Guidewire-Coupled Retrieval Basket for Safer Stone Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures for extracting objects, such as biliary stones, often require multiple instruments, increasing the risk of procedural issues and patient injury due to difficulties in safely coupling an expandable retrieval basket to a guidewire or medical tool.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a sheath, shaft, and a retrieval device with a distal tip and wires that can radially compress and expand, featuring a channel for a guidewire, allowing secure coupling and atraumatic insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to extract objects from a patient, then the extraction capability is improved, but the risk of procedural issues and patient injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated retrieval device. The device integrates an expandable basket mechanism, guidewire coupling capability, and object capture functionality into one unified instrument, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining extraction capability and improving procedural safety
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various extraction tasks. The expandable basket can adapt to different object sizes and shapes, the device can be coupled with guidewires for precise positioning, and it provides both delivery and retrieval functions in a single instrument, making it universally applicable for different extraction scenarios
2Measurement precision
If an expandable retrieval basket is coupled to a guidewire, then the precision of object capture is improved, but the complexity of coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire coupling mechanism is nested within the distal tip structure of the retrieval device. The guidewire passes through a channel in the distal tip and is secured with a friction fit or mechanical engagement feature, allowing precise positioning without complex external coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip acts as an intermediary component between the guidewire and the expandable basket. It provides a simplified interface that couples the guidewire to the basket mechanism, reducing the complexity of direct coupling while maintaining precise object capture capability
3Reliability
If additional tools are used for secure coupling, then the reliability of device assembly is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling features are pre-integrated into the device structure during manufacturing. The distal tip includes pre-formed channels, engagement features, and friction-fit mechanisms that enable reliable assembly without requiring additional tools or steps during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-service coupling mechanisms where the components assemble through inherent mechanical features such as friction fits, snap engagements, or elastic deformations. The expandable basket self-secures to the guidewire through elastic deformation of its structure, eliminating the need for additional fastening tools or procedures
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
Reduces procedural risks and patient injury by enabling efficient and safe extraction of objects with a single device, minimizing the need for additional tools and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of wires may radially expand into the open state to define a cavity configured to capture an object therein
Implementation Method 2
The retrieval device may be configured to radially compress into the closed state when positioned within the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices, systems, and related methods for capturing objects within a subject (e.g., patient) are described. The medical device includes a sheath, a shaft, and a retrieval device coupled to a distal end of the shaft. At least a portion of the shaft is movably disposed within the sheath. The retrieval device includes a plurality of wires coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a distal tip coupled to distal ends of the plurality of wires. The distal tip includes a body, and a channel extending through the body that is configured to receive a medical instrument therein.