Vascular Sealing Device Locking Hub Ratchet Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vascular closure devices face issues with proper placement and sealing of sealing plugs, leading to complications such as bleeding due to over-tamping and repositioning of the plug, which compromises the seal.

Innovation Solution

A tissue puncture closure device featuring a filament with an anchor and a locking apparatus, including a strap and hub with a ratchet mechanism, compresses a collagen sponge sealing plug toward the anchor to secure it in place, preventing over-tamping and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual tamping is used to compress the sealing plug, then the sealing plug can be positioned at the hole, but the sealing plug may expand, move, or reposition itself compromising the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing plug positionVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking apparatus is pre-positioned adjacent to the sealing plug before tamping occurs. The hub and strap mechanism is prepared in advance to engage with the sealing plug, so that once tamping compresses the plug, the locking apparatus can immediately secure it in place without allowing subsequent movement or repositioning that would compromise the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tamping force and the sealing plug. Instead of relying solely on manual tamping to maintain seal integrity, the locking apparatus mediates by providing a mechanical locking structure that prevents the sealing plug from moving or expanding beyond its intended position, thereby preserving seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual tamping is used to compress the sealing plug, then the sealing plug can be positioned at the hole, but over-tamping may push a portion of the plug into the vessel causing complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing plug compressionVSAvoidvessel complications

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking apparatus with its predefined engagement geometry is prepared in advance adjacent to the sealing plug. The hub and strap are positioned so that they will engage with the sealing plug at a specific compression point. This preliminary positioning establishes a mechanical stop that prevents over-tamping from pushing the sealing plug into the vessel, thereby avoiding vessel complications while still achieving adequate compression for sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a locking apparatus is added to prevent sealing plug movement, then seal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidclosure device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a hub portion that engages with the sealing plug, a strap portion that provides the locking mechanism, and a ratchet system that prevents reversal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular nature of the segmented design reduces the complexity burden compared to a monolithic locking structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex active mechanism to push the sealing plug into place and hold it, the invention uses a passive locking approach where the sealing plug itself engages with the locking apparatus through its own expansion and movement during normal sealing. The ratchet mechanism allows movement in the sealing direction but automatically locks in the opposite direction, inverting the traditional active-control approach into a passive self-locking system that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 device effectively seals the tissue puncture by compressing the sealing plug against the anchor, reducing bleeding and complications associated with over-tamping and repositioning, while ensuring a secure and stable seal.

Implementation Method 1

The strap and hub comprise a ratchet such that the hub may advance in a first direction, but may not retract opposite of the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

the hub may include a nut with a flexible internal finger biased to engage the plurality of sloping teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

compressing the sealing plug toward the anchor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8337522B2Vascular sealing device with locking hub

Publication Date: 2012.12.25 TERUMO PUERTO RICO L L C

AI summary

An internal tissue puncture closure method and apparatus. The method and apparatus provide a locking device for compressing and holding an external component such as a collagen sponge at a puncture situs. The locking device facilitates compression of the external component in a first direction, but prevents or locks against retraction.