Pivotable Nosecone Structure for Curved Valve Delivery Paths
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endovascular delivery systems face challenges in efficiently delivering prosthetic valves to target locations within the body, particularly due to high axial forces and frictional issues when navigating curved vasculature, which can lead to gap formation and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A delivery apparatus with a pivotable nosecone design, featuring a ball and socket joint, allows the distal end portion to pivot relative to the proximal end, reducing axial forces and friction by enabling the nosecone to adapt to the curvature of the vasculature, thereby minimizing gap formation and tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional rigid nosecone is used, then structural strength is maintained, but axial forces and friction increase during navigation through curved vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The nosecone is divided into multiple segments (proximal end portion, intermediate end portion, distal end portion) that can pivot relative to each other through ball and socket joints. This segmentation allows the nosecone to flex and adapt to curved vasculature paths while maintaining overall structural integrity, thereby reducing axial forces during navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nosecone transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with ball and socket joints. These joints enable the nosecone to actively pivot and adjust its configuration in response to vasculature curvature, reducing friction and axial forces while navigating through curved pathways.
2Reliability
If a long rigid nosecone is used, then structural stability is maintained, but tissue damage and gap formation increase due to friction and axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the nosecone into multiple pivotable portions, the structure maintains stability through its articulated design while reducing the harmful effects of friction and axial forces on surrounding tissue. The segmented structure can conform to vasculature curves without exerting excessive force on the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The nosecone employs flexible connections (ball and socket joints) between its segments, allowing it to bend and adapt to curved pathways. This flexibility reduces the mechanical stress and friction applied to surrounding tissue while maintaining structural coherence during navigation.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid nosecone is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but navigation through curved vasculature becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nosecone is segmented into multiple portions connected by ball and socket joints, enabling it to navigate curved vasculature effectively. While this increases structural complexity, it significantly improves the ease of operation by allowing the nosecone to adapt to various anatomical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated design with ball and socket joints transforms the nosecone from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. This dynamic capability greatly enhances navigation through curved vasculature, making the device easier to operate despite the increased mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If a conventional nosecone design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but gap formation and leakage occur during implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented nosecone design with ball and socket joints allows the structure to maintain constant contact with the outer ridge during implantation, preventing gap formation and leakage. The articulated segments can adjust to maintain sealing contact while navigating curved pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivotable joints enable the nosecone to actively maintain contact with the outer ridge throughout the implantation process, ensuring reliable sealing performance. This dynamic adaptation prevents gaps from forming even when navigating curved vasculature paths.
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 pivotable nosecone design reduces the axial force required for delivery, lowers friction with the guide wire and surrounding vasculature, and minimizes the risk of separation between the nosecone and the outer shaft, enhancing the safety and efficacy of prosthetic valve implantation.
Implementation Method 1
The nosecone includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion pivotably coupled to the proximal end portion. The ball and socket joint includes a ball disposed in a socket, where one of the proximal end portion and the distal end portion includes the ball and the other of the proximal end portion and the distal end portion includes the socket.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery apparatus for an implantable medical device includes a handle, a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle, and a nosecone coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft. The nosecone includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion pivotably coupled to the proximal end portion.