Needle-Free Occlusion Delivery for Accurate Intraluminal Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering and removing occlusive devices, such as hydrogels, in body spaces like the vas deferens or fallopian tubes are prone to inaccuracies, causing discomfort, pain, and increased risk of perforation due to the use of hypodermic needles, and lack confirmation mechanisms for proper placement.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a sheath and probe configuration with confirmatory mechanisms to ensure accurate intraluminal access and placement, allowing for minimally invasive delivery and removal of occlusive materials without needles, using a conduit system for insertion and confirmation of placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypodermic needles are used for delivering and removing occlusive devices, then the procedure can be performed, but the risk of perforation and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the needle component from the delivery system entirely. Instead of using a hypodermic needle to inject hydrogel, the system uses a catheter-based delivery device that can be inserted through the vas deferens and used to deliver the occlusive material without penetrating tissue with a sharp needle, thereby eliminating the associated risks of perforation and discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catheter as an intermediary device between the delivery system and the body. The catheter serves as a safe conduit that can be inserted and manipulated without the dangers of direct needle penetration, mediating the delivery process in a way that protects surrounding tissues from needle-related complications
2Manufacturing precision
If hypodermic needles are used for delivery, then occlusive material can be injected, but accuracy of placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates confirmation mechanisms that provide feedback to verify proper placement of the delivery device within the lumen. This feedback system allows the operator to confirm accurate positioning before delivering the occlusive material, ensuring precise placement and enabling reversal procedures if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary confirmation of proper lumen placement before delivering the occlusive material. The system includes features that allow verification of correct positioning ahead of time, enabling the operator to ensure accurate placement and prepare for potential reversal procedures
3Ease of operation
If needle remains in place during procedure, then delivery can be completed, but unintended movement causes pain and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the needle from the system entirely, replacing it with a catheter-based delivery mechanism. This eliminates the sharp, painful needle component while maintaining the ability to deliver and remove occlusive material through a softer, more comfortable catheter that can be manipulated without causing patient discomfort
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for delivering one or multiple materials into a body space (e.g., to occlude the body space) and/or for removing one or multiple materials from a body space (e.g., to open or reopen the body space) are described. Delivering material into the vas deferens of the male reproductive tract for contraception, removing material from the vas deferens to restore patency of the vas deferens, delivering material into the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive tract for contraception, and removing material from fallopian tubes to restore patency of the fallopian tubes is described. Confirming access to a body space is described. Agitating materials in a body space is described. Creating turbulence in a body space is described.