Slidable Lock Sheath for Implantable Device Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems for implantable devices, such as occluding devices for treating aneurysms, lack precision and reliability due to the 'wave' lock mechanism, which does not provide adequate control over the movement of the delivery member within the sheath and can degrade over time, leading to ineffective treatment and potential patient injury.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a sheath with a slidable lock and markers that restrict the movement of the delivery member, allowing for precise control and secure positioning of the occluding device within the vasculature, featuring a proximal flap and markers that constrain the lock's movement, enabling accurate placement and reduced relative movement between the delivery member and sheath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wave lock mechanism is used to secure the delivery member in the sheath, then the delivery member can be held in place, but the system lacks precision and reliability in controlling movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is divided into a distal portion and a proximal portion that can move relative to each other. The proximal portion acts as an independent segment that can be positioned at different angles, providing precise control over the delivery member's location while maintaining secure holding through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal portion of the sheath is made moveable relative to the distal portion, transforming the static sheath into a dynamic system. This allows the sheath to adapt its configuration during delivery, enabling both secure holding and precise positioning of the delivery member through controlled movement.
2Ease of operation
If the lock is made slidable to allow movement control, then positioning flexibility improves, but the risk of improper placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Markers are pre-positioned on the sheath to indicate correct placement positions before the actual delivery occurs. These markers provide visual guidance that enables the operator to achieve proper placement in advance, reducing the risk of improper positioning while maintaining ease of adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers on the sheath provide visual feedback to the operator about the position and orientation of the delivery system. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring and adjustment, ensuring proper placement is achieved and maintained during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If markers and constraints are added to control lock movement, then placement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire lock mechanism complex, local quality is applied by adding markers and constraints only at specific locations where precision is needed. The markers are placed at critical positions on the sheath, and constraints are applied locally at the access opening, providing placement precision without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire device.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
Medical devices and systems for treating a vascular condition are described. One such device (10) includes a sheath (12), an elongate delivery member (29), and a lock (26). The sheath has a wall that includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen (14) along the sheath. An access opening (30) is in a proximal portion of the wall and is in fluid communication with the lumen. The delivery member is at least partially disposed within the lumen. The delivery member passes through the access opening. The lock is slidably disposed on an outer periphery of the wall. The lock slidably moves from a first position (22) to a second position (24) along a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The lock positioned in the first position restricts movement of the delivery member.