Expandable Basket Retrieval Device With Movable Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical retrieval devices are complex, bulky, and prone to failure due to numerous components and labor-intensive manufacturing processes, with limited ability to adjust between expanded and contracted states, making them inefficient for capturing and releasing objects of varying sizes within patient body cavities.

Innovation Solution

A retrieval device with a contracted and expanded state, featuring at least three support members with lumens and movable members that include preformed U-shaped bends, allowing for a basket-like configuration that can expand and contract to accommodate objects of different sizes, facilitated by a drive member and a sheath for controlled movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the end effector is designed with a fixed front loop size, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate objects of varying sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to capture objects of various sizesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector incorporates movable members that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the front loop to dynamically change size. The movable members extend distally to increase the front loop size for larger objects and retract to decrease it for smaller objects, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used to enable expansion and contraction, then the adaptability is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpansion and contraction capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable members are integrated within the support members, with the movable members extending through lumens in the support members. This merging of functions allows the end effector to expand and contract using a coordinated system of movable and support members rather than separate expansion mechanisms, reducing overall component count and device bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If traditional joining mechanisms are used to connect components, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the profile increases and structural weak points are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddevice profile and weak points
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable members are received within lumens of the support members, creating a nested integration where components work together as a unified structure. This reduces the need for traditional joining mechanisms at multiple connection points, thereby maintaining structural integrity while minimizing the device profile and eliminating potential weak points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides improved capabilities for capturing and releasing objects of various sizes, reduces the number of components, and simplifies manufacturing, resulting in a more efficient and reliable medical retrieval system with reduced bulk and increased structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the movable members may include a preformed U-shaped bend located distally of the movable distal ends of the support members. The U-shaped bend may urge the support members toward the contracted state.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3797717B1Expandable basket retrieval device
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP3797717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3797717B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3797717B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

According to an example of the present disclosure, a retrieval device having a contracted state and an expanded state may include at least three support members each having a lumen, a fixed proximal end, and a movable distal end, and at least two members movable relative to the support members. Each movable member may include a first end and a second end and extending distally through a lumen of a support member and proximally through a lumen of a different support member. The device may include a stop located at the second end of at least one movable member to restrict movement of the second end after moving a distance distally during movement of the retrieval device toward the expanded state.