Medical Device Handle Segmentation for Shaft Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manipulating medical devices with extendable shafts and end effectors, such as expandable baskets, can be cumbersome and increase the complexity and cost of medical procedures due to difficulties in controlling the extension and retraction of these devices within a working channel.
Innovation Solution
A medical device handle system comprising a sheath, a shaft, an end effector, a shaft advancement body, a channel body, and a plunger, where the channel body and plunger include movable pins and tabs to secure positions and control the extension and retraction of the shaft and end effector, aided by a biasing member like a compression spring, allowing for precise control and alignment with an insertion device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shaft is selectively extended and retracted relative to the working channel to deploy or retract the end effector, then the medical device can perform therapies or diagnostic evaluations, but manipulating the shaft becomes cumbersome and difficult for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into separate operational components: a first operational member for extending/retracting the shaft and a second operational member for extending/retracting the end effector. This segmentation allows independent control of each function, making manipulation easier and more intuitive while maintaining reliable deployment of the end effector.
Solution Approach 2:
A channel body is introduced as an intermediary component between the operational members and the shaft/end effector. The channel body includes a channel that receives and transmits the plunger's linear motion to the shaft, providing a mechanical advantage and smoother control. This intermediary mechanism reduces the direct manipulation complexity while ensuring reliable deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft and end effector are extended and retracted within the working channel, then the medical device can perform treatments, but the length, cost, and complexity of the medical procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the first operational member controls both shaft extension and end effector deployment through the channel body, while the second operational member controls end effector extension/retraction. This merging of functions into one handle reduces procedural complexity and training requirements while maintaining full treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel body serves multiple functions: it guides the plunger's linear motion, provides mechanical advantage for shaft extension, and coordinates the interaction between the first and second operational members. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatile treatment capabilities.
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 handle system enables efficient and precise control of the medical device's position and function, reducing procedural complexity and cost by allowing for easy extension and retraction of the shaft and end effector, facilitating procedures like stone or material capture and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the plunger within the channel body may be urged proximally by a biasing member. The biasing member may be a compression spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a sheath, an shaft at least partially surrounded by the sheath, an end effector at a distal end of the shaft and movable between at least an open position and a closed position, and a handle. The handle includes a shaft advancement body, a channel body securely coupled to the sheath and selectively positionable with respect to the shaft advancement body, and a plunger securely coupled to the shaft and selectively positionable with respect to the channel body.