Retrieval Cage Aligning Foreign Objects in Body Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retrieval devices face difficulties in capturing and retrieving foreign objects from body vessels due to misalignment issues during the capture and retrieval process, requiring significant manipulation and hindering the retraction of the hook and object into the sheath.
Innovation Solution
A radially expandable and collapsible cage device with pivotal joints and a cable system that aligns the foreign object with the longitudinal axis for easy capture and retrieval, allowing the cage to expand and collapse to facilitate entry and exit from the body vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single distal loop snare is used to capture the foreign object, then the foreign object can be captured, but significant manipulation is required and retrieval is difficult due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The snare is divided into multiple loops instead of a single distal loop. This segmentation allows different portions of the snare to engage with the foreign object at different locations, providing multiple capture points and reducing the manipulation required for successful engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The snare configuration transitions from a single-loop structure to a multi-loop structure that wraps around the foreign object in multiple dimensions. This creates a more secure capture mechanism that aligns the foreign object with the longitudinal axis of the sheath, facilitating easier retrieval.
2Ease of operation
If a single distal loop snare is used, then capture is possible, but retrieval is hindered by misalignment with the sheath axis
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-loop snare configuration segments the capture mechanism into multiple engagement points that naturally guide the foreign object into alignment with the sheath axis during retrieval, improving both ease of retrieval and alignment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The snare's multi-loop structure provides continuous feedback during the retrieval process, allowing the operator to adjust the configuration to maintain proper alignment with the sheath axis, thereby improving retrieval reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a multi-loop snare is used, then capture and retrieval are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple snare loops are merged into a single integrated structure that functions as one cohesive capture mechanism. This merging approach provides the benefits of multi-loop capture and retrieval while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices or components.
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 device simplifies the capture and retrieval of foreign objects by aligning them with the longitudinal axis, reducing manipulation effort and interference with the sheath, thereby facilitating efficient removal from the body vessel.
Implementation Method 1
Each strut has a pivotal joint which together fold to collapse the longitudinal bars along the longitudinal axis to define the collapsed state of the cage
Implementation Method 2
The pivotal joints unfold to move the longitudinal bars radially outward from the longitudinal axis to define the expanded state of the cage
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a retrieval device for entrapping and retaining a foreign object located in a body vessel for its extraction therefrom is provided. The device comprises a cage having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The cage is radially expandable about the longitudinal axis to define an expanded state and to form an opening at the distal end for receiving the foreign object. The cage is collapsible to define a collapsed state and to retain the foreign object therein such that the foreign object is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. Extending proximally from the proximal end of the cage is a cable for retrieval of the device in the collapsed state.