Implant Delivery Catheter Handle for Precise Positioning and Pushability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter delivery systems for trans-vascularly deliverable prosthetic implants face challenges in trackability, pushability, sheathing/re-sheathing, and robustness, affecting the positioning and performance of prosthetic implants during and after deployment.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous catheter system with a primary rotary knob and threaded wheel mechanism, combined with a screw shaft and casing, allows for precise macro and micro movements of the capsule and implant, featuring a ratchet mechanism for safety and feedback, and a secondary rotational mechanism for fine adjustments, enhancing control and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional catheter delivery system is used, then the implant can be delivered trans-vascularly, but the trackability and pushability are insufficient affecting positioning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into multiple functional segments: a handle assembly with rotary mechanisms for macro movement, a shaft system with indicator pins for tracking, and a capsule assembly for implant delivery. Each segment is optimized independently - the handle provides ergonomic control, the shaft provides trackability through indicator pins, and the capsule provides protected implant transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback through indicator pins that align with marker slots on the handle, allowing the operator to precisely track the position and movement of the capsule and implant throughout the delivery process. This feedback mechanism enables accurate positioning without requiring complex imaging systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter shaft is made flexible for navigation, then it can navigate narrow vessels, but the pushability and force transfer to the implant are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shafts are nested within each other - an inner flexible shaft for navigation is positioned within an outer shaft that provides structural support for pushability. The indicator pin is nested within the handle assembly, engaging with the spiral groove to transmit rotational movement to linear movement of the capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the handle assembly can rotate the catheter shaft to advance the capsule macro-movements, while also allowing micro-adjustments through the spiral groove mechanism. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different vessel geometries while maintaining force transfer.
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule is designed for smooth implant delivery, then friction is reduced, but the robustness and structural stability during deployment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is constructed as a flexible shell that can smoothly navigate the vascular system with minimal friction. The thin-walled design allows the capsule to be compressed and expanded while maintaining structural integrity, enabling both smooth delivery and robust implant containment during deployment.
4Volume of moving object
If the delivery system is made compact for catheterization, then it can be introduced through small access points, but the ergonomic control and maneuvering at the proximal end become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly utilizes rotational movement in a different dimension to achieve linear advancement of the capsule. By converting rotary motion into linear motion through the spiral groove mechanism, the system provides ergonomic rotational control while achieving precise linear positioning of the implant.
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 system provides improved delivery and deployment performance with ergonomic use, ensuring precise positioning and robust structural design, allowing for safe and controlled implant placement and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded wheel connected with a primary screw shaft. The primary screw shaft is a hollow cylinder with continuous spiral groove cut on its peripheral surface.
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet mechanism for safety and feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic implant catheter delivery system is described. The delivery system includes a handle, a capsule, a tip, and a catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes an outer shaft, a stability shaft, a catheter shaft, an inner shaft, and a guidewire shaft where the catheter shaft and the inner shaft (combinedly with the guidewire shaft) are utilized in the implant loading, positioning, and deployment. Only the stability shaft is fixed. The handle includes screw-based primary rotational mechanism and secondary rotational mechanism. The secondary rotational mechanism also includes a push-pull mechanism. The delivery system has improved pushability and controllability.