Devices, systems, and methods for ureteral stents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a stent assembly for placement of a stent within a ureter. In many embodiments, the stent assembly includes a band coupled to a proximal end of the stent. In many such embodiments, the band may extend into the urethra and facilitate removal of the catheter without the help of a medical professional or requiring a portion of the stent assembly (e.g., suture loop) to extend outside of the patient. In various embodiments, the band may include one or more features that promote patient comfort while the stent is positioned within a body, such as by being atraumatic and/or seamless.

1 . A stent, comprising:
 a midportion extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end;   a distal retention member extending distally from the distal end of the midportion;   a proximal retention member extending proximally from the proximal end of the midportion;   a band extending about and proximally from the proximal retention member, the band comprising a first portion and a second portion; and   a suture looped through the band.   
     
     
         2 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the band has a radius larger than a radius of the second portion of the band. 
     
     
         3 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the band comprises a shape-memory material and the first portion of the band comprises a filament. 
     
     
         4 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the band comprises a first half of a closed loop and the second portion of the band comprises a second half of the closed loop. 
     
     
         5 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the band comprises a first closed loop and the second portion of the band comprises a second closed loop. 
     
     
         6 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal retention member comprises at least one loop. 
     
     
         7 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the band extends about the at least one loop and the second portion of the band extends through the at least one loop. 
     
     
         8 . A system comprising:
 a stent extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end and a midportion therebetween, the stent comprising a proximal retention member extending proximally from the proximal end;   a band extending about the proximal retention member, the band comprising a first portion and a second portion;   a suture looped through the second portion of the band; and   a tubular member comprising a lumen along a length and a notch at a distal end of the tubular member.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the proximal retention member comprises at least one loop. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion of the band extends about the at least one loop and the second portion of the band extends through the at least one loop. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the notch is configured to reversibly mate with the first portion of the band and the proximal end of the stent. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , comprising a guidewire extending through the lumen of the tubular member, wherein the tubular member is configured to advance the stent along at least a portion of the guidewire. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion of the band is slidable with respect to the proximal retention member. 
     
     
         14 . A method of delivering a stent, the method comprising:
 delivering a stent into a ureter;   positioning a proximal retention member of the stent into a bladder; and   positioning a proximal end of a band in a urethra, wherein a distal end of the band is coupled to the proximal retention member.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising positioning a suture coupled to the band into the urethra. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising removing the suture. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising using a tubular member with a lumen defined therein and guided over a guidewire to deliver the stent. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the band is slidably coupled to the proximal retention member such that an effective length of the band is adjustable 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein positioning the band comprises adjusting the effective length of the band between a proximal end of the proximal retention member and the second portion of the band. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein positioning the band comprises positioning a first portion of the band proximal of a bulbar urethra.