WO2024067972A1

WO2024067972A1 - Grip for catheter or guidewire

Info

Publication number: WO2024067972A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/077131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno BAHNMUELLER; Fabian Haller
Original assignee: Straub Medical Ag
Priority date: 2022-09-29
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

A grip comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal axis (L) and having a front end (1) and a rear end (2), the elongated body comprising a first part (3) and a second part (4), the first part and the second part at least partially arranged in parallel to each other, wherein an elongated gap (5) is formed between the first part and the second part, the elongated gap extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis between the front end and the rear end and being open to a transverse direction for at least partially receiving the catheter and/or the guidewire in the elongated gap between the first part and the second part, the transverse direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part comprises at least one elastic portion (6).

Description

GRIP FOR CATHETER OR GUIDEWIRE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a grip for, for example , holding and manipulating, a tube-like or wire-like device in the medical field, for example , a catheter or a guidewire . The present disclosure also relates to a catheter assembly, to a guidewire system, and to a thrombectomy or atherectomy system .

BACKGROUND

So far, catheters or guidewires are held or manipulated directly by hand by a physician . Catheters with smaller dimensions (< 6F/2 mm) are more di f ficult to handle , especially i f a higher push force is needed for advancing the catheter into the patient during a treatment . In some cases , the physician may pinch their fingernails into the catheter tube to have a better grip and, thus , control , which then could damage the catheter . This particularly applies in case the catheter is prone to collapse due to radial forces .

In order to cope with the above-mentioned drawbacks , grips or grip devices for holding or manipulating catheters or guidewires have been proposed . However, often, the design of such devices is complicated and the devices themselves are di f ficult to handle , in particular, one-handed, i . e . with a single hand . For example , a conventional grip for a catheter or guidewire comprises a cylindrical elongated body, wherein a through-hole or channel , that extends through the grip along the longitudinal axis of the grip, is formed in the grip . In such device , the grip needs to be threaded onto the catheter or guidewire first , i . e . , the catheter or the guidewire needs to be inserted through the through-hole or the channel of the grip, in order for the grip to enclose a portion of the catheter or guidewire , such that the catheter or guidewire can be held or manipulated by means of the grip . This operation is complicated and cannot be performed one-handed .

Hence , in view of the above problems , there is a need to improve conventional grip devices for holding and/or manipulating catheters or guidewires , or, more generally, any other tube-like or wire-like devices in the medical field .

SUMMARY

Therefore , it is an obj ect of the present disclosure to provide a grip for a catheter and/or a guidewire , that supports secure handling of the catheter or the guidewire , while having a simple design and being easy to handle .

The above-described problem is solved by the grip according to claim 1 . The above-described problem is also solved by the grip according to claim 11 . Moreover, the above-described problem is solved by the catheter assembly according to claim 19 , the guidewire system according to claim 20 , and the thrombectomy or atherectomy system according to claim 21 . Preferred embodiments and optional features are defined in the dependent claims .

According to a first aspect of the disclosure , a grip for, for example , holding and/or manipulating, a catheter and/or a guidewire , comprises an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and having, along the longitudinal axis , a front end and a rear end . The elongated body comprises a first part and a second part , each first and second part extending along the longitudinal axis , for example at least partially, between the front end and the rear end, the first part and the second part , for example at least partially, arranged in parallel to each other . An elongated gap is formed between the first part and the second part , the elongated gap extending, for example at least partially, along the longitudinal axis between the front end and the rear end and being open to a transverse direction for, for example at least partially, receiving the catheter and/or the guidewire in the elongated gap between the first part and the second part , the transverse direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body . At least one of the first part and the second part comprises at least one elastic portion connecting the at least one of the first part and the second part to the front end and/or the rear end and allowing the at least one of the first part and the second part to move towards the respective other one of the first part and the second part by way of deformation of the at least one elastic portion, and to thereby reduce a dimension of the elongated gap between the first part and the second part , such that the grip is configured to thereby clamp, for example frictionally clamp, the catheter and/or the guidewire between the first part and the second part .

Since at least one of the first part and the second part comprises the at least one elastic portion connecting the at least one of the first part and the second part to the front end and/or the rear end and allowing the at least one of the first part and the second part to move towards the respective other one of the first part and the second part by way of deformation of the at least one elastic portion, and to thereby reduce a dimension of the elongated gap between the first part and the second part , such that the grip is configured to thereby clamp the catheter and/or the guidewire between the first part and the second part , the catheter or the guidewire can be securely held and/or fixed, e . g . , clamped, between the first part and the second part . This allows for secure handling of the catheter or the guidewire . Furthermore , since the catheter or the guidewire can be securely held by means of the grip by simply moving, for example , pushing, the first part and the second part against each other, for example , by exerting a pushing force , the grip has a simple design and is easy to handle , especially one- handed . Upon releasing the pushing force , the grip and the catheter or the guidewire can be moved against each other in the longitudinal direction or the grip and the catheter or the guidewire can be moved against each other rotatably . In the above context , secure holding or secure handling by clamping the catheter or the guidewire between the first part and the second part may mean that the catheter or guidewire is fixed between the first part and the second part of the elongated body such that the catheter or guidewire can neither move translationally nor rotatably with respect to the grip . Such fixing can be reali zed, for example , by friction fit between the catheter or the guidewire and the first part and the second part of the grip . With this configuration, an operator can securely manipulate the catheter or guidewire by means of the grip .

