and the first plug 120 to move to the radially expanded configuration . The first catheter 110 may be detachable from the first plug 120 , as explained with reference to FIGS . 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B below . Furthermore , the elongate shaft 125 may be detachable from the screw 124 to allow the first plug 120 to remain in the body of a patient .

The second plug 140 may also comprise a compressible material positioned between a proximal plate and a distal plate similar to the one shown in FIG . 3A and 3B for first plug FIGS . 4A and 4B show a di f ferent embodiment of a first plug 120 ' of medical device 100 of FIG . 1 in the radially collapsed configuration and the radially expanded configuration, respectively .

The first plug 120 ' comprises a plurality of longitudinally arranged expandable outer rings 222A-F and a plurality of membranes 223A-F . Each of the plurality of membranes 223A-F is connected to a radial inside of a respective expandable ring 222A-F . For example , a first membrane 223A is connected to a first expandable ring 222A, a second membrane 223B is connected to a second expandable ring 222B, a third membrane 223C is connected to a third expandable ring 222C, etc . The first plug 120 ' may further comprise a central shaft 221 to which the plurality of membranes 222A-F are attached . The plurality of expandable outer rings 222A-F may be sel fexpanding and made from a shape-memory material such as nitinol . The shape of the plurality of expandable rings 222A- F may be heat-set such that the expandable rings 222A-F expand from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration when they are introduced into blood vessel , due to the increase in temperature . The plurality o f membranes 223A-F may be made from a number of suitable materials which can block the flow of blood through a blood vessel such as , for example , PTFE , PEEK, Polyurethane , Silicone , or woven/ knitted polyester fabrics .

In the radially collapsed configuration of the first plug 120 ' shown in FIG . 4A, the plurality of expandable rings 222A-F are folded such that they have a smaller radial extent . For example , the plurality of expandable rings 222A-F may be folded to have a star shape ( as shown in FIGS 5A-C ) . Once the medical device 100 including the first plug 120 ' is introduced into a blood vessel of a patient , such as vein V, the plurality of rings 222A-F expand from the folded starshape to the non- folded circular shape , thereby resulting in the first plug 120 ' moving from the radially collapsed configuration to the radially expanded configuration, shown in FIG . 4B . In the radially expanded configuration, the plurality of expandable rings 222A-F come into contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel and the plurality of membranes 223A-F block the flow of blood through the blood vessel . The first plug 120 ' may comprise any suitable number of expandable rings and membranes , for example , in the range of 2 to 30 expandable rings and membranes .

FIGS 5A to 5C show axial cross-sectional views of the first plug 120 ' . FIG . 5A shows the first plug 120 ' in the radially expanded configuration whereas FIG . 5C shows the first plug 120 ' in the radially contracted configuration .

In the radially expanded configuration of FIG . 5A, the expandable ring 222 is in a non- folded substantially circular shape . The membrane 223 is attached to a radial inside of the expandable ring 222 and the central shaft 221 of the centre of the first plug 120 ' . The expandable ring 222 may have a wavy or ribbed shape to better engage the wall of the blood vessel and reduce the risk of migration .

In order to move the first plug 120 ' from the radially expanded configuration to the radially collapsed configuration, the expandable ring 222 may be folded . For example , circumferential points of the expandable ring 222 may be folded radially inwards to form a star-shape , as shown in FIG . 5B . I f the points are further folded radially inwards , the star shape becomes smaller and the radial extent of the first plug 120 ' reduces such that the first plug is in the radially collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG . 5C .

The second plug 140 may also comprise a plurality of longitudinally arranged expandable rings having membranes , similar to the one shown in FIGS . 4A, 4B and 5A to 5C . FIGS. 6A to 6C show axial cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a first plug 120' ' . The first plug 120' ’ comprises a self-expanding mesh 224 and a membrane connected to the central shaft 221. The self-expanding mesh 224 may be made from a shape memory material such as nitinol. The membrane 224 may be made from a number of suitable materials such as PTFE, PEEK, Polyurethane, Silicone, or woven/knitted polyester fabrics, for example.

FIG. 6A shows the first plug 120' ’ in the radially expanded configuration where the self-expanding mesh 224 is fully expanded and forms a substantially circular shape. The membrane 225 may be positioned within the self-expanding mesh 224 and may also be fully expanded and have a substantially circular shape. In the radially expanded configuration, the self-expanding mesh 224 comes into contact with an inner wall of the blood vessel whilst the membrane 225 blocks the fluid flow through the blood vessel.

