Combination Device Anchoring Stent Guidewire Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for delivering stents to the biliary and pancreatic tracts lack effective anchoring mechanisms and guidewire locking systems, which can lead to instability and difficulty in positioning during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A combination device with a tubular body and locking portion is used as an anchoring mechanism cover and guidewire lock, securing the position of the guidewire relative to the catheter system, and includes a locking slot and notch for securing the guidewire, allowing for stable stent delivery and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional guidewire and catheter system is used without a locking mechanism, then the device structure remains simple, but the guidewire and catheter cannot maintain stable positioning during the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking mechanism with the catheter structure by integrating a locking portion directly into the catheter body that can engage with the guidewire. This merging of functions allows the catheter to simultaneously serve as both a delivery vehicle and a positioning lock, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a combination device as an intermediary component that includes both a cover portion and a locking portion. This intermediary device mediates between the guidewire and catheter system, providing the necessary locking function without requiring fundamental changes to the existing guidewire or catheter structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple separate devices are used for anchoring and guidewire locking, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anchoring cover and guidewire locking functions into a single combination device. The locking portion is integrated into the cover structure, allowing both anchoring and locking operations to be performed with one device rather than requiring multiple separate components, thereby improving procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combination device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an anchoring mechanism cover and a guidewire locking device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, reducing the number of components and steps required during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the anchoring mechanism is exposed during delivery, then the stent can be securely anchored, but the mechanism interferes with device navigation and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring securityVSAvoiddevice navigation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cover portion that preliminarily protects the anchoring mechanism during device navigation and positioning. The cover keeps the anchoring mechanism in a retracted or protected state during insertion, allowing smooth navigation through the biliary tract, and is then removed or repositioned to allow the anchoring mechanism to engage for secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring system is segmented into a covered state for navigation and an exposed state for anchoring. The cover portion acts as a separate element that can be independently manipulated to transition the anchoring mechanism between these two states, allowing the system to optimize for either navigation or anchoring security as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2736580B1Rapid exchange stent delivery system
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP2736580B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2736580B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2736580B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example combination device may function as both an anchoring mechanism cover and a guidewire lock. The combination device (44) may include a tubular body (46). The tubular body is defines an inner diameter and has a locking portion. The inner diameter is be sized to fit about an outer diameter of a drainage stent having an anchoring mechanism. The locking portion is configured to secure the position of a guidewire relative to a catheter system.