Moreover, since the elongated gap is formed between the first part and the second part , and the elongated gap is open to the transverse direction, a portion of the catheter or the guidewire can "enter" the elongated gap from the transverse direction and can be easily received between the first part and the second part , for example , from the side of the elongated body . In other words , a portion of the catheter or guidewire can easily access the elongated gap between the first part and the second part . This has the advantage that the grip does not need to be threaded onto the catheter or the guidewire as in prior art devices , in order for the grip to enclose a portion of the catheter or guidewire for manipulation . Accordingly, a grip that is easy to handle , in particular one-handed, is provided by the above configuration .

In general , the elongated body of the grip may have a long side and a short side , wherein the longitudinal axis runs along the long side . For example , the elongated body may have a cylindrical-like shape . Due to the body of the grip being elongated, a surface to grab the catheter shaft is enlarged which avoids high local radial forces . The grip distributes the applied force over a larger area which protects the catheter or guidewire from damages .

The front end and the rear end may be understood in that the front end is located closer to a distal end of the catheter or the guidewire than the rear end of the elongated body . The distal end of the catheter or the guidewire may generally be understood as the end that is inserted in the body to be treated . The front end and the rear end may also be designated as first end and second end .

In the context of the present disclosure , "at least partially" may mean that at least a part of the element concerned ful fills the respective feature . For example , the feature that the elongated body comprises a first part and a second part , each part extending along the longitudinal axis at least partially between the front end and the rear end, may mean that at least a part of the first part and/or the second part extends along the longitudinal axis between the front end and the rear end, while another part of the first part and/or the second part may, for example , extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis .

The elongated gap that is formed between the first part and the second part may have an extension between the first part and the second part , i . e . , with respect to a direction from the first part to the second part , that is chosen so that a catheter or a guidewire can be received within the elongated gap or can access the elongated gap between the first part and the second part . The transverse direction to which the elongated gap is open is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body . For example , the elongated gap is open to the long side of the elongated body . As described above , with this configuration, a portion of the catheter or the guidewire can be easily received between the first part and the second part from the side of the elongated body, which leads to the advantage that the grip does not need to be threaded onto the catheter or the guidewire as in prior art devices , in order for the grip to enclose a portion of the catheter or guidewire for manipulation .

The feature that at least one of the first part and the second part comprises at least one elastic portion means that either the first part or the second part , or both the first part and the second part comprises at least one elastic portion . In other words , the first part and/or the second part comprises at least one elastic portion .

The elastic portion may be a separate part . Alternatively, the elastic portion may form an integral part of the at least one of the first part and the second part .

"Elastic" may mean that the portion is made of a material or has a property such that the elastic portion can be deformed to a certain extent upon exerting a force on the elastic portion and return to its original shape upon releasing the force . For example , the at least one of the first part and the second part may be suspended between the front end and the rear end by means of the at least one elastic portion connecting the at least one of the first part and the second part to the front end and the rear end . According to this configuration, by exerting a force on the at least one of the first part and the second part towards the respective other one of the first part and the second part , the at least one elastic portion is deformed so that the at least one of the first part and the second part moves towards the respective other one of the first part and the second part to thereby reduce the dimension of the elongated gap between the first part and the second part to thereby fix or clamp the catheter or the guidewire between the first part and the second part . In this state , the catheter or the guidewire is firmly held in place so that the catheter or guidewire can neither move translationally nor rotatably with respect to the grip . For example , this state may be achieved by friction fit between the catheter or the guidewire and the first part and the second part . Upon releasing the force , the at least one of the first part and the second part moves back to its original position, due to the at least one elastic portion having the elastic property and returning to its original shape , such that the dimension of the elongated gap between the first part and the second part becomes larger again, such that the grip can freely move axially or rotatably with respect to the catheter or guidewire . The at least one of the first part and the second part may comprise two elastic portions and an intermediate portion between the two elastic portions , as seen along the longitudinal axis , the intermediate portion made of a rigid material .

In this case , the at least one elastic portion is two elastic portions which may have the same configuration and/or the same properties . The rigid material may be a material that is rigid compared to the material of the at least one elastic portion . For example , the rigid material may be polyamide , polypropylene , or the like .

With this configuration, a force exerted by an operator on the at least one of the first part and the second part can be evenly distributed along the intermediate portion and, in turn, on the catheter or the guidewire . This protects the catheter or guidewire from damages , such as pinching or kinking .

The at least one elastic portion, which may be two elastic portions , and the intermediate portion may be separate parts that are assembled and connected to each other to form the at least one of the first part and the second part .

However, it is also conceivable , the at least one elastic portion, which may be two elastic portions , and the intermediate portion form one single integral piece .

For example , the two elastic portions and the intermediate portion may be connected to each other by welding, gluing, or the like .

With this configuration, the grip has a more compact design .

