Flared Catheter Retrieval for Pacemaker Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical systems face difficulties in retrieving implanted cardiac pacemakers due to misalignment between the catheter's distal-most opening and the device receptacle, making it challenging to efficiently retrieve the device from implant sites.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a catheter with a flared inner surface at the distal-most opening and a collapsible spring-biased capture member with a serpentined wire loop, allowing for a larger diameter opening to accommodate the device, and a vacuum source for suction assistance during retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional catheter with a straight distal opening is used, then the device can be deployed, but misalignment between the catheter opening and device receptacle occurs during retrieval, making retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter distal opening is transformed from a straight cylindrical shape to a flared bell-shaped configuration. This curvature allows the opening to self-align with the device receptacle during retrieval by accommodating angular misalignments through its tapered geometry, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while facilitating easy device capture
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal opening diameter is increased to accommodate misalignment, then device engagement is easier, but the catheter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the maximum diameter significantly or adding complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, the solution uses a flared bell-shaped geometry that gradually expands from the catheter body. This curved configuration provides angular tolerance and misalignment accommodation through its geometric form alone, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter opening geometry is modified by changing the angular parameter of the distal end, creating a tapered flare angle. This parameter change transforms a simple cylindrical opening into a bell-shaped opening that inherently accommodates misalignment through its angular geometry, achieving adaptability without adding structural complexity
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
This configuration enables easier engagement and retrieval of the pacemaker by accommodating misalignment and applying suction, facilitating the disengagement from the implant site without causing emboli release.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source configured for applying suction through the lumen and capture member passageway of the retrieval tool shaft assembly
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for retrieving an implanted device, a flared inner surface of a catheter tubular sidewall may define a distal-most opening of a device receptacle; the opening has a first diameter equal to that of the receptacle, and a second diameter, coincident with a distal-most edge of the tubular sidewall, and at least 5% greater than the receptacle diameter. Alternately, a retrieval tool in sliding engagement within a lumen of a catheter includes a shaft assembly, through which a snare member passes, and which includes a collapsible spring-biased perimeter sidewall; the sidewall defines a capture member passageway approximately coaxial, and in fluid communication with a lumen of the shaft assembly. A distal-most opening of the passageway has a spring-biased diameter that is greater than that of a distal-most opening of a device receptacle of the catheter, and a collapsed diameter that is less than the receptacle distal-most opening diameter.