Segmented Sheath for Medical Device Delivery Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device delivery systems experience excessive friction between the sheath and intraluminal medical devices during deployment, leading to potential misplacement, damage, and disruption of bioactive deposits, which complicates precise placement and functionality of devices like stents and valves.
Innovation Solution
A medical device delivery system with a tubular member that separates into two or more portions at its distal end, utilizing structures such as shape memory materials or cutting edges to reduce friction, allowing for controlled deployment of intraluminal medical devices within body vessels without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sheath is moved relative to the dilator during deployment, then the constraining force is removed and the device can deploy, but friction between the sheath and device causes misplacement and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is segmented into multiple portions at its distal end, creating separation zones that reduce continuous contact and friction with the intraluminal medical device during deployment. This segmentation allows the sheath to release the device more cleanly with less frictional force.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the sheath is separated into multiple portions and can be detached or released from the intraluminal medical device during deployment. This extraction of the sheath's constraining function from the device allows deployment with minimal friction and no risk of sheath-induced damage.
2Length of moving object
If the sheath maintains the device in compressed configuration, then navigability through body vessels is ensured, but friction during deployment can damage the device or its components
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the sheath at its distal end creates discrete contact zones rather than continuous contact, reducing the cumulative frictional force that could damage the device or its components during the deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The separated portions of the sheath act as intermediaries that facilitate the transition from compressed to expanded configuration by reducing direct frictional contact between the sheath and device, thereby protecting the device integrity during deployment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sheath and dilator are moved relative to each other for deployment, then the device transitions to expanded configuration, but friction may disrupt bioactive deposits on the device
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sheath into multiple portions at its distal end, the patent reduces continuous frictional contact with the device surface, thereby minimizing disruption to bioactive deposits that have been applied to the device during manufacturing.
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 system minimizes friction during deployment, ensuring accurate placement and reducing the risk of device damage, thereby enhancing the precision and effectiveness of medical device implantation in body vessels.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing structures such as shape memory materials or cutting edges to reduce friction
Data Source
AI summary
Medical device delivery systems and associated methods are provided. Delivery systems according to the invention include an elongated tubular member and a body member, such as a dilator, disposed therein. An intraluminal medical device is disposed on the dilator and within the tubular member prior to deployment. The delivery system includes a means for separating two or more portions of the distal end of the tubular member that aids in deploying the intraluminal medical device from the delivery system by separating two or more portions of the tubular member from each other to facilitate release of the intraluminal medical device from the body member. Various structures can be used for means for separating, including a cutting ring, activateable material on the tubular member, or other suitable structure. The provided devices and methods reduce friction occuring from relative movement between the sheath and dilator during deployment.