Multi-Arm Delivery Device for Blind Implant Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for delivering implants to treat urinary incontinence require direct vision and manual guidance, leading to challenges in precise placement and increased risk of tissue and nerve damage due to needle deviation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-arm delivery device with a receiving arm and clamping arm that allows for blind capture of implants, using a needle with multiple retaining slots to accommodate minor deviations and ensure secure implant placement without direct vision or manual guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a delivery tool with a hooked needle tip is used for implant capture, then the implant can be captured and delivered, but the tool requires direct vision and manual guidance which increases the risk of tissue and nerve damage due to needle deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery tool is segmented into multiple functional components: a needle with multiple retaining slots for capture, a guide mechanism for path control, and a deployment system for controlled release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall system complexity and risk
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is pre-positioned and guided along a predetermined path before implant capture. The guide mechanism establishes the correct trajectory in advance, eliminating the need for manual guidance during the critical capture moment and reducing deviation risk
2Device complexity
If a delivery tool with a single retaining slot needle is used, then the device structure is simple, but minor needle path deviations result in failure to capture the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The needle features multiple retaining slots positioned at different locations and orientations along its length. This local variation in capture geometry allows the needle to accommodate minor path deviations while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple retaining slots act as a cushion against capture failure by providing multiple potential capture points. If one slot misses due to deviation, other slots can still capture the implant, buffering against the harmful effect of path variation
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device for delivering an implant into the body of a patient, comprising: a first portion comprising a handle (20), a junction (25) section extending distally from the handle, and a needle-receiving arm extending distally from the junction section, at least a portion of the needle-receiving arm (15) being curved, the needle-receiving arm comprising a distal portion configured to releasably hold an end portion of the implant, the distal portion defining an opening leading to a cavity for receiving a needle comprising a plurality of retaining slots; and a second portion comprising a clamping arm (10) movably coupled to the junction section to allow an operator of the medical device to hold the handle and manually move the clamping arm with respect to the first portion, at least a portion of the clamping arm being curved, the clamping arm comprising a needle deployment mechanism. In one embodiment, the needle includes a plurality of retaining slots. In another embodiment, an end portion of the implant is configured to receive a needle into the end portion and at least some of the end portion of the implant is configured to be retained into one or more retaining slots of the needle.