The self-expanding mesh 224 together with the membrane 225 may be folded to move the first plug 120' ’ from the radially expanded configuration to the radially collapsed configuration. For example, circumferential points on the outside of the self-expanding mesh 224 may be folded radially inwards to form a star-shape, as shown in FIG. 6B . If these points are folded further radially inwards, the radial extent of the first plug 120' ’ is reduced and the first plug 120' ’ moves into the radially collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 6C.

The second plug 140 may also comprise a self-expanding mesh and membrane similar to the one shown in FIG. 6A to 6C.

FIG. 7A and 7B show a detachment mechanism for detaching the first plug 120 from the first catheter 110. The detachment mechanism may be in the form of a screw mechanism 160. The first catheter 110 may have a male screw thread 161 at a distal end of the first catheter 110 and the first plug 120 may have a female screw thread 162 for engaging with the male screw thread 161 of the first catheter 110 .

FIG . 7A shows the first catheter 110 attached to the first plug 120 . In order to detach the first plug 120 from the first catheter 110 , the first catheter 110 may be rotated in a first direction to disengage the male thread 161 from the female thread 162 . FIG . 7B shows the first catheter 110 detached from the first plug 120 .

The second plug 140 may also be attached to the second catheter 130 via a screw mechanism 160 , and detachable by rotating the second catheter 130 relative to the second plug 140 .

FIG . 8A and 8B show another embodiment of a detachment mechanism for detaching the first plug 120 from the first catheter 110 . The detachment mechanism may be in the form of a locking tab mechanism 170 . The first catheter 110 may comprise a number of locking tabs 171 positioned at a distal end of the first catheter 110 and extending radially outwardly . The first plug 120 may comprise a corresponding number of locking tabs 172 extending radially inwardly for engaging the locking tabs 171 on the first catheter 110 .

FIG . 8A shows the first catheter 110 attached to the first plug 120 . In order to detach the first plug 120 from the first catheter 110 , the first catheter 110 may be rotated in a first direction to disengage the locking tabs 171 of the first catheter from the locking tabs 172 of the first plug 120 . FIG . 8B shows the first plug 120 detached from the first catheter 110 .

The second plug 140 may also be attached to the second catheter 130 via a locking tab mechanism 170 , and detachable by rotating the second catheter 130 relative to the second plug 140 .

FIG . 9A shows an axial cross-sectional view of the locking tab mechanism 170 in the locked configuration of FIG . 8A. As can be seen in FIG . 9A, the first catheter 110 comprises four locking tabs 171A-D and the first plug 120 comprises four corresponding locking tabs 172A-D . In the locked configuration, the locking tabs 171A-D of the first catheter overlap and engage with the locking tabs 172A-D of the first plug 120 to lock the first plug 120 to the first catheter 110 .

FIG . 9B shows an axial cross-sectional view of the locking tab mechanism 170 in the unlocked configuration of FIG . 8B . When the first catheter 110 is rotated, the locking tabs 171A-D are rotated relative to the locking tabs 172A-D such that they do not overlap and not engage each other, as shown in FIG . 9B . The first plug 120 may then be detached from the first catheter 110 .

FIG . 10A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a medical device 300 for blocking fluid flow through a vessel , such as a blood vessel . The medical device 300 comprises an elongate member 310 , a plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 positioned around the elongate member 310 . The plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 are fixed to a distal end of the elongate member 310 , for example , via a distal cap 330 . The medical device 300 further comprises a plurality o f locking elements 340a-c which are longitudinally moveable and have a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration . In the unlocked configuration, the locking elements 340a-c are longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate member 310 and the plurality of fibers 320 . In the locked configuration, the locking elements 340a-c are locked to the plurality of fibers 320 but can move relative to the elongate member 310 to move the plurality of fibers 320 relative to the elongate member 310 .

The medical device 300 may comprise any suitable number of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 , for example , in the range of 2 to 30 fibers . The plurality of fibers may be made from a number of suitable materials , such as nitinol , stainles s steel or a polymer, for example . The plurality of fibers 320 may be fixed to the distal end o f elongate member 310 with distal cap 330 . Alternatively, a fixed ring, a crimp, or weld may be used, for example , to fix the plurality of fibers 320 to the elongate member 310 . The distal cap 310 may have a rounded or atraumatic end to minimise damage to the vessel wall during introduction of the medical device 300 into a vessel . The elongate member 310 may be a wire or a shaft and may be flexible .

