TAVI Loading Cone and Tube Pre-Assembly for Catheter Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting medical implants, such as self-expandable aortic heart valve prostheses, to delivery catheters are complex and prone to errors, requiring multiple steps and manual handling, which can lead to incomplete or incorrect mounting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a connector with a proximal, distal, and central portion, and a loading cone and loading tube that are pre-mounted on the delivery catheter, allowing for safe and efficient mounting of the medical implant by a single person.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and multi-step procedures are used for mounting medical implants to delivery catheters, then the mounting process can be completed, but the procedure becomes complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The loading cone and loading tube are pre-mounted as an integrated assembly on the delivery catheter, combining multiple components into a single pre-assembled unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate manual handling of individual components during the mounting procedure, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining mounting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading cone and loading tube are pre-mounted on the delivery catheter before use. This preliminary assembly prepares the delivery system in advance, so that during the actual implant mounting procedure, the operator only needs to perform the essential mounting action without additional assembly steps, thereby reducing complexity and potential errors.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple tools and components are used during the mounting procedure, then the mounting can be completed, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The loading cone and loading tube are combined into a pre-mounted assembly, reducing the number of separate tools and components that need to be handled during the mounting procedure. This integration simplifies the mounting process and reduces the time required to complete the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-mounting the loading cone and loading tube on the delivery catheter, the system eliminates the need to assemble these components during the procedure. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces mounting time and procedural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the loading cone and loading tube are pre-mounted on the delivery catheter, then the mounting process is simplified, but additional assembly steps are required during preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The loading cone and loading tube are manufactured as a pre-mounted assembly, integrating multiple components into a single unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be handled during operation, simplifying the actual mounting procedure despite the initial assembly requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-mounted loading cone and loading tube assembly appears to be designed as a single-use component that is discarded after one procedure. This approach justifies the initial assembly complexity by eliminating the need for complex disassembly and reassembly procedures, as the entire assembly is replaced after a single use.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a medical implant to a delivery catheter includes a proximal portion and a distal portion connected to the proximal portion via a central portion. The proximal, distal and central portions extend along a central axis (A). A distal end of the distal portion facing away from the central portion. At least one recess is formed in the central portion and in the distal portion. The at least one recess is configured to receive a connecting element of the medical implant configured to connect the medical implant to the connector. The distal portion tapers towards the distal end. The distal portion can include a conical section, and an outer surface of the conical section includes a generatrix that encloses an acute angle (α) with the central axis (A), with the acute angle (α) in the range of between 20° and 60°.