The at least one elastic portion may be made of an elastic material . The elastic material may have a Young's modulus of 0.01 GPa to 0.1 GPa, or 0.001 GPa to 0.05 GPa.

The Young's modulus quantifies the relationship between tensile/compressive stress o (force per unit area) and axial strain s (proportional deformation) in the linear elastic region of a material.

As stated above, the rigid material may be a material that is rigid compared to the material of the at least one elastic portion .

The rigid material may have a Young's modulus of 0.5 GPa to 5.0 GPa.

In general, the elastic material may have a lower Young's modulus than the rigid material.

For example, the material of the at least one elastic portion may be silicone or the like.

Alternatively, the at least one elastic portion may comprise a spring . The spring may be a coil spring that is connected with one of its ends to the front end or the rear end and with the other one of its ends to the at least one of the first part and the second part, for example, to the intermediate portion thereof. The at least one of the first part and the second part may comprise at least one channel at a surface thereof opposing the respective other one of the first part and the second part, the channel extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to at least partially accommodate therein the catheter and/or the guidewire.

The channel may have a cross-section with a semi-circular shape, as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the shape of the channel may be dimensioned so as to accommodate therein a portion of the catheter or the guidewire . For example , in case the channel has a semicircular cross-section, a diameter of the channel may be as large as or larger than the diameter of the catheter or the guidewire .

In case both of the first part and the second part comprises a channel , the position of the channels in the transverse direction may coincide . In this case , when the first part is moved towards the second part , or vice versa, the catheter or the guidewire is accommodated both in the channel of the first part and the channel of the second part .

With this configuration, the catheter or guidewire can be more securely held in place between the first part and the second part .

A surface of the channel may be roughened .

"Roughened" may mean that the surface of the channel has a higher surface roughness compared to the remaining portion of the first part or second part . A roughened surface may be provided by providing small protrusions at the surface , such as a pyramidal protrusions or the like .

With this configuration, the catheter or the guidewire can be more securely held in place between the first part and the second part which is due to an increased friction fit between the catheter or guidewire and the first part or the second part .

At least one of the first part and the second part may comprise two channels , wherein one of the two channels may be configured to at least partially accommodate therein the catheter and the other one of the two channels may be configured to at least partially accommodate therein the guidewire . For example , the two channels may be arranged next to each other, as seen in the transverse direction . One of the two channels may be dimensioned so as to accommodate therein the catheter and the other one of the two channels may be dimensioned so as to accommodate therein the guidewire . For example , the channel configured to accommodate therein the catheter may have a larger cross-sectional area than that of the channel configured to accommodate therein the guidewire .

With this configuration, the grip is configured for use with both a catheter and a guidewire , thereby leading to a higher functionality of the grip .

Each of the front end and the rear end may comprise a notch, the notch being open to a transverse direction .

For example , the front end and/or the rear end may have a substantially circular shape , such as a disk shape . In this case , the notch may have the shape of a circular segment .

Thus , the notch acts as an insertion aid for easy insertion of the catheter or the guidewire .

At least one of the first part and the second part may comprise indentations at a surface thereof facing away from the respective other one of the first part and second part , wherein the indentations may be configured to accommodate therein fingers of an operator of the grip .

For example , the indentations may be provided at an outer surface of the grip .

With this configuration, easier and more secure handling of the grip by an operator can be achieved .

According to a second aspect of the disclosure , a grip for a catheter and/or a guidewire comprises an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and having, along the longitudinal axis , a front end and a rear end . The elongated body comprises an elastic part and a rigid part , each extending along the longitudinal axis , the rigid part , for example at least partially, arranged around the elastic part and, for example at least partially, circumferentially enclosing the elastic part , the elastic part and the rigid part longitudinally and rotatably movable against each other . An elongated opening is formed in the elastic part and an elongated opening is formed in the rigid part , the elongated opening of the elastic part and the elongated opening of the rigid part extending along the longitudinal axis between the front end and the rear end and being open to a transverse direction . The transverse direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body . The elongated opening of the rigid part is for receiving the elastic part , and the elongated opening of the elastic part is for receiving the catheter and/or the guidewire within the elastic part . The elastic part has a tapered outer portion, tapering along the longitudinal axis , and the rigid part has a tapered inner portion, tapering along the longitudinal axis , the tapered outer portion and the tapered inner portion forming complementary shapes , such that the tapered outer portion matches , for example at least partially, the tapered inner portion such that the tapered outer portion is in abutment with the tapered inner portion . The grip is configured such that a movement of the tapered outer portion of the elastic part with respect to the tapered inner portion of the rigid part , along the longitudinal axis in a direction of increasing tapering of the tapered inner portion, causes a deformation of the elastic part by way of compression of the elastic part by the rigid part and thereby a reduction of a dimension of the elongated opening of the elastic part , to thereby clamp, for example frictionally clamp, the catheter and/or the guidewire within the elastic part .

In the following, features of the second aspect denoted with the same terms as the features described above in context with the first aspect can have the same characteristics as the respective features of the first aspect . Likewise , the features described above in context with the first aspect and denoted with the same terms as the features of the second aspect can have the same characteristics as the respective features of the second aspect .

