Passive Catheter Handle Stabilization for Fast Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transcatheter procedures for heart valve stabilization require precise control of catheter handles, but existing locking mechanisms are time-consuming and inconvenient, as they require active engagement and disengagement to adjust the position of the catheter handle during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing apparatus with a passive locking mechanism that uses a housing with an aperture and a biasing element to securely hold the medical device in place without requiring active user engagement, allowing for easy adjustment and maintaining the position of the catheter handle during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional active locking mechanism is used to secure the catheter handle, then the catheter handle position is securely maintained, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing apparatus employs a passive locking mechanism where a biasing element (spring) automatically engages with the catheter handle when the door is closed, eliminating the need for active user engagement to maintain locking. The system serves itself by using the closing motion of the door to compress the spring, which then automatically locks the handle in position without requiring separate locking actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the active locking function from the door closing operation itself. By placing the biasing element and engagement member within the housing, the system separates the locking mechanism from manual intervention, allowing the door's natural closing motion to trigger the locking action automatically, thus removing the time-consuming step of actively engaging a lock
2Reliability
If a traditional active locking mechanism is used to secure the catheter handle, then the catheter handle position is securely maintained, but the operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing apparatus employs a passive locking mechanism where a biasing element (spring) automatically engages with the catheter handle when the door is closed, eliminating the need for active user engagement to maintain locking. The system serves itself by using the closing motion of the door to compress the spring, which then automatically locks the handle in position without requiring separate locking actions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active engagement to lock and passive action to release, the patent inverts the conventional approach: the door closing motion (natural action) automatically triggers the locking mechanism, while opening the door (natural action) automatically releases it. This inversion makes the system more convenient by aligning the locking/release actions with the natural opening/closing motions of the door
3Reliability
If multiple components are used in the locking mechanism to ensure secure positioning, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the door assembly itself. The door serves as both the access cover and the triggering mechanism for the locking system. The biasing element, engagement member, and release mechanism are integrated within the compact housing, combining securing, positioning, and releasing functions into a unified passive system that reduces overall structural complexity
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
The stabilizing apparatus allows for precise and efficient positioning of the catheter handle, reducing procedural time and improving operator convenience by providing a secure, adjustable, and easy-to-use locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element is disposed in the housing and urges the engagement member against a surface of the medical device when the medical device is placed in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing apparatus for a transcatheter delivery system includes a housing having an aperture to receive the transcatheter delivery system. An engagement member is disposed in the housing. A biasing element urges the engagement member against a surface of the transcatheter delivery system when the transcatheter delivery system is placed in the housing.