Implanted Magnets Retrieval System Using Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for retrieving implanted magnets, particularly those used in creating anastomosis between cardiovascular passageways, are not feasible for removal due to the complexity and location within the body, making it difficult to effectively retrieve magnets after they have served their purpose.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic retrieval system comprising a guide catheter with a guide magnet and an elongate capture member that includes an abutment segment, allowing for magnetic coupling with implanted magnets and facilitating their removal through a lumen, enabling the magnets to be moved as a group out of the body using a pull mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implanted magnets are used to create anastomosis between cardiovascular passageways, then the anastomosis is formed through magnetic compression and necrosis of tissue walls, but the magnets become difficult to retrieve due to their location and the complexity of the body structure
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval system is divided into separate functional components: a guide catheter with guide magnet for positioning and magnetic coupling, an elongate capture member with abutment segment for engagement, and a pull mechanism for extraction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the complex retrieval process manageable and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide catheter acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the implanted magnets. It provides a controlled pathway through the body and uses magnetic coupling to engage with the implanted magnets, enabling safe retrieval without direct manipulation of the magnets themselves, thus reducing the complexity and risk of the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional retrieval strategies such as laparotic or endoscopic removal are used, then magnet removal may be feasible in digestive system anastomosis, but these strategies are not realistically feasible in other body volumes like cardiovascular passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval system is designed with universal applicability across different body volumes and anatomical structures. The guide catheter and capture member configuration can be adapted for cardiovascular passageways, digestive system, and other body volumes, making a single device design suitable for multiple retrieval scenarios without requiring structure-specific specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval system incorporates dynamic elements including the slidable elongate capture member that can be positioned at different locations along the guide catheter, and the magnetic coupling mechanism that can engage with implanted magnets at various orientations and depths, allowing the system to adapt to different anatomical configurations dynamically during the procedure.
3Reliability
If the abutment segment is made larger to ensure contact with implanted magnets, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the capture member cannot pass through the through holes of the guide magnet and implanted magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate capture member is segmented into a proximal segment, abutment segment, and distal segment. The abutment segment can be expanded or configured to engage reliably with the implanted magnets after the proximal and distal segments have passed through the through holes, allowing the member to be inserted through the narrow openings while still achieving secure engagement with the magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal and distal segments of the elongate capture member are designed to pass through the through holes of the guide magnet and implanted magnets as a preliminary action, establishing the pathway before the abutment segment engages with the magnets. This preliminary insertion allows the capture member to be positioned correctly without requiring the abutment segment to pass through the narrow openings.
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 the safe and efficient retrieval of implanted magnets from within the body, potentially through a single entry site, by magnetically coupling the guide catheter with the implanted magnets and using an elongate capture member to extract them, leaving a passage between the affected volumes without the need for additional support.
Implementation Method 1
The guide magnet is magnetically coupled to one of the first implant magnet and the second implant magnet
Implementation Method 2
the abutment segment is in contact with one of the guide magnet, the first implant magnet and the second implant magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of retrieving a pair of previously implanted magnets from a patient's body includes maneuvering a guide catheter, which includes a guide magnet affixed to its distal end, toward the implantation site of the implanted magnets. The guide magnet is magnetically coupled to one of the implanted magnets in an orientation in which a through hole of the guide magnet is in register with through holes of the first and second implant magnets. An elongate capture member is slid through the lumen of the guide catheter until one of a proximal segment and a distal segment extends through the through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets. An abutment segment of the elongate capture member, which separates the proximal segment and the distal segment is maneuvered into contact with the magnets. Then, the abutment segment, the guide magnet and the implanted magnets are moved as a group away from the implantation site.