The medical device 300 may be detachably connected to a catheter 10 via a connector 370 . A proximal end of the plurality of fibers 320 may be fixed to the connector 370 . The connector 370 may be a screw mechanism, for example , and allow the medical device to 300 be detached from the catheter 10 by rotation of the catheter 10 . The elongate member 310 may extend through the connector 370 and along the length of the catheter 10 to a proximal end of the catheter 10 . The elongate member 370 may be longitudinally moveable relative to the connector 370 . The elongate member 310 may comprise a distal section 311 and a proximal section 312 which may be detachable from each other through a detachment mechanism 313 , which may include a screw mechanism, a locking tab mechanism or a magnetic mechanism, for example . The detachment mechanism 313 may be positioned proximally o f connector 370 .

FIG . 10A shows three locking elements 340a, 340b, and 340c . However, the medical device 300 may comprise any suitable number of locking elements , for example , in the range of 2 to 10 locking elements . Each of the locking elements 340a-c may be individually longitudinally moveable and individually moveable between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration . Each of the locking elements 340a-c may be in the form of a locking ring which is positioned around the elongate member 310 and the plurality of fibers 320 .

The medical device may further comprise a locking shaft 350 which is positioned around the elongate member 310 and the plurality of fibers 320 and longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate shaft 310 and plurality of fibers 320 . The locking shaft 350 may be configured to engage the locking elements 340a-c to move them longitudinally relative to the elongate member 310 as well as move the locking elements 340a-c between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration, for example , by rotating the locking elements 34 Oa-c .

FIGS . 10A to 10G illustrate a method of using the medical device 300 to block fluid flow through a vessel at a treatment site . In the exemplary method illustrated in FIGS . 10A to 10G, the blood vessel is an artery A. However, the medical device 100 may similarly be used to treat a vein .

Firstly, an access site into the artery A is created . The medical device 300 of FIG . 10A is then inserted into the artery A through the access site and advanced to the treatment site . The medical device 300 may be connected to the catheter 10 during introduction and advancement of the medical device 300 through the artery A.

As shown in FIG . 10B, once the medical device 300 is positioned at the treatment site , the locking shaft 350 is moved to engage the first locking element 340a and push it longitudinally along the elongate member 310 and longitudinally arranged fibers 320 . The first locking element 340a may be in the unlocked configuration and therefore longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate member 310 and the longitudinally arranged fibers 210 .

As shown in FIG . 10C, the locking shaft 350 may then engage the first locking element 340a and rotate it to move it from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration . In the locked configuration, the first locking element 340a may be longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate member 310 but locked to the longitudinally arranged fibers 320 such that longitudinal movement of the first locking element 340a moves the longitudinally arranged fibers 320 relative to the flexible elongate member 310 .

As shown in FIG . 10D, the locking shaft 350 then moves the first locking element 340a in the locked configuration further distally relative to the elongate member 310 . The elongate member 310 may be held in position at a proximal end by a physician, for example . This causes the longitudinally arranged fibers 320 to move distally relative to the elongate member 350 . The longitudinally arranged fibers 320 between the distal cap 330 and the first locking element 340a become bunched up and form a first emboli zation element 321 . The first emboli zation structure 321 contacts the inner wall of the artery A and restricts the flow of blood through the artery A thus causing the blood to clot and form an embolus which blocks the flow of blood through the vessel .

The method can then be repeated for the second locking element 340b and the third locking element 340c . In other words , the second locking element 340b can be advanced distally to a desired position and moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration by rotation via the locking shaft 350 . The third locking element 340c can then be advanced distally, moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration by rotation via the locking shaft 350 and then further advanced distally to form a second emboli zation structure 322 between the second locking element 340b and the third locking element 340c, as shown in FIG . 10F . The second emboli zation structure 322 further restricts the flow of blood through the vessel and improves migration resistance of the medical device 300 .

The medical device 300 may then be detached from the catheter 10 and left in the artery A as an implant , as shown in FIG . 10G . In order to do that , the catheter 10 may be rotated to disconnect it from the connector 370 which may have a screw mechanism . The distal section 311 of elongate member 310 may similarly be disconnected from the proximal section 312 via detachment mechanism 313 which may include a screw mechanism, locking tab mechanism or magnetic mechanism . The proximal section 312 may then be retracted together with catheter 10 whilst the distal section 311 remains in the vein V as part of medical device 300 .

