Medical Device Delivery System with Rotation and Deflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical device delivery systems face challenges in securely implanting devices with helical fixation elements into thin or delicate tissues without causing tissue tearing, and navigating through complex anatomical structures.

Innovation Solution

A delivery system featuring an elongated member with a rotation control mechanism to rotate the helical fixation element into tissue and a deflection control mechanism for angular navigation, allowing for secure implantation and precise placement of implantable medical devices within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a helical fixation element is rotated into thin or delicate tissue to secure the implantable medical device, then the device is firmly secured to the tissue, but the tissue may be torn or damaged due to high shear force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice fixation reliabilityVSAvoidtissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the rotational parameters by limiting the maximum rotation angle to less than 360 degrees and controlling the rotation speed, thereby reducing the shear force applied to the tissue while still achieving sufficient fixation of the helical element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial rotation (less than one full turn) rather than complete rotation, which is sufficient to engage the helical fixation element with the tissue without excessive shear force that would cause tearing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If the elongated member is rotated to rotate the helical fixation element into tissue, then the fixation element is securely inserted, but the complex anatomical structures may be damaged during navigation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation element insertionVSAvoidanatomical structure damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls the rotation speed and angle of the elongated member during navigation and fixation, adjusting parameters in real-time to minimize damage to anatomical structures while ensuring proper insertion of the helical fixation element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary navigation and positioning before applying rotation for fixation, allowing the elongated member to be carefully positioned within complex anatomical structures to minimize damage during the subsequent rotational insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the delivery system includes rotation control mechanism and deflection control mechanism, then precise navigation and fixation are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice placement precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the rotation control and deflection control functions into a single integrated delivery system with a unified control interface, allowing precise navigation and fixation through coordinated control of the elongated member and resilient member rather than separate independent mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system effectively secures implantable medical devices to tissue with minimal shear force, reducing the risk of tissue damage and facilitating navigation through tortuous anatomical paths, enabling safe and precise delivery of medical devices to target locations.

Implementation Method 1

user movement of the deflection control mechanism causes longitudinal displacement of the resilient member along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and the housing resulting in angular deflection of the first distal end of the elongated member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

user movement of the rotation control mechanism causes rotation of the elongated member with respect to the housing for rotating the fixation element of the implantable medical device into tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3274046B1Medical device delivery system
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 MEDTRONIC INC
  • EP3274046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3274046B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3274046B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure describes techniques and systems for delivering an implantable medical device. In one example, an implantable medical device (IMD) delivery system may include an elongated member comprising a first distal end configured to mate with the IMD, a resilient member disposed along at least a portion of the elongated member, a housing configured to accept a first proximal end of the elongated member and a second proximal end of the resilient member, a rotation control mechanism wherein user movement of the rotation control mechanism causes rotation of the elongated member with respect to the housing and a fixation element of the IMD into tissue, and a deflection control mechanism wherein user movement of the deflection control mechanism causes longitudinal displacement of the resilient member along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and the housing resulting in angular deflection of the first distal end of the elongated member.