Since the elastic part has a tapered outer portion, tapering along the longitudinal axis , and the rigid part has a tapered inner portion, tapering along the longitudinal axis , and the tapered outer portion and the tapered inner portion form complementary shapes , such that the tapered outer portion matches the tapered inner portion such that the tapered outer portion is in abutment with the tapered inner portion, and the grip is configured such that a movement of the tapered outer portion of the elastic part with respect to the tapered inner portion of the rigid part , along the longitudinal axis in a direction of increasing tapering of the tapered inner portion, causes a deformation of the elastic part by way of compression of the elastic part by the rigid part and thereby a reduction of a dimension of the elongated opening of the elastic part , to thereby clamp the catheter and/or the guidewire within the elastic part , the catheter or the guidewire can be securely held or fixed, e . g . , clamped, within or in the elastic part . This allows for secure handling of the catheter or the guidewire . Furthermore , since the catheter or the guidewire can be securely held by means of the grip by simply moving, for example , pushing, the elastic part with respect to the rigid part , for example , by exerting a pushing force , the grip has a simple design and is easy to handle , especially one- handed . Upon moving the elastic part in the opposite direction, the compression of the elastic part is released, so that the grip and the catheter or the guidewire can be moved against each other in the axial direction or the grip and the catheter or the guidewire can be rotatably moved against each other .

In the above context , secure holding or secure handling by fixing the catheter or the guidewire in the elastic part may mean that the catheter or guidewire is fixed, e . g . clamped, in the elastic part of the elongated body such that the catheter or guidewire can neither move translationally nor rotatably with respect to the grip . Such fixing can be reali zed, for example, by friction fit between the catheter or the guidewire and the elastic part of the grip. With this configuration, an operator can securely manipulate the catheter or guidewire by means of the grip.

Moreover, since an elongated opening is formed in each of the elastic part and the rigid part, and the elongated openings are open to the transverse direction, a portion of the catheter or the guidewire can be easily received in, for example, within, the elastic part, for example, from the side of the elongated body. This is possible when the elongated opening of the rigid part and the elongated opening of the elastic part coincide with respect to a rotational direction about the longitudinal axis. In other words, a portion of the catheter or guidewire can easily access the elongated opening in the elastic part. This has the advantage, that the grip does not need to be threaded onto the catheter or the guidewire as in prior art devices, in order for the grip to enclose a portion of the catheter or guidewire for holding and manipulation. Accordingly, a grip that is easy to handle is provided by the above configuration.

"Elastic part" may mean that the part is made of a material or has a property such that the elastic part can be deformed to a certain extent upon exerting a force on the elastic part and return to its original shape upon releasing the force. For example, the elastic part may be made of an elastic material, such as silicone or the like.

The elastic part may have a Young's modulus of 0.01 GPa to 0.1 GPa, or 0.001 GPa to 0.05 GPa.

The rigid part may be made of a material that is rigid compared to the material of the elastic part. As an example, the rigid part may be made of polyamide, polypropylene, or the like .

The rigid part may have a Young's modulus of 0.5 GPa to 5.0 GPa. In general , the elastic part may have a lower Young' s modulus than the rigid part .

The elongated opening that is formed in the elastic part and the elongated opening that is formed in the rigid part may have a dimension that is chosen at least so that a catheter or a guidewire can be received within, i . e . can access , the elongated openings . The transverse direction to which the elongated openings are open is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body . For example , the elongated openings are open to the long side of the elongated body . As described above , with this configuration, a portion of the catheter or the guidewire can be easily received in the elastic part from the side of the elongated body, which leads to the advantage , that the grip does not need to be threaded onto the catheter or the guidewire as in prior art devices , in order for the grip to enclose a portion of the catheter or guidewire for manipulation . The portion of the catheter or the guidewire can be received in the elastic part when the elongated opening of the elastic part and the elongated opening of the rigid part coincide with respect to a rotational direction about the longitudinal axis . When the portion of the catheter or guidewire is located in the elongated opening of the elastic part , rotating the rigid part and the elastic part against each other leads to a state in which the elongated opening of the elastic part and the elongated opening of the rigid part do not coincide anymore with respect to a rotational direction about the longitudinal axis , thereby securing the catheter or guidewire inside the grip, such that the catheter or the guidewire is prevented from being accidentally released by the grip .

The tapered outer portion of the elastic part may be a portion that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to longitudinal axis . The tapered outer portion may have a cross-sectional area, as seen along the longitudinal axis , that becomes gradually smaller when going along the longitudinal axis , i . e . in a direction of increasing tapering of the tapered outer portion . As such, the tapered outer portion may have a thick end and a thin end, the thick end being thicker than the thin end . The tapered inner portion of the rigid part may be a portion that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis . The tapered inner portion may have a cross- sectional area, as seen along the longitudinal axis , that becomes gradually smaller when going along the longitudinal axis , i . e . in a direction of increasing tapering of the tapered inner portion . As such, the tapered inner portion may have a thick end and a thin end, the thick end being thicker than the thin end .