The medical device 300 therefore provides an improved device for blocking the flow of blood through a vessel . The position and si ze of the emboli zation structures 321 , 322 can be accurately controlled via movement of the locking elements 340a, 340b, 340c, which allows the medical device 300 to be used in a range of vessels having di f ferent diameters . The medical device 300 could also be used to form a third emboli zation structure between the first locking structure 340a and the second locking structure 340b, which would further improve the blocking of blood flow through the vessel as well as improve migration resistance . The medical device 300 may also be used to isolate a certain section of a blood vessel between the first emboli zation structure 321 and the second emboli zation structure 322 . For example , the medical device 300 could be used in a vein to isolate a section of a varicose vein and block the flow of blood through that section of the vein . The blood will then be rerouted to nearby healthy veins and the varicose vein will die over time . I f the medical device 300 comprises more than three locking elements 340 , then a greater number of emboli zation structures could be formed resulting in improved blocking of fluid flow through the vessel and improved migration resistance .

FIG . 11A shows an axial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a locking element 340 ' . This locking element 340 ' may be the same locking element as any of the first , second and third locking elements 340a-c of the medical device 300 .

The locking element 340 ' may be in the form of a locking ring having a central aperture . The central aperture may be defined by a radial inner surface of the locking ring 340 ' . The radial inner surface may comprise longitudinally extending grooves or ridges 343 forming a substantially starshaped cross section . The elongate member 310 and the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 extend through the central aperture of the locking ring 340 ' . The number of grooves or ridges 343 corresponds to the number of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 , such that each of the grooves or ridges 343 accommodates one of the plurality of longitudinal fibers 320 . Rotation of the locking ring 341 therefore results in corresponding rotation of the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 , as shown in FIG . 11B , thereby locking the locking ring 340 ' to the plurality o f longitudinal fibers 320 in the locked configuration .

A radial outer surface of the locking ring may comprise locking features 341 , 342 for engaging corresponding locking features on the locking shaft which allows the locking element 340 ' to be moved longitudinally and rotated . The locking features 341 , 342 may comprise a first locking feature 341 and a second locking feature 342 positioned on opposite sides of the locking ring 341 . Each of the first locking feature 341 and the second locking feature 342 may be a protrusion which extends radially outward and longitudinally from the locking ring 340 ' and may be wedge- shaped .

FIG . 12A shows an axial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a locking element 340 ' ’ . This locking element 340 ' ’ may be the same locking element as any of the first , second or third locking elements 340a-c of the medical device 300 .

The locking element 340 ' ' is simi lar to locking element 340 ' and may also be in the form of a locking ring . The radial outer surface may also comprise a first locking feature 341 and a second locking feature 342 which are the same as for locking element 340 ' .

The locking element 340 ' ' comprises a central hole 344 through which the elongate member 310 passes through and a plurality of holes 345 which are circumferentially arranged around the central hole 344 . Each of the plurality of circumferentially arranged holes 345 accommodates one of the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 . When the locking element 340 ' ' is rotated to move it from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, as shown in FIG . 12B, the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers 320 rotate together with the locking ring 340 to thereby lock the plurality of fibers 320 to the locking ring 340 ' ' .

FIGS . 13A and 13B show an axial cross sectional view of locking element 340 ' ’ and locking shaft 350 in the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration, respectively . The locking shaft 350 comprises a lumen and locking features 351 , 351 which extend radially inwardly from the shaft into the lumen . The locking features 351 , 352 are configured to engage the corresponding locking features 341 , 342 on the locking element 340 . The locking features 351 , 352 on the locking shaft 350 may comprise a first locking feature 351 and a second locking feature 352 positioned on opposite sides o f the locking shaft 350 . The first locking feature 351 and the second locking feature 352 may extend longitudinally and radially inwards and may be wedge-shaped .

In order to longitudinally move the locking element 340 ' ’ with the locking shaft 350 , the locking shaft 350 is positioned so that the first and second locking features 351 , 352 longitudinally engage the first and second locking features 341 , 342 so that the locking shaft can push the locking element 340 ' ’ distally .

In order to rotate the locking element 340 ' ’ with the locking shaft 350 and thereby move the locking element 340 ' ’ between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration, the locking shaft 350 is positioned so that the first and second locking elements 351 , 352 are positioned between the first and second locking elements 341 , 342 of the locking element 340 ' ’ and longitudinally aligned . This is shown in FIG . 13A.

The locking shaft 350 may then be rotated . This causes the radial surfaces of the first and second locking elements 351 , 352 to engage the radial surfaces of the first and second locking elements 341 , 342 of the locking ring 340 ' ’ to thereby rotate the locking ring 340 ' ’ . The same method may be used to longitudinally move and rotate the locking ring 340 ' .

