Stylet Locking Mechanism Prevents Premature Tissue Anchor Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical delivery devices for tissue anchors face the challenge of premature deployment due to accidental activation, and existing locking mechanisms require complete disconnection and are prone to misplacement, contamination, or breakage, making them unsuitable for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a snap-fit design and a hinge allows for engagement and disengagement without complete disconnection from the medical device, preventing premature deployment and enabling multiple uses without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent premature deployment of the tissue anchor, then deployment safety is improved, but the locking mechanism must be completely disconnected and removed prior to deployment which leads to misplacement, contamination, or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the delivery device by providing a locking member that is integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the stylet, and a corresponding locking feature on the needle that receives the locking member. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms that must be disconnected and removed, thereby preventing misplacement, contamination, and breakage while maintaining deployment safety.
2Productivity
If the locking mechanism is completely disconnected and removed prior to deployment, then deployment can proceed, but the locking mechanism becomes misplaced or contaminated and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the locking mechanism as part of the delivery device assembly, the locking member remains attached to the stylet and the locking feature remains on the needle. This merging allows the entire assembly to be reused without the locking mechanism being separated, misplaced, or contaminated, thereby improving device reuse capability while eliminating harmful factors associated with separate locking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is used to prevent premature deployment, then accidental activation is prevented, but the mechanism becomes broken during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the stylet, and the locking feature is provided on the needle as a fixed structural element. This merging creates a robust integrated system where the locking mechanism is not subject to the stresses of disconnection and reconnection, preventing breakage while maintaining its function of preventing premature deployment.
4Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is used, then premature deployment is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the existing stylet and needle components of the delivery device. The locking member is provided on the stylet and the locking feature is provided on the needle, creating a unified system that prevents premature deployment without adding separate, independent locking components. This reduces device complexity while maintaining deployment control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stylet locking mechanism for preventing axial movement of a stylet relative to a needle of a medical delivery device is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises first and second ends that may be removably attached to the device, and a hinge for allowing the locking mechanism to be disengaged from a locking position without being completely disconnected from the delivery device.