The feature that the tapered outer portion and the tapered inner portion form complementary shapes , such that the tapered outer portion matches at least partially the tapered inner portion such that the tapered outer portion is in abutment with the tapered inner portion may mean that the outer shape of the tapered outer portion of the elastic part is such that it conforms to the shape of the tapered inner portion of the rigid part . For example , the outer shape of the tapered outer portion may be dimensioned to correspond to or be slightly smaller than a dimension of the shape of the tapered inner portion .

According to this configuration, by axially moving the tapered outer portion of the elastic part with respect to the tapered inner portion of the rigid part along the longitudinal axis , in a direction towards the thin end of the tapered inner portion of the rigid part , a compression force is exerted on the elastic part , causing a compression of the elastic part so that the elastic part is deformed to thereby reduce the dimension of the elongated opening in the elastic part to thereby clamp, for example frictionally clamp, the catheter or the guidewire in the elastic part . In this state , the catheter or the guidewire is firmly held in place so that the catheter or guidewire can neither move translationally nor rotatably with respect to the grip . Upon releasing the force by axially moving the tapered outer portion of the elastic part in the opposite direction, i . e . towards the thick end of the tapered inner portion of the rigid part , the elastic part returns to its original shape , due to the elastic property, such that the dimension of the elongated opening in the elastic part becomes larger again, such that the grip can freely move axially or rotatably with respect to the catheter or guidewire .

The tapered outer portion and the tapered inner portion may each be cone-shaped .

This configuration has the advantage , that a compression force exerted on the elastic part is evenly distributed along the tapered outer portion of the elastic part .

However, other tapered shapes than a cone-shaped form are conceivable for the tapered outer portion and the tapered inner portion .

The elastic part may have a protruding portion, protruding at one of the front end and the rear end from the rigid part , the protruding portion having an outer end surface allowing engagement with a finger of an operator of the grip, optionally, wherein the protruding portion may comprise a ring-shaped part allowing engagement with a finger of an operator of the grip .

The protruding portion having the outer end surface may have a knob-like shape , so that an operator can push the protruding portion to thereby move the elastic part along the longitudinal axis , while holding the rigid part , for example , one-handed . For example , by pushing the protruding portion along the longitudinal axis , the tapered outer portion of the elastic part may move towards the thick end of the tapered inner portion of the rigid part . In addition, in case the protruding portion comprises a ring-shaped part allowing engagement with a finger of an operator of the grip, an operator can push a finger through the ring-shaped part , thereby being able to pull the protruding portion in a direction along the longitudinal axis towards the thin end of the tapered inner portion of the rigid part , to thereby fix the catheter or the guidewire .

With this configuration, an operator can easily fix a portion of the catheter or the guidewire within the grip by using one hand only .

Similar to the first aspect , in the second aspect , the elastic part may comprise at least one channel , the channel extending along the longitudinal axis and being configured to accommodate therein the catheter or the guidewire .

With this configuration, the catheter or guidewire can be more securely held in place in the elastic part .

Similar to the first aspect , in the second aspect , a surface of the channel may be roughened .

With this configuration, the catheter or the guidewire can be more securely held in place in the elastic part which is due to the increased friction fit between the catheter or the guidewire and the elastic part .

Similar to the first aspect , in the second aspect , the elastic part may comprise two channels , wherein one of the two channels may be configured to accommodate therein the catheter and the other one of the two channels may be configured to accommodate therein the guidewire .

Similar to the first aspect , in the second aspect , the rigid part may comprise indentations at an outer surface thereof , wherein the indentations may be configured to accommodate therein fingers of an operator of the grip . With this configuration, easier and more secure handling of the grip by an operator can be achieved .

The elongated body of the grip according to the first aspect and the second aspect may have a length of 40 mm to 90 mm, preferably 50 mm to 80 mm, and an outer diameter of 5 mm to 35 mm, preferably 8 mm to 30 mm .

For example , the elongated body of the grip according to the first aspect may have a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 50 mm . This configuration is suitable , for example , for 4 F - 5F catheters and 0 . 014" - 0 . 025" guidewires , wherein in case of the guidewires the elongated gap is smaller .

For example , the elongated body of the grip according to the first aspect may have a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 70 mm . This configuration is suitable , for example , for 6F catheters .

For example , the elongated body of the grip according to the first aspect may have a diameter of 16 mm and a length of 80 mm . This configuration is suitable , for example , for 8 F - 10F catheters .

For example , the elongated body of the grip according to the second aspect may have a diameter of 16 mm to 30 mm and a length of 50 mm to 80 mm .

With this configuration, one-handed handling of the grip is facilitated .

According to a third aspect of the disclosure , a catheter assembly comprises a catheter and the grip for the catheter according to the first or second aspect .

The catheter may be a conventional catheter known in the art . According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure , a guidewire system comprises a guidewire and the grip for the guidewire according to the first or second aspect .

The guidewire may be a conventional guidewire known in the art , to guide a catheter into place during insertion .

According to a fi fth aspect of the disclosure , a thrombectomy or atherectomy system comprises the catheter assembly according to the third aspect or the guidewire assembly according to the fourth aspect , a handle for handling the catheter, and a drive unit for rotating a helix at least partially received within the catheter, the helix for transporting clot and/or calci fications from a treatment area towards a proximal end of the catheter .

