Aortic Valve Delivery Spindle Sensing for Accurate Prosthesis Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical device loading processes for delivery catheters are prone to mis-identification, requiring extensive user training and fluoroscopic verification, which delays procedures and exposes personnel to radiation.

Innovation Solution

A prosthesis delivery system with sensors positioned to detect the proper loading of implantable medical devices, providing visual, audio, or haptic feedback through an indicator to ensure correct alignment and attachment of the device to the delivery catheter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluoroscopic verification is used to check proper loading of the medical device, then loading accuracy is improved, but procedure time increases and radiation exposure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fluoroscopic verification system (radiation-based imaging) with a mechanical sensor system that detects proper loading through physical contact or proximity sensing between the medical device and the delivery catheter, eliminating the need for radiation exposure while maintaining loading accuracy verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery catheter system performs self-verification of proper loading through integrated sensors that automatically detect whether the medical device is correctly positioned and secured on the catheter, eliminating the need for external fluoroscopic verification and reducing procedure time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If fluoroscopic verification is used to check proper loading of the medical device, then loading accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to personnel occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of radiation exposure into a benefit by using non-radiation-based sensing mechanisms that provide equivalent or superior verification capability, thereby protecting personnel while achieving the same loading accuracy verification goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If extensive user training is provided for loading processes, then loading accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading accuracyVSAvoidloading procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback to the operator about the loading status of the medical device, indicating through visual, auditory, or tactile signals whether the device is properly positioned and secured, thereby improving loading accuracy without requiring extensive user training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery catheter system performs self-verification of proper loading through integrated sensors that automatically detect whether the medical device is correctly positioned and secured on the catheter, eliminating the need for extensive user training and reducing procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12539210B2Transcatheter aortic valve seating sensor

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 MEDTRONIC VASCULAR INC

AI summary

A delivery system for delivering a prosthesis includes a spindle for securing a stent to a shaft. The spindle includes at least one pocket for receiving a paddle of the stent. The delivery system also includes at least one sensor positioned within the at least one pocket and configured to detect a presence of the paddle relative to the at least one pocket.