Catheter and system for using same

Abstract

The present invention describes a system for controlling a thin flexible thermoplastic catheter. The system includes a plurality of shape memory alloy filaments attached to the distal end of the catheter, each filament having a phase and a temperature; a means for receiving a strain value for at least one of the filaments; a means for determining the phase change that will results in the strain value, whereby the phase change is dependent on the temperature and the temperature is dependent on a voltage; and a means for setting the voltage in each filament thereby resulting in movement of the catheter. In addition, a three-degrees of freedom force sensor measures the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the tip of the catheter. The catheter can be autonomously guided or it can be interfaced to a haptic device. The catheter can also be fitted with microtools.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to catheters and in particular a haptically controlled active catheter instrumented with shape memory alloy actuators and a three degrees of freedom force sensor.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into the blood vessel for removal of blockages in blood flow. In the conventional approach, the catheter is inserted into the body through the femoral artery and is guided through the lumen of the blood vessel till it reaches a blockage. A stent (superelastic Shape Memory Alloy) is then deployed to open the blood vessel at the blockage and let normal blood flow resume. The surgeon is provided with images that are obtained either by X-ray imaging or by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. These images enable the healthcare provider to track the end point of the catheter (position in absolute coordinates) in real time and determine the future course of insertion.[00...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There are a number of problems associated with the conventional way of performing angioplasty.

The repeated insertion of the catheter through several trials could tear the blood vessel at the junction and cause heavy bleeding.

This could also result in prolonged operating times and fatigue to clinicians and patients.

The surgeon has no method of estimating the amount of force that is being applied by the tip of the catheter on the walls of the blood vessel.

Excessive pressure could rupture the blood vessel with dire consequences.

The healthcare provider could have prolonged exposure to radiation or be subjected to a high-level of noise caused by the machinery generating magnetic fields for MRI.

These pose danger or discomfort to the healthcare providers who perform the procedure over a prolonged period of time.

Another problem with the present procedure of Angioplasty is restenosis.

Images