Implant removal mechanism

Abstract

It is to provide precision and efficiency in the removal and placement of implants. The present invention includes an implant holder (140) disposed within a catheter delivery system (100). The implant holder (140) engages a portion of the implant to constrain its relative movement in the axial and radial directions. The implant holder includes specific provisions in the form of specially designed thin strips (206, 306, 406, 506, 606) to aid in the removal of the implant from the implant holder. The thin strips are designed to utilize the elastic properties of the material to store and release potential energy during the procedure.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a percutaneous implant delivery system and method for delivering implants into the human or animal body, and in particular to a detachment mechanism for assisting in the placement of coronary or peripheral arterial implants. [Background technology]

[0002] Healthy and proper functioning of organs, such as the heart, brain, liver, pancreas, kidneys, cardiovascular system, etc., together with their internal parts, such as the heart, arteries, veins, valves, nodes, walls, and remaining components, is essential for the healthy life and well-being of humans or animals. However, due to factors such as age, disease, infection, or genetic disease, the functional efficiency of organs decreases significantly and many-fold, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions. Traditionally, surgery has been one of the main options for operating on critical organs, such as replacing diseased heart valves with mechanical heart valves or using harvested arteries to bypass or remove blocked arteries. However, in recent years, alternative minimally invasive transcatheter-based approaches have been developed in which percutaneous catheters deliver implants transvascularly through various access points in the cardiovascular network, such as through the femoral artery, transapical, transaortic, transaxillary, etc. These implants may be, but are not limited to, stents, valves, meshes, balloons, patches, drug-containing matrices, shunts, or combinations thereof.

[0003] During transvascular procedures, the catheter delivery system carrying the implant plays a key role, since the steering actions of the operator at the proximal end (handle) of the delivery system directly affect the positioning, movement and post-placement performance of the implant in the distal section (tip and capsule). The effect of the steering actions is transmitted from the proximal end to the distal end via the catheter shaft, which is located between the proximal and distal ends. However, sometimes the implant may not be quickly removed from the delivery system, requiring additional manipulations that consume additional time and may also reduce the accuracy of the implant positioning.

[0004] Therefore, to avoid the shortcomings known in the art, it is necessary to provide a detachment mechanism in a catheter delivery system for transvascular delivery of an implant, and in particular, to provide a catheter delivery system that provides precision and efficiency in the detachment and placement of the implant. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is explained according to various aspects described below.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, an implant removal mechanism for removing an implant from an implant holder includes a catheter having an inner shaft, a catheter shaft, a capsule, and a handle. The implant holder is attached to the inner shaft and has at least one pin on its periphery for engaging the implant to the implant holder. The catheter shaft is longitudinally movable and the capsule is attached to a distal end of the catheter shaft, and upon movement of the catheter shaft, the capsule partially covers and exposes the implant holder and at least the engaged implant. An essentially elastic thin strip is attached to the implant holder and disposed between the periphery of the implant holder and the engaged implant. Upon moving the capsule over the implant holder, a compressive force is applied to the thin strip and the engaged implant. Upon moving the capsule to expose the implant holder, potential energy stored in the thin strip is released to remove the engaged implant from the pin.

[0007] The above aspects are further illustrated in the figures and explained in the corresponding description below. It should be noted that the description and figures are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Thus, various configurations embodying the principles of the invention may be devised from the description and are included within its scope, although not explicitly described or shown herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The detailed description will now be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a catheter delivery system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1A] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the capsule assembly showing the location of the implant holder within the catheter delivery system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A-1C are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism within an implant holder of a catheter delivery system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1A-1C are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism within an implant holder of a catheter delivery system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 14 shows a detailed isometric view of an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder in a catheter delivery system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 13 shows a detailed isometric view of an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder in a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] 11A and 11B are detailed isometric and side views, respectively, showing an implant detachment mechanism in an implant holder of a catheter delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in some embodiments, a catheter delivery system for transvascularly delivering and placing an implant in a human heart includes a detachment mechanism to ensure disconnection or removal of the implant from the catheter delivery system when the implant reaches its placement location and is also in the correct position. By definition, removal of the implant from the catheter delivery system is an event after which the implant can no longer be manipulated and the next process step of retraction of the catheter from the placement site begins.

