Subcutaneous Implant Extraction Tray for Secure Low-Trauma Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing subcutaneous implantable medical devices (S-IMDs) face challenges such as difficulty in grasping and pulling the devices due to their smooth surface and tissue encapsulation, leading to increased manual effort and risk of damage or trauma.

Innovation Solution

An extraction tool with a handle and tray featuring a platform and raised rim, designed to receive and contain the S-IMD, allowing for blunt dissection and secure capture, reducing the need for excessive force and minimizing tissue trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional forceps are used to grasp and pull the S-IMD, then the extraction procedure can be performed, but the forceps may slip along the smooth outer surface of the S-IMD, increasing the time and manual effort required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of grasping S-IMDVSAvoidextraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a tray with cavity for receiving the S-IMD, a raised rim for secure engagement, and a handle for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the raised rim providing positive engagement with the S-IMD housing to prevent slippage during extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tray with cavity and raised rim acts as an intermediary between the physician's hand and the S-IMD. Instead of directly grasping the smooth S-IMD surface with forceps, the physician uses the tray to capture and secure the S-IMD, with the raised rim providing the necessary mechanical engagement to prevent slippage during withdrawal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If more force is applied on the forceps to avoid slippage, then the S-IMD can be grasped more securely, but this could risk damaging the S-IMD and/or inflicting trauma on the patient tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure grasp of S-IMDVSAvoiddamage to S-IMD and tissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tray with cavity and raised rim is advanced into the implant pocket before the S-IMD is engaged. The raised rim is positioned to engage with the S-IMD housing in advance, securing the device before any withdrawal force is applied. This preliminary engagement ensures secure grasping without requiring excessive force during the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tray with raised rim serves as a protective intermediary that distributes and controls the applied force. The raised rim engages with the S-IMD housing to provide secure grasping, while the tray structure distributes the withdrawal force evenly, preventing concentrated stress that could damage the S-IMD or surrounding tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional forceps are used to extract the S-IMD, then the procedure can be performed, but tissue encapsulation around the S-IMD increases the force necessary to extricate the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidforce required for extraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tray with cavity and raised rim is advanced into the implant pocket beforehand, positioning the raised rim to engage with the S-IMD housing before withdrawal begins. This preliminary positioning allows the tool to overcome tissue encapsulation forces efficiently by establishing secure engagement with the S-IMD before any pulling force is applied, reducing the total force required for extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a larger extraction tool is used to securely contain the S-IMD, then the S-IMD can be extracted more reliably, but the tool may cause increased patient discomfort and be less compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure containment of S-IMDVSAvoidtool size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tray features a cavity with raised rim that provides localized secure engagement with the S-IMD housing. The raised rim is positioned to engage specifically with the S-IMD, providing reliable containment without requiring the entire tool to be large. This localized engagement feature ensures secure containment while maintaining a compact overall tool size for patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250352241A1Subcutaneous implantable medical device extraction tool

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

An extraction tool includes a handle and a tray that extends from the handle. The tray is configured to be advanced into a subcutaneous region of a patient. The tray includes a platform and a raised rim that projects above a top surface of the platform. The top surface of the platform and the raised rim define a cavity configured to receive and contain a subcutaneous implantable medical device (S-IMD) therein. The handle is configured to be manipulated by an operator to withdraw the extraction tool from the patient with the S-IMD on the tray.