Intravascular Device Detachment System With Controlled Friction Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional delivery and detachment systems for implantable intravascular devices lack a controlled friction force on the securement wire, leading to unwanted shifting and imprecise delivery or detachment of the device at the target site.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a controlled amount of friction force on the securement wire within an intentional friction zone, created by modifying the inner support tube with side port openings and reflowable material, to prevent unwanted movement during delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no friction force is intentionally imposed on the securement wire (conventional friction-free configuration), then the securement wire can move freely during delivery, but unwanted shifting, movement, or translation occurs resulting in potential imprecise delivery or detachment of the implantable intravascular device at the target site
Solution Approach 1:
The inner support tube is designed with different surface properties in different regions: a friction zone with increased friction force in the distal portion to prevent wire movement, and a low-friction zone in the proximal portion to allow controlled movement during detachment. This local differentiation of surface characteristics resolves the contradiction between preventing unwanted movement and enabling controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static friction-free design to a dynamic friction control system where the friction force applied to the securement wire varies by location. The friction zone provides high friction during delivery to stabilize the wire, while the low-friction zone enables smooth wire movement during the detachment phase, making the system adaptable to different operational phases.
2Reliability
If a controlled friction force is introduced on the securement wire via an intentional friction zone, then unwanted shifting and movement of the securement wire is minimized or prevented, but the device complexity increases due to modifications of the inner support tube
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the entire inner support tube, only the distal portion is designed with increased friction characteristics (friction zone), while the proximal portion maintains low-friction properties. This localized modification achieves the desired wire stability without unnecessarily complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner support tube is functionally segmented into distinct zones: a friction zone in the distal portion for wire stabilization during delivery, and a low-friction zone in the proximal portion for controlled wire movement during detachment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliability without excessive overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the inner support tube is modified with side port openings and reflowable material to create an intentional friction zone, then precise delivery and detachment is achieved by minimizing securement wire movement, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process utilizes phase transition of the reflowable material (from solid to liquid and back to solid) to create the friction zone. The material is heated to melt and flow through side port openings, then cooled to solidify, forming the desired friction-enhancing structure. This phase transition approach allows complex internal geometries to be created through a relatively simple thermal processing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The side port openings are pre-formed in the inner support tube before the reflowable material is introduced. This preliminary structuring of the tube with predefined openings allows the subsequent reflow process to precisely fill only the intended regions, creating the friction zone in the correct location and configuration without requiring complex real-time manufacturing control.
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
This controlled friction force ensures precise delivery and detachment of the implantable intravascular device by minimizing shifting and movement of the securement wire during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
heating the reflowable material to a melting temperature to melt the reflowable material
Implementation Method 2
allowing the reflowable material to cool and solidify
Implementation Method 3
imposed on the securement wire is a controlled friction force established within an intentional friction zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Delivery and detachment system for an implantable intravascular device, the system including a securement wire in a passageway of an inner support tube. Imposed on the securement wire is a controlled friction force established within an intentional friction zone created by: (i) reflow of an outer sleeve through side port opening(s) in the inner support tube and into the passageway; or (ii) the securement wire having bend(s) creating an associated point(s) of direct physical contact with the inner wall of the inner support tube. During delivery of the implantable intravascular treatment device to a target site, the imposed controlled friction force minimizing movement of the securement wire relative to the inner support tube, and upon reaching the target site, a force being applied to overcome the imparted controlled friction force and releasing the implantable intravascular device.