Transcatheter Valve Delivery Handle With Tactile Release Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face challenges in simultaneously controlling the release of interventional devices due to short release strokes and delays in imaging feedback during transcatheter procedures, making it difficult to coordinate handle release with imaging conditions.

Innovation Solution

A transcatheter delivery system with a catheter assembly and control handle featuring sliding and rotatable components, including driving mechanisms, indicator members, and elastic members that provide tactile and sound feedback to enhance operational control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operator relies on visual imaging feedback to determine release timing, then the release accuracy can be improved, but the control difficulty increases due to delays in imaging feedback and short release stroke

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease timing accuracyVSAvoidcontrol difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a tactile feedback mechanism through an indicator member that provides direct physical sensation to the operator during the release process. The indicator member moves relative to the driven member and provides tactile cues at specific release positions, enabling the operator to sense the release progress without relying solely on delayed imaging feedback. This direct feedback loop resolves the contradiction by making the release timing both accurate and easy to control simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator member acts as an intermediary between the mechanical release mechanism and the operator's perception system. It translates the internal mechanical movements (which are not directly observable) into external tactile signals that the operator can sense. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the short release stroke and the operator's need for timely feedback, improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the release stroke is made short to improve precision, then the release timing control is improved, but the operator's ability to simultaneously monitor handle release and imaging conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease timing controlVSAvoidoperator monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tactile feedback mechanism simplifies the operator's monitoring task by providing direct physical cues about release progress. Instead of needing to simultaneously track multiple visual parameters (handle position, imaging feedback, release stroke), the operator can rely on tactile sensations from the indicator member, reducing the cognitive and visual load while maintaining precise timing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If traditional sliding mechanisms are used for the driving mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the operator experience deteriorates due to lack of tactile feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving mechanism structureVSAvoidoperator experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator member integrated with the driven member creates a tactile feedback system that enhances operator experience without significantly complicating the driving mechanism. The relative movement between the indicator member and driven member generates natural tactile cues during rotation and release, providing the operator with sensory information about the device state while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides enhanced operational control and improved clinical experience by offering timely tactile and sound feedback, allowing operators to accurately judge the progress of interventional device delivery, release, and retrieval.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member connected to the driven member. When the elastic member moves axially with the driven member to the position corresponding to the indicator member, the interaction between the elastic member and the indicator member provides a tactile feedback and/or a sound feedback.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4640185A1Transcatheter delivery system and method for releasing artificial heart valve
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 VENUS MEDTECH (HANGZHOU) INC
  • EP4640185A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640185A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4c
  • EP4640185A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A transcatheter delivery system, comprising a catheter assembly (2) and a control handle (3) connected to a proximal end of the catheter assembly (2). The control handle (3) comprises a first handle (30) and multiple sets of driving mechanisms (4), wherein one set of driving mechanisms (4) comprises : a driven member (41) slidably mounted on the first handle (30) in an axial direction and used for being connected to a corresponding outer sheath tube (22); and a driving member (42) rotatably mounted on the first handle (30), provided with an internal thread (422), and located on the outer periphery of the driven member (41), wherein the driven member (41) is provided with transmission teeth (412) that match the internal thread (422). The control handle (3) further comprises a prompt clamping tooth (60) connected to the driving member (42) and an elastic member (7) linked to the driven member (41). When the elastic member (7) moves axially along with the driven member (41) to correspond to the position of the prompt clamping tooth (60), the elastic member (7) and the prompt clamping tooth (60) interact with each other to provide a hand feeling response and/or a sound response. The delivery system can achieve a better control effect, thus improving the operation experience of operators such as clinicians.