Implant Delivery Handle Collet Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical methods for valvular heart disease treatment are risky and prone to errors due to complex and labor-intensive procedures involving multiple components in valve delivery systems, especially for patients with advanced ages or poor heart functions.
Innovation Solution
An implant delivery handle with a locking mechanism that uses a collet with a slot to switch between locked and unlocked configurations by radial pressure, simplifying the operation and distinguishing it from bending control actions, thereby reducing operational complexity and preventing confusion between locking and bending actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded transmission mechanisms are used in delivery handles, then reliable locking and control functions are achieved, but the number of circumferential rotary components increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex threaded transmission mechanism and circumferential rotary components from traditional delivery handles. Instead, it employs a simple linear locking pin that moves axially within a slot to achieve locking and control functions, dramatically reducing the number of components while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves multiple functions: it locks the catheter in position, controls its release, and provides mechanical coupling between the handle and catheter assembly. This single component replaces what traditionally required multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure
2Ease of operation
If traditional delivery handles with multiple circumferential rotary components are used, then precise control functions are achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for accurate awareness of component functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the confusing array of circumferential rotary components and replaces them with intuitive linear controls. The locking pin's axial movement and the control wire's linear tension provide obvious, easy-to-understand control mechanisms that reduce operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
While not explicitly using color changes, the patent employs clear visual and tactile differentiation of control mechanisms. The locking pin's position in its slot and the control wire's tension state provide immediate visual feedback to the operator, making the system easy to operate without requiring detailed knowledge of internal mechanisms
3Reliability
If traditional threaded transmission mechanisms are used, then mechanical advantage is achieved, but the risk of operational mistakes increases in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating complex threaded mechanisms, the patent removes potential failure points and sources of operator error. The simple locking pin with slot design provides foolproof operation where the catheter can only be released when the pin is deliberately moved to the correct position, reducing accidental releases
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the locking pin is designed to guide and constrain the pin's movement, preventing accidental displacement. The mechanical design inherently protects against errors by requiring specific deliberate actions to change the locking state, cushioning against operational mistakes in high-stress emergency situations
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 solution simplifies the operation of the implant delivery handle, reducing the risk of errors by allowing easy switching between locked and unlocked configurations through a collet-based mechanism, enhancing safety and reducing the complexity of traditional valve delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The locking knob is configured to pivot about an axis of the inner catheter to apply a radial pressure to the inner catheter through the locking part, thereby switching the inner catheter between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.
Implementation Method 2
In case of the collet being subject to a radial pressure, a circumferential length of the slot decreases, resulting in a reduced inner diameter of the collet, wherein the reduced inner diameter of the collet is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner catheter. The collet locks the inner catheter through contraction of the collet.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant delivery handle, a delivery system and a method of operation thereof are disclosed. The implant delivery handle is able to switch an inner catheter (1) between unlocked and locked configurations through pivoting a locking knob (43) about an axis of the inner catheter (1) to cause a locking part (42) to exert or withdraw a radial pressure on the inner catheter (1). The implant delivery handle has a simplified structure and can be operated more easily. Moreover, the locking knob (43) for the inner catheter (1) and the control handwheel (33) for the flexible catheter (2) employ distinguishable designs, which effectively prevent a surgeon from being confused with the two actions. Instead of locking/unlocking the catheter through circumferentially rotating a rotary wheel as is conventional, the inner catheter (1) can be switched between the locked and unlocked configurations through compressing or uncompressing a collet (421) in a locking part (42), wherein the collet has a slot (4211) axially extending therethrough.