Stabilizer Clamp for Implant Delivery Handle Torque Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery apparatus and systems for implantable devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, face challenges in stable positioning and control during implantation procedures, particularly in navigating through complex vasculature and ensuring precise placement at target sites.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer clamp apparatus is integrated with a delivery apparatus and guide catheter, featuring a base portion and jaw portions with movable and stationary members, including a spring mechanism to bias the jaw members, providing controlled torque resistance and stable handle positioning through a ratio of torque resistance in opposing directions, enhancing the stability and control of the delivery system during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery apparatus is used to navigate through complex vasculature, then the ability to reach target sites is improved, but stable positioning and control during implantation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer clamp is introduced as an intermediary device between the delivery apparatus handle and the operator. The clamp includes a stationary jaw member attached to a stabilizer rail and a movable jaw member that clamps onto the handle, providing mechanical stabilization while allowing controlled manipulation during the implantation procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for attachment to the stabilizer rail, a stationary jaw member for structural support, and a movable jaw member for clamping the handle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving both stability and controllability
2Measurement precision
If the handle is made maneuverable for precise control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but resistance to unwanted rotation during navigation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The movable jaw member is designed to dynamically adjust its clamping force on the handle. The spring mechanism allows the clamp to maintain optimal grip during rotation while providing sufficient resistance to unwanted rotation, adapting to the varying forces applied during navigation and positioning phases
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the clamping force parameter dynamically. The spring rate and preload are designed to provide appropriate resistance characteristics - allowing controlled rotation for positioning while resisting unwanted rotation during navigation, thus optimizing both positioning accuracy and rotational control
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 stabilizer clamp apparatus ensures stable and controlled manipulation of the delivery apparatus handles, facilitating precise placement of prosthetic heart valves by resisting unwanted rotation and maintaining handle positioning, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of implantation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a stabilizer clamp includes a spring member to bias the moveable jaw member to a closed position of the mouth
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for stabilizing delivery apparatus and/or guide catheter apparatus during delivery and implantation of a prosthetic implant are disclosed. Each of the delivery and guide catheter apparatus can include a handle and a shaft (delivery shaft or guide catheter shaft) extending distally from the handle. A distal cap portion of each of the handles can be coupled to a stabilizer clamp of a stabilizer system to retain a position of the handles relative to each other in an axial direction. The stabilizer clamps are configured to enable rotation of the distal cap therein so that torque applied to a handle is transmitted to a respective shaft. A jaw portion of the stabilizer clamp can be configured to balance or equalize toque resistance for rotation of the handle in a first (for example, clockwise) direction relative to a second opposing (for example, counterclockwise) direction.