Hooked Spool Tensioning for Precise Mitral Valve Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in transcatheter mitral valve therapies is the difficulty in navigating the tortuous anatomical pathways between the remote anatomical location and the target site, leading to stresses and strains on the delivery system, which affects the concordance between the proximal control and distal effectors, and the expansion and release of expandable heart valves.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system with an adjustable radial tensioning system and steering mechanisms, including multiple rotors and stators, to control implant expansion and positioning, utilizing tensioning members wound around rotors to maintain stability and facilitate precise deployment of self-expanding implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a delivery system is used to navigate tortuous anatomical pathways, then the implant can be delivered to the target location, but stresses and strains on the delivery system affect the concordance between proximal control and distal effectors
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into multiple segments including a proximal section, middle section, and distal section. Each section can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the proximal handle to control the distal implant while the middle section accommodates the tortuous anatomical pathway. This segmentation maintains control concordance despite the complex navigation path.
Solution Approach 2:
A middle section acts as an intermediary between the proximal control section and the distal implant section. This intermediate segment absorbs the stresses and strains from navigating tortuous pathways, preventing these forces from directly affecting the control-implant relationship. The middle section serves as a mechanical buffer that maintains system reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If tensioning members are contained within the distal region of the delivery system, then stretching or slippage is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning members are merged with the distal section of the delivery system, being contained within and integrated into this region. This combination allows the tensioning members to be precisely controlled for implant expansion while their containment within the distal region prevents stretching and slippage. The merging of these functions reduces the need for additional separate containment structures.
3Measurement precision
If steering mechanisms are added to facilitate final positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system incorporates dynamic steering mechanisms that allow the distal section to be positioned and oriented with precision. These mechanisms provide adjustable control over the implant's final position and orientation, enabling accurate placement while maintaining the ability to adapt to different anatomical configurations. The dynamic nature of these mechanisms allows for fine-tuned positioning control.
Data Source
AI summary
Delivery systems for expandable and stented implants include tensioning members that are attached to rotors with hook-like attachment projections are wound onto the shaft of the delivery system, which is then rotated to unwind the tensioning members and incrementally expand the implant.