Shape Memory Carrier Anchor Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for treating pelvic dysfunctions, such as urinary incontinence and prolapse conditions, are complex, time-intensive, and costly due to the difficulty in joining tissue effectively, often requiring skilled physicians and expensive implants or suturing methods.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a luminal body and carrier made of shape memory material that transitions between states to deploy anchors through tissue, using a cam follower mechanism and energy transmission element to facilitate tissue joining, allowing for efficient and precise placement of anchors via a revolver system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suturing procedures and implants are used to treat pelvic dysfunctions, then tissue support can be achieved, but the procedure becomes complex, time-intensive, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the tissue joining function into multiple discrete anchors that can be deployed individually through the luminal body. Each anchor is a separate component that can be positioned and activated independently, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining reliable tissue support through cumulative anchor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors are designed with self-deploying mechanisms that automatically engage tissue upon deployment. The anchors feature self-activating features that require minimal manual manipulation, allowing the device to perform much of the tissue joining function automatically once positioned, thereby reducing procedural complexity
2Reliability
If traditional suturing procedures are used to join tissue, then tissue support can be provided, but the procedure requires highly skilled physicians and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex manual suturing mechanics with a mechanically automated anchor deployment system. The luminal body with its integrated carrier and pusher mechanism substitutes for skilled manual needle handling, allowing less specialized operators to achieve consistent tissue joining results through standardized mechanical actions
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors utilize shape memory materials that change physical state in response to temperature or other environmental parameters. This parameter-based activation replaces skilled manual manipulation with automated material response, simplifying the operator's task while maintaining reliable tissue support
3Reliability
If multiple anchors are deployed to join tissue effectively, then tissue support improves, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous deployment of multiple anchors through a single integrated luminal body. Anchors can be positioned and activated in sequence without removing or repositioning the device, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure and reducing overall procedural time while achieving effective tissue support through multiple anchors
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple anchors are nested within the luminal body structure, with each anchor contained within or alongside the others. This nested arrangement allows all anchors to be delivered through a single access point and deployed in sequence from the same position, eliminating the need for multiple separate procedures and reducing total procedural time
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 device simplifies the tissue joining process, reducing procedural complexity and cost by enabling efficient deployment of anchors, thus reducing the need for highly skilled personnel and expensive implants, while improving the efficacy of tissue support.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier made of shape memory material that transitions between states to deploy anchors through tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device may include a luminal body defining a working channel extending between a proximal end of the luminal body and a distal end of the luminal body. The device may also include a carrier defining a pusher thereon. The carrier may be configured to transition between a first state and a second state. In the first state, a distal portion of the carrier may extend within the working channel along a central longitudinal axis thereof. In the second state, the distal portion of the carrier may extend distally of the luminal body. The device may also include a plurality of anchors which may be disposed about the carrier. Also, at least a distal-most anchor of the plurality of anchors may define a surface configured to cooperate with the pusher and further defines a curved wall configured to cooperate with the pusher to rotate the plurality of anchors.