Echogenic Leadless Pacemaker Delivery Cup for Sonogram Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment and deployment of leadless pacemakers in the heart are hindered by the similar cylindrical shapes of the pacing capsule and delivery cup, which create shadows and obscure the distal tip in sonogram images, leading to inaccurate placement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an echogenic structure at the distal end of the delivery cup that reflects or transmits ultrasound waves more effectively, providing clear sonogram visibility and ensuring precise alignment with cardiac anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pacing capsule and delivery cup have substantially the same cylindrical shape, then the pacing capsule can be securely retained and deployed, but the distal tip of the delivery cup becomes difficult to discern in sonogram images
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery cup incorporates an echogenic structure that reflects ultrasound waves to create a bright, visible signal in sonogram images. This acoustic 'color' change allows the distal tip to be clearly distinguished from the pacing capsule and surrounding tissue, resolving the visibility issue while maintaining the cylindrical shape for secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The echogenic structure acts as an intermediary element between the delivery cup and the ultrasound imaging system. It serves as a visual marker that mediates the detection of the distal tip position, enabling practitioners to accurately track the delivery cup's location without altering the fundamental retention mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the pacing capsule is positioned within the delivery cup, then deployment is enabled, but the pacing capsule casts a shadow that obscures the distal tip in sonogram images
Solution Approach 1:
The echogenic structure is positioned at the distal tip of the delivery cup, creating a localized high-reflectivity zone. This local quality enhancement ensures that even when the pacing capsule casts a shadow, the distal tip remains visible as a bright echogenic marker, preserving sonogram clarity during deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The echogenic structure creates an asymmetric visual pattern in the sonogram, with the bright echogenic tip contrasting against the darker shadow of the pacing capsule. This asymmetry allows practitioners to distinguish the distal tip position from the capsule shadow, maintaining information visibility while enabling deployment
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
Enhances sonogram clarity, allowing for accurate placement of the pacing capsule by ensuring the delivery cup and cardiac tissue are clearly visible, thus improving the implantation process.
Implementation Method 1
an echogenic structure at the distal end of the delivery cup that reflects or transmits ultrasound waves more effectively, providing clear sonogram visibility
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A catheter for delivery of a leadless pacemaker includes an elongate flexible tubular body with a distal end including a delivery cup configured to releasably retain a pacing capsule of the leadless pacemaker. The delivery cup includes an echogenic structure.