Pivot-Steered Implant Delivery for Tortuous Vasculature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The treatment of complex and tortuous vasculature, such as aortic dissections and aneurysms, is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately deploying medical devices within these anatomical spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system for steering an implantable medical device using an actuation line, tether, and pivot mechanism that allows for precise orientation and deployment within the vasculature, utilizing a pulley arrangement to navigate tortuous paths and maintain the device perpendicular to vessel inflection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional direct delivery methods are used, then the device can be delivered to the target location, but the device cannot be accurately oriented or positioned perpendicular to vessel inflection points in tortuous vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tether as an intermediary element that connects the actuation line to the device. The tether passes through a pivot point on the device, creating a mechanical linkage that translates linear actuation line tension into rotational device orientation. This intermediary mechanism enables precise angular control without requiring complex robotic manipulators or catheter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system employs a ratcheting mechanism that allows incremental, step-by-step device rotation through periodic tension releases on the actuation line. The device can be rotated to various angular positions by sequentially releasing tension in controlled increments, enabling precise positioning through repeated small adjustments rather than requiring continuous complex manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is deployed in tortuous vasculature without steering capability, then deployment is simpler, but the device cannot navigate complex anatomical paths or maintain proper orientation at inflection points
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the device to rotate and adapt its orientation in response to applied forces. The pivot point acts as a fulcrum, enabling the device to dynamically adjust its angular position along the delivery system as it navigates tortuous vasculature, providing adaptability to complex anatomical paths while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If the tether remains attached to the device after deployment, then the device maintains its oriented position, but the tether and actuation line create trauma and prevent proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and orientation of the device while the tether is attached and providing mechanical support. Once the device is correctly positioned and oriented at the target location, the tether is subsequently released and removed. This preliminary action approach allows the tether to serve its positioning function only when needed, then be eliminated to prevent trauma and enable proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether and actuation line are designed as temporary, disposable components that are discarded after serving their positioning function. The system recovers the device in its properly oriented state while leaving behind only the implantable medical device without the temporary steering components, thereby eliminating sources of trauma and enabling optimal sealing against the vessel wall.
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
Enables accurate and minimally invasive deployment of medical devices, such as stents and grafts, by allowing for bidirectional steering and orientation within complex vasculature, reducing trauma and enhancing sealing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot and the actuation line are configured to form a pulley to orient the implantable medical device in response to tension applied to the actuation line
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include steering an implantable medical device. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include an actuation line; a pivot coupled to the implantable medical device; and a tether attached at one end to the actuation line and arranged through the pivot.