Occlusion Device Centering Arm Network Self-Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occlusion devices for cardiac defects face challenges in self-centering within defects, are difficult to load into small catheters, and often require complex retrieval and redeployment procedures, leading to potential damage and increased procedural time and cost.
Innovation Solution
The occlusion device features a centering arm network with flexible intermediate zones and shape-memory materials, allowing it to self-center within defects and be easily loaded, retrieved, and redeployed through a catheter without manual manipulation, using a system of centering arms and collapsible designs to maintain integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the occlusion device is designed to be highly compact when collapsed, then it can fit into smaller diameter catheters, but it becomes more difficult to load manually and retrieve without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device incorporates dynamic structural elements including flexible centering arms with intermediate zones that can bend and flex during loading and retrieval. The device transitions between collapsed and expanded states dynamically, allowing it to fit through small catheters while maintaining structural integrity during manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses flexible centering arms with intermediate zones that can bend elastically during loading and retrieval operations. These flexible elements allow the device to be compressed into small catheters while maintaining the ability to expand and center properly at the defect site, and to be retrieved without permanent deformation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the occlusion device uses a centering system to self-center within the defect, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs self-centering centering arms that automatically position themselves within the defect without requiring external manipulation or complex control systems. The flexible intermediate zones enable the arms to bend and conform to the defect geometry, achieving precise centering through the device's own structural properties rather than active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering arms utilize changes in flexibility and structural parameters along their length, with intermediate zones designed to have different mechanical properties than the anchor zones. This gradient in structural parameters enables the arms to bend and center the device within the defect while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the occlusion device is made retrievable via catheter, then procedural flexibility is improved, but the device may require larger diameter catheters and may be damaged during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates flexible intermediate zones in the centering arms that act as cushioning elements during retrieval. These zones are designed to flex and absorb mechanical stresses encountered during catheter withdrawal, protecting the critical occlusion structure from damage while enabling retrieval through the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure is designed to be dynamic during retrieval, with flexible centering arms that can bend and conform to the catheter interior during withdrawal. This dynamic behavior allows the device to be retrieved through the catheter without permanent deformation, maintaining integrity for potential redeployment.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual loading of the device into the catheter is required, then loading precision can be achieved, but procedural time increases and requires high manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible centering arms with intermediate zones enable the device to be easily compressed and loaded into the catheter by hand. The flexibility of these arms allows them to bend and conform during manual loading, reducing the skill level required while maintaining proper device configuration for subsequent deployment.
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 solution enhances the effectiveness of occlusion by ensuring proper defect closure, reduces procedural time and risk, and allows for cost-effective reuse of the device by minimizing damage during retrieval and redeployment.
Implementation Method 1
shape-memory materials, allowing it to self-center within defects
Implementation Method 2
The centering arms are made of an elastic or shape-memory material such as nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an occlusion device having a centering arm network that self-centers across a defect and can be retrieved and redeployed in situ. A self centering system allows the center of the occlusion device to remain properly positioned within the defect, which increases the effectiveness of the occlusion device. The self centering system is comprised of a plurality of centering arms which define a flexible intermediate zone. In addition, the occlusion device of the present invention has a plurality of right arms connected to the plurality of centering arms which make it possible to retrieve and redeploy the occlusion device in situ.