Ultrasonic Cutting Loop for Embedded Filter Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for retrieving embedded inferior vena cava filters, especially those that have been embedded for long periods, are challenging and risky due to the filter struts embedding in the vessel wall or tilting, requiring significant force or complex cutting.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic medical dissector with a vibration generator and a wire forming a cutting loop is used to disembed the filter by transmitting vibrations through the wire, allowing the cutting loop to gently dissect the filter from the soft tissue with reduced force and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current retrieval methods are used for embedded filters, then the filter can be retrieved, but significant force is required and patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the cutting loop wire, causing it to vibrate at high frequency. This vibration enables the wire to cut through embedded filter struts and tissue with minimal pulling force, resolving the contradiction between retrieval safety and required force by using vibrational energy instead of mechanical pulling force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pulling system with an ultrasonic vibration system. Instead of relying on high pulling force to extract embedded filters, the system uses ultrasonic vibrations transmitted through the wire to facilitate cutting and retrieval, significantly reducing the mechanical force required and improving patient safety
2Reliability
If current retrieval methods are used for embedded filters, then the filter can be retrieved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic vibration of the cutting loop wire enables precise cutting of embedded filter struts from surrounding tissue. The high-frequency vibration allows the wire to separate tissue and struts with minimal trauma, reducing tissue damage while maintaining retrieval safety
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing high-force mechanical extraction with ultrasonic vibration-assisted cutting, the patent minimizes trauma to surrounding healthy tissue. The vibrational mechanism allows for controlled separation of embedded components without the need for forceful pulling that would damage the vessel wall and surrounding structures
3Productivity
If significant force is applied to retrieve embedded filters, then retrieval is possible, but patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic vibration system enables effective retrieval of embedded filters without requiring significant pulling force. The vibrational energy facilitates cutting through embedded struts and tissue, maintaining retrieval capability while eliminating the need for high-force extraction that would increase patient risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes high-force mechanical extraction with an ultrasonic vibration-based retrieval system. This replacement maintains the ability to retrieve embedded filters while dramatically reducing patient risk by avoiding the complications associated with high-force extraction procedures
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
The method minimizes tissue damage and patient risk, facilitating faster and safer retrieval of embedded filters with significantly less pulling force compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration generated by the vibration generator is transmitted to the cutting loop by the wire when the wire is in tension
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-sonic medical dissector includes a vibration generator and a wire that defines a cutting loop remote from a first end and a second end. The wire is coupled to the vibration generator in a cutting configuration, and a cutting surface is located on an inner curvature of the cutting loop. A vibration is generated by the vibration generator is transmitted to the cutting loop by the wire when the wire is in tension. The cutting loop can free an embedded end of a vena cava filter from a vessel wall to ease retrieval.