Implant Delivery Tether Resistance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant delivery systems lack feedback mechanisms to confirm successful detachment of implants from the delivery device, particularly in cases relying on heat or electrolytic processes, leading to uncertainty about detachment completion.
Innovation Solution
An implant delivery and detachment system that includes a tether detachably coupling the implant to a pusher, a heat generating apparatus, and a power source, where detachment is detected by measuring the change in electrical resistance of the delivery system, allowing for reliable and efficient implant release with minimal surface temperature increase and short detachment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat or electrolytic processes are used for detachment, then detachment can be achieved, but there is no feedback mechanism to confirm successful detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by measuring electrical resistance changes in the delivery system to detect implant detachment. The system continuously monitors resistance and provides real-time feedback to the operator about whether detachment has occurred, eliminating the uncertainty associated with heat or electrolytic detachment methods alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detachment confirmation methods with electrical measurement. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators or visual confirmation, the system uses electrical resistance measurement to detect the detachment event, providing more reliable and objective feedback.
2Reliability
If heat is applied for detachment, then detachment can be achieved, but surface temperature increases which may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical resistance measurement provides real-time feedback that allows the operator to monitor the detachment process and stop heating once detachment is detected, preventing excessive temperature increase and tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors electrical resistance as a parameter to detect detachment, allowing for precise control of the heating process. By detecting resistance changes, the system can terminate heating at the optimal moment, avoiding excessive temperature rise.
3Reliability
If heat is applied for detachment, then detachment can be achieved, but detachment time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time electrical resistance monitoring provides immediate feedback when detachment occurs, allowing the operator to stop the heating process at the exact moment of detachment. This eliminates unnecessary continuation of heating and reduces overall detachment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables rapid detection of detachment through electrical resistance measurement, allowing the process to be completed more quickly by identifying the detachment moment without waiting for extended heating periods.
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 system ensures reliable implant detachment with reduced time and surface temperature, providing user feedback through electrical resistance measurement, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of the implant deployment process.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed in proximity to the tether and configured to heat the tether to a temperature sufficient to break the tether
Implementation Method 2
an electrical circuit electrically connected to the heater and configured to detect a change in electrical resistance indicating that the tether has broken
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater through which the tether passes. The inner lumen of the delivery system pusher may accommodate the lead wires which connect to the heater.