Exchangeable delivery system for expandable prosthetic devices

Abstract

Exchangeable delivery systems, methods of making delivery systems, and methods of delivering a self-expandable prosthetic device are provided. Delivery systems according to embodiments of the invention include an elongate tubular member defining a passageway with a distal end defining an exchange port, and a distal tip member disposed at least partially within the distal end of the passageway. A pusher is disposed in the passageway to effect axial movement of the distal tip member.

1 . A delivery system for placing a self-expandable prosthetic device within a body vessel, said delivery system comprising:
 an elongate tubular member comprising a circumferential wall and having first proximal and distal ends, the elongate tubular member defining a first passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends and an exchange port extending through the wall and providing access to the first passageway;   a distal tip member slideably disposed in the distal end of the elongate tubular member, the distal tip member having second proximal and distal ends, defining a second passageway extending between the second proximal and distal ends, and defining a mounting region about which a self-expandable prosthetic device can be disposed, the second proximal end disposed distal to the exchange port and defining a proximal surface;   a pusher disposed within the first passageway and comprising a third distal end adapted to interact with the proximal surface of the distal tip member; and   means for retaining the second proximal end of the distal tip member within the first passageway.   
   
   
       2 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of the first passageway defines a cavity that receives the second proximal end of the distal tip member. 
   
   
       3 . A delivery system according to  claim 2 , wherein the elongate tubular member has a first inner diameter at an axial position within the length of the cavity and a second inner diameter at an axial position that is not within the length of the cavity. 
   
   
       4 . A delivery system according to  claim 3 , wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter. 
   
   
       5 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal tip member comprises a taper at the second distal end. 
   
   
       6 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal tip member includes a portion having an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the elongate tubular member at the first distal end. 
   
   
       7 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal tip member comprises a tip body disposed on a tubular member defining the second passageway. 
   
   
       8 . A delivery system according to  claim 7 , wherein the tip body is formed of a flexible polymeric material or a gel. 
   
   
       9 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the pusher includes first and second axial portions, the first axial portion having a first diameter and the second axial portion having a second, different diameter. 
   
   
       10 . A delivery system according to  claim 9 , wherein the first axial portion includes the third distal end of the pusher, and wherein the first diameter is less than the second, different diameter. 
   
   
       11 . A delivery system according to  claim 10 , wherein the elongate tubular member defines a projection extending into the first passageway of the elongate tubular member. 
   
   
       12 . A delivery system according to  claim 11 , wherein the pusher includes a transition portion having a diameter that varies from the first diameter to the second diameter, the transition portion defining a transition surface; and
 wherein the projection is substantially complimentary to the transition surface.   
   
   
       13 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for retaining the second proximal end of the distal tip member within the first passageway comprises a cap member disposed on the first distal end of the elongate tubular member. 
   
   
       14 . A delivery system according to  claim 13 , wherein the cap member defines a third passageway that permit axial movement of the mounting region therethrough and substantially prevents movement of the second proximal end of the distal tip member therethrough. 
   
   
       15 . A delivery system according to  claim 13 , wherein the cap member is circumferentially disposed around a portion of the distal tip member. 
   
   
       16 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for retaining the second proximal end of the distal tip member within the first passageway comprises an indent defined by the elongate tubular member and adapted to receive a portion of the second proximal end of the distal tip member. 
   
   
       17 . A delivery system according to  claim 16 , wherein the distal tip member comprises a flexible member defining a peripheral portion adapted for disposition within the indent upon axial alignment of the peripheral portion with the indent. 
   
   
       18 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for retaining the second proximal end of the distal tip member within the first passageway comprises a projection disposed on the wall of the elongate tubular member and directed into the first passageway. 
   
   
       19 . A delivery system according to  claim 18 , wherein the projection comprises a circumferentially projection defined by the wall of the elongate tubular member. 
   
   
       20 . A delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the second proximal end of the distal tip member defines a projection directed radially outward;
 wherein the means for retaining the second proximal end of the distal tip member within the first passageway comprises a track defined by the wall of the elongate tubular member; and   wherein the projection is slideably disposed within the track.