Tactile Indicator for Stent-Graft Deployment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device deployment methods rely heavily on imaging techniques like X-ray fluoroscopy, which have practical limitations, necessitating the development of real-time deployment tracking methods without the need for continuous imaging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of tactile indicators on medical devices that provide real-time feedback to clinicians during multistage deployment, allowing for stepwise expansion and deployment without continuous imaging, using a combination of sleeves and coupling members to constrain and expand devices like stent-grafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tactile indicators are added to provide real-time deployment feedback, then deployment tracking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses tactile indicators that change their mechanical state (from constrained to released) to provide visual and tactile feedback to clinicians during device deployment. This allows real-time tracking of deployment progress without continuous imaging, resolving the contradiction by providing precise deployment tracking through simple mechanical indicators rather than complex imaging systems.
2Measurement precision
If continuous imaging is used to track deployment, then deployment tracking precision is improved, but energy consumption and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tactile indicators that provide immediate visual and tactile feedback to clinicians as the device deploys. The indicators change state in real-time corresponding to device expansion, allowing clinicians to monitor deployment progress without continuous imaging. This reduces deployment time and radiation exposure while maintaining adequate tracking precision through the feedback mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an assembly comprising an expandable device, a restraining member wrapped circumferentially around the device, a coupling member releasably securing the restraining member, and at least one tactile indicator located on the assembly at a desired point of partial deployment, along with a method for partially deploying the expandable device in a patient. During partial deployment of the expandable device, the coupling member is tensioned and displaced from outside the patient by a clinician, and upon reaching the tactile indicator, a change in tension on the coupling member is felt my the clinician performing the procedure.