BPH Implant Delivery Device with Integrated Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery devices for expandable implants in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) face challenges in accurately positioning and deploying the implants within the prostatic urethra, due to issues with positioning accuracy, potential for accidental deployment, and lack of effective imaging during the deployment process.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device comprising an inner tube, a tubular outer sleeve, and an imaging device that allows for precise positioning and deployment of an expandable implant within the prostatic urethra, with the outer sleeve retaining the implant in a compressed state until correct alignment is confirmed, and the imaging device providing a clear view for accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the outer sleeve is used to retain the implant in compressed state, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device employs a nested structure where the inner tube is positioned within the outer sleeve, and the imaging device is integrated within the inner tube assembly. This nesting allows multiple functional components (retention mechanism, imaging system, deployment structure) to be combined in a compact configuration, achieving precise positioning control without excessive device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the implant and the external environment, providing controlled retention and protection during delivery. It mediates the transition of the implant from compressed storage state to deployed functional state, enabling precise positioning while maintaining manageable device complexity through specialized functional segmentation
2Measurement precision
If the imaging device is added for visualization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is merged with the inner tube assembly, creating an integrated imaging-delivery system. This combination allows real-time visualization of the implant positioning process without requiring separate imaging equipment, thereby improving positioning accuracy while controlling overall device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the implant, houses the imaging device, and acts as a delivery conduit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, achieving improved positioning through imaging while maintaining reasonable device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the outer sleeve is made retractable for deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential accidental deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve transitions from a static retained state to a dynamic retractable state, allowing controlled movement between deployment positions. This dynamic capability enables easy operation for deployment while incorporating mechanical features (such as engagement/disengagement mechanisms) that prevent accidental activation, thus maintaining reliability
4Measurement precision
If the implant is kept in compressed state during delivery, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the implant cannot provide treatment until deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is prepared in a compressed state during the delivery process, allowing precise positioning to be achieved first. Once accurately positioned, the implant is rapidly deployed to begin treatment. This preliminary positioning phase followed by quick deployment minimizes overall treatment delay while ensuring accurate placement
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a delivery device for locating an expandable implant for treating BPH within the prostatic urethra of a patient. The delivery device comprises an inner tube and an outer sleeve movable relative to the inner tube between a stored position and a deployed position. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube to define an annulus therebetween and the expandable implant is retained within the annulus when the outer sleeve is in the stored position.