Magnetic Introducer Systems for Precise Device Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices face challenges in accurately positioning and securing treatment devices within patients, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, due to difficulties in visualization and crowding at the surgical site.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic introducer systems with coupling mechanisms and integrated visualization tools allows for efficient placement of treatment devices, such as ablation assemblies, within the patient's body, enabling precise positioning and minimally invasive procedures without overcrowding the surgical site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple visualization devices and surgical instruments are used to position treatment devices, then visualization capability is improved, but surgical site crowding increases and room to work decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoidsurgical site space

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated introducer device that includes both visualization capabilities (transparency, imaging) and treatment device delivery. This merging eliminates the need for separate visualization devices, thereby improving visualization without adding to surgical site crowding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer device is designed as a multi-functional tool that simultaneously provides visualization (through transparent materials and integrated imaging), treatment device delivery, and positioning capabilities. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple roles that previously required separate instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If treatment devices are positioned using conventional methods, then placement is achieved, but positioning accuracy at the desired location is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice placement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including imaging capabilities and transparency features that allow the operator to visually confirm the position of the treatment device relative to the target site. This feedback enables precise positioning by allowing continuous monitoring and adjustment during the placement procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer device is pre-configured with alignment features, predetermined pathways, and positioning markers that guide the treatment device to the correct location before the actual treatment begins. This preliminary preparation ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex manual adjustment during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If treatment devices are secured at the desired location, then device stability is improved, but the complexity of securing mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-retaining features and self-aligning mechanisms that automatically secure the treatment device at the desired location without requiring complex external securing apparatus. The device itself provides the securing function through inherent design features such as friction fits, magnetic retention, or shape-memory materials that adapt to the anatomical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer device serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates the securement process by providing a controlled delivery mechanism and release system. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall securing mechanism by separating the delivery function from the securing function, allowing each to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enhances the ability to accurately position treatment devices, improves visualization, and facilitates minimally invasive procedures, allowing for effective delivery of ablative energy to specific tissue locations, such as creating transmural lesions in cardiac tissue.

Implementation Method 1

the distal portion of the first introducer and the distal portion of the second introducer are coupled together via an attractive magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10136909B2Magnetic introducer systems and methods

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 ATRICURE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for placing a treatment device within a patient involve advancing a magnetic first introducer into the patient, advancing a magnetic second introducer into the patient, coupling the first introducer with the second introducer via magnetic force, and using the introducer devices to place a treatment device at a desired location within the patient. Optionally, such techniques involve visualization of the introducers or treatment devices during the procedure.