Adjustable Elongate Medical Device With Locking Curved Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape-memory medical devices require specialized delivery devices and methods for minimally-invasive procedures and may not be strong enough for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an elongate body that can transition from a small delivery configuration to a larger delivered configuration without specialized delivery devices, featuring shape-changing features and a locking mechanism to maintain a predetermined curved shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If shape-memory devices are used for minimally-invasive procedures, then the ability to return to desired configuration upon release is improved, but specialized delivery devices and methods are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its own structural features (elongate body with shape-changing features and locking mechanism) to maintain and transition between configurations without requiring external specialized delivery devices. The device self-constrains in delivery configuration and self-activates to deployed configuration through the pull member mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the requirement for specialized delivery devices by extracting the configuration-maintaining function from external delivery systems and integrating it directly into the device structure through the elongate body's inherent shape-changing capabilities and locking mechanism.
2Length of moving object
If shape-memory devices are used for minimally-invasive procedures, then minimally-invasive delivery capability is improved, but device strength is reduced making certain procedures inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions dynamically between two distinct structural states: a compressed delivery configuration for minimally-invasive delivery and a deployed configuration with enhanced strength for performing procedures. The elongate body changes from a narrow profile to a larger functional structure through the shape-changing features and locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into functional components including the elongate body, shape-changing features, locking mechanism, and pull member that work together to enable both minimally-invasive delivery and provide sufficient strength for the procedure. The segmented structure allows independent optimization of delivery profile and procedural strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the elongate body is locked in the second configuration, then structural stability is improved, but the device cannot be adjusted or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action through the pull member that can be activated at different stages to transition between configurations. The locking mechanism provides stable locked states while the periodic activation of the pull member allows controlled transitions, enabling both stability when locked and adaptability when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains dynamic controllability through the pull member mechanism that can transition the device between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability allows the device to be repositioned or adjusted before final locking, providing both stability and adaptability as needed during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices that can be delivered in a first, flexible configuration and subsequently locked into a second, rigid configuration are provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a plurality of slots openings along a bending portion of the body. Using a tension member to shorten the distance between two points along the elongate body causes the device to curve. The device can be locked into the curved configuration.