Elastic Anchor with Radially Stretchable Lumen for Therapy Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical anchors are ineffective in gripping therapy delivery elements under patient movement, require complex placement techniques, and are susceptible to damage during suturing.

Innovation Solution

The development of elastic anchors with a radially stretchable body member and a lumen configuration that securely engages therapy delivery elements, along with a deployment apparatus for simple and safe anchor placement and suturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing anchors are used to secure therapy delivery elements, then the anchor can be placed about the delivery element, but the anchor fails to effectively grip the element under patient movement stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping effectivenessVSAvoidgrip strength under stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor body member is made of elastic material that can dynamically change its inner diameter. In the relaxed state, the inner diameter is smaller than the therapy delivery element outer diameter for secure gripping. When radially stretched during deployment, the inner diameter becomes larger to facilitate easy placement over the element without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the anchor's inner diameter through elastic deformation. The body member transitions between a compressed state (smaller inner diameter for gripping) and a stretched state (larger inner diameter for deployment), allowing the same structure to perform both functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing anchors are used to secure therapy delivery elements, then the anchor can be placed about the delivery element, but the placement technique becomes awkward and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor retentionVSAvoidplacement simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic body member dynamically adjusts its dimensions during deployment. The radially stretched state with larger inner diameter allows the anchor to be easily placed over the therapy delivery element, while the relaxed state with smaller inner diameter provides secure retention, simplifying the overall placement procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor is pre-configured with an elastic body member that can be radially stretched to a larger inner diameter before placement. This preliminary stretching state facilitates easy insertion over the therapy delivery element, and the anchor automatically transitions to its gripping state once deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If existing anchors are used to secure therapy delivery elements, then the anchor can be sutured to tissue, but the delivery element becomes susceptible to damage during suturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue attachmentVSAvoiddamage to delivery element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic body member acts as an intermediary between the therapy delivery element and the external environment. Its radially stretched state with larger inner diameter provides a protective buffer zone during suturing operations, preventing direct contact and potential damage to the delivery element while still allowing secure tissue attachment through the anchor's retention elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 therapeutic efficacy by maintaining the position of therapy delivery elements effectively, reducing complications and simplifying the anchor placement process while protecting the delivery elements during suturing.

Implementation Method 1

The body member is formed from elastic material... At least a portion of the body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10182817B2Anchor and anchor deployment apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. The therapy delivery element has an outer diameter and an outer surface about which the anchor is disposable. The body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state. The first inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the therapy delivery element, which is smaller that the second inner diameter. The lumen is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the therapy delivery element. Radially compressive forces, due to the elastic material of the body member, contribute to retaining the anchor relative to the therapy delivery element.