Dual-Anchor Implantable Device with Independent Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices implanted in soft tissue, such as cardiac tissue, face challenges in anchoring and maintaining position due to constant motion and chronic palpatory forces, leading to potential anchor migration, pullout, and tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

An anchor assembly comprising a first anchor element, such as a rotatably advanced helical anchor, and a second anchor element, such as an axially advanced talon anchor, is mounted on an implantable device. The anchor assembly includes an anchor drive mechanism with separate actuator portions for each anchor element, allowing independent movement to secure the device to tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single anchor element is used to secure the implantable device to tissue, then the device can be implanted with simpler structure, but the anchor may migrate or pullout under chronic palpatory forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor assembly structureVSAvoidanchor retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor assembly is divided into multiple independent anchor elements (first anchor element and second anchor element) that can be deployed separately. Each anchor element has its own actuator portion, allowing independent deployment and positioning. This segmentation provides redundant anchoring points, improving reliability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple anchor elements are used to prevent migration and pullout, then anchor retention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor retentionVSAvoidanchor assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple anchor elements and their actuator portions are integrated into a single anchor assembly that is mounted on one implantable device. The actuators are combined in a coordinated system that allows independent control of each anchor element. This merging approach achieves reliable multi-point anchoring while managing device complexity through unified integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor assembly incorporates dynamic deployment capability where each anchor element can be independently activated and positioned based on real-time requirements. The actuator portions enable dynamic control of anchor deployment, allowing the system to adapt to tissue characteristics and loading conditions, thereby achieving high reliability without requiring overly complex pre-configured structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If anchors are secured tightly to prevent pullout, then anchor retention is improved, but tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor retentionVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring force is distributed across multiple separate anchor elements rather than concentrated in a single anchor. Each anchor element engages with tissue independently, spreading the mechanical load and reducing stress concentration. This segmentation maintains secure retention while minimizing localized tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the anchor assembly is designed for easy deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision over individual anchors decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor deploymentVSAvoidanchor positioning control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment control is segmented into separate actuator portions, each dedicated to a specific anchor element. This segmentation enables independent actuation of each anchor, providing precise control over deployment timing and positioning. The modular actuator design maintains ease of operation through standardized interfaces while achieving high positioning control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor elements and actuator portions are pre-configured in the anchor assembly during manufacturing, with each component positioned and prepared for its specific deployment function. This preliminary preparation ensures that during operation, the deployment process remains simple and intuitive while maintaining precise control over each anchor's positioning and activation sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12329638B2Anchoring devices, systems, and methods for implantable device

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An anchoring system including an anchoring assembly having two or more anchor elements, and anchor drive mechanism having a respective actuator portion couplable with each anchor element and operable to separately and independently actuate each anchor element. In some embodiments, the actuator portions are on different portions of a common actuator component. The actuator portions actuate the anchor elements by different actuation movements. Is some embodiments, the actuator portions use different types of actuation movements, such as rotational motion to actuate one anchor element, and axial motion to actuate another anchor element. The actuator portions may be formed on different portions of a common actuator component, or as different structures coupled together.