Implantable Capsule Screw Anchoring via Laser Welded Radial Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The securing mechanism of implantable cardiac capsules with helical screws is prone to accidental detachment, leading to complications and risks of injury due to the lack of axial holding force, especially in autonomous devices without a lead connection.
Innovation Solution
An implantable capsule design featuring a tubular body with an annular support and a helical screw anchoring element, where the screw is permanently attached to a support via laser welding, and the support is secured to the body with a weld bead, using stainless steel for the body and titanium alloy for the screw, with radial orifices and rods/tubes for enhanced fixation and pharmaceutical diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a helical screw is used for anchoring the capsule to the cardiac wall, then the anchoring capability is improved, but the risk of accidental detachment increases due to lack of axial holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into multiple independent rods or tubes distributed around the periphery of the capsule body, each providing individual anchoring function. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple points rather than relying on a single screw, reducing the risk of complete detachment failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring mechanism transitions from a single axial screw to multiple radial rods/tubes extending in different directions. This dimensional change from one-dimensional axial anchoring to three-dimensional radial anchoring provides superior resistance against detachment forces from multiple directions.
2Device complexity
If a single screw anchoring system is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the security against accidental detachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into multiple independent rods or tubes distributed around the periphery of the capsule body, each providing individual anchoring function. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple points rather than relying on a single screw, reducing the risk of complete detachment failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rods or tubes are combined with the capsule body through laser welding to form an integrated anchoring system. This merging provides both the security of multiple anchoring points and a unified structure that resists detachment forces more effectively than a single screw.
3Reliability
If radial rods or tubes are added to the anchoring system, then the fixation security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical assembly methods for attaching multiple anchoring elements are replaced with laser welding technology. This substitution enables precise, rapid, and strong joining of the rods/tubes to the capsule body, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process parameters are optimized for laser welding, including pulse duration, power levels, and positioning precision. These parameter changes enable efficient fabrication of the multi-rod anchoring system, making the increased structural complexity manageable in terms of manufacturing.
4Strength
If the anchoring element is made of titanium alloy, then the biocompatibility and strength-to-weight ratio are improved, but the welding requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical assembly methods for attaching multiple anchoring elements are replaced with laser welding technology. This substitution enables precise, rapid, and strong joining of the rods/tubes to the capsule body, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process parameters are optimized for laser welding, including pulse duration, power levels, and positioning precision. These parameter changes enable efficient fabrication of the multi-rod anchoring system, making the increased structural complexity manageable in terms of manufacturing.
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 design provides a secure and durable anchoring system that minimizes the risk of detachment and tissue damage, ensuring reliable and permanent contact with the cardiac wall, suitable for both autonomous and lead-connected devices.
Implementation Method 1
the rods or tubes are attached to the base of the anchoring element by laser firing, or fixed to the material of the support at the level of the orifices by laser firing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an implantable capsule (10) comprising a tubular body (12) provided at its distal end with a helical screw anchoring element (14) adapted to penetrate the tissue of a patient's organ wall, the body housing a set of functional elements of the capsule. It includes an annular support (16) integral with and coaxial to the body (12), this support being adjacent to the base of the anchoring element and having a series of radially extending orifices (16b; 16d). The base of the anchoring element has a series of rods or tubes (14b) projecting in a generally radial direction and engaged in said orifices to thus secure the anchoring element to the support (16).