[0010] In one non-limiting aspect, a typical catheter delivery system includes a distal section, a mid-section, and a proximal section. The proximal section includes a handle housing that remains outside the body and contains mechanisms for controlling movement in the distal section of the catheter. The distal section includes a tip, an inner shaft, a guidewire shaft, an implant holder, a capsule, and in a loaded state, the distal section also includes an implant. The mid-section is connected proximally to the handle housing and distally to the distal section.

[0011] The capsule is a hollow cylindrical structure that is movable via a moving mechanism present in the mid-section and actuated from the proximal section. The capsule provides an internal space in which the implant is loaded in a compressed form, and the capsule serves to hold the implant in the compressed form. Typically, capsule-based catheter delivery systems are used for the delivery of implants whose frame structure is made of a shape memory alloy, e.g., Nitinol. Such implants do not require any external force to restore the uncompressed structure. Due to the shape memory property, such implants start to reach their normal structure from the end when the capsule is moved to start exposing the implant from the end. The implant is located on the guidewire shaft, between the tip and the implant holder. The inner shaft extends longitudinally from the proximal end of the distal section along the mid-section and further to the proximal end of the proximal section. The guidewire shaft extends from the proximal end of the proximal section to the distal end of the distal section.

[0012] The implant holder is a hub-like cylindrical structure fixed to the inner shaft and located inside the capsule at the proximal end of the distal section. The implant holder has a number of pins on its circumferential surface. The pins are optionally at equal circumferential distances and angles from each other. The pins are engaged with the implant frame during loading of the implant and disengaged during placement. As mentioned above, in some cases and for various reasons, the implant does not disengage quickly and requires additional manipulation to remove the implant. This increases the procedure time and the positioning of the implant may also be affected.

[0013] The present disclosure utilizes a combination of design and material properties to address this problem of ensuring implant disengagement. The solution involves the use of an elastic polymer or metal material where a thin strip is placed between the periphery of the implant holder and the engagement portion of the implant frame. Preferably, the placement of the thin strip is around the pin of the implant holder. The thin strip is designed to act as a cantilever or similar to a leaf spring with fixed ends. Also, under normal conditions, the distance between the periphery of the implant holder and at least a portion of the thin strip is approximately equal to, less than, or greater than the height of the pin located on the periphery of the implant holder.

[0014] When the implant is loaded onto the guidewire shaft and into the capsule, the engagement portion of the implant frame engages with the pin of the implant holder, and by design, a portion of the thin strip is located between the circumferential surface of the implant holder and the engagement portion of the implant frame. During the implant loading procedure, the capsule is moved to compress and accommodate the implant inside the hollow cylindrical structure of the capsule. During this process, the thin strip is also compressed, storing potential energy in the thin strip.

