Capture Device Handle Retainer for Accidental Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices used for removing obstructions, such as kidney stones, face issues with accidental deployment of capture devices, leading to device damage and increased procedure time, requiring higher skill levels and potentially causing patient injury.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a medical device with a retainer mechanism that prevents accidental actuation of the capture device handle, allowing safe deployment and retrieval of the end-effector, thereby reducing the risk of device damage and procedural complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capture device is deployed through a working channel of an endoscope for stone removal, then the physician can remove kidney stones, but the capture device may be accidentally deployed causing device damage and increased procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer device is pre-positioned within the handle to automatically engage and prevent accidental deployment of the capture device before any unintended actuation can occur. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for later intervention to prevent or correct accidental deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer device serves as an intermediary component between the handle and the capture device, physically blocking unintended actuation of the capture device while allowing intentional deployment when properly activated. This intermediary mechanism provides a safety layer without requiring direct manual control of the capture device itself.
2Productivity
If the capture device is used multiple times for removing multiple stones, then productivity increases, but the risk of accidental deployment and device damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer device is activated in advance before each deployment cycle to ensure the capture device is securely locked in place. This preliminary securing action allows multiple cycles of deployment and retrieval without risk of accidental deployment, enabling repeated use for multiple stones.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer device acts as a safety intermediary that remains engaged during the entire multi-cycle procedure, blocking unintended actuation of the capture device between and during deployment cycles. This allows the physician to perform multiple stone removal operations with a single device without increasing safety risks.
3Device complexity
If the capture device is deployed without a retainer mechanism, then the device structure is simpler, but the skill level required to operate safely increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer device automatically engages and disengages based on the deployment cycle, providing self-regulating protection without requiring constant manual intervention or high skill levels. The mechanism serves itself by using the natural movements of the handle and capture device to activate and deactivate the retainer appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer device serves as an automated intermediary that manages the safety function between the handle and capture device, reducing the cognitive load and skill requirement on the practitioner. Instead of requiring constant vigilance and manual control, the retainer automatically prevents accidental deployment while allowing intentional actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a first medical device configured to couple to a second medical device may comprise a central support member configured to be temporarily positioned within a portion of a handle of the second medical device; and a first arm extending outward from the central support member, wherein the first arm extends outside of the portion of the handle when the first medical device is coupled to the second medical device, wherein a first width of the first arm and a first length of the first arm is smaller than a second width of the central support member and a second length of the central support member, respectively. The first medical device may be configured to prevent actuation of a first actuator of the handle when the first medical device is coupled to the second medical device.