Single-Wire Implantable Device Shape Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices for occluding or partially occluding defect openings and creating defined connections in the human or animal body are often complex, difficult to position, and lack a secure hold, making them challenging to implant and remove safely.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device formed from a single wire-like element through intercoiling, intertwining, or interweaving, which transforms between primary and secondary shapes using a guide wire and retaining wire for positioning and extraction, providing a stable and versatile support structure with asymmetrical configurations and enhanced resistance to external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple structural elements are used to form the implant, then the implant can provide adequate support and stability, but the assembly requires considerable effort and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate structural elements into a single integrated support structure formed from one continuous wire-like element. The wire is configured to form both the proximal and distal portions that provide support structure stability, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the implant is designed with a fixed complex structure, then it provides stable support, but it becomes difficult to position and remove safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support structure transformable between different configurations. The single wire-like element can be manipulated to transform the implant between a compressed delivery configuration for easy positioning and an expanded deployed configuration for stable support. This dynamic capability allows the implant to be easily positioned during delivery while maintaining stability once deployed, and enables safe removal by reversing the transformation.
3Ease of operation
If the implant structure is simplified to ease positioning, then it becomes easier to implant, but it lacks secure hold and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single continuous wire-like element into functional segments along its length - a proximal portion and a distal portion - each capable of providing support structure stability. This segmentation allows the implant to maintain a simplified single-element structure for ease of implantation while ensuring reliable secure hold through the distributed support provided by the segmented configuration of the wire element.
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 offers a secure, versatile, and stable solution for occluding or partially occluding openings, allowing for precise placement and easy removal, with improved resistance to external forces and reduced risk of injury, suitable for various anatomical applications including heart valves.
Implementation Method 1
the support structure which has a great length-to-width ratio along an axis in a first operating state (primary shape) while having a smaller length-to-width ratio along said axis in a second operating state (secondary shape)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an implantable device (1) to be used in a human and/or animal body for occluding or partially occluding defective openings, hollow spaces, organ tracts, etc. or creating a defined connecting opening between walls, organs, hollow spaces, etc. Said implantable device (1) comprises a support structure which has a great length-to-width ratio along an axis (63) in a first operating state (primary shape) while having a smaller length-to-width ratio along said axis (63) in a second operating state (secondary shape). The support structure is provided with a proximal (20) and a distal section (30) and is formed from a single wire-type element (10) by intercoiling and/or intertwining and/or interweaving like a tissue and/or a cluster and/or a net. Also disclosed is a placing system especially for such an implantable device, comprising an advancing element (5), a directing wire (6,9) and/or an inner mandrin, and at least one holding wire (80,81). The directing wire (6) and the at least one holding wire (80,81) are used for cooperating with a proximal end of the implantable device (1), the implantable device (1) being transformable from a primary shape into a secondary shape and vice versa by moving the holding wire (80, 81) and the directing wire (6) relative to the advancing element (5).