Implantable Device Detachment Coupling Axial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter delivery systems face challenges in securely attaching and reliably detaching implantable devices from the delivery system, particularly in delicate vascular environments like intracranial blood vessels, due to issues with premature detachment and axial misalignment during deployment.
Innovation Solution
The development of a detachment system that secures an implantable device to a delivery system using an elongated member and coupling elements, maintaining axial alignment and absorbing stress, without relying on ball-shaped coupling elements, allowing for controlled release and reduced mechanical fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catheter delivery systems use traditional attachment mechanisms, then the device can be delivered to the target site, but the implantable device may prematurely detach from the delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a delivery member with a distal end, an implantable device with coupling elements, and a separate detachment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable attachment and controlled detachment without premature release.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element acts as an intermediary between the delivery member and the implantable device. This intermediate structure provides a secure mechanical interface that maintains attachment reliability during delivery while enabling controlled detachment at the target site through interaction with the delivery system.
2Reliability
If the implantable device is securely attached to the delivery system, then complete release and deployment is ensured, but axial misalignment may occur during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide directional guidance and maintain axial alignment during deployment. The asymmetric features engage in a way that prevents lateral displacement while allowing the necessary motion for complete release and deployment of the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates constraints in multiple dimensions: axial constraints prevent misalignment along the delivery axis, while radial constraints maintain proper positioning. This multi-dimensional constraint system ensures both complete deployment and axial alignment throughout the delivery process.
3Strength
If ball-shaped coupling elements are used for attachment, then the implantable device can be secured, but mechanical fatigue increases due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using spherical coupling elements that create stress concentration points, the system employs coupling elements with distributed contact surfaces. The local geometry is optimized to distribute mechanical stresses evenly across the attachment interface, maintaining attachment strength while reducing stress concentration and mechanical fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements feature curved surfaces that provide smooth stress distribution rather than sharp corners or spherical joints. The curved geometries allow for gradual stress transitions and reduce stress concentration, thereby decreasing mechanical fatigue while maintaining sufficient attachment strength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery system allows flexibility for navigation, then the catheter can navigate tortuous vasculature, but the implantable device may experience axial displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device and coupling elements are nested within the delivery catheter system, which provides external structural support. This nesting arrangement allows the delivery catheter to navigate tortuous vasculature while the outer catheter structure prevents axial displacement of the nested implantable device, maintaining position stability during navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for detaching an implantable device from a delivery system are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a system that includes an elongated shaft having a first coupling element with a first opening, an implantable device having a second coupling element with a second opening, and an elongated member configured to extend through the shaft. The system can have a retained state in which the elongated member is positioned through the first opening and the second opening, and a released state in which the elongated member is removed from the second opening and the first coupling element is configured to move proximally apart from the second coupling element with an axial displacement not greater than an outer diameter of the first coupling element at a location along the length of the first coupling element proximate the first opening.