Transcatheter Delivery Device Guide Wire Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transcatheter prosthesis delivery devices require a second operator to position the guide wire, leading to ergonomic challenges and reduced positioning predictability and ease of use during minimally invasive heart valve procedures.

Innovation Solution

A delivery device with a handle assembly and hollow shaft that includes a guide wire control system with an actuator and lock mechanism, allowing a single operator to control the guide wire positioning by transitioning it from an unlocked to a locked state, enabling precise placement of the prosthesis without the need for a second operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a second operator is used to position the guide wire, then guide wire positioning can be performed, but ergonomic challenges and reduced positioning predictability occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic handlingVSAvoidnumber of operators required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines guide wire positioning control with the existing shaft control mechanism by integrating a guide wire control cable that connects to the operator's handle. This merging of functions allows a single operator to control both shaft and guide wire positioning through unified hand controls, eliminating the need for a second operator and improving ergonomic handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a guide wire control cable as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's hand and the guide wire. This cable system acts as a mediator that transmits operator input forces to position the guide wire precisely, enabling single-operator control while maintaining positioning accuracy and predictability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If guide wire positioning is integrated into the handle assembly, then single operator control is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidhandle assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the control interface for shaft positioning and as the integration point for guide wire control. By making the handle assembly universal for both functions, the patent enables single-operator control without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide wire control cable is nested within the existing handle assembly structure, utilizing available spaces and routing paths. This nesting approach allows integration of the additional control function without requiring separate external mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while enabling single-operator control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4135633B1Delivery device having guide wire control
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 MEDTRONIC INC
  • EP4135633B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4135633B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4135633B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure generally relates to delivery devices for transcatheter delivery of a prosthesis. The delivery device includes a hollow shaft on which the prosthesis is supported. A handle assembly maintains the shaft. The delivery device further includes a guide wire that is selectively directed through the handle assembly and shaft. The guide wire directs the shaft to a target site at which the prosthesis is to be deployed. In practice, an operator managing the inner catheter controls the prosthesis positioning. The delivery devices disclosed herein are configured to ergonomically also allow the operator to control the position of the guide wire as the position of the guide wire influences the deployment position of the prosthesis. In this way, a second operator for positioning the guide wire can be omitted. Embodiments of the disclosure are believed to improve positioning predictability and ease of use.