Prosthetic Implant Delivery Shaft Locking for Precise Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic implant delivery systems face challenges in maintaining precise positioning and efficient deployment of prosthetic implants within the body, particularly in hard-to-reach locations, due to limitations in locking mechanisms and actuation of delivery apparatus components.
Innovation Solution
A steerable delivery apparatus with a shaft assembly comprising an inner and outer shaft, allowing for selective locking and actuation by translating the shafts relative to each other, utilizing different durometer hardnesses to elastically deform the inner shaft and lock the inner component within the lumen, enabling precise positioning and deployment of prosthetic implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a locking mechanism is implemented to maintain precise positioning of the inner component, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus employs dynamic shafts that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The inner and outer shafts are designed to move relative to each other, allowing the system to switch between a locked configuration (for precise positioning) and an unlocked configuration (for deployment). This dynamic capability enables precise positioning control without requiring a permanently complex locking mechanism, as the locking function is activated only when needed during the delivery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in shaft parameters (such as durometer hardness, elasticity, and dimensional properties) to achieve locking and unlocking functions. By designing the inner and outer shafts with specific material properties and geometric features, the system can naturally lock into position through elastic deformation and friction when shafts are translated relative to each other. This parameter-based approach replaces mechanical locking components, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If shafts are translated relative to each other to lock the inner component, then positioning control is improved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus is pre-configured with inner and outer shafts designed to automatically interact when translated. The shafts incorporate pre-designed engagement features, elastic properties, and geometric relationships that enable automatic locking and unlocking during normal translation operations. This preliminary design eliminates the need for separate locking actions or additional steps, allowing positioning control to be achieved through the natural mechanics of shaft translation, thereby reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft system is designed to perform self-locking and self-unlocking functions through its own structural properties. When the inner and outer shafts are translated relative to each other, their elastic deformation, friction characteristics, and geometric features automatically engage or disengage locking mechanisms without requiring external actuation or additional components. This self-service capability streamlines the positioning control process and reduces the time required for implantation procedures.
3Device complexity
If elastic deformation is used to lock the inner shaft, then the locking mechanism simplicity is improved, but the force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus employs a nested shaft configuration where the inner shaft is positioned within the outer shaft. This nesting arrangement allows the outer shaft to apply elastic deformation forces to the inner shaft through their interacting surfaces. The nested structure distributes the required force over a larger contact area and utilizes the natural elasticity of the shaft materials, reducing the peak force needed compared to external locking mechanisms. The simplicity of the nested elastic locking mechanism is achieved through this integrated shaft design.
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 solution enhances the efficiency and precision of prosthetic implant deployment by maintaining the inner component's position relative to the delivery apparatus, facilitating streamlined adjustment and actuation, thereby improving the implantation procedure.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing different durometer hardnesses to elastically deform the inner shaft and lock the inner component within the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for locking a deliverable (e.g., a prosthetic implant, a tool, etc.) relative to a delivery apparatus are disclosed. As an example, a method of delivering a prosthetic implant can comprise inserting a delivery apparatus into a patient's vasculature, wherein the delivery apparatus comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, and an inner component disposed within a lumen of the first shaft; moving the inner component and the first shaft relative to each other; and locking the inner component and the first shaft relative to each other by applying an axial force to a shoulder of the first shaft with the second shaft.