Flexible Tamping Member for Vascular Closure Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vascular closure tools face challenges in controlling the force applied to sealing plugs during tissue puncture closure, leading to potential over-compaction and incomplete sealing, which can result in prolonged bleeding and tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A compaction device with features such as pleats, accordion folds, lattice structures, and deformable materials is introduced to absorb excessive compaction force, ensuring consistent and controlled placement of sealing plugs, suitable for both manual and automatic tamping systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual tamping is used to place the sealing plug, then the device structure is simple, but the compaction force cannot be controlled precisely leading to over-compaction or under-compaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcompaction force control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tamping device incorporates a deformable section that changes its mechanical properties under load. This section transitions from a rigid state during normal operation to a deformable state when excessive force is applied, automatically regulating the compaction force without requiring complex control systems or sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable section is pre-configured to absorb excessive compaction force before it reaches the sealing plug. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents over-compaction by design, eliminating the need for complex feedback control systems while maintaining precise force regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Manufacturing precision

If automatic tamping mechanism is used, then compaction force control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompaction force controlVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex automatic control systems with sensors and actuators, the invention changes the physical parameter of the tamping device itself by incorporating a deformable section that passively regulates force through its material properties and structural design, achieving precise control with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable section provides self-regulating compaction force control without requiring external control systems. The structure automatically adjusts to prevent over-compaction through its inherent deformability, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If excessive compaction force is applied, then the sealing plug is firmly seated, but tissue damage occurs and bleeding may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing plug placementVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable section is designed to absorb excessive force before it reaches the sealing plug and tissue interface. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable sealing plug placement while preventing tissue damage by limiting the maximum force that can be applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of excessive force is converted into a beneficial feature by designing the deformable section to fail safely. When excessive force is applied, the deformable section deforms or fails in a controlled manner, protecting the tissue while still achieving adequate sealing plug placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 compaction device effectively absorbs excessive force, preventing damage to tissues and ensuring proper sealing by maintaining control over the placement of sealing plugs, thereby reducing bleeding and enhancing hemostasis.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable section is configured to deform upon application of excessive compaction force, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the excessive compaction force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the deformable section is configured to deform upon application of excessive compaction force, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the excessive compaction force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9743920B2Flexible tamping member

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 TERUMO PUERTO RICO L L C

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The methods and apparatus provide for a compaction device or a tamping device that improves control of the amount of force exerted upon the sealing plug. Further, the compaction tube or tamping device can deform upon application of excessive compaction force, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the sealing plug, anchor, or artery.