The handle for handling or manipulating the catheter and the drive unit for rotating the helix may be a conventional handle and a conventional drive unit , respectively, known in the art .

Methods , uses , or applications involving the grips according to the first and second aspect may relate to the handling of snares , guidewires , guiding sheaths , balloon catheters , microcatheters or catheters in general .

In particular, for balloon catheters , the grips have a maj or improvement in handling for the balloon kissing technique which is used to treat branch vessel stenosis . The balloon kissing technique may employ a dual-catheter independently moveable , modular system . Two balloons may be independently advanced into the vessel . For proper execution of the technique the balloons need to be appropriately aligned before they are inflated . In this respect , handling and alignment of the balloon catheters is considerably improved using the grips according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure , which support easy and secure handling of the two catheters . Further aspects of the present disclosure may be found in the following description of particular embodiments referring to the accompanying drawings .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig . 1 is a perspective side view of a grip according to the first aspect .

Fig . 2 is a perspective front view of the grip of Fig . 1 .

Fig . 3 is a perspective view of a grip according to a second aspect .

Fig . 4 is a perspective view of a rigid part of the grip of Fig . 3 .

Fig . 5 is perspective view of an elastic part of the grip of Fig . 3 .

Fig . 6 is a sectional view of the grip of Fig . 3 along the line A-A in Fig . 3 .

Fig . 7 is another perspective view of the grip of Fig . 3 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to describe the disclosure using illustrative examples . Further modi fications of certain individual features described in this context can be combined with other features of the described embodiments to form further embodiments of the disclosure .

Throughout the drawings , the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements . Fig . 1 is a perspective side view of a grip according to the first aspect of the disclosure . The grip comprises an elongated body which has a longitudinal axis L and, along the longitudinal axis L, a front end 1 and a rear end 2 . The elongated body comprises a first part 3 and a second part 4 , each part extending along the longitudinal axis L between the front end 1 and the rear end 2 . The first part 3 and the second part 4 are arranged in parallel to each other . Each of the first part 3 and the second part 4 comprises an intermediate portion 7 arranged between two elastic portions 6 , as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis L . The elastic portions 6 connect the first part 3 and the second part 4 to the front end 1 and the rear end 2 . An elongated gap 5 is formed between the first part 3 and the second part 4 , the elongated gap 5 extending along the longitudinal axis L between the front end 1 and the rear end 2 . As can be seen in Fig . 1 , the elongated gap 5 is open to a transverse direction, the transverse direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated body .

Further, the grip comprises a channel 8 at a surface of the second part 4 opposing the first part 3 . The channel 8 extends along the longitudinal axis L and may be arranged in the intermediate portion 7 or the intermediate portion 7 and the elastic portions 6 .

Each of the front end 1 and the rear end 2 comprises a notch 9 . The notch 9 is open to the transverse direction . In the embodiment shown in Fig . 1 , the front end 1 and the rear end 2 have a substantially circular shape . The notch 9 has the shape of a circular segment and acts as an insertion aid for easy insertion of the catheter or the guidewire into the grip .

Fig . 2 is a perspective front view of the grip shown in Fig . 1 . As can be seen in Figs . 1 and 2 , each of the first part 3 and the second part 4 , more speci fically, the intermediate portion 7 thereof , has an ergonomic shape , allowing comfortable handling of the grip . In use , an operator holds the grip in one hand . By moving the grip towards the catheter or guidewire , or vice versa, in the transverse direction, a portion of the catheter or the guidewire enters the notch 9 provided in each of the front end 1 and the rear end 2 , thereby being guided in the elongated gap 5 between the first part 3 and the second part 4 . In order to fix the portion of the catheter or the guidewire between the first part 3 and the second part 4 , the operator presses the first part 3 and the second part 4 against each other so that the extension/ space in a direction from the first part 3 to the second part 4 becomes smaller due to the elastic portions 6 deforming upon exerting a force on the first part 3 and the second part 4 . In this way, the portion of the catheter or the guidewire is fixed, i . e . , clamped, for example frictionally clamped, between the first part 3 and the second part 4 . In this state , the catheter or the guidewire can be securely manipulated by the operator without the catheter or the guidewire axially and/or rotatably moving with respect to the grip . Upon releasing the compression force , the elongated gap 5 is enlarged/opens again so that the grip can be moved axially and/or rotatably with respect to the catheter or guidewire . At this moment , the catheter/guidewire is " freed" ( i . e . out of engagement with the first and second parts ) .

