Dual Vacuum Device for Thoracoscopic Lead Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current thoracoscopic lead placement techniques for biventricular pacing in heart failure patients are challenging due to the need for precise placement in cardiac tissue, often requiring multiple catheters and guidewires, which can lead to complications and increased costs, and may not always result in optimal lead positioning, especially when anatomical constraints are present.

Innovation Solution

A device with dual suction feet and articulating lead conduits allows for precise placement of cardiac leads by articulating the suction feet to accommodate the heart's anatomy, enabling accurate positioning and secure attachment without the need for multiple catheters, using a system with inner and outer tubular lead conduits that can be independently articulated for better access and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional thoracoscopic lead placement techniques are used, then lead placement can be performed, but the procedure is challenging and may not always result in optimal lead positioning due to anatomical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead positioning accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to anatomical constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lead conduit is designed with articulation capability, allowing it to dynamically change its configuration and articulate at multiple angles to accommodate varying anatomical constraints of different patients, thereby achieving optimal lead positioning accuracy across diverse anatomical scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lead conduit is divided into multiple articulated segments that can independently move and position themselves, enabling the conduit to navigate complex anatomical pathways and reach optimal positioning points that would be inaccessible to a rigid single-piece conduit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple catheters and guidewires are used for lead placement, then lead placement can be achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead placement success rateVSAvoidnumber of catheters and guidewires

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions previously requiring separate catheters and guidewires are merged into a single integrated lead conduit with articulation capability, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to navigate anatomical structures and achieve reliable lead placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated lead conduit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the delivery mechanism and the final lead, provides both structural support and positioning capability, and can adapt to various anatomical configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized catheters and guidewires

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise lead placement is achieved through conventional techniques, then optimal positioning may be obtained, but the procedure time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead placement precisionVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lead conduit is pre-configured with articulation joints and flexibility characteristics that enable it to automatically adapt to anatomical pathways during insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual manipulation and positioning adjustments that would otherwise be required to achieve precise lead placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution facilitates more accurate and efficient placement of cardiac leads, reducing complications and costs by allowing for precise positioning and secure attachment, even in anatomically challenging cases, thereby improving the success rate of biventricular pacing procedures.

Implementation Method 1

applying suction through the inner and outer tubular lead conduits so as to stabilize the inner and outer suction feet against the pericardium tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3471607B1Dual vacuum device for medical fixture placement including thoracoscopic left ventricular lead placement

Publication Date: 2021.03.03 DATTA SUBHAJIT

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention includes devices and methods for lead, conduit or other medical fixture placement in tissues or organs. The device is configured to permit the placement foot, such as a suction foot, to articulate to a desired position with respect to the target tissue, while the lead, conduit or other medical fixture is releasably attached to the placement foot to permit it to be released from the placement foot after stabilization on the target tissue site. In a preferred embodiment, the invention features an articulating dual suction foot device, an inner lead conduit or guide and foot contained within an outer lead conduit or guide and foot, with the inner conduit or guide configured to extend from the outer conduit or guide, and to be further articulated once extended.