Catheter Set Retaining Member for Self-Expandable Implant Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter systems for deploying collapsible self-expandable implants in blood vessels lack control and flexibility, leading to potential misplacement and inadequate anchoring of filters, especially in the vena cava, due to intermeshing of anchoring legs and a larger profile that restricts delivery sheath diameter.

Innovation Solution

A catheter set comprising a flexible external guide sheath, a flexible internal catheter with a tubular end member, and a retaining member with radially inward slits to securely position and release anchoring legs, allowing precise control and reduced profile for implant deployment, utilizing a flexible displacement member connected to operating members for controlled release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a conventional catheter system is used for deploying collapsible self-expandable implants, then the delivery can be performed, but the profile is larger which restricts delivery sheath diameter and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile diameterVSAvoiddelivery sheath compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is nested within the tubular end member of the internal catheter during delivery. The anchoring legs are retained inside the tubular end member while the retaining member itself is positioned within the external guide sheath, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the overall profile diameter and enables delivery through smaller sheaths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter system is divided into separate functional segments: the external guide sheath, the internal catheter with tubular end member, and the retaining member with anchoring legs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the anchoring legs to be retained separately from the delivery sheath, reducing the required sheath diameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the anchoring legs are retained inside the tubular end member, then control and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol during introductionVSAvoidcatheter set structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular end member serves multiple functions: it acts as the distal tip of the internal catheter, provides a retaining chamber for the anchoring legs, and serves as the interface with the retaining member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements and simplifies the overall device while maintaining control during introduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is merged with the tubular end member through sliding engagement, where the retaining member moves along the axial length of the tubular end member. This merging integrates the retention function into the existing catheter structure rather than adding a separate complex retention mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the retaining member protrudes from the tubular end member, then the anchoring legs are released and expanded, but the precision of placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring efficacyVSAvoidplacement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring legs are pre-positioned and retained inside the tubular end member during delivery and positioning. The retaining member is positioned to maintain this retention state until the final deployment moment, ensuring precise placement is achieved before the legs are released to expand and anchor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures accurate placement and expansion of implants with reduced profile, minimizing the risk of intermeshing and allowing a smaller delivery sheath diameter, enhancing control and flexibility during implantation while maintaining anchoring efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

a number of diverging spring-biased anchoring legs to centre the implant in respect of the blood flow through said vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a flexible displacement member extending throughout the internal catheter, the proximal ends of said displacement member and the internal catheter being connected with a first and a second operating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2231063B1Introduction catheter set for a self-expandable implant

Publication Date: 2016.04.13 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an introduction catheter set for a collapsible self- expandable implant (1) into a blood vessel of a patient. Without being limited thereto the invention is concerned in particular with the introduction of collapsible self -expandable stents or filters of the type comprising a number of diverging legs to secure correct positioning of the implant when arranged in the blood vessel.