[0015] During the placement procedure, the capsule is moved to expose the implant, and the engaged portion of the implant returns to its original shape. In normal operation, this is sufficient to disengage the implant from the frame holder. However, the thin strip also tries to return to its original position due to its elastic nature of the material used or by releasing stored potential energy. This additional movement of the thin strip occurs simultaneously with the disengagement of the engaged portion of the implant, providing additional force to the engaged portion for disengagement. In some cases, upon removal of the compressive force applied by the capsule, the engaged portion of the implant frame does not disengage. In such a scenario, due to material properties, the thin strip applies additional force to the engaged portion of the implant frame, and also applies a combined force of additional force due to potential energy release in the thin strip, and the shape memory properties of the implant frame ensure disengagement of the implant from the catheter delivery system.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thin strip can be designed as a cantilever, with one end of the thin strip attached to the proximal end of the implant holder and the other end free. In another embodiment, one end of the thin strip is attached to the distal end of the implant holder and the other end is free. In both cases, the length of the thin strip is long enough to cover or exceed at least half the width of the pin. According to yet another embodiment, both ends of the thin strip are fixed to the proximal and distal ends of the implant holder, respectively. However, the middle part of the thin strip is not connected to any surface. Also, the total length of the thin strip is slightly longer than the distance between the points where the thin strip joins the implant holder. This gives the thin strip a bell-shaped configuration, with a part of the thin strip or the formed bell being near the pin and the height of the part of the thin strip being approximately equal to, lower than or higher than the height of the pin.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a combination of multiple thin strips acting as combined cantilevers can be used. In this embodiment, multiple thin strips in a cantilever configuration are arranged parallel to each other, or one thin strip partially or completely overlaps another thin strip. The length and position of the multiple thin strips can vary across the circumference of the implant holder. In one such embodiment, a second thin strip is arranged between the proximal end of the implant holder and the distal end of the implant holder. One end of the second thin strip is attached to the circumference of the implant holder, and the other end is free, optionally overlapping or contacting a larger thin strip anywhere between the other free end of the thin strip and the joined end. The purpose of the second thin strip is to provide additional force for removal.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a nested combination of multiple thin strips can be used, i.e., the thin strip includes at least a third thin strip attached to the thin strip and extending into the space between the thin strip and the peripheral surface of the implant holder, wherein during the procedure, the third thin strip provides additional force to the thin strip to cause removal of the engagement portion of the frame from the implant holder.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thin strip is designed as a cantilever, with one end of the thin strip attached to the proximal end of the implant holder and the other end free. The thin strip has at least one step-changing curvature along the length of the cantilever. Due to the step-changing curvature, the overall profile of the thin strip may increase in the radial direction while being compressed by the capsule, resulting in an overall increase in the capsule's profile. A slot is formed in the inner shaft to partially accommodate the thin strip, especially the intermediate portion of the thin strip, so that the overall profile of the thin strip is reduced in the radial direction. The slot may extend in the longitudinal direction or in the circumferential direction. Also, the shape of the slot may be selected from, but is not limited to, rectangular, circular, spiral, oblong, or irregularly shaped but accommodating the protruding portion of the thin strip, or a combination thereof.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one circumferential slot is created on the inner shaft to increase the flexibility of the catheter in the area where the implant holder is located. The ends of the circumferential slot are not connected. The circumferential slots may overlap each other in the circumferential or longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thin strip covers the peripheral surface of the implant holder from the joined end to the pin or to the distal end of the implant holder having eyelets on its peripheral surface to provide an access site through which the thin strip can move without interference from the pin. In some embodiments, the size of the access site can extend along the length of the thin strip and can be of various shapes. Similarly, the thin strip can be of various sizes and shapes while conforming to the implant holder and capsule in a compressed or normal state.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thin strip has at least one graduated reduction in the thickness of the thin strip along the length of the cantilever, or at least one graduated curvature, while maintaining the thickness of the thin strip along the length of the cantilever. The graduated shape may be stepped, curved, or tapered. The graduated shape allows for providing a pushing force to the engagement portion of the implant frame during removal.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the implant may be, but is not limited to, a stent, a valve, a mesh, a balloon, a patch, a drug-containing matrix, a shunt, or combinations thereof.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pins can be of various sizes and shapes, specifically selected from, but not limited to, rectangular, circular, D-shaped, oblong, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, and triangular configurations.

[0025] Materials used to fabricate such cantilevers are selected from, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nitinol, polyamide, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and combinations thereof.

[0026] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the implant holder includes at least one radiopaque marker located on a peripheral surface of the implant holder, the radiopaque marker including, but not limited to, a pin, a thin strip, a second thin strip, a third thin strip, or combinations thereof.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the radiopaque marker present on the percutaneous catheter is selected from a circle, a rectangle, a square, an ellipse, a hexagon, an oval, a star, a diamond, a circumferential ring, an irregular shaped circumferential ring, a non-complete circumferential ring, a non-complete irregular circumferential ring, or a combination thereof.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the implant is used in the treatment of any abnormality or any medical procedure related to the heart, kidney, liver, brain, pancreas, lungs, digestive system, endovascular system, any duct, or any conduit in the animal or human body. More specifically, the implant can be placed in an artery, vein, heart valve, esophageal tract, bile duct, urinary tract, digestive tract, tracheobronchial tree, cerebral aqueduct, or genitourinary system of the animal or human body.

