Segmented Drivers for Bifurcation Implant Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for placing implants at vascular bifurcations are complex, leading to unreliable and less precise positioning due to their large size and multiple constituent elements, which complicates surgical interventions and increases morbidity.

Innovation Solution

A method and assembly using two separate launchers with atraumatic tips and sliding sheaths allow for simple, precise, and reliable connection of primary and secondary implants at bifurcations, enabling individual manipulation and reduced size, thereby simplifying surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single complex launcher system with multiple constituent elements is used to place implants at bifurcations, then the system can deliver multiple stents and guides, but the device size increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to deliver multiple implants and guidesVSAvoidmaneuverability of stents and sheaths
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the implant delivery system into separate launchers for the main duct and secondary conduits. Each launcher is independently manageable, allowing precise control of each implant's deployment position and timing without the maneuverability constraints of a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single launcher is used to position guides and deliver stents in bifurcation ducts, then the system integrates multiple functions, but the dimensional bulk increases unfavorably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of guide positioning and stent deliveryVSAvoiddimensional bulk of the launcher
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the launcher system into multiple smaller launchers, each dedicated to specific ducts. This segmentation reduces the volume of each individual launcher while maintaining the overall functional capability to deliver implants and position guides in bifurcation structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If any displacement of a stent is allowed in a single launcher system, then the stent can be repositioned, but this necessarily induces displacement on other stents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capability of stentsVSAvoidpositioning precision of multiple stents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs separate launchers for each stent, allowing independent manipulation and repositioning of each implant without affecting the position of other stents. This segmentation enables precise positioning control for each stent while maintaining the ability to reposition if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complex system with multiple constituent elements is used for implant placement, then comprehensive coverage of bifurcation ducts is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of main duct and secondary conduitsVSAvoidnumber of constituent elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the comprehensive implant delivery system into multiple simpler, specialized launchers. Each launcher is designed for specific ducts and implant types, reducing the complexity of individual components while collectively achieving comprehensive coverage of the bifurcation vascular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3531986B1Drivers and set for the insertion of connectable implants
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 BS MEDICAL TECH IND
  • EP3531986B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3531986B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3531986B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a set of drivers for the insertion and connection of implants in conduits exhibiting a bifurcation, a main driver having an internal sheath provided with an atraumatic tip and an axial hole, an external sheath, a main implant disposed between the sheaths, the external sheath being provided with a groove along a part of its length, the internal sheath having a lateral hole facing said groove, said main implant having a window aligned with the lateral hole, the main driver having an extractible complementary sheath, a first end of which passes through the lateral hole, the window and the groove, a secondary driver having an internal secondary sheath provided with a secondary atraumatic tip which has a secondary axial hole, an external secondary sheath, a secondary implant disposed between the secondary internal and external sheaths, a main guide intended to be fitted in the axial hole in order to guide the main driver, a secondary guide passing through the bifurcation in order to be fitted in the complementary sheath in order to position the main driver and/or in order to guide the secondary driver.