Sheath Hub Keyed and Snap Features for Catheter Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter systems for delivering LAA occluder devices lack secure mechanisms to prevent accidental detachment or misalignment of the sheath hub during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A delivery device with a sheath hub that incorporates a keyed feature to prevent rotation and a snap feature to prevent translation relative to the handle, ensuring secure attachment and preventing unintentional detachment during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple connection between sheath hub and handle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental detachment or misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of sheath hubVSAvoidconnection mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath hub incorporates asymmetric keyed features that fit into corresponding asymmetric recesses in the handle, creating a non-rotatable connection. This asymmetric design prevents rotation and misalignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is divided into discrete functional elements: keyed features for preventing rotation, snap features for preventing translation, and retention features for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable attachment without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If no rotation prevention feature is included, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of misalignmentVSAvoidrotation prevention structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Keyed features with asymmetric geometries are provided on the sheath hub that engage with corresponding asymmetric features in the handle. This asymmetric pairing naturally prevents rotation without requiring additional complex rotation-blocking mechanisms, as the asymmetric shapes simply will not align unless in the correct rotational position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If no translation prevention feature is included, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental detachmentVSAvoidtranslation prevention structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Snap features are designed to engage automatically when the sheath hub is inserted into the handle, creating a preliminary locking action that prevents translation. The snap features engage with corresponding features in the handle to create a mechanical interlock that resists accidental detachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The translation prevention function is achieved through discrete snap features that can be independently designed and manufactured. These segmented features provide specific translation resistance without requiring a completely complex retention system, allowing the connection to be both secure and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4529898A1Sheath hub for delivery devices and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ST JUDE MEDICAL CARDILOGY DIV INC

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A delivery device includes a handle having an interior mounting shaft, a catheter sheath extending distally from the handle, and a sheath hub coupled to the catheter sheath, the sheath hub having a body including at least one of a keyed feature for preventing rotation of the sheath hub relative to the handle, and a snap feature for preventing translation of the sheath hub relative to the handle.