Prostatic Urethral Implant Delivery for Steerable Precise Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of accurately and consistently delivering implants into the prostatic urethra in a minimally-invasive manner is complicated by the tortuous anatomical geometry and patient-to-patient variability, making existing systems inadequate for conditions like BPH, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, urinary tract injury, and urethral stricture.

Innovation Solution

A delivery system comprising an elongate delivery device with a proximal control device, featuring steerable components and self-expanding implants, allows for precise deployment of implants through the urethra, utilizing atraumatic designs and flexible mechanisms to navigate complex anatomy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid delivery system is used to ensure structural stability, then the system can maintain its shape and strength, but it cannot navigate the tortuous bends of the urethra

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidability to navigate tortuous anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is divided into multiple segments or sections that can flex relative to each other, allowing the system to bend and navigate tortuous urethral anatomy while maintaining overall structural integrity. The system includes a proximal shaft and distal shaft that can articulate or flex independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape. The system incorporates flexible materials and articulation points that allow it to bend and conform to the tortuous path of the urethra while delivering the implant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible delivery system is used to navigate tortuous anatomy, then the system can follow the urethral path, but it lacks the stiffness to accurately deploy the implant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate tortuous anatomyVSAvoidaccuracy of implant placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the navigation function (flexible distal portion) from the deployment function (stiffer proximal portion), allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific purpose while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system acts as an intermediary that translates the operator's control inputs at the proximal end into precise implant deployment at the distal end, even when navigating tortuous anatomy, by maintaining mechanical coupling throughout the flexible shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a minimally-invasive approach is used to reduce patient trauma, then the procedure is less invasive, but it becomes more difficult to achieve accurate implant placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue traumaVSAvoidaccuracy of implant placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system uses a flexible catheter-like structure that can be inserted through the natural urethral opening without requiring large incisions or disruptions to surrounding tissue, enabling minimally-invasive access to the prostatic urethra.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system incorporates pre-formed curves or the ability to form curves that match the natural anatomy of the urethra, allowing it to follow the physiological path without causing trauma while maintaining the capability to deploy the implant accurately at the target location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the delivery system is made complex to accommodate steerable components and flexible mechanisms, then it can navigate complex anatomy, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate complex anatomyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is designed to perform multiple functions (navigation, positioning, deployment, and potential retrieval) using a single integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing overall procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is contained within the delivery system in a nested configuration, allowing the implant to be delivered through the flexible shaft and then deployed at the target location, with the delivery system potentially being withdrawn through the same path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260013981A1Methods for deployment of an implant

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ZENFLOW INC

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.