Lead Screw Capsule Loading for Prosthetic Heart Valve Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic heart valve delivery systems face challenges in efficiently loading and deploying prosthetic heart valves within the body, particularly due to the resistance encountered when advancing the delivery capsule over the valve, which requires substantial manual force and can be inconsistent.
Innovation Solution
A capsule loading assist apparatus is introduced, comprising a lead screw and a loading assist nut engaged with the delivery capsule, which facilitates the application of a distally directed force and torque transfer mechanism to rotate the lead screw, allowing for easier advancement of the delivery capsule over the prosthetic heart valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to advance the delivery capsule over the prosthetic heart valve, then the valve can be loaded into the delivery apparatus, but substantial manual force is required and the process is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism converts rotational motion from the handle into automatic linear advancement of the delivery capsule, allowing the system to advance itself without requiring substantial manual force to push the capsule over the valve
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of pushing the delivery capsule is replaced by a lead screw-driven mechanical system that automatically advances the capsule in response to handle rotation, eliminating the need for substantial manual force
2Productivity
If a lead screw mechanism is introduced to automate the loading process, then manual effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotational handle motion into linear capsule advancement, provides consistent force application, and enables automated loading - making it a multi-functional component that justifies the added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle (input) and the delivery capsule (output), translating simple rotational motion into the complex linear advancement motion required for loading
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
The capsule loading assist apparatus simplifies the loading process by providing consistent and reproducible force application, reducing manual effort and enhancing the efficiency of prosthetic heart valve deployment within the body.
Implementation Method 1
A lead screw and a loading assist nut engaged with the lead screw facilitate the application of a distally directed force as the delivery capsule is advanced in the distal direction
Implementation Method 2
the loading assist nut comprises a capsule engagement surface configured to engage a proximal surface of a delivery capsule of the delivery apparatus to exert a distally directed loading assist force on the delivery capsule
Implementation Method 3
a torque transfer mechanism configured to convey a torque from a handle of the delivery apparatus to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw
Data Source
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AI summary
Capsule loading assist apparatuses and associated methods. A capsule loading assist apparatus can comprise a lead screw, a loading assist nut, and a torque transfer mechanism. The loading nut comprises a capsule engagement surface configured to engage a delivery capsule of a delivery apparatus to exert a loading assist force on the delivery capsule. The capsule loading assist apparatus is configured such that rotating the lead screw in a first lead screw direction causes the loading assist nut to move along the lead screw in a distal direction. A capsule loading assist assembly can comprise a delivery apparatus, a prosthetic heart valve, and a capsule loading assist apparatus. A method can comprise operatively coupling a delivery apparatus to a capsule loading assist apparatus with a loading assist nut and rotating a capsule translation knob of the delivery apparatus to translate the loading assist nut in a distal direction.