Prostatic Urethral Implant Delivery for Precise Tortuous Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate and consistent placement of implants in the prostatic urethra is challenging due to the complex and tortuous anatomical geometry, patient-to-patient variability, and anatomical restrictions, making minimally-invasive delivery systems difficult to design and fabricate.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system comprising a delivery device with multiple tubular components and a proximal control device for deploying implants, featuring atraumatic design, steerability, and adjustable mechanisms to navigate tortuous anatomy, allowing for controlled deployment of self-expanding implants within the prostatic urethra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery system is designed to navigate tortuous anatomy with flexibility, then the ability to reach prostatic urethra is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into multiple tubular components (outer tubular member, inner tubular member) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to navigate tortuous anatomy while maintaining controllability, as each segment can flex and adapt to anatomical curves without requiring the entire device to be highly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tubular member is nested within the outer tubular member, creating a compact configuration that reduces device complexity when not in use. During deployment, the inner member can be extended or manipulated independently to navigate tortuous paths, providing adaptability without permanently increasing overall device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If implant placement precision is improved to account for anatomical variability, then treatment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow the operator to adjust the deployment in real-time based on anatomical conditions. The inner tubular member can be selectively advanced or retracted to precisely position the implant, providing placement precision without requiring pre-programmed complex mechanisms for every anatomical variation
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tubular member acts as an intermediary between the operator's control and the implant deployment. It provides a controlled interface that translates simple operator actions into precise implant placement, achieving accuracy without directly coupling complex control mechanisms to the implant itself
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive delivery is achieved through flexible components, then tissue trauma is reduced, but control precision during deployment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the delivery system have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer tubular member provides structural support and protection, while the inner tubular member provides flexibility for navigation. This local differentiation allows minimally-invasive delivery through flexible components while maintaining control precision through the stouter outer structure
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.