Cardiac Support Device Release Mechanism for Secure Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved delivery devices that can efficiently and effectively release cardiac support devices over the heart, particularly for treating congestive heart disease and related valvular dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus with a deployment mechanism and a release mechanism that allows for the placement and secure positioning of a cardiac support device on the heart, featuring a release element and actuator to de-couple the device from the deployment mechanism once it is in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cardiac support device is securely mounted to the deployment mechanism for delivery, then the device can be safely transported and positioned, but the release and deployment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into discrete components: release elements positioned at intervals along the deployment mechanism, each independently engageable with the cardiac support device. This segmentation allows the complex release function to be broken into manageable, repeatable units that can be actuated sequentially or simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The release elements are pre-positioned and configured on the deployment mechanism before the cardiac support device is attached. The deployment mechanism is prepared in advance with all necessary release components in place, allowing for rapid deployment when needed without complex real-time adjustments during the critical release phase.
2Measurement precision
If the cardiac support device is firmly held during delivery, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required to deploy and release the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism transitions from a static, firmly-held state during delivery to a dynamic, rapidly-deployable state through actuation. The release elements are designed to maintain firm engagement during positioning but can be quickly actuated to release the device. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize for positioning accuracy during delivery while enabling rapid deployment when the device reaches its target position.
3Reliability
If the release mechanism uses multiple release elements for secure engagement, then the device can be reliably positioned, but the actuation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple release elements are combined into a unified actuation system where a single actuation action can simultaneously engage or disengage all release elements. This merging of the actuation function allows the operator to control multiple engagement points through one simple action, maintaining reliable multi-point engagement while significantly simplifying the operation required to deploy the device.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD.