Lift Tool Locking Mechanism for Secure Pericardial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for accessing the pericardial space, such as multi-tined shafts and evacuated percutaneous tubes, are limited in allowing easy insertion and removal of objects without manual dexterity issues and risk inadvertent disengagement, potentially causing trauma to the patient.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a lift tool featuring a locking mechanism and torque applicator that allows secure engagement and retention of anatomic layers, enabling hands-free operation and tactile feedback for maintaining engagement during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-tined shaft is used to access the pericardial space, then access to the pericardial space is achieved, but the doctor must use both hands to hold the access tool which limits the ability to insert or remove objects through it
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft and the objects being inserted/removed. This locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged to secure objects in place or allow their passage, eliminating the need for the doctor to continuously hold the shaft with both hands while performing manipulations.
2Reliability
If the distal end of the shaft is rotated to embed tines in the parietal pericardium, then secure engagement is achieved, but inadvertent rotation may withdraw the tines causing release of the pericardium before the procedure is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be selectively engageable and disengageable, allowing dynamic control over the locked state. This enables the shaft to transition between a locked state (where rotation is prevented and pericardium is securely retained) and an unlocked state (where rotation is permitted for initial engagement or procedure completion), providing both reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a percutaneous tube with vacuum is used to form a pericardial bleb, then access to the pericardial space is achieved, but careful manipulation is required which limits the doctor's ability to insert or remove objects
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the need for careful manual manipulation from the need to maintain engagement. Once the shaft is initially positioned and the locking mechanism is engaged, the pericardium remains securely retained without requiring continuous careful manipulation, allowing the doctor to freely insert and remove objects through the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical device including a lift tool having a distal end configured to removably engage an anatomic layer. The lift tool includes a shaft lumen that extends longitudinally through the lift tool and through the distal end. The shaft lumen is configured to receive an elongated insert device that is movable through the shaft lumen and through the distal end. The medical device also includes a locking mechanism that is coupled to the lift tool. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that is selectively movable with respect to the insert device between a released position and an engaged position. The locking member engages the insert device when in the engaged position to hold the insert device at a fixed position with respect to the lift tool and permits the insert device to move through the shaft lumen when in the released position.