FIGS . 14A to 14C show another embodiment of a medical device 400 for blocking fluid flow through a vessel , for example , blood flow through a blood vessel . The medical device comprises an elongate member 410 and a coil 420 positioned around the elongate member 410 . A first end of the coil 420 , which may be a distal end, is fixed to the elongate member 410 with a first coil stopper 430 . A second end of the coil 420 , which may be a proximal end, is attached to a second coil stopper 440 which is longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate member 410 . The coil 420 has a radially contracted configuration ( shown in FIG . 14A) and a radially expanded configuration ( shown in FIG . 14B and C ) .

The coil 420 may be in the form of a fibre of wire wrapped around the elongate member 410 and may be made from a number of suitable materials including nitinol , stainless steel or a polymer . The coil 420 may be covered with a coating or a membrane . The coating may comprise a blood coagulant and the membrane may be a membrane made from PTFE , PEEK, Polyurethane , Silicone , or woven/ knitted polyester fabrics , for example , which results in more ef fective blocking of blood through the vessel . When the coil 420 is longitudinally compressed, it is configured to expand radially, thereby moving from the radially contracted configuration to the radially expanded configuration . A control shaft 450 may be attached to the second coil stopper 440 to allow the second coil stop 440 to be moved longitudinally . The first coil stopper 430 and the second coil stopper 440 may comprise a radiopaque or echogenic material such as platinum-iridium, gold or tantalum, for example . The medical device 400 may be connected to a catheter 10 with a connection element 460 and may be detachable from the catheter 10 , for example , via a screw mechanism .

The medical device 400 may further comprise a first membrane 431 positioned at the distal end of the coil 420 , for example , by being attached to the first coil stopper 430 . The medical device 400 may further comprise a second membrane 441 positioned at the proximal end of the coil , for example , by being attached to the second coil stopper 440 . The first membrane and the second membrane 431 , 441 may be made from a number of suitable materials such as PTFE , PEEK, Polyurethane , Silicone , or woven/ knitted polyester fabrics , for example . The first and second membrane 431 , 441 may help to better restrict or block the flow of blood through the vessel . The medical device 400 may be introduced into a blood vessel , such as an artery or a vein, for example , through an acces s site and may then be advanced through the blood vessel to the treatment site . During introduction and advancement of the medical device 400 , the coil 420 may be in the radially contracted configuration, as shown in FIG . 14A.

Once the medical device 400 is positioned at the treatment site , the second coil stopper 440 is moved distally via the control shaft 450 . This may result in the coil 420 being compressed longitudinally and expanding radially from the radially contracted configuration to the radially expanded configuration, as shown in FIG . 14B . In the radially expanded configuration, the coil 420 may contact the inside wall of the blood vessel and cause occlusion of the blood vessel and blocking of blood flow through the vessel .

Once the medical device 400 is positioned in the vessel with the coil 420 in the radially expanded configuration, the control shaft 450 can be detached from the second coi l stopper 440 , for example , via a screw mechanism by rotation of the control shaft 450 . The catheter 10 may then be detached from the medical device 400 , for example , via a screw mechanism in connection element 460 by rotation of the catheter 10 .

The catheter 10 and the control shaft 450 may then be retracted, leaving the medical device 400 in the patient as an implant to block the flow of blood through the blood vessel , as shown in FIG . 14C .

The medical device 400 therefore allows the amount of radial expansion of the coil 420 to be accurately controlled via longitudinal movement of the second coil stopper 440 via the control shaft 550 and allow the medical device 400 to be utili zed in a range of di f ferent diameter blood vessels . Furthermore , the radiopaque materials in the coil stoppers 430 , 440 allow accurate positioning of the medical device 400 within a blood vessel . The first and second membranes 431 , 441 further help to ef fectively block the flow of blood through the blood vessel .

FIG . 15A and FIG . 15B illustrate another embodiment of a medical device 500 for insertion into and blocking of fluid flow through a vessel , such as a blood vessel .

