Variable Thickness Tacking Device Spring Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing tissue perforations, such as suturing and mechanical devices, are time-consuming, unreliable, and prone to leakage due to difficulties in accommodating variations in tissue and graft thickness during translumenal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tacking device with a spring member that biases to extend distally, allowing it to capture tissues and grafts of varying thicknesses, and a deployment system using a catheter and outer sheath to ensure proper placement and compression, preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suturing techniques are used to secure graft material to tissue, then the graft can be secured to surrounding tissue, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual suturing (mechanical threading and tying) with a mechanically actuated tacking device that uses a spring-loaded mechanism to automatically drive tacks through tissue and graft material, eliminating the need for manual needle handling and knot tying while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member automatically extends to advance the tacking member through tissue and graft material without requiring manual manipulation, and the ratchet mechanism automatically locks the tacking member in place after deployment, making the device self-operating once positioned
2Ease of operation
If fixed-length mechanical tacking devices are used to engage tissue, then deployment can be simplified, but the devices cannot accommodate variations in tissue and graft thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member provides a dynamic, adjustable length mechanism that automatically adapts to varying combined thicknesses of tissue and graft material. The spring compresses or extends based on the actual thickness encountered, allowing the tacking device to maintain proper engagement depth across different anatomical variations without requiring multiple fixed-length device options
Solution Approach 2:
The effective length of the tacking device is changed by varying the compression state of the spring member. By adjusting spring compression during loading or allowing automatic adjustment during deployment, the device adapts its engagement depth to match the specific thickness of tissue and graft material at the target site
3Device complexity
If mechanical tacking devices are used with improper estimation of tissue and graft thickness, then deployment may be simplified, but gap formations and potential leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member dynamically adjusts the engagement depth to ensure the tacking member penetrates through both tissue and graft material with appropriate depth. The spring's elastic properties allow it to compensate for thickness variations, ensuring consistent compression and sealing force that prevents gap formation and fluid leakage regardless of initial thickness estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member provides mechanical feedback through its compression resistance, allowing the operator to sense when the tacking member has achieved proper penetration depth. The spring's force characteristics give tactile feedback that confirms adequate engagement through tissue and graft, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring precise pre-measurement of thickness
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 tacking device effectively secures grafts to tissues, accommodating thickness variations and preventing fluid leakage, facilitating reliable closure of bodily openings regardless of tissue and graft thickness.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member, which surrounds the main body, has a proximal end that contacts the proximal base member. The spring member has a relaxed state in which it is biased to extend distally towards the at least one tissue engaging member
Implementation Method 2
the spring member has a relaxed state in which it is biased to extend distally towards the at least one tissue engaging member, and further has a compressed state in which the distal end of the spring member is spaced further apart from the at least one tissue engaging member
Data Source
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AI summary
The present embodiments provide a tacking device for engaging tissue, which may be useful for coupling a graft member to tissue or facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one embodiment, the tacking device comprises a main body having proximal and distal ends, a proximal base member disposed at the proximal end of the main body, and at least one tissue engaging member disposed at the distal end of the main body. A spring member is disposed to surround the main body and extends from the proximal base member. In use, the spring member has a relaxed state in which it is biased to extend distally towards the at least one tissue engaging member, and further has a compressed state in which the distal end of the spring member is spaced further apart from the at least one tissue engaging member. Therefore, one or more tissue segments of varying thickness are adapted to be captured between the distal end of the spring member and the at least one tissue engaging member. A delivery system and methods for deploying the tacking device also are provided.