Adjustable Threadlike Retention Links for Expandable Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insertion devices for expandable implants, such as stents and endovalves, require pre-loading in a factory and cannot be adjusted to fit individual patient morphologies, limiting their applicability and requiring multiple sizes to be available during surgery, and are not suitable for flexible valves due to storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

An insertion device with adjustable threadlike retention links featuring a rigid member and flexible cords that can be easily loaded by a surgeon before an operation, allowing for expansion and contraction of the tightening loop to encircle the implant, facilitating easy attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the endoprosthesis is pre-loaded onto the insertion device in the factory, then the insertion device is ready for use, but the surgeon cannot modify the size of the endoprosthesis to suit patient morphology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loadingVSAvoidadaptability to patient morphology

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is divided into separate components: the insertion device itself and the endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis is supplied separately in a sterile package, allowing the surgeon to select and load the appropriate size just before surgery, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability to patient morphology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endoprosthesis is prepared in advance in a sterile state and packaged separately. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to have multiple sizes available and select the appropriate one before surgery, eliminating the need for factory pre-loading while maintaining readiness for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sizes of endoprostheses are provided in the operating theatre to suit patient morphology, then adaptability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient morphologyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is designed as a disposable single-use device. Each insertion device is provided with a specific size of endoprosthesis pre-loaded onto it in a sterile package. This eliminates the need to provide multiple sizes in the operating theatre, as each procedure uses a new insertion device with the appropriate size already configured, thereby reducing the quantity of equipment needed while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If the insertion device is designed with fixed retention links, then the structure is simple, but the tightening loop cannot be adjusted to different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidadjustability of tightening loop

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention links are designed with flexible cords that can be elongated or shortened by the surgeon using a specific tool. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the tightening loop to adapt to different endoprosthesis sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The flexibility is introduced through the cords rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8109986B2Device for inserting a radially expandable implant, treatment kit and associated insertion method

Publication Date: 2012.02.07 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

AI summary

A device includes a support defining at least one opening for retaining an implant situated in the vicinity of the distal end thereof, and at least one threadlike link for retaining the implant. The link includes a control portion engaged in the support and a tightening loop of the implant which projects outside the support through the retention opening. A component is provided for placing each tightening loop around the implant. The placement component includes a rigid member and at least one flexible cord integral with the member and engaged releasably around the tightening loop.