Intraluminal Device Loading Sleeve for Gentle Catheter Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading expandable intraluminal medical devices into delivery devices are cumbersome, inefficient, and can compromise the integrity of tissue-based devices, particularly when not performed immediately prior to use, necessitating a simple and effective apparatus and method for loading these devices.
Innovation Solution
A loading apparatus with a main body featuring a proximal, distal, and transition chamber with varying inner diameters, a separable connection, and optional inner sleeve to facilitate the transition of expandable intraluminal medical devices from a radially-expanded to a radially-compressed configuration within a delivery catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If expandable intraluminal medical devices are loaded into delivery devices using conventional methods, then the devices can be delivered to treatment sites, but the loading procedure becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus employs a nested structure where the expandable intraluminal medical device is loaded into an inner sleeve, which is then inserted into the delivery device catheter. This nested arrangement allows the device to be compacted and stored within the delivery system in a systematic manner, improving loading efficiency while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The loading apparatus is divided into distinct segments including an outer tubular member, an inner sleeve, and a loading catheter. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function during the loading process, making the overall procedure more efficient and less complex by breaking down the loading task into manageable steps
2Length of moving object
If expandable intraluminal medical devices are compressed for delivery, then they can be navigated through body vessels, but the integrity of tissue-based devices may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve acts as a flexible protective shell that encloses the expandable intraluminal medical device during compression and loading. This flexible membrane allows the device to be compressed to a smaller diameter for navigation through body vessels while protecting the tissue-based components from damage, maintaining device integrity throughout the loading and delivery process
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve provides cushioning protection to the expandable intraluminal medical device before and during the compression process. This protective layer prevents direct contact between the device and the rigid walls of the delivery catheter, reducing the risk of damage to tissue-based components during the necessary compression for delivery
3Reliability
If loading is performed immediately prior to treatment, then device integrity is preserved, but the procedure becomes more time-sensitive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus is designed to perform the loading action immediately prior to treatment in a single integrated step. The apparatus allows the operator to load the expandable intraluminal medical device into the delivery catheter right before deployment, ensuring device integrity is maintained while keeping the procedure simple through a unified loading mechanism that requires no complex preparation or separate steps
Data Source
AI summary
Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a passageway. The passageway has a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber. An expandable intraluminal medical device can be loaded into a delivery catheter using the loading apparatus by placing the device into the passageway and pushing the device along an axial path.