Implant Retention Structure for Repositionable Stent Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implant delivery systems lack repositionability and reliable release mechanisms, making it difficult for physicians to adjust the position of implants like stents after initial deployment if they are placed in undesirable locations.

Innovation Solution

An implant delivery system featuring a retention structure, such as a mesh or looped structure, affixed to an elongated pusher, which allows for repositioning and detachment of the implant by using tethers that can be broken via a mechanism, enabling precise placement and deployment of stents and other implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an implant is initially deployed to a location, then the implant is released from the delivery system, but the implant cannot be repositioned if placed in an undesirable location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable release structureVSAvoidrepositionability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention structure transitions from a constrained state during delivery to an expanded state after deployment, dynamically changing its configuration to enable repositioning. The conical mesh structure can be compressed back into the catheter for repositioning, then redeployed to the correct location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system is divided into separate functional components: the catheter, the retention structure (conical mesh), and the implant (stent). This segmentation allows the retention structure to remain with the delivery system while the implant is detached and deployed, enabling repositioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a retention structure is used to hold the implant during delivery, then the implant can be securely transported, but the release mechanism must be reliable for deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant deploymentVSAvoidrelease structure reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention structure is extracted from the catheter during the deployment process. The conical mesh retention structure is pulled out of the catheter, allowing the implant to be deployed while the retention structure remains with the delivery system for potential reuse or controlled disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conical mesh retention structure acts as an intermediary between the delivery system and the implant. It provides a reliable release mechanism by allowing the implant to be held securely during delivery, then released through the expansion and detachment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the retention structure remains with the delivery system after implant detachment, then the implant can be cleanly deployed, but the structure must separate reliably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant placement accuracyVSAvoidseparation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention structure undergoes a dynamic transformation from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded deployment configuration. This dynamic change ensures reliable separation from the implant while maintaining manufacturing precision for accurate implant placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3349689B1Implant retention, detachment, and delivery system
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 MICROVENTION INC
  • EP3349689B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3349689B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3349689B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A medical implant delivery system is described. The system can be used to deliver a variety of implants including stents and/or stent grafts. The delivery system retains the implant during delivery and detaches the implant at a target location.