Articulating Vacuum Device for Epicardial Lead Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for thoracoscopic lead placement in biventricular pacing are complex and prone to complications due to the need for precise positioning of leads in cardiac venous anatomy, often requiring multiple catheters and guidewires, which can lead to suboptimal placement and increased risk of infection and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring three separate vacuum conduits for tissue stabilization, co-axial telescopic movement, and a monopolar electrocautery system for efficient tissue removal, allowing for precise placement of pacing leads on the epicardial surface of the heart without the need for extensive venous anatomy dependence, with articulating suction feet and a waste removal conduit for streamlined procedure execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional endocardial or percutaneous approaches are used for lead placement, then the procedure can be performed with less invasive techniques, but the placement precision and success rate are reduced due to anatomical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the lead placement function into two independent components: (1) a stabilization mechanism that secures the epicardial surface, and (2) a lead insertion mechanism that delivers the lead through the stabilized tissue. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving placement reliability while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary stabilization of the epicardial surface before lead insertion. The stabilization mechanism is deployed first to secure the tissue in a predetermined position, creating an optimal foundation for subsequent lead placement. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during the critical insertion phase.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple catheters and guidewires are used for precise lead positioning, then placement accuracy is improved, but the risk of infection and complication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple catheters and guidewires by integrating the stabilization and insertion functions into a single device. The stabilization mechanism provides the necessary precision through mechanical securing of the epicardial surface, replacing the function previously achieved through multiple separate instruments, thereby reducing infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the stabilization function and lead insertion function into a single integrated system. The stabilization mechanism and lead insertion mechanism work together as one unified device, eliminating the need for multiple separate catheters and guidewires, thus reducing the number of potential infection sources while maintaining placement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If epicardial surgical approach is used instead of percutaneous approach, then lead placement flexibility is improved, but recovery time and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization mechanism is designed to be dynamically deployable and adjustable within the minimally invasive access channel. The mechanism can be deployed, adjusted to achieve optimal stabilization, and then locked into position, providing the flexibility of open surgery through a minimally invasive approach. This dynamic capability allows adaptation to various anatomical configurations without requiring full surgical exposure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device facilitates accurate and efficient placement of pacing leads, reducing procedural complexity, minimizing complications, and shortening recovery times by stabilizing tissue and removing waste tissue efficiently, thus improving the success rate of biventricular pacing procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A device featuring three separate vacuum conduits for tissue stabilization
Implementation Method 2
a monopolar electrocautery system for efficient tissue removal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes devices and methods for pacing contact, lead, conduit or other medical fixture placement in tissues or organs. The invention features an articulating multiple suction foot device, comprising an inner vacuum conduit and foot slidingly contained within an outer vacuum conduit and foot, with the inner vacuum conduit and foot configured to extend beyond the outer vacuum suction foot, and to be further articulated once extended; as well as a separate tissue or waste removal vacuum assembly that extends within the inner vacuum conduit to the inner vacuum foot to remove cut tissue prior to its advancement beyond the outer vacuum suction foot. The device is configured to permit the placement foot, such as a suction foot, to articulate to a desired position with respect to the target tissue, while the pacing contact, lead, fluid conduit or other medical fixture is releasably attached to the placement foot to permit it to be released from the placement foot after stabilization on the target tissue site.