Prostatic Urethra Implant Delivery System with Segmented Tubular Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate and consistent placement of implants into the prostatic urethral lumen is challenging due to the complex and tortuous anatomical geometry, patient-to-patient variability, and anatomical restrictions associated with conditions like BPH and prostate cancer.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system comprising a delivery device with multiple tubular components and a proximal control device, equipped with imaging capabilities, to facilitate atraumatic and minimally-invasive deployment of implants within the prostatic urethra. The system includes a distal end region with an atraumatic configuration, a grasper component, and anchor delivery members to ensure precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a delivery system is designed to navigate the tortuous bends of the male urethra, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but manufacturing precision and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into multiple tubular components (outer tube, inner tube, intermediate tube) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to navigate tortuous anatomy through controlled expansion and contraction of the tubular structure, while maintaining manufacturability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system employs dynamic structures that can transition between compressed and expanded states. The tubular components are designed to expand radially when needed to engage or deploy implants, and compress for navigation through the urethra, providing adaptability without permanent complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the delivery system is made minimally-invasive with an atraumatic configuration, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the structural strength and reliability of the delivery device may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system utilizes flexible tubular components with smooth, atraumatic surfaces that minimize tissue irritation and trauma during insertion and deployment. These flexible tubes maintain sufficient structural integrity through their design to reliably deliver implants while protecting surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates features that cushion and protect tissues during the delivery process, such as smooth transitional edges on the tubular components and controlled expansion mechanisms that avoid sudden tissue disruption, preventing trauma before it can occur
3Measurement precision
If imaging capabilities are integrated into the delivery system, then measurement precision and placement accuracy are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system integrates multiple functions into the tubular components, including imaging capabilities, implant delivery, and positioning verification. This multi-functionality is achieved through careful design of the tubular structure that can accommodate imaging sensors or markers while maintaining its primary delivery function, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.