Stent Delivery Handle Locking for Controlled Sheath Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stent delivery systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent unwanted actuation of the deployment sheath, which can lead to improper stent deployment and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a locking member that engages with the actuation mechanism, such as a thumbwheel, to prevent unintended actuation by shifting between engaged and released configurations using depressible tabs and gripping fingers, ensuring secure deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member is added to prevent unwanted actuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is disposed within the handle assembly, with gripping fingers that can engage with the actuation member. The locking member integrates multiple functions (locking, unlocking, actuating) within a compact structure that nests within the existing handle components, adding safety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping fingers are biased by a spring to automatically engage with the actuation member, providing passive locking without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The operator simply needs to intentionally actuate the release mechanism to override the spring bias and disengage the locking fingers
2Ease of operation
If a locking member with gripping fingers is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (locking member with gripping fingers) rather than integrating it into the existing actuation mechanism. This modular approach allows the locking feature to be added without fundamentally redesigning the original actuation system, maintaining relative simplicity while enhancing operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the operator's intentional action and the deployment sheath actuation. The gripping fingers provide a mechanical interface that mediates the force transmission, requiring deliberate operator input to overcome the spring bias and trigger sheath movement
Data Source
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AI summary
Stent delivery systems, locking members for preventing unwanted actuation of a actuation member on a stent delivery system, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member (20). A deployment sheath (16) may be disposed about the inner member. A stent (34) may be disposed between the inner member and the deployment sheath. A handle (14) may be coupled to the inner member and to the deployment sheath. The handle may include an actuation member (18). The actuation member may be configured to shift the longitudinal position of the deployment sheath relative to the inner member. A locking member (70) may be disposed on the actuation member. The locking member may be configured to prevent unwanted actuation of the actuation member.