The medical device 500 is similar to medical device 400 but it comprises two coils , a proximal coil 520a and a distal coil 520b positioned on the same elongate member 510 . The proximal coil 520a is fixed to the elongate member 510 with a first coil stopper 530a and the distal coil 520b is fixed to the elongate member with a first coil stopper 530b . A control shaft 550 is longitudinally moveable within the elongate member 510 and connected to a second coil stopper 540a of the proximal coil 520a and a second coil stopper 540b of the distal coil 520b . Longitudinal movement of the control shaft 550 can move the proximal and distal coils 520a, 520b from a radially contracted configuration, shown in FIG . 15A, to a radially expanded configuration shown in FIG . 15B . The medical device 500 may further comprise membranes 531a, 541a, 531b, 541b, which may be made from PTFE , positioned at each of the coil stoppers , similar to medical device 400 . The medical device 500 may also include a connection element 560 for connecting to a catheter 10 . The proximal and distal coils 520a, 520b and the coil stoppers 530a, 530b, 540a, 540b may be made from the same materials as coil 420 and coil stoppers 430 , 440 of medical device 400 .

By having multiple coils , the medical device 500 may more ef fectively block the flow of blood through the blood vessel as well as improve the migration resistance of the medical device 500 . Furthermore , the medical device 500 may be used to isolate a section of a blood vessel between the proximal coil 520a and the distal coil 520b . Various modi fications will be apparent to those skilled in the art .

The first catheter 110 may not be positioned within the second catheter 130 . Rather, the first catheter 110 and the second catheter 120 may be positioned side by side , for example .

The second catheter 130 may comprise a suction lumen instead of the first catheter 110 .

The first catheter 110 may not comprise the rigid ring 150 at its distal end . The rigid ring 150 may not be made from a radiopaque material but may be made from any suitable rigid material such as a polymer or metal , for example .

The second plug 140 may not be expandable .

The first plug 120 may comprise any one of a balloon with a one-way valve , a sel f-expanding mesh 224 with or without a membrane 225 , one or more expandable rings 222 with membranes 223 , or a compressible material 121 . Similarly, the second plug 140 may comprise any one of a balloon with a one-way valve , a sel f-expanding mesh 224 with or without a membrane 225 , one or more expandable rings 222 with membranes 223 , or a compressible material 121 .

The sel f-expanding mesh 224 may be made from any suitable material including shape memory materials such as nitinol , metals including stainless steel or polymers .

The sel f-expanding mesh 224 may not have a membrane 225 . Furthermore , multiple longitudinally arranged layers of sel fexpanding mesh 224 may be used to form the first plug 120 or the second plug 140 . The sel f-expanding mesh 224 is not limited to being folded into a star shape but may be folded into any suitable shape , for example , a plurality of petal shapes .

The outer expandable rings 222 may be made from any suitable material which can expand including shape memory materials such as nitinol , polymers or metals .

In the radially collapsed configuration, the outer expandable rings 222 may be folded to form any suitable shape including a star-shape or a plurality of petal shapes , for example .

The compressible materials 121 is not limited to being compressed between the proximal plate 122 and distal plate 123 with a screw mechanism but may, for example , be compressed via a hydraulic mechanism or a hand pulled ratchet mechanism .

The first plug 120 and second plug 130 may not be made from a bioresorbable material .

The longitudinally arranged fibers 320 of medical device 300 may comprise any suitable material including nitinol , metal s such as stainless steel or polymers .

The locking elements 340 are not limited to being moved between the unlocked and locked configuration by rotation . For example , the locking elements could also be moved to the locked configuration by compressing the locking elements 340 around the fibers 320 .

The connector 370 is not limited to a screw mechanism but may comprise any suitable mechanism including a locking tab mechanism or a magnetic mechanism .

The elongate member 310 may be a flexible or rigid elongate member . The first locking feature 431 and the second locking feature 342 of locking ring 340 ' and 340 ' ’ may be any type of suitable longitudinally arranged locking feature including a groove , a ridge or a protrusion .

The locking ring 340 ' and 341 ' ’ may comprise any suitable number of locking features , for example , in the range of 2 to 10 locking features .

The first locking feature 351 and the second locking feature 352 of the locking shaft 350 may be any type of suitable longitudinally arranged locking feature including a groove , a ridge or a protrusion .

The locking shaft 350 may comprise any suitable number o f locking features , for example , in the range of 2 to 10 locking features .

The medical device 400 may comprise more than one coil 420 . For example , the medical device 400 may comprise in the range of 1 to 10 coils .

The coil 420 may be made of any suitable material including nitinol , stainless steel or a polymer material , for example .

The medical device 400 may not comprise any membranes 431 , 441 .

