Rotatable Locking Member for Implantable Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring devices for implantable medical leads lack easy visual access, are prone to unintended configuration changes, and may cause damage to the lead during locking, which complicates the secure positioning of implantable medical devices within the body.
Innovation Solution
A device with an anchor body and a rotatable locking member that forms a tortuous path to secure the implantable medical device, allowing for easy insertion and visual inspection while preventing movement without damaging the lead, featuring a locking mechanism with detents and blunted corners to ensure secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing anchoring devices are used to secure the implantable lead, then the lead is anchored to prevent movement, but the healthcare professional cannot easily visually access the lead positioned within the anchoring device
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is divided into distinct components: an anchor body with a trough for receiving the lead, and a separate locking member that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the lead to be visually accessed in the anchor body while the locking member provides secure anchoring when engaged, resolving the contradiction between visual access and anchoring security.
2Ease of operation
If existing anchoring devices provide different configurations for moving or locking the lead, then the lead can be positioned and secured, but the healthcare professional may inadvertently cause the device to switch back and forth between configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with detents that preliminarily establish stable positions before final locking occurs. The first detent provides a preliminary locked position, and the second detent provides a preliminary unlocked position, preventing inadvertent switching between configurations while maintaining positioning flexibility.
3Reliability
If existing anchoring devices lock the implantable lead to prevent movement, then the lead is secured, but the locking process may cause damage to the implantable lead
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates a flexible resilient portion that allows controlled deformation during the locking process. This flexibility enables the locking mechanism to secure the lead without applying excessive force that could damage the lead, as the resilient material can deform and then return to its original shape.
4Reliability
If a rotatable locking member is used to secure the implantable lead, then the lead can be locked in position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it can rotate to different positions to lock or unlock the lead, it provides visual indication of the locked state through its orientation, and it incorporates detents for stable positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining anchoring security.
Data Source
AI summary
A anchor for an implantable medical device includes an anchor body and a locking member. The anchor body includes a first trough extending along a first axis. The locking member is coupled to the anchor body and rotates with respect to a second axis, between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking member includes protruding members that define a second trough aligned with the first trough when the locking member is rotated to the unlocked position, so as to form an open path for the implantable medical device to move through the first and second troughs. When the locking member is rotated to the locked position, the protruding members block at least a portion of the first trough to define a tortuous path between the first trough and the second trough so as to restrict a movement of the implantable medical device through the first and second troughs.