Clip applier and methods of use

Abstract

A system having an elongate assembly, an expandable assembly having a fixed end region and a movable end region, the expandable assembly selectively transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state with movement of the movable end region towards the fixed end region, and an advancement aid extending distally from the expandable assembly.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device that is selectively disposed within a body lumen of a patient, the device comprising:
 a hub portion having a body retaining a valve, a mating connector, and a protruding portion distal of the mating connector and including a side port; and   an elongate portion extending from the hub portion, the elongate portion having a flared proximal end,   wherein the mating connector is configured to selectively secure to a medical device and limit movement of the medical device in relation to the hub portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein coupling of the medical device to the mating connector coaxially aligns the elongate portion with a shaft of the medical device. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is removably selectively secured to the mating connector. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is substantially permanently secured to the mating connector. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate portion is configured to be split. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a lumen of the hub portion has an internal cross-section greater than an internal cross-section of the elongate portion. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flared end of the elongate portion is received by the hub portion. 
     
     
         8 . A medical system comprising:
 a first medical device comprising an elongate shaft; and   a second medical device configured to receive the elongate shaft of the first medical device, the second medical device comprising:
 a hub portion configured to receive the elongate shaft of the first medical device, the hub portion having a body retaining a valve, a mating connector, and a protruding portion including a side port; and 
 an elongate portion extending from the hub portion, 
 wherein the mating connector is configured to selectively secure the first medical device to the second medical device and limit movement of the first medical device in relation to the hub portion while coaxially aligning the elongate shaft of the first medical device and the elongate portion of the second medical device. 
   
     
     
         9 . The medical system of  claim 8 , wherein the protruding portion is distal the mating connector. 
     
     
         10 . The medical system of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate portion has a flared proximal end. 
     
     
         11 . The medical system of  claim 8 , wherein the first medical device is removably selectively secured to the mating connector of the second medical device. 
     
     
         12 . The medical system of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate portion is configured to be split. 
     
     
         13 . The medial system of  claim 8 , wherein a lumen of the hub portion has an internal cross-section greater than an internal cross-section of the elongate portion. 
     
     
         14 . The medial system of  claim 8 , wherein the flared end of the elongate portion is received by the hub portion. 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising:
 providing a first medical device comprising an elongate shaft; and   providing a second medical device comprising:
 a hub portion configured to receive the elongate shaft of the first medical device, the hub portion having a body retaining a valve, a mating connector, and a protruding portion including a side port; and 
 an elongate portion extending from the hub portion; and 
   matingly engaging the first medical device to the second medical device as the mating connector is selectively securely coupled to the first medical device, the mating engagement limiting movement of the first medical device in relation to the hub portion and coaxially aligning the elongate shaft of the first medical device and the elongate portion of the second medical device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising infusing a fluid through the side port. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising advancing the elongate shaft of the first medical device through the valve of the hub portion, the valve being coupled to the hub portion by one or more end caps. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising expanding the elongate portion of the second medical device by advancing the elongate shaft along the elongate portion. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising splitting the elongate portion of the second medical device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein splitting the elongate portion follows a predetermined split pattern.