Integrally Formed Nitinol Joint Assembly for Thrombectomy Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual stent mechanical thrombectomy devices face challenges in forming a proximal mechanical locking assembly that is compatible with varying sizes of nitinol tubing raw material, while maintaining sufficient integrity to effectively capture and retrieve obstructions from tortuous blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a joint assembly design where the inner channel collar and outer cage proximal strut are integrally joined, allowing for a friction-fit lock between the shaft, inner channel collar, and outer cage proximal strut, eliminating the need for separate components and enhancing joint strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional mechanical locking assembly with multiple separate components (stepped nitinol shaft, outer cage component with cylindrical collar, inner channel component with C-collar) is used, then the device can maintain crossing profile compatibility with microcatheters, but the joint strength and integrity are insufficient to withstand high tensile and compressive forces during retrieval through tortuous vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (shaft, collar, and locking mechanism) into a single integrally formed nitinol structure. The joint assembly is created as one piece through forming processes, eliminating the need for separate locking components while maintaining mechanical strength to withstand retrieval forces through tortuous vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed joint assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains crossing profile compatibility with microcatheters, and withstands high tensile and compressive forces during device navigation and retrieval. The single structure replaces multiple specialized components with unified multi-functional design.
2Strength
If the outer cage component uses a larger diameter nitinol tubing raw material to increase joint strength, then the tensile strength improves, but the crossing profile becomes too large to maintain compatibility with standard microcatheters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the joint assembly by forming it as an integral structure with optimized geometry. The nitinol material is formed into a specific configuration that achieves high tensile strength through its integrated design rather than relying on increased diameter, allowing compatibility with standard microcatheter sizes while maintaining sufficient strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive bonds or weld bonds are used to connect joint components, then the assembly process is simplified, but the joint integrity and strength are insufficient under high tensile loading during obstruction dislodgement and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate assembly steps involving adhesives or welds by creating the joint assembly as a single integrally formed component. The manufacturing process produces one continuous nitinol structure, eliminating intermediate joining operations and the associated reliability concerns with adhesive or weld bonds under high tensile loading.
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
This design enhances the tensile strength of the joint assembly, allowing it to withstand the high forces encountered during obstruction retrieval, while maintaining compatibility with different nitinol tubing sizes, thus improving the device's ability to capture and safely retrieve obstructions from complex vascular anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
The tortuosity challenge is even more severe in the arteries approaching the brain... Delivering the device through the tortuous anatomy to the target location can apply compressive loading on the device components and joint between the distal section and the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a friction-fit lock between the shaft, inner channel collar, and outer cage proximal strut
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical locking assembly for an endovascular device, comprising a shaft comprising a main body a shaft comprising a main body and enlarged end, an inner channel component comprising a full collar formed on proximal end of the inner channel component, and an outer cage component comprising a partial collar formed on the outer cage component wherein the full collar of the inner channel component fully surrounds the outer cage component and the partial collar of the outer cage component at least partially surrounds the shaft.