Atherectomy Handle Supply Line Fitment Directional Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current atherectomy devices face challenges in effectively removing occlusive material from blood vessels without damaging the surrounding vessel wall or previously implanted stents, and in managing the direction of supply lines during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a handle with a drive motor to rotate a drive cable coupled to an atherectomy burr, with a supply line fitment that allows for directional control of supply lines, such as power and saline lines, through grooves or a rotatable knob, enabling flexible placement and minimizing vessel damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed supply line configuration is used in the atherectomy device, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different procedural layouts is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to procedural layoutsVSAvoidsupply line configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply line fitment incorporates a rotatable knob that can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing the supply line to exit the handle in multiple directions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the device to adapt to different procedural layouts without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices, thereby improving versatility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the supply line exits at a fixed position, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation in different procedural configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of supply line managementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of fitment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The supply line fitment is designed as a separate, modular component with a rotatable knob that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the handle. This segmentation allows the complex rotatable mechanism to be produced using standard manufacturing techniques and then attached to the handle, balancing ease of manufacture with improved ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If multiple supply lines are managed without a fitment system, then the device structure is simpler, but the organization and control of supply lines is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply line organizationVSAvoidfitment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply line fitment serves multiple functions: it secures the supply line to the handle, provides rotational adjustment for directional control, and organizes the supply line exit point. This multi-functional design consolidates several needs into a single component, improving supply line organization while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3911256B1Atherectomy system with supply line fitment
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 BOSTON SCI LTD
  • EP3911256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3911256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3911256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An atherectomy system includes a handle having a handle housing (16a) and a drive motor that is disposed within the handle housing and is adapted to rotate a drive cable extending through the handle and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr. A supply line (60,62) extends from the handle housing. A supply line fitment (50) may be disposed relative to the handle housing and may be configured to releasably secure the supply line relative to the handle housing such that the supply line is directed away from the handle housing in a direction that is selected from two or more directions. The supply line fitment (50) may include a rotatable knob (52).