Fixed Sequence Activation Handle for Medical Device Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device deployment handles lack a mechanism to ensure a specific sequence of activation steps, leading to practitioner errors during the deployment of medical devices like endovascular devices, where multiple control lines need to be activated in a particular order for proper deployment.
Innovation Solution
A fixed sequence activation handle with removable members attached to distally extending lines, where each member's removal or rotation modulates the deployment of a medical device, ensuring a specific and sequential activation process, preventing incorrect sequence activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control lines are activated in any sequence using non-interlocked systems, then the device is easier to operate, but practitioner errors occur due to lack of sequence control
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple removable members (first removable member, second removable member, third member), each corresponding to a specific control line activation step. This segmentation allows the practitioner to interact with one component at a time in a defined sequence, reducing errors while maintaining ease of use through modular, intuitive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design requires preliminary removal of the first removable member before the second member can be accessed, and requires removal of the second member before the third member can be manipulated. This preliminary action sequence ensures that control lines are activated in the correct order, preventing practitioner errors while keeping the operation straightforward.
2Device complexity
If control lines are activated in any sequence without interlocking, then the device structure is simpler, but deployment errors occur due to incorrect activation sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism is achieved through segmented removable members that physically block access to subsequent members until previous ones are removed. This creates a simple yet effective sequence control system that prevents deployment errors without requiring complex electronic or mechanical interlocking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable members act as intermediaries that mediate between the practitioner and the control lines. Each member must be removed in sequence to expose the next, creating a simple physical mediation system that ensures correct activation order while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Loss of information
If visual aids and labeling are used to encourage proper delivery sequence, then training requirements are reduced, but inadvertent user errors still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The handle design is self-service in that it automatically enforces the correct activation sequence through its physical structure. The removable members are arranged and interlocked such that they guide the practitioner through the correct sequence without requiring external visual aids, labeling, or extensive training, thereby eliminating inadvertent user errors.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fixed sequence activation handle has at least a first (128), second (302) and third removable member (702) each attached to a distally extending line (120, 122,126) in communication with a remotely located deployable device having a first and second portion wherein removal of the first member from the handle results in partial deployment of the first portion of the remotely located deployable device thus allowing access to the second member. The second member can include a rotatable portion (304) wherein rotation of said rotatable portion modulates the first portion of the deployable device and wherein removal of said second member results in complete deployment of the first portion of the device and allows access to the third member. Manipulation of the third member deploys the second portion of the device. The third member is nested within the second member and the second member is nested within the first member.