Integrated Cardiac Dilator Locking Mechanism for Needle Protrusion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated needle-based perforation and dilation devices for the heart are cumbersome and lack precise control over the protrusion length of the puncture needle, leading to potential accidental punctures, increased procedure complexity, and risks such as tamponade during transseptal access.

Innovation Solution

A perforation device integrated with a dilator that includes an indicator mechanism to provide feedback on protrusion length and a locking mechanism to maintain the desired position, allowing for precise control and preventing unintended needle retraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the puncture needle protrudes fully from the dilator, then mechanical puncture efficacy is improved, but the risk of accidental puncture to unintended tissue sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical puncture efficacyVSAvoidaccidental puncture risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The puncture needle is designed with dynamic protrusion capability, allowing it to extend from and retract into the dilator as needed. This dynamic configuration enables the operator to adjust the protrusion length according to the specific procedure requirements, providing full protrusion for mechanical puncture when needed while allowing retraction to minimize accidental puncture risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the protrusion parameter of the puncture needle relative to the dilator. By controlling the extent of protrusion, the operator can optimize for mechanical puncture efficacy when full protrusion is needed, or reduce protrusion to minimize harmful effects such as accidental punctures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the puncture needle protrusion is restricted, then current density increases and current leakage into blood pool is reduced, but mechanical puncture capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF puncture efficacyVSAvoidmechanical puncture capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The puncture needle's protrusion is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the operator to adjust the protrusion length based on the mode of puncture being performed. For RF puncture, the needle can be positioned with restricted protrusion to increase current density, while for mechanical puncture, full protrusion can be achieved

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes in needle protrusion length to optimize for different puncture modes. The operator can control the protrusion parameter to achieve the desired balance between current density for RF puncture and mechanical puncture capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the operator applies continuous pressure to maintain needle protrusion, then puncture needle position is controlled, but operator fatigue increases and procedural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle position controlVSAvoidoperator fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a locking mechanism that allows the needle to maintain its protrusion position without continuous operator pressure. The lockable advancement point enables the needle to self-maintain its position once advanced, reducing operator fatigue and simplifying the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through markings on the dilator that indicate the protrusion length of the needle. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to precisely control and verify the needle position without requiring continuous pressure application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Force

If the puncture needle is advanced against tissue, then puncture force is applied, but the likelihood of accidental mechanical puncture to unintended tissue sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuncture forceVSAvoidaccidental puncture risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The needle's protrusion is dynamically controllable, allowing the operator to advance the needle only to the required extent before locking it in place. This prevents excessive protrusion that could lead to accidental punctures while maintaining sufficient protrusion for effective puncture force application when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Productivity

If the operator must simultaneously maintain device position, maintain alignment, apply pressure, and activate electrocautery, then all procedural tasks are performed, but hands crossing occurs and procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural task completionVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism allows the needle position to be set and locked without requiring continuous operator intervention. This reduces the number of simultaneous tasks the operator must perform, eliminating the need for hand crossing and simplifying the overall procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250295399A1Locking mechanism and protrusion length control for integrated dilator and perforation device
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • US20250295399A1 patent drawing
  • US20250295399A1 patent drawing
  • US20250295399A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An access system for perforating a tissue within a heart is disclosed. The system includes a perforation device having a perforation device body including a proximal portion and a distal portion terminating in a distal tip. The system further includes a dilator comprising an elongated body, a proximal end and a distal end portion terminating in a distal tip, a handle connected to the proximal end of the elongated body and a dilator lumen extending through the handle and the elongated body and dimensioned to slidingly receive the perforation device. The system also includes an indicator mechanism positioned on the dilator indicating a protrusion length of the perforation device. Furthermore, the system includes a locking mechanism located on the dilator having an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism is configured to impede longitudinal movement of the perforation device within the dilator lumen.