The first coil stopper 430 and the second coil stopper 440 may not comprise a radiopaque or echogenic material . For example , a radiopaque or ultrasound marker be positioned separately on the medical device 400 near the distal end of the coil 420 . The connection element 460 is not limited to having a screw mechanism but may comprise any suitable mechanism including, for example , a locking tab mechanism or a magnetic mechanism .

All of the above are fully within the scope of the present disclosure and are considered to form the basis for alternative embodiments in which one or more combinations of the above-described features are applied, without limitation to the speci fic combination disclosed above .

In light of this , there will be many alternatives which implement the teaching of the present disclosure . It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modi fy and adapt the above disclosure to suit its own circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present disclosure , while retaining some or all technical ef fects of the same , either disclosed or derivable from the above , in light of his common general knowledge in this art . All such equivalents , modi fications or adaptations fall within the scope of the present disclosure .

Claims

Claims :

1 . A medical device for blocking and collapsing a blood vessel , comprising : a first catheter having a first plug positioned at a distal end thereof , wherein the first plug is an expandable plug and is detachable from the first catheter ; and a second catheter having a second plug positioned at a distal end thereof , wherein the second plug is detachable from the second catheter, wherein the first catheter is longitudinally moveable relative to the second catheter, and one of the first catheter or the second catheter comprises a suction lumen .

2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first catheter is positioned at least partially within the second catheter .

3 . The medical device of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first catheter comprises the suction lumen .

4 . The medical device of claim 3 , wherein the first catheter comprises a rigid ring at its distal end, proximally of the first plug .

5 . The medical device of claim 4 , wherein the rigid ring i s radiopaque .

6 . The medical device of any preceding claim, the first plug has a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration .

7 . The medical device of claim 6 , wherein the second plug is an expandable plug and has a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration .

8. The medical device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprises a self-expanding mesh.

9. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the selfexpanding mesh is made from a shape memory material.

10. The medical device of claim 9m wherein the selfexpanding mesh is made from nitinol.

11. The medical device of claim 9 or 10, wherein in the radially collapsed configuration, the self-expanding mesh is folded .

12. The medical device of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first expandable plug and/or second expandable plug further comprises a membrane.

13. The medical device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprises one or more outer expandable rings and one or more membranes attached to the one or more outer expandable rings.

14. The medical device of claim 13, wherein the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprises a plurality of outer expandable rings arranged longitudinally and a plurality of membranes attached to the expandable rings .

15. The medical device of any of claims 13 to 14, wherein the one or more outer expandable rings are self-expanding rings .

16. The medical device of claim 15, wherein the selfexpanding rings are made from a shape-memory material.

17 . The medical device of claim 16 , wherein the sel fexpanding rings are made from nitinol .

18 . The medical device of any of claims 13 to 17 , wherein, in the radially collapsed configuration, the one or more outer expandable rings are folded radially inwards to form a star shape .

19 . The medical device of claims 12 to 18 , wherein the membrane is made from PTFE .

20 . The medical device of claim 6 or 7 , wherein the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprise a compressible material .

21 . The medical device of claim 20 , wherein longitudinally compressing the compressible material moves the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug from the radially collapsed configuration to the radially expanded configuration .

22 . The medical device of claim 21 , wherein the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprises a proximal plate and a distal plate positioned on opposite sides of the compressible material and a screw mechanism for compressing the compressible material between the proximal plate and the distal plate .

23 . The medical device of claim 6 or 7 , wherein the first expandable plug and/or the second expandable plug comprises an inflatable balloon having a one-way valve .

24 . The medical device of any preceding claim, wherein the first plug and the second plug are made from a bioresorbable material .

25 . The medical device of any preceding claim, further comprising a vacuum pump connected to a proximal end of the suction lumen .

26 . The medical device of any preceding claim, comprising a first detachment mechanism between the first plug and the first catheter .

27 . The medical device of claim 26 , wherein the first detachment mechanism comprises a screw mechanism or a locking tab mechanism .

28 . The medical device of any preceding claim, comprising a second detachment mechanism between the second plug and the second catheter .

29 . The medical device of claim 28 , wherein the second detachment mechanism comprises a screw mechanism or a locking tab mechanism .

30 . A medical device for blocking fluid flow through a vessel , the medical device comprising : an elongate member ; a plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers positioned around the elongate member, the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers fixed to a distal end of the elongate member ; and one or more longitudinally moveable locking elements , each having an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein in the unlocked configuration the locking element is longitudinally moveable relative to the longitudinally arranged fibers , and in the locked configuration the locking element is locked to the longitudinally arranged fibers and configured to move the longitudinally arranged fibers relative to the flexible elongate member .

