Vascular Snare With Independent Nitinol Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retrieval devices for foreign objects in the body, such as vascular stents and medical components, face challenges in effectively capturing and removing objects due to complex loop connections and limited independent movement, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A snare design featuring three loops with distinct crossover points and independent movement capabilities, formed from materials like nitinol wire, allowing for open and closed positions to capture objects, and a core cable with a tapered distal end for enhanced navigation within body vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If loops are connected at multiple points to maintain geometry, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the joinder points that connected loops at multiple locations, extracting only the essential connection element (distal end portions) to maintain loop geometry while reducing complexity. The loops are connected solely at their distal end portions, eliminating unnecessary connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the loop connection function to occur only at the distal end portions, separating this connection function from the mid-portions of the loops. This segmentation allows mid-portions to move independently while maintaining overall structural stability through distal connections.
2Reliability
If loops are connected together to prevent disconnection, then reliability is improved, but independent movement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loops so they are disconnected at mid-portions but connected at distal end portions. This segmentation enables mid-portions to move independently for capturing objects while distal connections maintain overall reliability and prevent complete loop disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where loops can transition between connected and disconnected states during operation. The loops are flexible and can move independently when not actively capturing, then connect reliably when needed for retrieval.
3Stability of the object's composition
If loops are made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different object sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible wire loops that can bend and deform to adapt to different object sizes and shapes. The wire material provides flexibility while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to capture and retrieve objects of varying dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic loop structure that can change its configuration from an open, extended state for accessing objects to a closed, constricted state for capturing objects. This dynamic behavior allows the same loop structure to adapt to different object sizes while maintaining shape stability during each operational phase.
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 snare effectively captures and retrieves foreign objects by allowing independent movement of loops and reducing complexity through secure connections, improving capture efficiency and reducing the likelihood of deformation during advancement.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the loops may be formed from multiple strands of nitinol wire
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the loops may be formed from multiple strands of nitinol wire
Data Source
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AI summary
A snare for snaring an article in a vessel of a vascular system or other body vessel. The snare includes a core cable having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The snare also includes first, second and third loops each having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and a mid-portion therebetween formed by spaced apart first and second sides connected together at the distal end portion of the loop. The mid-portions of each of the loops cross over mid portions of one of the other two loops, and the loops are only connected together at their proximal end portions, where they are gathered together and attached to the distal end portion of the core cable. The loops are movable between an open position and a closed position.