Interchangeable Snare Loops for Medical Retrieval Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retrieval devices for anatomically remote locations, such as body lumens, lack versatility in snare loop configurations, limiting their effectiveness in various therapeutic procedures due to fixed loop sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A snare device with releasably coupled snare loops allows practitioners to select and interchange loops based on size, shape, and material characteristics, enabling customization for specific therapeutic needs by using attachment portions that facilitate easy coupling and decoupling of different loops during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed loop sizes and shapes are used in retrieval devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but versatility in therapeutic procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The snare device is segmented into a shaft and multiple interchangeable snare loops. The shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion with an attachment portion that can selectively receive different snare loops. This segmentation allows the practitioner to choose specific loop configurations for specific therapeutic needs without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment portion on the shaft is designed with universal compatibility to receive multiple different snare loop configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single shaft to support various loop sizes, shapes, and material characteristics, enabling the device to adapt to different therapeutic procedures while maintaining a consistent base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple snare loop configurations are integrated into the device, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snare device transitions from a static, fixed-loop design to a dynamic, interchangeable-loop system. The attachment portion enables easy coupling and decoupling of different snare loops during procedures, allowing the device to adapt its configuration dynamically based on therapeutic requirements without increasing permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating multiple fixed loop configurations into a single complex structure, the invention allows parameter changes by exchanging loops with different sizes, shapes, and material characteristics. This approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving adaptability through interchangeable components that vary in their physical parameters.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed loop configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but effectiveness in various therapeutic procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a standardized shaft and interchangeable loops, each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes. The shaft is manufactured once with a universal attachment portion, while loops can be produced in various configurations using appropriate manufacturing techniques, improving both ease of manufacture and procedural effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains ease of manufacture by keeping the base shaft design simple and standardized, while allowing parameter changes in the interchangeable loops. This approach enables the production of loops with different sizes, shapes, and materials using standard manufacturing processes, rather than requiring complex integration of multiple fixed configurations into a single device.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrieval device with releasably attached loops is disclosed. Attachment portions on one or both ends of the shaft of the snare device may allow one or more loops to be coupled or de-coupled from the shaft. The retrieval device may further comprise a delivery conduit configured to receive both a snare shaft and a guidewire in one or more lumens.