[0029] In addition, the present subject matter also contemplates a method for fabricating an implant holder as described above. To manufacture the implant holder, the method requires loading a medically clean and approved workpiece into a design tool. According to one example of the present subject matter, the workpiece can be in the shape of a hollow circular tube, or a solid cylinder, or a sheet. In some embodiments, the workpiece is prepared from a composition in powder form or from a composition in liquid form. The required design of the implant holder is then set up or uploaded into a design tool, such as a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine for manufacturing. The required design is then cut out of the workpiece to manufacture the implant holder. In one example, the fabrication technique used in the design tool is selected from laser machining, chemical etching, machining, chemical machining, metal injection molding, vacuum casting, milling, photochemical etching, electrical discharge machining, 3D printing techniques, additive manufacturing techniques, or combinations thereof. For example, the implant holder is manufactured by cutting a hollow circular tube of metal or polymer with a laser beam, which generates the design of the implant holder according to a predetermined cutting contour. Alternatively, the implant holder is manufactured using 3D printing technology or additive manufacturing. Once the implant holder is manufactured, undesired materials are removed from the surface of the implant holder for finishing. The cleaned and finished implant holder can then be polished or coated with a suitable coating. For example, it can be coated with an anti-reactive agent that prevents the implant from reacting with the atmosphere in which it is stored or placed. Additionally or alternatively, the implant holder can be coated with a medical or radiopaque material depending on the purpose, manner, and location of placement of the implant holder.

[0030] The 3D printing technology may be selected from, but is not limited to, stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), layered object manufacturing (LOM), polyjet technology, or a combination thereof.

[0031] By combining the different materials and design variations discussed above, a variety of configurations can be obtained with different structure-property relationships.

[0032] Referring now to the drawings, elements are labeled with like numbers throughout the several views. Reference is further made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] 1 and 1A depict an exemplary catheter delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The catheter delivery system (100) includes a distal section (400), a mid-section (300), and a proximal section (200). The proximal section (200) remains outside the human body and includes a handle (110) for controlling movement of the catheter in the distal section (400). The distal section includes a tip (108), a guidewire shaft (105), an implant holder (140), and a capsule (102). The mid-section (300) is proximally connected to the handle housing and distally connected to the distal section (400). The mid-section (300) primarily includes a catheter shaft (106) that connects to the capsule (102) at the distal section (400).

[0034] The capsule (102) provides an interior space in which the implant is loaded in a compressed form, and the capsule (102) serves to hold the implant in the compressed form. The implant is positioned on the guidewire shaft (105) between the tip (108) and the implant holder (140). The implant holder (140) is fixed on the inner shaft (104) and is located inside the capsule (102) at the proximal end of the distal section (400). The implant holder (140) has a number of pins (112, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) for engaging with the frame of the implant.

[0035] 2 and 2A, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thin strip (206) designed as a cantilever has one end (214) attached to the proximal end of the implant holder and the other end (216) is free. The thin strip (206) partially covers the periphery of the implant holder from one end to the pin (202) or to the distal end of the implant holder, while optionally having an elongated slot (204) on its periphery to provide space for the pin (202) during the radial movement of the thin strip (206). Furthermore, optionally, the thin strip (206) has at least one step change (220) in the thin strip along its length.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, both ends (614) and (616) of the thin strip (606) are fixed to the proximal and distal ends of the implant holder (140), respectively. However, the middle portion (618) of the thin strip (606) is not attached to any surface. This results in the thin strip (606) being in a bell-shaped configuration, with a portion of the middle portion (618) of the thin strip or formed bell being proximal to the pin (602). Due to the elastic properties of the formed bell, the fixed ends, and the thin strip, the thin strip (606) behaves similarly to a leaf spring. Additionally, optionally, the thin strip (606) has at least one step change (620) in the thin strip along its length.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 4, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a thin strip (306) designed as a cantilever has one end (314) attached to the proximal end of the implant holder and the other end (316) is free. The thin strip (306) partially covers the peripheral surface of the implant holder from one end of the implant holder to the pin (302) or to the distal end of the implant holder, and optionally has eyelets (304) on its peripheral surface to provide space for the pin (302) during the radial movement of the thin strip (306). Furthermore, optionally, the thin strip (306) has at least one step change (320) in the thin strip along its length.

