Tether Locking and Cutting Device for Minimally Invasive Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for terminating tethers deployed in medical procedures are cumbersome, often fail to maintain tension effectively, and can be complicated or time-consuming, especially in restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods featuring a cutter within an elongated member, such as a catheter, that allows for precise cutting of tethers without simultaneously cutting adjacent portions, combined with locking elements to secure tethers in place, facilitating easy and efficient locking and cutting of tethers within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional knotting, tying, and cutting methods are used for tether termination, then the tether can be secured and cut, but the manipulation becomes difficult and time-consuming in restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tether termination device is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking mechanism with a locking member that can be independently actuated, and a cutting member that can be separately deployed. This segmentation allows each function to be performed independently without the complexity of manual knotting and cutting, significantly reducing procedural time and ease of operation in restricted spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is configured to automatically secure the tether when actuated, eliminating the need for manual knotting. The cutting member similarly provides automated cutting capability when positioned and actuated. This self-service mechanism reduces the skill level and time required for tether termination compared to traditional manual methods.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cutting methods are used, then the tether can be cut, but loose pieces of tether may be left behind that can travel to non-target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting member is designed as a separate,可控 component that can be precisely positioned and actuated. The cutting action occurs at a specific location within the device, and the tether ends are contained within the device structure, preventing loose pieces from traveling to non-target areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure acts as an intermediary containment system between the cutting action and the body cavity. The tether ends are retained within the device until intentionally released, preventing them from becoming loose foreign bodies that could migrate to non-target areas.
3Productivity
If simple cutting without locking is performed, then the procedure is faster, but tension in the tether is not adequately maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides separate locking and cutting functions that can be performed in sequence. The locking member secures the tether to maintain tension, and the cutting member subsequently trims excess tether. This segmented approach ensures both tension maintenance and procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is actuated to secure the tether and maintain tension before the cutting member is deployed. This preliminary locking action ensures that tension is adequately maintained throughout the procedure, and the subsequent cutting does not compromise the secured tension.
4Productivity
If multiple tether portions are cut simultaneously, then the procedure is faster, but it increases the risk of cutting adjacent tethers that should remain intact
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting member is designed to cut only one tether portion at a time through precise positioning and controlled actuation. This segmented cutting approach maintains high reliability by preventing accidental cutting of adjacent tethers, while still achieving efficient termination through sequential cutting of multiple tethers if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting member provides localized cutting action at a specific position within the device. This localized quality ensures that only the intended tether portion is cut, while adjacent tethers remain unaffected. The precision of local cutting action maintains reliability even when multiple tethers need to be terminated.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Devices and methods for locking and/or cutting tethers during a tissue modification procedure are described. In some variations, a tether may be used to tighten or compress tissue by bringing two pieces or sections of the tissue together. The tether, which may be under tension, may be locked to maintain the tension, and excess tether may be severed, using one or more of the devices and/or methods. The devices and/or methods may be used, for example, in minimally invasive procedures.