Adjustable Wire Snare Loop With Helical Joint for Low-Profile Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snare devices have limitations such as fixed loop sizes, increased diameter due to catheter attachment, unpredictable loop closure, and inability to adjust loop size, which complicates object retrieval in varying vessel sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A snare device with a support and core wire design, where the core wire forms a loop that is adjustable in size by sliding relative to the support, and the distal end of the core wire and support are complementarily shaped and dimensioned helical structures, allowing for a minimal overall diameter and flexible loop adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catheter is inserted over the looped wire to tighten the loop around an object, then the loop can be tightened around the object, but the catheter adds radial size to the device, making the overall diameter relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the catheter component from the snare device design. The wire is no longer inserted through a catheter but is directly advanced through the body lumen, eliminating the radial size addition caused by the catheter while maintaining the loop tightening function
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting the wire through the catheter lumen (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the wire form a loop that is advanced with the catheter positioned alongside or within the loop structure, fundamentally changing the spatial relationship between wire and catheter
2Ease of operation
If the distal loop is positioned completely beyond the distal end of the catheter, then the loop can surround the object, but the loop has a fixed loop size, requiring multiple differently sized snare devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the loop size dynamic and adjustable during the procedure. The wire can be manipulated to change the loop configuration and size, allowing a single device to adapt to different object sizes and anatomical locations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size devices
Solution Approach 2:
The wire is divided into segments that can be independently manipulated. The distal segment forms the loop while the proximal segment remains可控 for adjustment, allowing the loop size to be modified by moving the wire segments relative to each other
3Reliability
If the loop is pulled back into the catheter to tighten, then the loop tightens around the object, but the loop closes or collapses in an unpredictable manner, often resulting in the object escaping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the loop in advance around the target object before final tightening. The loop is pre-configured to surround the object at the desired location, ensuring predictable and reliable capture before the tightening action is completed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a control wire or manipulation device) that mediates the loop closure process, providing controlled and predictable tightening rather than direct pulling that causes unpredictable collapse
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
Enables precise loop sizing and reduced device diameter, facilitating object retrieval in diverse anatomical spaces with enhanced control and safety, minimizing the risk of loop detachment and fracture.
Implementation Method 1
the wire is formed of a shape memory material, such as a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy. The superelastic shape memory property of the material allows the wire segments defining the distal segment to be straightened and collapsed upon one another into an elastically deformed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the distal portion of the core wire and the distal portion of the support are complementarily shaped and complementarily dimensioned helical structures and are fixedly fitted together
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A snare device for retrieving and/or manipulating an object within a space, such as a body lumen. In one embodiment, the snare device includes a support and a core wire. The support includes a proximal portion terminating in a proximal end, a distal portion terminating in a distal end, and a lumen, the lumen extending distally from the proximal end. The core wire is flexible and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the core wire and the distal portion of the support are complementarily shaped and are fixedly fitted together, wherein the core wire forms a loop extending away from the distal end of the support, and wherein the core wire passes through the lumen and emerges from the proximal end of the support. The distal portion of the support and the distal portion of the core wire may be complementarily dimensioned helical structures.