Medical Device Fixation via Variable Elasticity and Torsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation methods for miniature medical devices in tubular structures often cause tissue necrosis due to perpetual radial pressure, and existing solutions are not suitable for devices that need to travel or be inserted with minimal surgical impact.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method utilizes curvature and torsion properties of tubular structures to achieve stable fixation through varying elasticity and torsional moments, using mechanical interlocking, electro-magnetic forces, or inflatable balloons, allowing devices to be flexible during insertion and stiffen at the target location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If radial forces are applied on tubular structure walls to increase friction and avoid mutual motion, then device fixation stability is improved, but tissue necrosis occurs due to perpetual pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fixation mechanism adjustable rather than static. The device can transition between different fixation states (engaged/disengaged) and adjust the magnitude of radial forces applied to the tubular structure. This allows the system to provide sufficient friction for stable device positioning while avoiding perpetual pressure that causes tissue necrosis, as the fixation force can be modulated based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the radial force magnitude and duration applied to the tubular structure. The fixation mechanism can adjust pressure parameters to provide enough friction for stable device placement during insertion and positioning, then reduce or release pressure during operational phases to prevent tissue damage. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between achieving stable fixation and avoiding tissue necrosis.
2Stability of the object's composition
If devices are permanently attached to anatomical structures for stable fixation, then device stability is improved, but device mobility and repositioning capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a fixation system that can transition between fixed and mobile states. The device includes mechanisms to engage with the tubular structure for stable positioning during insertion and target acquisition, then disengage or reduce fixation forces to enable device retrieval, repositioning, or removal. This dynamic capability allows the device to achieve stability when needed while maintaining mobility and adaptability for other operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If device flexibility is maintained during insertion to enable minimal surgical impact, then ease of insertion is improved, but device fixation stability at target location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the device into distinct functional segments with different mechanical properties. The insertion portion remains flexible to navigate the body's tubular structures with minimal surgical impact, while the fixation portion contains mechanisms (such as expandable elements, hooks, or anchoring features) that engage with the tubular structure to provide stable positioning at the target location. This segmentation allows the device to exhibit appropriate flexibility during insertion while achieving reliable fixation when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes local quality by concentrating fixation capabilities at specific locations on the device rather than distributing flexibility throughout the entire structure. The device maintains overall flexibility for insertion but incorporates localized rigid or engageable elements at the fixation site that interact with the tubular structure to provide stable positioning. This local quality approach allows the device to be flexible where needed for insertion while being stable where needed for fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of traversing a device through an accommodating conduit to reach a target area within the accommodating conduit can include varying an amount of elasticity of the device or an amount of torsion moment of the device applied to the accommodating conduit or varying both to minimize bending forces as the device traverses the accommodating conduit. The method or system upon reaching the target area within the accommodating conduit, can further include varying the elasticity or the torsion moment of the device or varying both to cause the device to stiffen. Other embodiments are disclosed.