[0038] 5 and 5A, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thin strip (406) partially or completely overlaps the second thin strip (408). Like the thin strip (406), one end (414') of the second thin strip (408) is connected to the circumferential surface of the implant holder, and the other end (416') is free. The thin strip (406) partially covers the circumferential surface of the implant holder from one end of the implant holder to the pin (402) or to the distal end of the implant holder, and optionally has eyelets (404) on its circumferential surface to provide space for the pin (402) during radial movement of the thin strip (406). Furthermore, optionally, the thin strip (406) has at least one gradation (420) in the thin strip along its length.

[0039] 6 and 6A, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a third thin strip (508) is attached to the thin strip (506) in a nested configuration. In the nested configuration, one end (514') of the third thin strip (508) is connected to the thin strip and the other end (516') extends into the space between this strip and the peripheral surface of the implant holder (140). The thin strip (506) partially covers the peripheral surface of the implant holder from one end of the implant holder to the pin (502) or to the distal end of the implant holder, and optionally has eyelets (504) on its peripheral surface to provide space for the pin (502) during radial movement of the thin strip (506). Furthermore, optionally, the thin strip (506) has at least one gradation (520) in the thin strip along its length.

[0040] 7 and 7A, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, one end (714) of a thin strip (706) is attached proximally to the implant holder (140) and the other end (716) is free to move radially based on the compressive force applied or removed by the capsule. The thin strip (706) partially covers the circumference of the implant holder from one end to the pin (702) or to the distal end of the implant holder and has eyelets (704) on its circumference that provide space for the pin (702) while the thin strip (706) descends radially. Additionally, the thin strip (706) has at least one step change (720) in the thin strip along its length. The step change (720) causes the overall profile of the thin strip (706) to increase radially. Thus, a slot (722) is created in the inner shaft (104) to partially accommodate the intermediate portion (718) of the thin strip while it is compressed by the capsule, resulting in a reduction in the overall profile of the thin strip (706) in the radial direction.

[0041] 8 and 8A, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, one end (814) of the thin strip (806) is attached to the proximal side of the implant holder (140) and the other end (816) is free to move radially based on the compressive force applied or removed by the capsule. The thin strip (806) partially covers the circumference of the implant holder from one end to the pin (802) or to the distal end of the implant holder and has eyelets (804) on its circumference that provide space for the pin (802) while the thin strip (806) moves radially down. The thin strip (806) has at least one gradation (820) in the thin strip along its length. Additionally, at least one circumferential slot (822) is created on the inner shaft (104) to increase the flexibility of the catheter in the area where the implant holder (140) is located.

[0042] In the above description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure, one of which is described below, may be incorporated into several systems. Furthermore, the structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are intended to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] Capsule-102 Inner Shaft-104 Guidewire Shaft-105 Catheter Shaft-106 Tip - 108 Handle-110 Elongated slots - 204, 604 Implant Holder-140 Pin-112, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 Thin Strips - 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806 Eyelet-304, 404, 504, 704, 804 One end - 214, 414, 414', 514, 514', 714, 614, 814 Other end - 216, 416, 416', 516, 516', 716, 816, 616 Step Changes - 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820 Proximal Section-200 Mid Section-300 Distal Section-400 Second Thin Strip - 408 3rd Thin Strip-508 Middle part-618, 718 Slot - 722 Circumferential slot-822