31 . The medical device of claim 30 , wherein the elongate member is a wire or a shaft .

32 . The medical device of claim 30 or 31 , wherein the longitudinally arranged fibers comprise nitinol .

33 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 32 , wherein the one or more locking elements are positioned around the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers .

34 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 33 , wherein the one or more locking elements are moved between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration by rotation .

35 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 34 , wherein the one or more locking elements each comprise a locking ring .

36 . The medical device of claim 35 , wherein the locking ring has an inner surface comprising longitudinally arranged grooves or ridges for engaging the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers .

37 . The medical device of claim 36 , wherein the locking ring comprises a plurality of holes for the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers to pass through .

38 . The medical device of claim 37 , wherein the locking ring comprises a central hole for the elongate member to pass through and the plurality of holes are circumferentially positioned around the central hole .

39 . The medical device of any of claims 35 to 38 , wherein the locking ring has an outer surface with longitudinally arranged locking features for engaging corresponding locking features on a locking shaft .

40 . The medical device of claim 39 , wherein the locking features comprise longitudinally arranged grooves , ridges or protrusions .

41 . The medical device of claim 40 , wherein the locking features comprise longitudinally arranged protrusions having a wedge-shape .

42 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 41 , further comprising a locking shaft having locking features for engaging the one or more locking elements .

43 . The medical device of claim 42 , wherein the locking shaft is positioned around the elongate member and the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers and longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate member and the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers .

44 . The medical device of claim 42 or 43 , wherein the locking features of the locking shaft are configured to engage corresponding locking features on the locking element to move the locking element longitudinally and rotate the locking element to move the locking element between the unlocked and locked configuration .

45 . The medical device of any of claims 42 to 44 , wherein the locking features of the locking shaft comprise radially inwardly extending grooves , ridges or protrusions .

46 . The medical device of any of claims 42 to 45 , wherein the locking features of the locking shaft comprise longitudinally arranged grooves , ridges or protrusions .

47 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 46 , wherein the medical device comprises in the range of 4 to 30 longitudinally arranged fibers .

48 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 47 , wherein the one or more locking elements comprise a first locking element and a second locking element positioned proximally of the first locking element .

49 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 48 , wherein the plurality of longitudinally arranged fibers are fixed to the elongate member with a fixed ring, a crimp, a weld or a distal cap .

50 . The medical device of any of claims 30 to 49 , wherein the medical device is configured to be removably attached to a catheter .

51 . The medical device of claim 50 , further comprising a screw mechanism at a proximal end for removably attaching to the catheter .

52 . The medical device of any of claims 25 to 41 , wherein the elongate member is a flexible elongate member .

53 . A medical device for blocking fluid flow through a vessel , the medical device comprising : an elongate member ; one or more coils positioned around the elongate member with a first end of each coil fixed relative to the elongate member ; and a coil stopper attached to a second end of each coil and moveable relative to the elongate member, wherein the one or more coils have a radially contracted configuration and a radially expanded configuration and wherein longitudinal movement of the coil stopper moves the coil between the radially contracted configuration and the radially expanded configuration .

54. The medical device of claim 53, wherein the first end is a distal end and the second end is a proximal end.

55. The medical device of claim 53 or 54, wherein each of the one or more coils comprises a wire or fibre wound around the elongate member.

56. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 55, wherein the one or more coils are made from nitinol, stainless steel or a polymer.

57. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 56, wherein each of the one or more coils is covered with a membrane.

58. The medical device of claim 57, wherein the membrane is made from PTFE.

59. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 58, wherein the medical device further comprises a first membrane positioned at a proximal end of the coil and a second membrane positioned at a distal end of the coil.

60. The medical device of claim 59, wherein the first membrane and/or the second membrane are made from PTFE.

61. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 60, the medical device comprises a control shaft attached to the coil stopper for longitudinally moving the coil stopper relative to the first elongate member.

62. The medical device of claim 61, wherein the first elongate member is positioned within the control shaft or the control shaft is positioned within the first elongate member.

63. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 62, wherein the one or more coils comprise a first coil and a second coil positioned proximally of the first coil.

64. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 63, further comprising a radiopaque marker or ultrasound marker positioned at a distal end of each of the one or more coils.

65. The medical device of any of claims 53 to 64, wherein the medical device is configured to be removably attached to a catheter.

66. The medical device of claim 65, further comprising a screw mechanism at a proximal end for removably attaching to the catheter.