Implant Delivery Sheath Powering for Real-Time Position Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for implanting medical devices, such as neurostimulators, lack efficient and reliable means to power the implant during insertion and test its position before full deployment, leading to potential misplacement and damage.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a power delivery system that powers the implant during insertion, allowing for real-time testing of its position using electrical connections or wireless power transmission, and includes sensors to detect patient reactions or tissue impedance for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the medical implant is implanted without a power delivery system, then the implantation process is simpler, but the implant cannot be tested for proper positioning before full deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system enables preliminary testing of the implant's functionality and positioning before final deployment. The implant can be activated and tested while still within the delivery device, allowing verification of proper nerve proximity and device operation prior to permanent implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device acts as an intermediary system that provides temporary power and testing capabilities during the implantation process. This intermediary structure allows the implant to be tested in a controlled environment before full deployment, resolving the contradiction between testing reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the implant is tested after full deployment, then the delivery process is simpler, but misplacement cannot be detected and correction is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Testing is performed preliminarily during the delivery process rather than after deployment. The power delivery system allows activation and testing of the implant while it is still accessible within the delivery device, enabling detection and correction of positioning errors before final implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback on implant positioning and functionality during the delivery process. Sensors and testing capabilities within the delivery device allow real-time verification of implant performance and positioning, enabling corrective action if misplacement is detected before final deployment.
3Reliability
If the implant is powered during insertion, then real-time testing is enabled, but the delivery device requires additional power delivery components
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a delivery mechanism and a power delivery system. The same structural components that deliver the implant also provide electrical power and testing capabilities, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and mitigating the complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery functionality is merged with the delivery device structure. Electrical contacts, power sources, and testing circuits are integrated into the delivery device, combining multiple functions into a single unified system rather than requiring separate independent systems.
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 reliable and precise implantation by powering the device during insertion, allowing for real-time testing and adjustment, reducing the risk of misplacement and damage.
Implementation Method 1
the power delivery system may comprise electrical contacts disposed in the delivery sheath for forming an electrical connection with the power terminals of the medical implant
Implementation Method 2
the power delivery system may comprise a wireless power transmitter arranged to transmit wireless power to the wireless power receiver of the medical implant
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device (10) for percutaneously implanting a medical implant (1) in tissue of a patient includes a delivery sheath (12, 13, 53, 61, 62, 65, 66) adapted to at least partially surround the medical implant and carry the medical implant for percutaneous delivery in the patient's tissue. The delivery device also includes a power delivery system (37) adapted to provide electric power to the medical implant within the delivery sheath.