Retrieval mechanisms for implantable medical devices

Abstract

Improved devices and components for securing and retrieving an implantable medical device including at least one of a flanged tip disposed at a distal end of the implantable medical device; a halo retrieval tip disposed at a distal end of the implantable medical device; an external leash disposed at least one of a proximal end, a midportion, and a distal end of the implantable medical device; and an internal leash disposed within an inflatable balloon of the implantable medical device. A method of retrieving an implantable medical device, comprising: securing a retrieval device to at least one of the components described herein; and removing the implantable medical device from a patient.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . The implantable gastric device of claim  1 ,
 wherein the shaft further comprises a lumen extending axially within the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end and fluidly connected to an interior of the balloon; and   wherein the flanged tip further comprises a plug configured to seal the lumen at the distal end when the flanged tip is coupled to the shaft.   
     
     
         3 . The implantable gastric device of claim  1 ,
 wherein the shaft further comprises a guidewire channel extending axially within the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end; and   wherein the flanged tip further comprises a guidewire hole configured to be aligned with the guidewire channel of the shaft when the flanged tip is coupled to the shaft.   
     
     
         4 . The implantable gastric device of claim  1 , wherein a recess is defined between the flanges, the body, and the balloon, wherein the recess provides a location for securing a retrieval device. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable gastric device of claim  1 , wherein the flanges define a head at a distal end of the flanged tip, the head providing a substantially smooth, convex surface. 
     
     
         6 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 5 , wherein the convex surface is shaped such that imaginary extensions of the convex surface extending from the flanges as viewed in profile are aligned to tangentially graze the surface of the balloon while in an inflated state. 
     
     
         7 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 5 , wherein the convex surface has a profile of a spherical cap formed by a sphere cut off by a plane other than at the center of the sphere. 
     
     
         8 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 7 , wherein the body is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         9 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 8 , wherein the radius of the spherical cap is larger than the radius of the body. 
     
     
         10 . An implantable gastric device, comprising:
 a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end;   a balloon coupled to the shaft; and   a halo tip disposed at one of the distal end of the shaft or the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the halo tip comprises a body and a ring connected to the body by a bridge, and wherein a recess is provided between the ring and the body.   
     
     
         11 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 10 , wherein the ring of the halo tip comprises a central opening provided for securing the retrieval device to the halo tip through the central opening 
     
     
         12 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 10 ,
 wherein the shaft further comprises a lumen extending axially within the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end and fluidly connected to an interior of the balloon; and   wherein the halo tip further comprises a plug configured to seal the lumen at the distal end when the halo tip is coupled to the shaft.   
     
     
         13 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 10 , wherein the ring is within a plane orthogonal to an axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         14 . The implantable gastric device of  claim 10 ,
 wherein the shaft further comprises a guidewire channel extending axially within the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end; and   wherein the halo tip further comprises a guidewire hole configured to be aligned with the guidewire channel of the shaft when the halo tip is coupled to the shaft.   
     
     
         15 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The implantable gastric device of claim  15 , wherein the leash is disposed at one of the proximal end of the shaft, the distal end of the shaft, and a medial portion between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
         17 . The implantable gastric device of claim  15 , wherein the leash is disposed within the balloon. 
     
     
         18 . The implantable gastric device of claim  15 , wherein the leash is configured to retract when under a load from a surrounding environment and extend radially outward from the shaft when in a natural state. 
     
     
         19 . The implantable gastric device of claim  15 , wherein the leash is at least one of a hoop, a ring, a hook, a clasp, a fastener, a pin, a clip, a flange, a strap, an articulated joint, and a curved portion. 
     
     
         20 . The implantable gastric device of claim  15 , wherein the shaft is of a material having between about 50 A durometer and about 60 A durometer.