Medical Device Delivery and Retrieval With Mediated Torque Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in precise alignment and mechanical coupling within constrained anatomical spaces, such as the heart, during delivery, retrieval, and re-orientation, which complicates the transfer of torque for engaging or disengaging attachment members with tissues.

Innovation Solution

A medical system utilizing a driver cup and an intermediate member to transfer torque from the driver cup to the implantable medical device, easing alignment burdens by using larger recesses that accommodate the intermediate member, which slides into both the driver cup and device recesses, allowing torque transfer without precise mechanical alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a driver cup directly engages the implantable medical device for torque transfer, then the mechanical coupling is simpler, but precise alignment is required which increases operational difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of torque transferVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate member as a mediator between the driver cup and the implantable medical device. This intermediate member includes a first portion that engages with the driver cup and a second portion that engages with the implantable medical device, allowing torque transfer without requiring direct precise alignment between the driver cup and the device. The intermediate member accommodates misalignment and facilitates reliable torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the driver cup and implantable medical device are directly coupled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling complexityVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member serves as a coupling mediator that simplifies the overall alignment process. By engaging both the driver cup and the implantable medical device, it distributes the alignment requirements across multiple interfaces rather than requiring a single precise direct coupling, thereby reducing operational difficulty while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system is segmented into multiple components: the driver cup, the intermediate member with its first and second portions, and the implantable medical device. This segmentation allows each component to engage independently, reducing the alignment burden on any single interface and making the overall coupling process more tolerant of imprecision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If precise mechanical coupling is used for torque transfer, then the torque transfer reliability is improved, but the operational ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transfer reliabilityVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member ensures reliable torque transfer by providing multiple engagement points with both the driver cup and the implantable medical device. This intermediary structure maintains consistent mechanical coupling even when precise alignment is not achieved, thereby preserving torque transfer reliability while significantly improving operational ease.

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

Facilitates efficient delivery, retrieval, and re-orientation of implantable medical devices within anatomical volumes by simplifying torque transfer, reducing the need for precise alignment and mechanical coupling, thereby enhancing operational ease and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the transfer portion is configured to transfer the torque from the driver cup to the implantable medical device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS20250269175A1Delivery and retrieval system for a medical device

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A medical system configured to impart a torque to a medical device within a patient. The medical system includes a driver including a driver body supporting a driver cup. An intermediate member is configured to position within a cup recess of the driver cup and a device recess of the medical device when the medical device resides within a cup volume of the driver cup. The intermediate member is configured to transfer a torque from the driver cup to the medical device to cause a rotation of the medical device. In examples, the medical device includes an attachment member configured to engage or disengage tissue when the medical device rotates. The medical system may include a delivery catheter configured to deliver and/or retrieve the driver cup, intermediate member, and medical device.