Occlusive Implant Delivery Device Tip Reinforcing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative medical devices and manufacturing methods for delivering occlusive implants, particularly for the left atrial appendage, as existing solutions have limitations in design, material, and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device comprising a sheath with a tip reinforcing member that shifts between configurations, a core member, and an occlusive implant, which includes a reinforcing braid and distal arm segments that can expand into a funnel-like shape for precise implantation and recapture, facilitating the deployment and retrieval of occlusive implants in the left atrial appendage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a delivery device uses a rigid structure for precise implantation, then implantation precision is improved, but the device cannot be recaptured or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip region is designed to dynamically change its configuration between a constrained state (during implantation) and an expanded state (for recapture). The tip reinforcing member with distal arm segments can shift from a first configuration that provides structural support to a second configuration that enables recapture, allowing the device to adapt to different operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip region is made flexible to enable recapture, then adaptability is improved, but structural support for precise delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tip reinforcing member is segmented into multiple distal arm segments that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to provide rigidity when needed for precise delivery while enabling flexibility and expansion for recapture operations. The bridge regions connecting the segments allow controlled movement while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device combines different materials with complementary properties: the sheath body includes a reinforcing braid for structural support, while the tip reinforcing member uses materials that allow both structural integrity and controlled flexibility. This composite approach enables the device to simultaneously achieve precision delivery and recapture capability
3Strength
If the delivery device includes a reinforcing braid for structural support, then device strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing braid is strategically placed only in regions where additional strength is needed, such as the sheath body and distal tip region, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized reinforcement provides necessary structural support while minimizing the overall complexity and material usage of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Delivery devices for an occlusive implant and method for making and using delivery devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include a delivery sheath having a sheath body and a distal tip region. A tip reinforcing member may be coupled to the distal tip region. The tip reinforcing member may define a plurality of distal arm segments. The distal arm segments are configured to shift between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. A core member may be slidably disposed within the delivery sheath. An occlusive implant may be releasably coupled to the core member.