Segmented Medical Retrieval Device for Simultaneous Stone Fragment Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical retrieval devices are inadequate for removing multiple stone fragments simultaneously from a body lumen, often requiring multiple instrument insertions and leading to fragment migration during the fragmentation process of larger stones.
Innovation Solution
A medical retrieval device with an elongated member and sheath configuration, allowing for the deployment of a basket-like middle portion to capture and hold fragments, while the sheath and elongated member are withdrawn together, preventing migration and enabling single-step removal of multiple fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional baskets or forceps are used to remove stone fragments, then a single fragment can be removed at a time, but multiple instrument insertions are required which increases procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member is divided into multiple segments that can independently expand to form multiple baskets along its length. Each basket can capture stone fragments independently, allowing simultaneous removal of multiple fragments in a single instrument insertion, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable elongated member with multiple baskets is nested within a delivery catheter for introduction into the body lumen. Upon deployment, the baskets expand from the constrained state to capture fragments, and then collapse back for withdrawal. This nesting mechanism enables multiple fragment removals per insertion without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser or other instruments are used to break up larger stones into fragments, then larger stones can be removed, but fragments may migrate during the fragmentation process
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable elongated member with baskets is deployed into the body lumen and positioned around the stone before fragmentation begins. The baskets are expanded to create a containment structure that will capture fragments as they are generated during laser lithotripsy, preventing migration before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable baskets serve as an intermediary containment structure between the laser fragmentation source and the body lumen. They intercept and hold the stone fragments during the fragmentation process, mediating the interaction between the laser energy and the stone while preventing fragment migration
Data Source
AI summary
A medical retrieval device may include an elongated member having first and second end portions and a middle portion, The elongated member may be configured such that the first and second end portions are proximal one another and extend substantially parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis The middle portion may have an unconstrained basket configuration A first sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the first end portion, and a second sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second end portion At least one of the first and second sheaths may be movable relative to the middle portion so as to constrain the middle portion in an elongated configuration.