Shaped Medical Instrument Straightening via Internal Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical instruments with shaped sections, such as catheters, face difficulties in being introduced into the body due to their curved configurations, which can cause engagement with internal organ surfaces and hinder smooth insertion.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that apply external force to partially straighten the shaped sections of medical instruments using a combination of an external and internal element, allowing for easier insertion and maintaining the straightened configuration during deployment, and reverting to the original shape post-deployment for optimal contact with hollow organs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the medical instrument is introduced in its original shaped configuration, then it can optimize contact with hollow organ surfaces after deployment, but it causes engagement with internal organ surfaces during insertion that hinders smooth insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth insertionVSAvoidengagement with internal surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The medical instrument employs a dynamic configuration that allows it to change shape between insertion and deployment phases. During insertion, the instrument is maintained in a straightened configuration to minimize engagement with internal surfaces. After deployment, the instrument transitions to its original shaped configuration to optimize contact with hollow organ surfaces, enabling it to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is pre-straightened before insertion using a retention element that maintains the straightened configuration during the insertion process. This preliminary action of straightening the instrument before introduction into the body prevents engagement with internal surfaces during insertion, while the retention element ensures the straightened state is maintained until deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the shaped portion is straightened to facilitate introduction, then insertion is improved, but the shaped configuration needed for optimal contact after deployment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintroduction into bodyVSAvoidcontact with hollow organ surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element, which maintains the straightened configuration during insertion, is discarded or removed after deployment. Once the retention element is removed, the shaped portion recovers its original configuration, allowing the instrument to achieve optimal contact with hollow organ surfaces after insertion is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid internal element is introduced to retain the straightened configuration, then the straightened state is maintained during insertion, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraightened configuration retentionVSAvoidinternal element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention element is introduced as a separate, removable component that can be easily inserted into and removed from the medical instrument. This extraction approach allows the retention element to be used only when needed for insertion, and then discarded or stored separately, avoiding the need for a permanently complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element is designed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be collapsed or compressed for storage and transport, then expanded or deployed when needed to maintain the straightened configuration. This flexible design reduces the overall complexity and size of the device while maintaining the necessary structural support during insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10806348B2Methods, apparatus and systems for facilitating introduction of shaped medical instruments into the body of a subject

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 CIRCA SCIENTIFIC LLC

AI summary

A method for introducing a shaped portion of an elongate medical instrument into a body of a subject includes at least partially straightening the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument. A retention element may be introduced into an interior of the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument to place and/or maintain the shaped portion in an at least partially straightened configuration. Such straightening may be accomplished without application of external force to an exterior of the shaped portion. With the retention element in place, the shaped portion may be introduced to a desired location within a hollow interior of an internal organ. The retention element may then be removed to enable the shaped portion to return to its desired shape. A straightening apparatus includes a retention element that can place and/or maintain a shaped portion of an elongate medical instrument in an at least partially straightened configuration without assistance of external force.