Retrieval Snare With Deployable Loop Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retrieval devices face challenges in efficiently engaging and removing medical devices, such as vena cava filters and kidney stones, due to complex geometry and location within the lumen, making the process difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A novel retrieval snare with deployable loop elements that can form various configurations, including propeller-like and circular, to facilitate capture and retrieval of objects within the human anatomy, utilizing shape memory wires and radiopaque markers for enhanced visualization and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional snare is used to engage retrieval features, then the retrieval process can be completed, but the procedure becomes difficult and time-consuming due to complex geometry and location within the lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The snare is divided into multiple deployable loop elements that can be independently positioned and configured. These segmented loops can be deployed at different locations along the snare wire to engage complex geometry retrieval features more effectively, allowing each segment to adapt to specific geometric challenges of the retrieval feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The snare incorporates dynamically deployable loop elements that can transition from a compressed state within the delivery catheter to an expanded operational state. This dynamic configuration allows the loops to adapt their shape and size during the procedure, making engagement with retrieval features at various locations within the lumen easier and more efficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the snare is made more complex to engage difficult retrieval features, then engagement capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple loop elements are nested within a delivery catheter in a compact configuration during delivery. The nested structure allows the complex multi-loop snare to be delivered through standard access routes while maintaining the capability to deploy into a more complex operational configuration for engaging difficult retrieval features.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable loop elements are designed to provide multiple functions: they can engage various geometries of retrieval features, adapt to different locations within the lumen, and work with different types of embolic protection devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized snares, simplifying the overall device ecosystem while maintaining high adaptability.
3Length of moving object
If the snare loops extend further axially to reach retrieval features, then engagement reach improves, but entanglement with structural elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop elements are positioned and configured with specific local characteristics - they are deployed at optimized locations along the snare wire with specific axial extensions tailored to engage retrieval features at different depths. This localized optimization allows sufficient axial reach to engage retrieval features while minimizing the overall axial footprint that could cause entanglement with structural elements like filter legs.
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 snare enables controlled and efficient capture and removal of foreign objects from the body, improving procedural efficiency and reducing the complexity of retrieval by providing full circumferential apposition with the lumen wall and minimizing axial reach to avoid entanglement with structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
The loop elements can include a shape memory wire
Implementation Method 2
The loop elements can include a radiopaque wire
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1H
Figure 1I~1Q
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for retrieving or manipulating objects within a lumen. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to devices and methods for retrieving or manipulating medical devices from a body lumen. One embodiment of the present invention provides a novel and improved retrieval snare and method of fabricating and using the same. The snare includes a snare wire, having a distal end and a proximal end, for use in the human anatomy, such as but not limited to blood vessels, pulmonary airways, reproductive anatomy, gastrointestinal anatomy, and organs such as the kidneys or lungs. The device enables a user to capture a foreign object located within the human anatomy, grasp said object in a controlled manner, and retrieve and remove said object from the human anatomy.