Implant Delivery System with Resistance-Based Detachment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant delivery and detachment systems lack user feedback on whether the implant has properly detached from the delivery device, especially in cases where detachment relies on heat or electrolytic processes.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a heat generating apparatus and a method to detect detachment by measuring the change in electrical resistance of the delivery system, ensuring reliable and efficient implant detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is used to detach the implant device from the delivery system, then the implant can be deployed at the target site, but the user cannot determine whether detachment has actually occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a detection mechanism that provides real-time feedback to the user about the detachment status of the implant device. A sensor detects when the implant has separated from the delivery system and generates a signal (visual, auditory, or tactile) to confirm successful detachment, eliminating the uncertainty that previously existed after heater activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely thermal detachment mechanism with an integrated detection system that uses electrical or magnetic fields to sense the separation event. Instead of relying solely on thermal effects, the system incorporates sensors that detect changes in electrical resistance, magnetic field characteristics, or circuit continuity to identify when detachment has occurred.
2Productivity
If thermal or electrolytic processes are used for detachment, then the implant can be released from the delivery device, but the process time cannot be precisely controlled or monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides real-time monitoring of the detachment process, allowing the user to know exactly when separation has occurred. This enables precise control of the thermal or electrolytic process duration, optimizing it to be long enough to ensure complete detachment but short enough to minimize unnecessary energy application and potential tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to confirm that the implant is still attached before initiating the thermal or electrolytic detachment process. This ensures that the energy application is only begun when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and allowing for more precise timing control of the actual detachment event.
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 solution provides immediate user feedback on successful detachment, reducing uncertainty and improving the reliability of the implant delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
a heater, and a power source to apply energy to the heater
Implementation Method 2
a method of detecting implant detachment within the body of a patient... detachment of an implant is detected by measuring the change in the electrical resistance of the delivery system
Data Source
AI summary
An implant delivery system may have a pusher. The pusher may have an elongated shape. A distal end of the pusher may be configured to connect to an implant. The implant delivery system may have a tether connected to the pusher and to the implant. The implant delivery system may have a heating element mounted over the tether biased to contract a first surface of the heating element towards a second surface of the pusher. The implant delivery system may have an expander disposed between the first surface of the heating element and the second surface of the pusher. The expander may be configured to melt, allowing the first surface to contact the second surface, upon activation of the heating element.