Deployment Catheter Locking Lever for Accidental Release Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and consistent method to implant medical devices, such as valves, into patient airways to treat lung conditions like COPD and emphysema, as existing methods are invasive or lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based system with a distal tip cage structure and localization markers for precise deployment, featuring a locking lever to prevent accidental deployment and a C-handle grip for ergonomic handling, allowing for the delivery and positioning of medical devices within lung airways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catheter-based system is used for device implantation, then the invasiveness is reduced and precision is improved, but the risk of accidental deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is configured in a locked position that prevents the movable handle from sliding axially, thereby preventing accidental deployment before intentional activation. This preliminary restriction counteracts the potential harmful action of unintended device release.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever can transition between locked and unlocked positions, dynamically changing the constraint state of the movable handle. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to switch between safe (locked) and operational (unlocked) states based on user intent.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental deployment, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is integrated with the movable handle assembly, combining the locking function with the existing deployment mechanism. This merging approach adds safety functionality without requiring a completely separate locking system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If localization markers are provided on the catheter, then deployment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Localization markers are provided on the catheter shaft to indicate deployment location and orientation. These visual markers enable precise positioning without requiring complex active sensing or navigation systems, achieving measurement precision through passive visual cues.
4Productivity
If the catheter is designed for single deployment, then the structure is simpler, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is configured to reset to the locked position after deployment, allowing the catheter to be prepared for another deployment cycle. This recovery mechanism enables multiple deployments without requiring complete catheter replacement, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment catheter is described herein that preferably is configured to deliver a medical device such as a valve to a location in a patient such as a patient's airway. Preferably, such a deployment catheter is configured to be used in conjunction with a bronchoscope. In some embodiments, a locking lever is provided to reduce the likelihood of accidental deployment of the device, and which resets conveniently after use to as to permit multiple device deployments.