Tissue Puncture Closure Magazine Fed Tamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular closure devices require manual tamping of sealing plugs after sheath removal, which can lead to partial sealing and bleeding due to potential retraction of the plug during sheath withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
An automatic tamping mechanism using a magazine-fed system with a gear train and biasing member to drive tamping devices, ensuring the sealing plug is properly seated against the tissue puncture upon closure device retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tamping is used after sheath removal, then the sealing plug can be positioned, but the plug may retract during sheath withdrawal causing incomplete sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The tamping tube is pre-positioned within the sheath before withdrawal, and the sealing plug is pre-loaded on the tamping tube. As the sheath is withdrawn, the plug is automatically advanced toward the puncture site without requiring manual intervention, ensuring complete sealing before the sheath is fully removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the withdrawal motion of the sheath itself to drive the tamping tube and sealing plug forward automatically. The mechanical interaction between the sheath wall and the tamping tube converts the withdrawal force into forward motion, eliminating the need for separate manual tamping actions.
2Ease of operation
If the sheath is removed before tamping, then the tamping tube becomes accessible, but the sealing plug may be retracted from the tissue puncture
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing plug is advanced to the tissue puncture site during the withdrawal process itself, before the sheath is completely removed. This preliminary positioning ensures the plug is securely in place before the operator gains access to manually manipulate the tamping tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward motion of the sealing plug continues uninterrupted during the sheath withdrawal process. The plug is constantly advanced toward the puncture site as the sheath is pulled back, maintaining continuous progress toward complete sealing without idle periods or retraction risks.
3Reliability
If automatic tamping is implemented, then sealing completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath withdrawal function and the sealing plug advancement function are merged into a single mechanical interaction. The wall of the sheath directly drives the tamping tube, which in turn drives the sealing plug, combining multiple functions into one integrated mechanism rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamping tube serves as an intermediary element that translates the withdrawal motion of the sheath into forward motion of the sealing plug. This intermediary mechanism is simple and mechanical, avoiding the need for complex motors, sensors, or control systems while achieving automatic tamping.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures immediate and complete sealing of tissue punctures by automatically tamping the sealing plug as the closure device is withdrawn, reducing the risk of bleeding and improving hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
The magazine may include a biasing member, and the plurality of separate tamping devices may be stacked in the magazine and biased in a first direction by the biasing member
Implementation Method 2
The transducer may comprise a first gear and spool assembly with a portion of the filament wound on the spool
Implementation Method 3
one or more of the plurality of tamping devices may be directly driven linearly by the second gear
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide a magazine fed tamping system for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.