Flexible Tether Transport for Leadless Pacemaker Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biostimulator transport systems for leadless cardiac pacemakers are complex, expensive, and require precise mechanical movements, making them challenging to use and prone to complications during delivery and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A biostimulator transport system with a flexible tether mechanism, including a handle, knob, and docking cap, allows for simple, reliable retention and release of the pacemaker using a tether that can be cut or detached from the attachment feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing biostimulator transport systems use complex tether mechanisms with end features that require precise alignment and locking, then the biostimulator can be securely retained, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex end features and locking mechanisms from the tether system, replacing them with a simple loop configuration that passes through the attachment feature. This eliminates the need for precise alignment and mechanical locking while maintaining secure retention during delivery and enabling simple release by pulling the tether.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active locking mechanisms that require precise engagement, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive retention system where the loop simply passes through the attachment feature. Release is achieved not by unlocking but by pulling the tether to draw the loop through the attachment feature, reversing the traditional retention/release paradigm.
2Reliability
If existing systems use precise mechanical movements and fine tolerances for tether alignment, then reliable retention is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex alignment and locking features from the tether design, replacing them with a simple loop that naturally passes through the attachment feature without requiring precise mechanical tolerances or complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If existing biostimulator transport systems use cyclic loading mechanisms for retention, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the mechanical stress and potential for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates cyclic loading mechanisms and replaces them with a simple loop configuration that distributes mechanical stress evenly. The loop design avoids concentrated stress points and cyclic mechanical actions, reducing the risk of fatigue failure while maintaining secure anchoring through the attachment feature.
Data Source
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AI summary
A biostimulator transport system, such as a biostimulator delivery system, is described. The biostimulator transport system includes a flexible tether extending through a tether support to a tether bight. The tether bight loops through an attachment feature of a biostimulator to connect the biostimulator to the biostimulator transport system. Tether legs extend from the tether bight to a handle of the biostimulator transport system. The handle includes a housing and a knob, and the tether legs attach to the housing and the knob. A tether leg can be disconnected from the housing and the knob can be removed to pull the tether out of the attachment feature and release the biostimulator from the biostimulator transport system. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.