Nested Tubular Delivery System for Prostatic Urethra Implant Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The accurate and consistent placement of implants into the prostatic urethral lumen is challenging due to the complex and tortuous anatomical geometry, patient-to-patient variability, and anatomical restrictions associated with conditions like BPH and prostate cancer.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system comprising a delivery device insertable into the prostatic urethra and a proximal control device configured to control the deployment of one or more self-expanding implants. The system includes multiple tubular components with imaging capabilities and a steering mechanism to navigate the tortuous anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery device is designed to navigate tortuous urethral anatomy, then flexibility and navigability are improved, but device complexity and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is divided into multiple nested tubular components (outer tube, intermediate tube, inner tube) that can slide relative to each other. Each tube serves a specific function: the outer tube provides structural support and houses imaging elements, the intermediate tube contains the implant and provides steering control, and the inner tube offers additional support. This segmentation allows the device to navigate tortuous anatomy while maintaining controllable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device employs a nested tubular structure where the inner tube is contained within the intermediate tube, which is itself contained within the outer tube. This nested configuration allows all components to be delivered through a single access point while enabling independent manipulation of each layer for steering, support, and implant deployment functions
2Measurement precision
If imaging capabilities are added to guide implant placement, then placement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is integrated directly into the delivery device structure, with imaging elements (such as ultrasound transducers or optical sensors) mounted on the outer tube or intermediate tube. This merging of imaging and delivery functions into a single unified device eliminates the need for separate imaging equipment, providing real-time guidance for precise implant placement while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support through its tubular structure, enables steering and navigation through differential tube movement, houses and delivers the implant, and incorporates imaging capabilities for real-time visualization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, achieving precise placement while managing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery device is made flexible to navigate tortuous anatomy, then navigability is improved, but structural support and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the delivery device have different mechanical properties: the distal end of the outer tube and intermediate tube are made more flexible to navigate tortuous anatomy, while the proximal sections maintain higher structural rigidity for control and support. The tubular walls may have varying thickness or material composition along their length, providing localized flexibility where needed and strength where required
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.