Biostimulator Transport Locking Tube for Reliable Attachment and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biostimulator transport systems are inefficient, complex, and costly, with a focus on the biostimulator retention and delivery systems, and existing systems fail to provide reliable and cost-effective mechanisms for attaching and releasing biostimulators, particularly in confined anatomical spaces, and often jam due to uneven torque distribution.
Innovation Solution
A biostimulator transport system with a locking tube and tether mechanism that allows for simple, reliable, and cost-effective attachment and release, using a locking tube with a central lumen and tether that engages the biostimulator's attachment feature, distributing torque evenly and minimizing system length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing biostimulator transport systems use complex tether mechanisms with multiple components to achieve reliable attachment and release, then the retention function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tether mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking tube with external threading, a tether body with internal threading, and a locking end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism (locking tube and locking end) from the tether body. This extraction allows the tether to maintain simplicity while the locking mechanism provides the necessary retention reliability through a dedicated, simple locking interface.
2Reliability
If existing systems use precise movement mechanisms and fine mechanical tolerances to achieve reliable retention, then the retention function is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for high-precision manufacturing and complex retention mechanisms, as the tether's function is to provide temporary, reliable retention during delivery and then be discarded after the biostimulator is implanted.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether uses material property changes (elasticity and memory) rather than precise mechanical dimensions to achieve reliable retention. The superelastic or shape memory material properties provide the necessary retention force and release mechanism without requiring fine mechanical tolerances.
3Force
If existing torque transmission structures are used to drive the biostimulator into target tissue, then the torque transmission function is achieved, but the system length increases and jamming can occur due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission function is merged with the tether structure itself. The tether body with external threading directly transmits torque to the biostimulator's attachment feature, eliminating the need for separate, lengthier torque transmission structures and reducing the risk of misalignment-induced jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether serves multiple functions: it provides retention through elastic/memory properties, transmits torque for tissue penetration, and acts as a delivery mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system length by eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
4Force
If existing torque transmission structures bind the transport system to the biostimulator, then torque transmission is achieved, but the structures can jam due to misalignment causing uneven torque distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The tether's superelastic or shape memory material properties enable self-alignment and self-adjustment during torque transmission. The material automatically distributes torque evenly along its length without requiring precise external alignment, preventing jamming and ensuring reliable delivery and release.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether uses material property changes (superelasticity or shape memory effects) to adapt to misalignment and distribute torque evenly. This parameter change capability allows the tether to maintain reliable torque transmission and release functionality without requiring precise mechanical alignment between components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A biostimulator transport system (300) includes a locking tube (402) having a central lumen. The biostimulator transport system (300) includes a tether (602) extending through the central lumen. The tether (602) includes a locking end (604) coupled to a tether body (606). The locking end (604) is wider than the tether body (606). Other embodiments are also described and claimed.