Intra-operative Heart Size Measuring Tool with Retractable Cord
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart size measuring tools are not accurate and efficient enough for surgical procedures, particularly in the context of cardiac support device implantation, where precise measurements are crucial but often require additional imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
A heart size measuring tool with a tubular body, flexible measuring cord, and actuating mechanism that moves the measuring cord support mechanism between retracted and extended states, allowing for accurate measurement of heart size through a scale and indicia on the measuring cord, potentially incorporating suction cups, ties, radiopaque markers, or deflection sensors for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT imaging under fluoroscopy is used to measure heart size, then measurement can be obtained, but the procedure is time-consuming and requires additional imaging equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from external imaging equipment (CT/fluoroscopy) and integrates it directly into the cardiac support device delivery system. The measuring tool is a self-contained device that can measure heart size without requiring separate imaging modalities, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter system is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering the cardiac support device and measuring heart size. By integrating the measuring tool within the delivery system, the device serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures and reducing overall procedure time
2Productivity
If traditional measuring tools are used, then heart size can be measured, but the tools lack accuracy and efficiency for surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measuring tools with a system that uses radiopaque markers visible under fluoroscopy. Instead of relying on complex mechanical measurement mechanisms, the system uses imaging-compatible markers that can be visually measured, improving both accuracy and efficiency in the surgical environment
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring tool incorporates radiopaque markers that create a two-dimensional visual representation of the three-dimensional heart structure under fluoroscopy. This dimensional transformation allows for accurate measurement visualization without requiring complex three-dimensional mechanical measurement mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If a retractable measuring cord system is implemented, then accurate heart size measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring cord is nested within the catheter body, with the cord retractable into the catheter lumen. This nested configuration allows the measuring tool to maintain a compact profile during delivery while enabling full measurement functionality when deployed, thereby managing device complexity through space-efficient design
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring cord transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, retractable system. The cord can be extended to the full measurement length and then retracted back into the catheter, providing measurement functionality only when needed. This dynamic design reduces complexity by eliminating the need for permanent external measurement components
Data Source
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AI summary
A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.