Fig . 3 is a perspective view of a grip according to the second aspect of the disclosure . The grip has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis L and having, along the longitudinal axis L a front end 1 and a rear end 2 . The elongated body comprises an elastic part 20 and a rigid part 21 , both extending along the longitudinal axis L . The rigid part 21 is arranged around the elastic part 20 and circumferentially encloses the elastic part 20 . As such, the elastic part 20 and the rigid part 21 are longitudinally and rotatably movable against each other . In the elastic part 20 an elongated opening 22 is formed and in the rigid part 21 an elongated opening 22 ' is formed . The elongated openings 22 , 22 ' extend along the longitudinal axis L between the front end 1 and the rear end 2 . The elongated openings 22 , 22 ' are open to the transverse direction which is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated body . The grip shown in Fig . 3 is in a state , in which the elongated opening

22 of the elastic part 20 and the elongated opening 22 ' of the rigid part 21 coincide , with respect to a rotational direction about the longitudinal axis L, so that a portion of a catheter or a guidewire can enter or access the elongated opening 22 of the elastic part .

Fig . 4 is a perspective view of the rigid part 21 of the grip of Fig . 3 and Fig . 5 is perspective view of the elastic part 20 of the grip of Fig . 3 . The elastic part 20 has a tapered outer portion 23 , tapering along the longitudinal axis L . The rigid part 21 has a tapered inner portion 24 , tapering along the longitudinal axis L . As can be seen in Fig . 6 , which is a sectional view of the grip of Fig . 3 along the line A-A in Fig . 3 , the tapered outer portion 23 of the elastic part 20 and the tapered inner portion 24 of the rigid part 21 form complementary shapes . In this embodiment , the tapered outer portion 23 and the tapered inner portion 24 are cone-shaped . Moreover, as can be seen in Fig . 6 , the tapered outer portion

23 of the elastic part 20 has , along the longitudinal axis L, due to its tapering shape , a thick end and a thin end . Likewise , the tapered inner portion 24 of the rigid part 21 has , along the longitudinal axis L, due to its tapering shape , a thick end and a thin end . The thick end of both the tapered outer portion 23 and the tapered inner portion 24 is located at the front end 1 of the grip . The thin end of both the tapered outer portion 23 and the tapered inner portion 24 is located at the rear end 2 of the grip .

In the state of the grip shown in Fig . 3 , a portion of a catheter or a guidewire can be accommodated in the elongated opening 22 of the elastic part 20 of the grip . The catheter or the guidewire can be secured within a channel 8 provided in the elastic part 20 by rotating the elastic part 20 against the rigid part 21 , such that the elongated opening 22 of the elastic part 20 and the elongated opening 22 ' of the rigid part 21 do not coincide . This state is shown, for example , in Fig . 7 , which is another perspective view of the grip of Fig . 3 . In this state , the catheter or the guidewire is secured in the grip .

In order to fix, i . e . , clamp, for example frictionally clamp, the catheter or the guidewire in the grip so as to prevent axial and/or rotational movement of the catheter or the guidewire with respect to the grip, the tapered outer portion 23 of the elastic part 20 is axially moved with respect to the tapered inner portion 24 of the rigid part 21 , or vice versa, so that the thick end of the tapered outer portion 23 of the elastic part 20 is moved towards the thin end of the tapered inner portion 24 of the rigid part 21 along the longitudinal axis L in a direction of increasing tapering of the tapered inner portion 24 . This causes the elastic part 20 to be compressed, such that a dimension of the elongated opening 22 of the elastic part 20 becomes smaller, to thereby firmly hold or fix, e . g . by clamping, a portion of the catheter or the guidewire in place , for example by friction fit .

As can be seen in Fig . 6 , for example , movement of the elastic part 20 with respect to the rigid part 21 along the longitudinal axis L and compression of the elastic part 20 can be caused in a one-handed operation by pushing, with a finger of an operator, against the thick end of the elastic part 20 at the front end 1 . For releasing the compression force on the elastic part 20 , the elastic part 20 needs to be moved in the opposite direction, i . e . , in a direction towards the thick end of the tapered inner portion 24 of the rigid part 21 , which can be caused, for example , by pushing, with a finger of an operator, against an outer end surface 26 of the protruding portion 25 of the elastic part 20 . In the embodiment shown in Fig . 7 , the protruding portion 25 has a knob-like shape . In an alternative embodiment , which is not shown, the protruding portion may comprise a ring-shaped part , as described above , allowing engagement with a finger of an operator of the grip . LIST OF REFERENCE S IGNS

1 Front end

2 Rear end

3 First part

4 Second part

5 Elongated gap

6 Elastic portion

7 Intermediate portion

8 Channel

9 Notch

20 Elastic part

21 Rigid part

22 Elongated opening of the elastic part

22 ' Elongated opening of the rigid part

23 Tapered outer portion

24 Tapered inner portion

25 Protruding portion

26 Outer end surface

L Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A grip for a catheter and/or a guidewire, comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal axis (L) and having, along the longitudinal axis (L) , a front end (1) and a rear end ( 2 ) , the elongated body comprising a first part (3) and a second part (4) , each part extending along the longitudinal axis (L) at least partially between the front end (1) and the rear end (2) , the first part (3) and the second part (4) at least partially arranged in parallel to each other, wherein an elongated gap (5) is formed between the first part (3) and the second part (4) , the elongated gap (5) extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis (L) between the front end (1) and the rear end (2) and being open to a transverse direction for at least partially receiving the catheter and/or the guidewire in the elongated gap (5) between the first part (3) and the second part (4) , the transverse direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) comprises at least one elastic portion (6) connecting the at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) to the front end (1) and/or the rear end (2) and allowing the at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) to move towards the respective other one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) by way of deformation of the at least one elastic portion (6) , and to thereby reduce a dimension of the elongated gap (5) between the first part (3) and the second part (4) , such that the grip is configured to thereby clamp the catheter and/or the guidewire between the first part (3) and the second part (4) .

