Catheter Handle Clamping Assembly for One-Handed Tool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems for implantable medical devices (IMDs) lack efficient mechanisms for securely transporting and deploying IMDs within a patient's vasculature, often requiring additional assistance for precise control and securement of the delivery catheter components.
Innovation Solution
A delivery catheter system featuring a handle with a clamping assembly that allows for one-handed operation, enabling the securement and release of an inner tool to restrain or release the IMD, facilitating its deployment and retrieval within the vasculature by compressing or pinching the elongated member against the inner tool, thereby controlling its movement through the catheter lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a delivery system uses a traditional design without a clamping assembly, then the structure is simpler, but it requires additional assistance for precise control and securement of the delivery catheter components
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly integrates multiple functions (securing the inner tool, controlling elongated member movement, and enabling one-handed operation) into a single integrated mechanism within the handle, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and assistant personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly enables the operator to independently secure and release the inner tool using a button actuation mechanism, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional assistance for precise control and securement
2Productivity
If a delivery system requires two-handed operation or assistant assistance, then control precision may be maintained, but procedural efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly combines the securing and releasing functions into a single hand-operated mechanism, allowing one-handed control while maintaining precise control over the inner tool and elongated member
Solution Approach 2:
The button-actuated clamping assembly allows the operator to independently perform securement and release operations with one hand, enabling efficient one-handed operation without requiring assistant personnel
3Reliability
If the elongated member is made compressible or pinching, then securement of the inner tool is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly merges the elongated member, button, and housing into an integrated structure where the elongated member itself performs the clamping function through compression, eliminating the need for separate clamping components
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member transitions between compressed and uncompressed states based on button actuation, using parameter changes in the elongated member's physical state to achieve securement and release functions
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
This system enhances control over IMD delivery and retrieval, allowing for single-handed operation without an assistant, improving the precision and efficiency of implantation or retrieval procedures by providing a secure and intuitive mechanism for managing the inner tool's movement.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping assembly configured to be actuated to selectively compress or pinch the elongated member against the inner tool
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an implantable medical device delivery catheter comprises a handle and an elongated member disposed within the handle, the elongated member comprising an elongated member lumen configured to receive an inner tool that is configured to extend through a lumen of the delivery catheter, including the elongated member lumen, and interface with an implantable medical device. The handle further comprises a clamping assembly comprising a button configured to be actuated toward a longitudinal axis of the elongated member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to compress the elongated member against the inner tool to restrain movement of the inner tool through the elongated member lumen.