Medical Implant Loop Connection via Retractable Locking Wire

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting medical implants made of helically wound wire to insertion aids face challenges in achieving a secure connection during implantation while allowing for easy release after implantation, particularly for implants with or without a core wire.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a medical implant with a first loop formed at the proximal end by helically winding the wire, a cylindrical insertion aid with a second loop at the distal end, and a locking wire that extends through the insertion aid and is movable relative to it. In the connected state, the locking wire engages with the second loop and the first loop of the medical implant, and in the released state, the locking wire is retracted, allowing the connection to be easily released.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamping connection is used to connect the medical implant to the insertion aid, then the connection is secure during transport, but a high force is necessary to release the connection or there is a risk that the connection is not secure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidrelease ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static clamping mechanism to a dynamic locking mechanism. The locking wire can be actively moved between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the connection to be securely locked during transport and easily released when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection security and release ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking wire acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the first loop (medical implant) and the second loop (insertion aid). By introducing this intermediate locking mechanism, the system achieves both secure connection during transport and easy release when the locking wire is withdrawn, without requiring high forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a core wire with loop is used to connect the medical implant to the insertion aid, then the connection is secure, but the core wire extends out of the medical implant and must be additionally securely fixed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfixing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function and the connection structure are merged into a single integrated system. The locking wire works together with the loops formed by the medical implant wire itself, eliminating the need for separate core wire fixing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire of the medical implant serves multiple functions: it forms the medical implant structure, creates the first loop for connection, and can be fixed to itself through the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate fixing components, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3840671B1System for connecting a medical implant to an insertion aid
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 PFM MEDICAL AG
  • EP3840671B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3840671B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a System (1) for connecting a medical implant (2) to an insertion aid (3), comprising: - a medical implant (2) made of a helically wound wire (4), wherein the wire (4) is formed into a first loop (5) at the proximal end of the medical implant (2); - a cylindrical, hollow insertion aid (3) with a second loop (6) at the distal end of the insertion aid (3); and - a locking wire (8), which is extend through the hollow insertion aid (3) and is relatively movable to the insertion aid (3); wherein in a first operating state, in which the medical implant (2) is connected to the insertion aid (3), the second loop (6) of the insertion aid (3) extends through the first loop (5) of the medical implant (2) and the locking wire (8) extends through the second loop (6) of the insertion aid (3), so that the first loop (5) of the medical implant (2) is arranged between the second loop (6) of the insertion aid (3) and the locking wire (8); and wherein in a second operating state the locking wire (8) is retracted into the hollow insertion aid (3) and out of the second loop (6), so that the first loop (5) of the medical implant (2) is no longer connected to the second loop (6) of the insertion aid (3). The invention further relates to a medical implant (2) for such a system (1).