Implantable Device Deployment With Constraining Lines for Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deployment methods for implantable medical devices, such as interatrial shunts, face challenges in precise positioning and lack the ability to recapture or reposition the device if initial deployment is not desirable.

Innovation Solution

A deployment system featuring constraining and release lines that allow for controlled deployment, repositioning, and recapture of implantable medical devices, utilizing a catheter with constraining lines to collapse and expand the device, and release lines to maintain contact during deployment, enabling precise positioning and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional deployment methods are used, then the device can be deployed, but precise positioning is difficult and the device cannot be recaptured or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddeployment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a catheter for delivery, constraining lines for positioning control, and release lines for deployment activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling precise positioning through the constraining lines while maintaining system manageability despite the increased overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is deployed immediately, then deployment is achieved, but the ability to recapture or reposition is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecapture and repositioning capabilityVSAvoiddeployment operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The constraining lines are pre-configured within the catheter system before device deployment, allowing the operator to maintain control over the device position during delivery. The release lines are also pre-positioned to engage with the constraining lines at the target site. This preliminary arrangement enables the operator to deploy the device only when optimal positioning is achieved, while retaining the ability to recapture or reposition by re-engaging the constraining lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If constraining lines are used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the deployment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice placement precisionVSAvoiddeployment system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The constraining lines and release lines are nested within the catheter structure, with the release lines positioned to engage the constraining lines at the distal end of the catheter. This nested arrangement allows the complex multi-line system to be delivered through a single catheter, maintaining positioning precision while organizing the complexity within a compact deliverable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3823558B1Implantable medical device deployment system

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

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Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems (200), and methods for deploying a medical device (202). In certain instances, the medical device (202) may be a shunt device. In addition, the apparatuses, systems (200), and methods may include one or more constraining lines (212) arranged through a portion of the implantable medical device (202) and one or more release lines (216) configured to engage the one or more constraining lines (212).