PFO Closure Catheter with Integrated Electrodes and Dual-Mode Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PFO closure devices face issues with thrombi adhesion and positioning instability due to foreign substances, leading to potential stroke and device displacement during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a cylindrical body and interlocking shaft portions allows for simultaneous and independent advancement/retraction of sandwiching and positioning elements, using electrodes to connect tissues without foreign substances, improving operability and reducing thrombi adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disk-like membrane or anchoring member is used to clamp the foramen ovale and atrial septum secundum, then the defect can be closed, but thrombi easily adhere to the foreign substance and the device may stray from position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the disk-like membrane and anchoring member from the device structure. Instead of using these foreign substances to clamp the defect, the invention uses only a catheter with electrodes that apply electric energy to connect the foramen ovale valve and atrial septum secundum, eliminating the surface that would otherwise attract thrombi
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamping system (disk-like membrane and anchoring member) with an electrical connection system. Electric energy is applied through electrodes to fuse the foramen ovale valve and atrial septum secundum together, creating a closed defect without requiring mechanical anchoring components that could harbor thrombi
2Ease of operation
If individually operated shaft portions are used for positioning member, sandwiching member, and sticking member, then each component can be precisely controlled, but the operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shaft portions (positioning member shaft, sandwiching member shaft, and sticking member shaft) into a single integrated shaft structure. This allows all components to be advanced and retracted simultaneously through one operation unit, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms while maintaining precise positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single shaft structure serves multiple functions: it positions the catheter tip, deploys the sandwiching member, and advances the sticking member (electrodes). This multi-functional design simplifies the overall operation while maintaining the ability to perform each function at the appropriate stage of the procedure
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
Enhances the reliability and safety of PFO closure procedures by improving device operability and reducing thrombi adhesion, ensuring stable tissue connection and minimizing the risk of stroke.
Implementation Method 1
applies electric energy from both the electrodes to connect tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device that can perform plural actions by a single operation and is excellent in operability includes a catheter that is insertable into a living body, a sandwiching portion and a needle positioning portion that are disposed in the catheter so as to be able to advance and retract. A slide portion is operable such that the sandwiching portion and the needle positioning portion advance and retract simultaneously, and an action switching portion causes the sandwiching portion to advance and retract in tandem with or independently of the slide portion by the advance and retraction of the slide portion.