Claims

1. 1. An implant removal mechanism for removing an implant from an implant holder, comprising: a catheter having an inner shaft, a catheter shaft, a capsule, and a handle; the implant holder is attached to the inner shaft, the implant holder having at least one pin on its periphery for engaging an implant to the implant holder; the catheter shaft is longitudinally movable, and a capsule is attached to a distal end of the catheter shaft, the capsule partially covering and exposing the implant holder and at least the engaged implant upon movement of the catheter shaft; and a thin strip that is elastic in nature and attached to the implant holder and positioned between a peripheral surface of the implant holder and the engaged implant; a compressive force is applied to the thin strip and the engaged implant when the capsule is moved over the implant holder; An implant removal mechanism, wherein upon moving the capsule to expose the implant holder, release of potential energy stored in the thin strip causes removal of the engaged implant from the pin.

2. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the thin strip within the implant holder is attached at one end towards a proximal side of the implant holder and the other end is free.

3. 2. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the thin strip within the implant holder has one end attached toward a proximal side of the implant holder and the other end attached toward a distal side of the implant holder, the length of the thin strip being greater than the distance between the attached ends, causing the thin strip to have a curved shape.

4. 2. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the thin strip in the implant holder has a length sufficient to at least reach the nearest periphery of the pin, reach the center point of the pin, reach the farthest periphery of the pin, or extend beyond the pin.

5. 2. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the thin strip within the implant holder has eyelets or elongated slots on its periphery to accommodate the overlapping portions of the pins when compressed by the capsule movement.

6. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the implant holder has a plurality of pins attached to the implant holder at equal circumferential intervals.

7. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of pins attached to the implant holder at unevenly spaced intervals around the circumference.

8. 2. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the thin strip within the implant holder has at least a gradual decrease in thickness along its length or around its circumference.

9. 10. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the thin strip within the implant holder has at least a gradual change in curvature along its length or around its circumference.

10. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the thin strip has at least one second thin strip attached thereto.

11. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the implant holder has a plurality of the thin strips attached to the implant holder and arranged parallel to one another.

12. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the implant holder is attached to the inner shaft, the inner shaft having at least one longitudinally or circumferentially extending slot.

13. 13. The implant removal mechanism of claim 12, wherein the implant holder is attached to the inner shaft, and the shape of the slot is selected from a rectangular, circular, spiral, oblong, or irregularly shaped configuration.

14. The implant removal mechanism of claim 12, wherein the implant holder is attached to the inner shaft and at least one edge of the thin strip is received within the slot.

15. 10. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the implant is selected from a stent, a valve, a mesh, a balloon, a patch, a drug-containing matrix, a shunt, a vena cava filter, a vascular graft, a stent-graft, or a combination thereof.

16. 10. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the pin on the implant holder has a cross-sectional shape selected from a rectangular, circular, D-shaped, oblong, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, triangular configuration, and combinations thereof.

17. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the implant holder is made from a biocompatible material selected from the group of polymers, metals, alloys, non-metals, biodegradable materials, bioabsorbable materials, or combinations thereof.

18. 10. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1, wherein the implant holder is made from a biocompatible material selected from stainless steel, nitinol, cobalt chrome, polyamide, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or combinations thereof.

19. The implant removal mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the implant holder has at least one radiopaque marker on a circumferential surface thereof.

20. setting up the implant holder design in a design machine; cutting the design onto a workpiece to manufacture the implant holder; finishing the implant holder by removing material from a surface of the implant holder and polishing the implant holder; securing the implant holder onto the inner shaft; A method for manufacturing an implant holder according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising:

21. the workpiece is one of a hollow circular tube, a solid cylinder, or a sheet, or is prepared from a composition in powder form, or is prepared from a composition in liquid form; 21. The method of claim 20.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the cutting step is selected from at least one of laser machining, chemical etching, mechanical machining, chemical machining, metal injection molding, vacuum casting, milling, photochemical etching, electrical discharge machining, 3D printing techniques, additive manufacturing techniques, or combinations thereof.

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