Medical Implant Folding Apparatus with Independent Tension Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for folding and unfolding implants, such as stents and cardiac valves, lack efficient mechanisms for diameter alteration and independent control of tension threads, leading to challenges in implantation and deployment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing at least two tension threads with a shaft and a tensioning device to alter the shape of foldable/unfoldable implants, including a separation device for cutting or detaching threads, allowing for independent control and precise diameter adjustment of implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple tension threads are used to control implant folding/unfolding, then the precision of diameter adjustment is improved, but the complexity of thread management and interference between threads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension control system is segmented into independent units, with each tension thread having its own dedicated tensioning device and control mechanism. This allows each thread to be controlled independently without interfering with others, maintaining precision while reducing management complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
A shaft structure serves as an intermediary component that organizes and separates multiple tension threads spatially. The shaft provides individual pathways or grooves for each thread, preventing direct interference between threads while enabling precise control of implant diameter through coordinated thread tensioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If tension threads are kept attached to the implant after deployment, then the implant can be repositioned or adjusted, but the interference between threads and difficulty in thread management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between tension threads and the implant is made dynamic rather than static. The separation device enables the system to transition between two states: threads attached during deployment for precise control, and threads separated after deployment for easy management. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between maintaining adaptability and improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The tension threads serve a temporary function during implant deployment and are then discarded from the active system through the separation device. After the implant is properly positioned and deployed, the threads are cut or detached and removed, eliminating ongoing interference while the implant retains its deployed position and function
3Device complexity
If a single tensioning mechanism is used for all tension threads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the independent control of individual threads is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism is segmented into multiple independent control units, with each unit responsible for a specific tension thread. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of each thread's tension, providing precise control over different segments of the implant diameter without requiring a single complex centralized mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
While each tensioning device is dedicated to a specific thread, all tensioning devices share a common design template and operational interface. This universal approach allows multiple independent control points without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as each unit performs the same function with standardized components
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
Enables precise folding and unfolding of implants with independent tension thread actuation, avoiding thread interference and allowing for partial or complete deployment adjustments, facilitating accurate implantation and post-implantation management.
Implementation Method 1
at least two tension threads (11, 11') surrounding a portion of the implant (300) are in position to hold the implant (300) so that a diameter of the implant (300) can be altered through varied tension in the threads (11, 11')
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for folding or unfolding at least one medical implant (300) by using at least one tension thread (11, 11'), wherein the apparatus (100) includes a shaft (1) including a reception area for receiving the implant (300), a tensioning device (19) for altering a shape of the foldable and/or unfoldable implant (300) by means of the tension thread (11, 11'), and a separation device for separating the tension thread (11, 11') from the implant (300) and/or for cutting through the tension thread (11, 11'). The invention further relates to a set and a method.