Clamshell Slitter Assembly for Lead-Safe Tubular Shaft Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slitting tools for tubular bodies in catheter or sheath systems require alignment and securing to a lead within the tubular body, making it difficult to remove the tubular body without dislodging the lead.

Innovation Solution

A slitter assembly with a housing, lock mechanism, and clamshell mechanism that includes a blade and adjustable channel to securely capture the tubular body, allowing for slitting without disrupting the lead by integrating the tubular shaft into the hub and using a low-force slitting angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a slitting tool is aligned with and secured to a lead within the tubular body, then the tubular body can be slit effectively, but it becomes difficult to remove the tubular body without dislodging the lead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslitting effectivenessVSAvoidtubular body removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the slitting function from the lead-securing mechanism. The slitter assembly is designed to slit the tubular body without requiring attachment to the lead, separating the slitting action from lead manipulation. This allows the tubular body to be removed freely after slitting without risking lead dislodgement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The procedure is segmented into distinct steps: first securing the lead independently, then using a separate slitter assembly to slit the tubular body, and finally removing the tubular body. This segmentation allows each action to be performed optimally without compromising other elements of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional slitting tools are used that require alignment and securing to the lead, then slitting can be performed, but the complexity of the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslitting capabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slitting function is extracted as an independent operation using a standalone slitter assembly rather than integrating it into the lead-securing mechanism. This simplifies the overall procedure by eliminating the need for complex alignment and securing steps while maintaining reliable slitting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the tubular body is slit by securing tools to the lead, then the slitting action is effective, but transition jerk and complications increase during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslitting effectivenessVSAvoidtransition jerk and complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The slitting action is extracted from the lead-securing process, allowing the tubular body to be slit and then removed independently without the lead in the way. This eliminates the transition jerk that occurs when trying to remove the tubular body while the lead remains secured in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20260070247A1Systems and methods for a slitter assembly

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for slitting a delivery device are described. A slitter assembly for slitting the delivery device in accordance with the present disclosure includes a housing, a lock mechanism coupled to the housing, and a clamshell mechanism coupled to the lock mechanism. The clamshell mechanism defines a channel having an adjustable diameter and sized to receive a device. The slitter assembly also includes a blade configured to slit a tubular shaft of the delivery device.