Segmented Medical Delivery Shaft with Exoskeleton
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical delivery systems face challenges in resisting compressive and tension forces during the delivery and deployment of implantable medical devices, which can lead to component compression or stretching, particularly in minimally invasive procedures like percutaneous heart valve replacement.
Innovation Solution
A medical delivery system featuring a compression-resistant inner shaft with a tension resistance member and an exoskeleton comprising bead and barrel members that exert tension on the shaft, providing enhanced resistance to both compressive and tension forces while maintaining flexibility for navigation through the anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional shaft structure is used in the delivery system, then the device complexity is low, but the shaft cannot effectively resist compressive and tension forces during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple discrete segments including compression-resistant segments and tension-resistant segments. Each segment performs a specific function (compression resistance or tension resistance), allowing the shaft to handle both types of forces effectively while maintaining a modular structure that can be manufactured and assembled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft employs composite construction by combining different segment types (compression-resistant segments with compression coils, tension-resistant segments with tension members) along the same shaft body. This composite approach allows the shaft to simultaneously exhibit both compression and tension resistance properties that would be difficult to achieve with a single homogeneous material or structure.
2Strength
If the shaft is made more rigid to resist forces, then the strength increases, but the flexibility for navigation through anatomy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shaft into discrete compression-resistant and tension-resistant segments, the shaft can flex between segments while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmentation allows localized flexibility at segment interfaces while preserving force resistance through the distributed arrangement of compression and tension elements throughout the shaft length.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments are designed with different local properties: compression-resistant segments contain compression coils for buckling resistance, while tension-resistant segments contain tension members for pull strength. This local differentiation allows the shaft to exhibit appropriate mechanical properties at each location, balancing overall rigidity with localized flexibility for navigation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete segments are used in the exoskeleton, then the adaptability and flexibility improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete segments are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable flexibility, facilitate force transmission, and allow for modular assembly. Each segment type (compression-resistant or tension-resistant) serves as a multi-functional component that contributes to several performance requirements simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton is segmented into discrete, standardized components that can be manufactured independently and assembled through controlled engagement features. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while enabling the complex flexible structure required for navigation through anatomical pathways.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device may be a medical device with increased compression resistance. The medical device includes an elongate shaft (20) having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a lumen extending therethrough, and a tension resistance member (30a, 30b) extending at least partially between the proximal end region and the distal end region. An exoskeleton (24) is disposed along an outer surface of the shaft (20). The exoskeleton (24) includes a plurality of discrete segments (26, 28) engaged with one another. At least one of the segments (26, 28) is coupled to the tension resistance member (30a, 30b).