Embolic Coil Delivery System Mechanical Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter-based embolic coil deployment systems face challenges in precisely placing and repositioning embolic devices within the tortuous vasculature of the human brain, particularly in aneurysms, due to limitations in release mechanisms and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A vascular occlusive embolic device deployment system featuring an elongated flexible catheter, a pusher member with a lumen, and an engagement member with an L-shaped configuration and aperture, allowing for precise placement and repositioning of a helically wound embolic coil using a detachment member that interlocks with the coil's retaining ring, enabling controlled release and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pusher member is used to deploy the embolic coil, then the coil can be released at the target site, but the system lacks the ability to reposition or retrieve the coil if initially misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pusher member with engagement member, the embolic coil with retaining ring, and the detachment member. This segmentation allows independent control of deployment and retrieval functions, enabling the coil to be released or repositioned based on procedural needs without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member acts as an intermediary component that temporarily connects the pusher member to the embolic coil during delivery. This intermediary mechanism allows for controlled release by withdrawing the detachment member, enabling both deployment and potential repositioning without direct permanent attachment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter is made highly flexible to navigate tortuous vasculature, then navigation capability is improved, but the precision and control for placing the coil at the exact target site decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms where the pusher member can be selectively advanced or retracted within the catheter, and the engagement member can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the retaining ring. This dynamic control allows the operator to maintain precision at the target site while the flexible catheter navigates tortuous vasculature, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and placement precision
3Reliability
If a mechanical interlocking mechanism is used to secure the coil to the pusher member, then control during delivery is improved, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment member is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be withdrawn to release the interlocking mechanism. This extraction principle simplifies the overall system by allowing the interlocking function to be temporarily present during delivery and then easily removed for release, reducing the permanent complexity of the mechanism while maintaining reliability during the critical delivery phase
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A medical device (10) for placing an embolic device (23) at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter (12) and a flexible pusher member (16) having a lumen therethrough and being slidably disposed within the lumen (14) of the catheter (12). An embolic device (23) is retained within the delivery catheter (12) by a mechanical interlocking mechanism which includes an engagement member (18) which is attached to the distal end of the pusher member (16) and extends through a retaining ring (28) at the proximal end of the embolic device (23). A detachment member (30) extends through an aperture (22) at the distal end of the engagement member (18) thereby locking the embolic device onto the pusher member (16). When the embolic device (23) is advanced to the predetermined site within the vessel, the detachment member (30) is withdrawn from the aperture (22) to thereby release the embolic device (23) at the treatment site.