Catheter Tethering Snare for Reliable IMD Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for implanting medical devices within patients face challenges such as spontaneous release, difficulty in smooth detachment from catheters, and malfunctions during the release process, making the procedure complex and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a tethering snare that can be extended and retracted to securely attach and detach an implantable medical device (IMD) from a delivery catheter, featuring a loop that constricts around an attachment member, and a protuberance and tether configuration that ensures stable connection and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethering snare is used to securely attach the IMD to the catheter, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tethering snare is nested within the delivery catheter, allowing the snare to be extended and retracted through the catheter lumen. This nesting approach enables a secure attachment mechanism to be integrated within the existing catheter structure without significantly increasing overall device complexity or profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering snare is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently extended and retracted from the catheter. This segmentation allows the attachment function to be isolated and controlled independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is added to detach the IMD from the catheter, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tethering snare transitions from a static attachment structure to a dynamic system that can be extended and retracted on demand. This dynamic capability, controlled by a shuttle mechanism, allows easy release operation while the snare itself remains a relatively simple structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
A shuttle mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the tethering snare, providing a user-friendly interface for controlling the extension and retraction of the snare. This intermediary simplifies the operation while the actual attachment function remains implemented through the straightforward snare structure.
3Ease of operation
If the tethering snare loop is made larger to fit over the attachment member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the length of the snare increases making it more susceptible to temperature and deflection changes
Solution Approach 1:
The tethering snare loop dynamically changes its effective size during operation. When extended, the loop appears larger to facilitate placement over the attachment member. When retracted, the loop compresses to a smaller size, reducing its susceptibility to temperature and deflection changes while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, and a delivery catheter including a tethering snare that is configured to be selectively extended out of the delivery catheter and retracted into the delivery catheter. In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, wherein the attachment member includes a central passage connected to a connection chamber, and a delivery catheter including first and second tethers that may be moved outwardly from and retracted into the delivery catheter.