Implant Tunneling Tool With Force-Triggered Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in efficient subcutaneous tunneling and delivery, particularly due to the need for precise maneuvering and fixation during implantation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tunneling and insertion tool with a plunger mechanism that engages and releases IMDs based on a contact force exceeding a reaction force, allowing for secure advancement and implantation, featuring a shaft with protrusions for engagement and a plunger actuator for controlled tunneling and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional delivery tool is used for implantable medical devices, then the device can be delivered subcutaneously, but the maneuvering and fixation during implantation is difficult and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, where the resilient protrusions can flex and adapt to the IMD geometry during engagement, then provide stable retention during maneuvering, and finally release when force is applied. This dynamic behavior enables both secure fixation and controlled release throughout the implantation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tool is segmented into distinct functional components: the shaft for subcutaneous insertion, the engagement mechanism with resilient protrusions for secure attachment to the IMD, and the plunger for controlled release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
2Reliability
If the engagement mechanism is designed for secure retention, then the IMD can be firmly fixed during tunneling, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is designed to be self-engaging and self-retaining through the resilient protrusions that automatically engage with the IMD upon insertion. The release function is similarly simplified by using a plunger that directly applies force to the protrusions, causing them to flex and release without requiring complex unlocking mechanisms. The system serves itself through the inherent elastic properties of the resilient material.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex engagement and release functions are extracted from the main delivery mechanism and embodied in the separate resilient protrusions and plunger components. This allows the main shaft and delivery system to remain simple while the specialized engagement features are isolated in dedicated components that can be optimized independently.
3Productivity
If the plunger translates fully distally to release the IMD, then the device can be delivered, but accidental detachment during advancement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism provides dynamic retention where the resilient protrusions maintain constant contact force with the IMD during advancement, automatically adapting to forces applied during tunneling. This dynamic engagement prevents accidental detachment while allowing controlled release when the plunger is intentionally actuated to exceed the retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is designed with preliminary engagement features where the protrusions engage the IMD before full delivery occurs. This preliminary engagement establishes secure fixation during the critical tunneling phase, and the engagement geometry is designed so that normal advancement forces cannot disengage the mechanism, preventing accidental detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool includes a handle, a plunger actuator proximate the handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a plunger, an engagement mechanism. The shaft includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the shaft defines a channel extending along a length of the shaft. A first actuation of the plunger actuator causes the plunger to translate along the length of the shaft in a distal direction. A second actuation of the plunger actuator causes the plunger to translate along the length of the shaft in a proximal direction. The engagement mechanism is disposed on the distal end and is configured to engage an implantable medical device, and release the implantable medical device in response to the plunger exerting a contact force on the implantable medical device exceeding a reaction force of the engagement mechanism when the plunger translates along the length of the shaft in the distal direction.