Steerable Catheter Latching Mechanism for Spaced-Apart Anatomical Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical techniques are limited in creating connections between anatomical structures that are not adjacent or adhered to each other, as they require direct access and proximity for effective stent placement.
Innovation Solution
A medical device delivery system comprising a steerable catheter with a visualization system, latching structures, and advancement mechanisms, allowing for the creation of openings in spaced-apart anatomical structures and the deployment of a stent to establish a connection between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional minimally invasive surgical techniques are used, then direct access and proximity between anatomical structures is required, but this limits the ability to create connections between spaced-apart structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a steerable catheter with latching structures that can engage with anatomical structures to serve as an intermediary tool. The catheter advances through the body to reach spaced-apart structures, engages them with latching structures, and enables stent delivery between them without requiring direct proximity or adherence between the target structures
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system incorporates dynamic elements including steerable capabilities that allow real-time navigation and positioning. The latching structures can extend and retract dynamically to engage and disengage from anatomical structures, enabling the system to adapt to varying distances and configurations between target structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a steerable catheter with latching structures and advancement mechanisms is used, then connections between spaced-apart anatomical structures can be created, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable catheter integrates multiple functions into a single device: navigation/steering capabilities, visualization through integrated imaging, engagement through latching structures, and advancement through mechanical mechanisms. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, managing complexity while enhancing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the steerable catheter, visualization system, latching structures, and advancement mechanisms into an integrated delivery system. The stent-delivery system is also merged with the catheter assembly, allowing coordinated deployment of multiple components through a unified structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to a medical device delivery system. The system may include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may also include a visualization system at a distal region of the shaft. The system may further include at least one latching structure configured to extend beyond the distal end of the shaft and retract within the distal region of the shaft and at least one advancement mechanism configured to extend beyond the distal end of the shaft to pull the shaft in a distal direction.