Interlocking Loop Release for Low-Force Vascular Implant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular implant deployment tools require complex and costly release mechanisms that apply significant axial forces, leading to potential displacement of the implant from its target location, and often involve engagement of the release wire throughout the decoupling process.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking loop coupling/decoupling system with a release wire retraction device that uses a guide assembly and actuator to retract the release wire unidirectionally, minimizing axial force and allowing easy detachment of the implant from the deployment tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery system is designed to accommodate multiple different expandable implant devices with varying sizes and configurations, then the system's adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into separate functional modules: a releasable coupling mechanism, a delivery catheter, and an expandable implant device. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility for accommodating multiple device types and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable coupling mechanism is designed with universal functionality to interface with various expandable implant devices of different sizes and configurations. The coupling system can accommodate multiple device types through a standardized interface that maintains adaptability across different implant configurations.
2Reliability
If an interlocking loop coupling system is used to secure the implant device to the delivery system, then the reliability of device attachment improves, but the ease of operation for deployment and retrieval decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic releasable state. The interlocking loops are configured to maintain secure attachment during delivery through natural engagement, but can be dynamically released by applying a pulling force to the delivery system, enabling both reliable attachment and easy retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant device is pre-configured with attachment features (loops or apertures) that are ready to engage with the delivery system before deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable attachment occurs automatically during the deployment process without requiring additional complex operations.
3Ease of operation
If the implant device is held in a compressed state within the delivery system, then the ease of navigation through vasculature improves, but the structural stability of the implant device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable implant device is nested within the delivery system in a compressed state, allowing the delivery system to protect and guide the implant through the vasculature. The nested configuration enables easy navigation while the delivery system maintains the implant's structural integrity during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system provides protective support for the compressed implant device before deployment. This prior cushioning maintains the implant's structural stability during navigation through the vasculature, preventing damage to the compressed device until it reaches the target location.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex releasable coupling system is designed to accommodate various implant configurations, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses localized engagement features (interlocking loops or apertures) at specific points on the implant device rather than requiring precision across the entire device. This local quality approach allows adaptability to various implant configurations while reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism combines flexible and rigid elements to achieve both adaptability and functional precision. The composite structure allows the coupling system to accommodate various implant configurations through flexible adaptation while maintaining sufficient precision for reliable attachment and release.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a system and method for deployment of an implant device, the implant device includes a first loop at its proximal end, and a deployment tool has a second loop attached at its distal end. A release wire slidably disposed within the deployment tool has a distal end extending through the first and second loops to releasably couple the implant device to the deployment tool, and a proximal portion extending from a proximal end of the deployment tool, which is held in a retraction device. The retraction device is operable to hold the proximal end of the deployment tool and to pull the release wire proximally through the deployment tool until the distal end of the release wire is withdrawn from the first and second loops to decouple the implant device from the deployment tool.