Laser Retrieval Basket with Acute Angle Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical retrieval devices using lasers struggle to effectively fragment and capture materials like kidney stones within the body due to limitations in directing energy at optimal angles, leading to inefficient fragmentation and capture processes.
Innovation Solution
A medical retrieval device featuring a handle, sheath, and retrieval basket with a laser that can be positioned to direct energy at acute angles, allowing for improved fragmentation and capture of materials by adjusting the laser's position relative to the basket and sheath, enabling energy delivery at predetermined angles between 20 to 60 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser is positioned to direct energy at acute angles (20-60 degrees) relative to the retrieval basket, then the fragmentation efficiency of materials like kidney stones is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The laser delivery system is integrated with the retrieval basket structure, where the laser catheter is positioned within the basket legs or between the basket and sheath. This merging of functions allows the same device to perform both retrieval and laser fragmentation without requiring separate positioning mechanisms, thereby improving fragmentation efficiency while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable components that allow the laser catheter to be dynamically positioned at acute angles relative to the retrieval basket during the procedure. The laser can be advanced, retracted, or angled independently to optimize fragmentation while the basket remains in place for stone capture, providing dynamic adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the laser and retrieval basket move independently relative to the sheath, then the ability to position energy at optimal angles is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple independent controls
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with multi-functional controls that can manage both the retrieval basket and laser delivery. A single actuation mechanism or integrated control system allows the operator to coordinate basket deployment and laser positioning through unified controls, maintaining ease of operation while enabling independent movement of both components for optimal energy delivery.
3Productivity
If the laser exits the sheath at a predetermined angle using a ramp structure, then the fragmentation effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on precise geometric ramp structures, the design uses adjustable parameters such as the angle of the laser catheter relative to the sheath, the position of the laser tip within the basket, or the flexibility of the laser delivery tube. These parameter changes allow the laser to achieve optimal acute angles (20-60 degrees) through adjustment rather than fixed precision manufacturing, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining fragmentation effectiveness.
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
Enhances the ability to fragment and capture materials within the body by allowing precise energy delivery, improving the efficiency of the fragmentation and removal process, and facilitating the retrieval of stones and other bodily materials.
Implementation Method 1
these retrieval devices comprise a laser that directs energy at material at the anatomical site to break up the material
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a sheath having a lumen and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the sheath. The elongate member is moveable relative to the sheath and includes a retrieval assembly. The retrieval assembly has a collapsed position within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded position when extended beyond a distal end of the sheath. The elongate member defines a lumen configured to receive a laser.