Snare Device with Pivoting Shape-Memory Loops for Non-Probeable Object Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snare devices struggle to capture objects with non-probeable ends, as they require accessible ends for the snare to be slipped over, and when used with non-probeable ends, they have a large diameter, leading to complications like thrombosis and secondary bleeding due to increased puncture site size.

Innovation Solution

A snare device with a flexible, elastic shape-memory material sling that is deformed to pivot through a first loop upon exiting a hollow element, allowing the second loop to return and encompass objects, even if ends cannot be probed, with a design that includes a triangular first loop and bulge for secure capture and retrieval through a minimally invasive procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional snare device is used to capture objects with non-probeable ends, then the device must have a large diameter to accommodate additional locking mechanisms, but this leads to increased puncture site size and complications like thrombosis and secondary bleeding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to capture objects with non-probeable endsVSAvoiddiameter of hollow element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The snare is divided into multiple loops (first loop and second loop) that can function independently or together. The second loop is specifically designed to pivot through the first loop to capture objects with non-probeable ends, while the first loop handles conventional probeable objects, eliminating the need for a single large-diameter device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second loop is designed with dynamic pivoting capability that allows it to rotate through the first loop upon exiting the catheter. This dynamic movement enables the snare to adapt its configuration based on the object being captured, providing versatility without requiring a larger device diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a conventional snare device is used for objects with probeable ends, then the procedure is simple and effective, but it fails when objects have non-probeable ends requiring special instruments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of capture procedureVSAvoidcapability to handle non-probeable ends
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The snare device incorporates two different loop configurations that enable it to perform multiple functions: the first loop handles conventional probeable objects through standard snaring, while the second loop with pivoting capability captures objects with non-probeable ends, making the device universal for both application types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second loop is pre-configured in a deformed state during insertion that allows it to pivot through the first loop upon exiting the catheter. This preliminary deformation prepares the loop for its special capture function without requiring additional manipulation steps during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If special instruments with larger caliber are used to capture objects with non-probeable ends, then capture capability is improved, but complications at the puncture site increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to capture objects with non-probeable endsVSAvoidthrombosis and secondary bleeding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The snare is divided into multiple loops (first loop and second loop) that can function independently or together. The second loop is specifically designed to pivot through the first loop to capture objects with non-probeable ends, while the first loop handles conventional probeable objects, eliminating the need for a single large-diameter device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second loop is designed with dynamic pivoting capability that allows it to rotate through the first loop upon exiting the catheter. This dynamic movement enables the snare to adapt its configuration based on the object being captured, providing versatility without requiring a larger device diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the capture and retrieval of objects with non-probeable ends using a smaller diameter hollow element, reducing the risk of complications like thrombosis and secondary bleeding, while maintaining the ability to capture probeable ends, all through a minimally invasive procedure.

Implementation Method 1

the sling has an imprinted original shape to which the sling returns when pushed out of the hollow member by the material stresses induced when it is pulled in

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP3038546B1Snare device for capturing an object
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 PFM MEDICAL AG
  • EP3038546B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a snare device for catching an object, in particular for catching objects or foreign bodies in a human or animal body, said snare device comprising a hollow element, in particular a catheter, and a snare made of a flexible elastic shape-memory material, wherein the snare is movable relative to the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element and pushed out of it, and wherein the snare has an impressed original shape to which said snare returns, when pushed out from the hollow element, as a result of the material stresses caused when it was pulled in, wherein the original shape of the snare has a twisted area, as a result of which a first loop and a second loop are formed, wherein the first loop is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow element, and the second loop is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hollow element, and which is characterized in that the snare thus deformed is introduced into the hollow element and is arranged inside the hollow element, in that the second loop is pivoted relative to the first loop and through the first loop, such that the second loop, on emerging from the hollow element, pivots back through the first loop as a result of the load being removed from the shape-memory material, thereby allowing the object to be enclosed. HF/BS/jd/hd