Implant Conveying System with Nested Knob for Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implant delivery systems for prosthetic heart valves are complex, leading to high operational risks and inefficiencies, including difficult deployment and retrieval, finger slippage issues, and limited rotational freedom, which can result in operational mistakes and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
The implant delivery system features a dual-tube assembly with a functional handle that allows for unrestricted rotation and switchable pushing-pulling operations, utilizing a threaded rod with a knob and button mechanism for precise control, along with a double-layered inner tube structure for enhanced axial and bending strength, and a flexible tip for reduced vascular damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implant delivery systems are used, then the valve can be deployed, but the system complexity is high which imposes great requirements on clinician operations and causes high risk of operational mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into separate functional modules: an inner tube assembly for valve delivery, an outer tube assembly for containment and deployment control, and a functional handle with independent control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without requiring the clinician to manage a monolithic complex system, reducing operational mistakes while maintaining deployment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The functional handle integrates multiple functions into a single operational interface: it controls both the inner tube assembly advancement and the outer tube assembly deployment/retrieval through unified control mechanisms (knob for rotation, button for pushing-pulling). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate controls the clinician must manage, simplifying operations while maintaining reliable valve deployment
2Productivity
If conventional delivery systems are used, then the valve can be delivered, but rapid deployment and retrieval of delivering means is incapable, leading to elongated time of stay within patient's body and increased adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The outer tube assembly is pre-positioned over the inner tube assembly with the valve loaded in the stent capsule before entering the patient's body. The control mechanisms (knob and button) are pre-configured to enable immediate deployment or retrieval actions. This preliminary arrangement allows the clinician to rapidly deploy or retrieve the valve without complex in-situ adjustments, reducing the time the delivery system remains in the patient's body and minimizing adverse effects
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static to dynamic operation: the knob enables rapid rotational movement for deployment, and the button enables quick pushing-pulling actions for retrieval. This dynamic control mechanism allows the delivery system to be rapidly deployed and retrieved on demand, reducing stay time and improving productivity by enabling quick response to clinical needs
3Ease of operation
If rotating operation is used for deployment, then deployment can be achieved, but the allowed angle of each rotation is limited to lower than 180 degrees and requires high-speed rotation leading to increased operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The knob is nested within the functional handle assembly, with the threaded rod extending through the displacement tube and connecting to the outer tube assembly. This nested configuration allows the knob to rotate freely without external constraints, enabling full 360-degree rotations rather than limited angles. The nesting eliminates the need for complex external guiding mechanisms, reducing rotation control complexity while improving ease of operation
4Reliability
If push-pulling operation is used, then deployment control is achieved, but the means is prone to cause clinician's finger to slip off leading to overall movement of delivery tubular structure and dislodgement of deployed valve stent
Solution Approach 1:
The button is constructed with a composite structure combining a rigid base for structural integrity with a textured or rubberized grip surface for enhanced friction. This composite design prevents finger slippage during pushing-pulling operations while maintaining the mechanical strength needed to control the delivery system reliably, eliminating the risk of accidental valve stent dislodgement
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
This system enables rapid, reliable, and precise deployment of prosthetic heart valves with reduced operational complexity, minimizing the risk of mistakes and improving recovery times by allowing flexible and efficient rotational and pushing-pulling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded rod defines a leading portion and a trailing portion. The trailing portion is provided with a knob; The fastener is able to extend through the slot to engage a thread of the threaded rod in the displacement tube
Implementation Method 2
the springs are disposed between the fastener and the displacement tube and configured to cause an automatic locking of the fastener and the threaded rod
Implementation Method 3
a double-layered inner tube structure for enhanced axial and bending strength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6(a)~7
AI summary
An implant delivery system is disclosed which includes an inner tube assembly, an outer tube assembly and a functional handle. The functional handle includes a threaded rod (7), a push-pull control member, a casing tube (6), a displacement tube (20), an inner tube fixing member (21), an outer tube fixing member and a stability tube fixing member. The threaded rod (7) extends through a bore of the displacement tube (20). A fastener (22) of the push-pull control member is able to engage a thread provided on a leading portion of the threaded rod (7). A trailing portion of the threaded rod (7) is provided with a knob (41). The push-pull control member includes a fastener (22), springs (23) and a button (40). The fastener (22) is able to extend through a slot to engage a thread of the threaded rod (7) in the displacement tube (20). The springs (23) are configured to cause an automatic locking of the fastener (22) and the threaded rod (7). The button (40) is provided on the fastener (22). A cylindrical shell (5) drives the displacement tube (20) to move forward or backward along its longitudinal axis to cause the outer tube assembly to accordingly advance or retract. The delivery system can quickly, stably and accurately insert an implant into a target location.