Variable Length Balloon Retrieval Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endovascular delivery devices face challenges in efficiently refolding and retrieving the balloon after deploying a prosthetic heart valve, leading to high retrieval forces due to the balloon's inability to revert to its compact state, making removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
A delivery apparatus with an inflatable balloon that features an adjustable length mechanism, utilizing an inflation hub assembly with a piston and manifold, allowing the balloon to elongate after deflation, which reduces its profile and facilitates easier retrieval by moving the piston distally relative to the manifold, thereby reducing retrieval forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the balloon is tightly folded into a compact state during manufacturing to minimize crimp profile, then the delivery apparatus achieves a compact delivery profile, but the balloon cannot refold efficiently after deflation, resulting in high retrieval forces
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is designed with a variable length capability through an adjustable mechanism (such as a cut section or telescoping structure) that allows the balloon length to change dynamically. During delivery, the balloon is in a compressed state with reduced length, and after deflation, the balloon can be extended to a longer state to facilitate refolding and reduce retrieval forces, resolving the contradiction between compact delivery profile and easy retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of balloon length from a fixed value to a variable value. By implementing a mechanism that allows the balloon to transition between different length states (compressed during delivery, extended during retrieval), the system optimizes both the delivery profile and the retrieval characteristics, eliminating the need for high retrieval forces
2Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to deliver the prosthetic valve, then the prosthetic valve is successfully expanded and anchored, but the balloon does not refold efficiently after deflation, making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The variable length mechanism allows the balloon to dynamically adjust its length based on the operational phase. During valve deployment, the balloon maintains its functional length for reliable expansion. After deflation, the balloon length is increased through the adjustment mechanism, enabling efficient refolding and easy catheter removal, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable deployment and ease of removal
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery apparatus comprises a handle, a first shaft, and a second shaft. The first shaft extends through and is movable axially relative to the second shaft. The delivery apparatus comprises an inflatable balloon having a proximal end portion coupled to the second shaft and a distal end portion of the balloon coupled to the first shaft. An inflation hub assembly comprises an inflation manifold and a piston, wherein the inflation manifold comprises a main body defining a main lumen and an inflation port defining an inflation port lumen. The piston extends into the main lumen and is slidable relative to the inflation manifold. A proximal end portion of the first shaft is coupled to the piston. The piston is moveable relative to the inflation manifold in proximal and distal directions to produce movement of the first shaft and adjust the length of the balloon.