Intravascular Pull Wire Detachment via Stretchable Hypotube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular delivery systems face challenges in preventing premature deployment of implants due to strain forces on pull wires when navigating tortuous vasculature, which can lead to complications.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular delivery system with a proximal end assembly that allows the pull wire to move independently of the delivery tube, featuring a combination of a bump on the pull wire and an intermediate hypotube with a stretchable design, including a sheath to prevent inadvertent manipulation and premature deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pull wire is rigidly fixed to the delivery tube to prevent premature release, then the reliability of implant retention is improved, but the flexibility of the mechanical release system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into distinct functional segments: a delivery tube for navigation, a pull wire for deployment control, and an intermediate hypotube connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system reliability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate hypotube is introduced as a mediator between the delivery tube and pull wire. This intermediate component provides strain relief and allows independent movement of the pull wire proximal end, preventing premature deployment while maintaining the ability to control implant release when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a minimum length of pull wire extends within the embolic coil to minimize stiffening, then the flexibility of the coil is improved, but the likelihood of premature detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate hypotube provides strain relief and cushioning before the pull wire connects to the embolic coil. This预先缓冲 prevents excessive forces from being transmitted to the coil-pull wire connection, reducing the risk of premature detachment while maintaining coil flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the proximal end of the pull wire is fixed in relation to the delivery tube, then the control over pull wire movement is improved, but the ability to navigate tortuous vasculature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic arrangement where the proximal end of the pull wire can move independently within the intermediate hypotube. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to tortuous vasculature while maintaining control over pull wire movement for implant deployment.
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 system reduces the likelihood of premature implant deployment by alleviating strain on the pull wire, ensuring secure and controlled delivery through complex vasculature.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate hypotube can be stretchable
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly at a proximal end of an intravascular delivery system can allow the proximal end of a pull wire to move independently of a delivery tube. The assembly can generally include the pull wire, the delivery tube, a feature to prevent the proximal end of the pull wire from becoming inaccessible due to distal movement of the pull wire, and a feature to protect the proximal end of the pull wire from inadvertent, premature manipulation. When the intravascular delivery system is navigating tortuous vasculature, the proximal end of the pull wire can move distally in relation to the proximal end of delivery tube, relieving stress on the distal end of the pull wire. The proximal end of the pull wire can be protected from inadvertent manipulation during delivery and made available for manipulation once the distal end of the delivery system is in place.