Torque Coupler and Snare for Oblique IMD Retrieval Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in precisely aligning and transferring torque to implantable medical devices within constrained anatomical spaces, such as the heart, due to the need for precise mechanical mating and alignment between the device and the delivery system.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing a torque coupler and snare that allows torque transfer through a coupler volume at an oblique angle to the IMD axis, with protrusions engaging the IMD retrieval structure, and a snare exerting proximally-directed forces to facilitate torque transfer, enabling rotation and re-orientation of the IMD within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise mechanical mating and alignment between the delivery system and IMD is required for torque transfer, then torque transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment difficulty and device complexity increase in constrained anatomical spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The torque coupler is designed to accept the IMD retrieval structure at oblique angles rather than requiring precise coaxial alignment. This parameter change in the engagement geometry allows the coupler to accommodate varying orientations of the IMD, significantly reducing alignment difficulty while maintaining effective torque transfer through the protrusions that engage with the retrieval structure
Solution Approach 2:
The torque coupler acts as an intermediary component between the driver and the IMD retrieval structure. It features multiple protrusions that can engage with the retrieval structure at oblique angles, mediating the torque transfer while accommodating misalignment. This intermediary design decouples the alignment requirements between the driver and the IMD, reducing the overall alignment difficulty
2Ease of operation
If a torque coupler with protrusions is used to engage the IMD retrieval structure at oblique angles, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque coupler is segmented into multiple protrusions distributed around its circumference rather than using a single complex engagement mechanism. Each protrusion can independently engage with the retrieval structure, allowing the system to achieve robust oblique angle engagement through multiple simpler elements rather than one complex element
Solution Approach 2:
The torque coupler design with multiple protrusions serves multiple functions: it provides torque transfer, accommodates oblique angle engagement, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design consolidates several requirements into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system configured to impart a torque to a medical device within a patient. The medical system includes a driver including a driver body supporting a torque coupler. A snare is configured to engage the medical device. The torque coupler is configured to receive the medical device within a coupler volume. The snare and/or the torque coupler are configured to exert forces on the medical device such that the torque coupler imparts a torque to a retrieval structure of the medical device, causing rotation of the medical device. In examples, the medical device includes an attachment member configured to engage or disengage tissue when the medical device rotates. The medical system may include a delivery catheter configured to deliver and/or retrieve the torque coupler, snare, and/or the medical device.