Dual-Mode Drive Handle for Implant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive handles for delivering heart valve implants are complex to operate and prone to errors, leading to high risk and fatigue for physicians, with existing manual and electric systems having limitations in precision and safety.
Innovation Solution
A drive handle system that seamlessly switches between manual and electric drive modes, utilizing a transmission mechanism with a lead screw and motion conversion members, allowing for precise control of the delivery catheter through a manual control unit and electrical control unit, reducing operational burden and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual delivery systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the operation is tedious and laborious causing hand fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines manual control capability with electric drive capability into a single integrated delivery system. The handle assembly includes both a manual control unit with operating members and an electric drive unit with motors, allowing the system to function in either mode or both modes sequentially, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both manual operation and electric-driven operation. The transmission mechanism can receive input from either the manual control unit or the electric drive unit, making the system universal and adaptable to different operational preferences and clinical scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If electric power-driven delivery is used, then operation is simplified, but unknown risks and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual control mode and electric drive mode based on clinical needs and safety considerations. The dual-mode capability allows the operator to choose the safer manual mode when precision and control are paramount, or use the automated electric mode when operational simplicity is needed, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism serves as an intermediary between the control inputs (manual or electric) and the delivery catheter. This intermediary design allows seamless integration of both control modes and enables smooth transitions between them, ensuring that safety can be maintained while achieving operational simplicity when needed.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used, then operational precision depends on physician skill, but control accuracy is limited by human factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the purely mechanical manual control system with an electric drive system that uses motors and controlled movement mechanisms. This substitution provides more precise and consistent control of the delivery catheter, reducing variability due to human factors while maintaining the option for manual control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the control parameters by switching between manual and electric modes. The electric drive unit can provide controlled, programmable movement with precise speed and position control, whereas manual control relies on physician skill and physical capability. This parameter change enables optimization of delivery accuracy based on the specific clinical situation.
4Device complexity
If a single drive mode is used, then the system is simpler, but fail-safe capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different control characteristics in different parts of the system. The manual control unit provides direct, immediate control for critical maneuvers, while the electric drive unit provides automated, consistent control for routine movements. This local differentiation of control quality enhances fail-safe capability without requiring complete system redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-mode control system provides beforehand cushioning by having an alternative control mode available in case the primary mode fails or becomes unsuitable. If electric drive fails, manual control can take over, and vice versa, providing a safety buffer that protects against single-point failures in the control system.
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 simplifies surgical procedures by allowing physicians to choose operational modes based on preference, reducing surgical risk and improving accuracy, and provides a fail-safe mechanism in case of mode failure, enhancing overall security and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a transmission mechanism with a lead screw and motion conversion members
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~5
AI summary
A drive handle (1) and system for delivering an implant are disclosed. The drive handle (1) includes a manual control unit (10), an electrical control unit (11) and a transmission mechanism (12). The manual control unit (10) is connected to the transmission mechanism (12) to actuate the transmission mechanism (12) to drive a delivery catheter (5) for delivering the implant. The electrical control unit (11) is connected to the transmission mechanism (12) to actuate the transmission mechanism (12) to drive the delivery catheter (5). The drive handle (1) is switchable between a manual drive/control mode and an electrical drive/control mode to drive the delivery catheter (5) to deliver the implant. The operation is simple, and the operating physician can take full advantage of the two modes to perform the surgical procedure based on his/her own operational preferences. This can result in higher surgical accuracy. Further, by providing these two modes, the apparatus has an increased the security and a reduced surgical risk.