2. The grip according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) comprises two elastic portions (6) and an intermediate portion (7) between the two elastic portions (6) , as seen along the longitudinal axis (L) , the intermediate portion (7) made of a rigid material .

3. The grip according to claim 2, wherein the at least one elastic portion (6) and the intermediate portion (7) form a single integral piece.

4. The grip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastic portion (6) is made of elastic material.

5. The grip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one elastic portion comprises a spring .

6. The grip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) comprises at least one channel (8) at a surface thereof opposing the respective other one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) , the channel (8) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) and configured to at least partially accommodate therein the catheter and/or the guidewire.

7. The grip according to claim 6, wherein a surface of the channel (8) is roughened.

8. The grip according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) comprises two channels (8) , wherein one of the two channels (8) is configured to at least partially accommodate therein the catheter, and the other one of the two channels (8) is configured to at least partially accommodate therein the guidewire.

9. The grip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the front end (1) and the rear end (2) comprises a notch (9) , the notch (9) being open to the transverse direction.

10. The grip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first part (3) and the second part (4) comprises indentations at a surface thereof facing away from the respective other one of the first part and the second part, the indentations being configured to accommodate therein fingers of an operator of the grip.

11. A grip for a catheter and/or a guidewire, comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal axis (L) and having, along the longitudinal axis (L) , a front end (1) and a rear end ( 2 ) , the elongated body comprising an elastic part (20) and a rigid part (21) , each extending along the longitudinal axis (L) , the rigid part (21) at least partially arranged around the elastic part (20) and at least partially circumferentially enclosing the elastic part (20) , the elastic part (20) and the rigid part (21) longitudinally and rotatably movable against each other, wherein an elongated opening (22) is formed in the elastic part (20) and an elongated opening (22' ) is formed in the rigid part (21) , the elongated opening (22) of the elastic part (20) and the elongated opening (22' ) of the rigid part (21) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) between the front end (1) and the rear end (2) and being open to a transverse direction, the elongated opening (22' ) of the rigid part (21) for receiving the elastic part (20) , and the elongated opening (22) of the elastic part (20) for receiving the catheter and/or the guidewire within the elastic part (20) , the transverse direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the elongated body, wherein the elastic part (20) has a tapered outer portion (23) , tapering along the longitudinal axis (L) , and the rigid part (21) has a tapered inner portion (24) , tapering along the longitudinal axis (L) , the tapered outer portion (23) and the tapered inner portion (24) forming complementary shapes, such that the tapered outer portion

(23) matches at least partially the tapered inner portion

(24) such that the tapered outer portion (23) is in abutment with the tapered inner portion (24) , wherein the grip is configured such that a movement of the tapered outer portion (23) of the elastic part (20) with respect to the tapered inner portion (24) of the rigid part (21) , along the longitudinal axis (L) in a direction of increasing tapering of the tapered inner portion (24) , causes a deformation of the elastic part (20) by way of compression of the elastic part (20) by the rigid part (21) and thereby a reduction of a dimension of the elongated opening (22) of the elastic part (20) , to thereby clamp the catheter and/or the guidewire within the elastic part (20) .

12. The grip according to claim 11, wherein the tapered outer portion (23) and the tapered inner portion (24) are each cone-shaped.

13. The grip according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the elastic part has a protruding portion (25) , protruding at one of the front end (1) and the rear end (2) from the rigid part (21) , the protruding portion (25) having an outer end surface (26) allowing engagement with a finger of an operator of the grip, optionally, wherein the protruding portion comprises a ring-shaped part allowing engagement with a finger of an operator of the grip.

14. The grip according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the elastic part (20) comprises at least one channel (8) , the channel (8) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) and being configured to accommodate therein the catheter or the guidewire.

15. The grip according to claim 14, wherein a surface of the channel (8) is roughened.

16. The grip according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the elastic part (20) comprises two channels (8) , wherein one of the two channels (8) is configured to accommodate therein the catheter and the other one of the two channels (8) is configured to accommodate therein the guidewire .

17. The grip according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the rigid part (21) comprises indentations at an outer surface thereof, the indentations being configured to accommodate therein fingers of an operator of the grip.

18. The grip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated body has a length of 40 mm to

90 mm, preferably 50 mm to 80 mm, and an outer diameter of 5 mm to 35 mm, preferably 8 mm to 30 mm.

19. A catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter and the grip according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for the catheter.

20. A guidewire system, comprising: a guidewire and the grip according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for the guidewire.

21. A thrombectomy or atherectomy system, comprising: the catheter assembly according to claim 19 or a guidewire assembly of claim 20, a handle for handling the catheter, and a drive unit for rotating a helix at least partially received within the catheter, the helix for transporting clot and/or calci fications from a treatment area towards a proximal end of the catheter .