Multi-lumen Cardiac Delivery System for Simultaneous Valve Anchor Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive cardiac valve repair procedures are invasive, technologically challenging, and require extended recovery times due to limitations in visualization technology and the need for multiple suture knot deployments, which increase procedure time and invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system comprising multiple needles and a multi-lumen shaft allows for simultaneous or near-simultaneous deployment of multiple suture knots at different positions on a heart valve leaflet, reducing the number of penetrations required and simplifying the delivery of suture anchors through a single shaft with separate lumens to prevent contact between needles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple suture knots are deployed sequentially in current minimally invasive cardiac valve repair procedures, then each suture knot can be placed individually, but the procedure time is extended and the number of penetrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple needle delivery systems into a single integrated shaft structure, allowing multiple suture knots to be deployed simultaneously or near-simultaneously through a single penetration path, thereby reducing total procedure time while maintaining placement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is divided into multiple separate lumens that can independently receive and deliver needles, allowing each lumen to be optimized for specific needle delivery while enabling coordinated deployment of multiple suture knots without increasing overall device complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple needles are delivered through a single shaft, then the number of penetrations is reduced, but the needles may contact each other causing deployment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into multiple separate lumens, each providing an independent pathway for needle delivery. This segmentation prevents needles from contacting each other while maintaining ease of operation through a unified shaft structure
Solution Approach 2:
Each lumen is specifically designed with local characteristics optimized for its intended needle delivery, including appropriate diameter, length, and positioning to ensure reliable needle passage without interference from adjacent needles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single shaft is used to deliver multiple suture anchors, then the invasiveness is minimized, but the shaft structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple lumens that can be designed as standardized, modular components. This segmentation allows each lumen to be relatively simple in structure while the overall shaft remains minimally invasive due to its compact integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-lumen shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers multiple needles, provides structural support, maintains spacing between needles, and enables coordinated deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices, thereby minimizing overall invasiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system comprises two or more needles including at least a first needle comprising a distal tip configured to pierce a valve leaflet of a heart, two or more leaflet anchors, each of the two or more leaflet anchors configured to be delivered via one of the two or more needles, and a shaft comprising a first interior lumen configured to slidably receive the two or more needles, the shaft having a first opening into the first interior lumen at a distal end of the shaft, the first opening configured to allow at least the first needle to exit the shaft.