Single Actuator Delivery System for Heart Valve Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device delivery systems are complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple actuators and specific step sequences for deploying implantable devices like replacement heart valves, which complicates the deployment process and increases procedural time.
Innovation Solution
A simplified delivery system with a single actuator that can independently or simultaneously move multiple components, including a delivery sheath and actuation elements, to facilitate easy deployment and locking of medical devices in a fully deployed configuration, using a singular type of motion such as rotation to perform multiple deployment steps with minimal intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to deploy the implant, then the deployment can be performed in specific sequences, but the mechanical complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single actuator mechanism. The delivery system uses one actuator that can perform multiple deployment steps (unsheathing, expanding, locking) through different motion phases, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators and their associated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple deployment operations. It can unsheathe the implant, expand the frame, and lock the locking elements to the struts, making one component responsible for what previously required multiple specialized actuators.
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to deploy the implant, then the deployment can be performed in specific sequences, but the procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single actuator mechanism. The delivery system uses one actuator that can perform multiple deployment steps (unsheathing, expanding, locking) through different motion phases, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators and their associated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator performs deployment steps in continuous motion without requiring the physician to switch between multiple actuators. The actuator can unsheathe, expand, and lock the implant through continuous or sequentially integrated actions, reducing procedural interruptions and time.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to move multiple components, then the mechanical complexity is reduced, but the actuator must perform multiple functions independently
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple deployment operations. It can unsheathe the implant, expand the frame, and lock the locking elements to the struts, making one component responsible for what previously required multiple specialized actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's functionality is segmented into distinct operational phases or modes. Each phase (unsheathing, expanding, locking) can be independently controlled through the same actuator mechanism, allowing versatile function while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system.