Adjustable Stop for Catheter Deflection Wire Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deflection mechanisms for elongate medical devices, such as catheters, face challenges in precise steering due to limitations in tension application and wire management, leading to potential bending or buckling of activation wires when pushing forces are applied.
Innovation Solution
A deflection mechanism featuring a rotatable actuator body with a channel and adjustable stops, where wire locks ride within the channel to distribute tension evenly, preventing pushing forces from causing wire bending or buckling, and allowing for precise directional control of the catheter shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional deflection mechanisms apply tension to activation wires, then steering control is achieved, but pushing forces cause wire bending or buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple recesses along its length, with adjustable stops positioned in different recesses to create segmented tension zones. This allows different sections of the activation wire to be tensioned independently, preventing buckling while maintaining steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable stops act as intermediary elements between the actuator and activation wires. These stops transmit tension forces while preventing pushing forces from causing wire buckling, thereby protecting wire structural integrity during steering operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed stops are used in the channel, then wire position is constrained, but adaptability to different wire lengths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stops are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing their positions to be dynamically modified. This enables the same channel structure to accommodate activation wires of varying lengths while maintaining precise position control through the recess system.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameters of the stops can be changed to match different wire lengths. By adjusting stop positions along the channel, the system adapts to various wire lengths while maintaining the precision benefits of the recess-based positioning system.
3Speed
If tension is applied unevenly to activation wires, then steering response is achieved, but wire durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the channel have different recess configurations, creating localized tension zones. This ensures that tension is distributed evenly across different wire sections rather than concentrating stress at single points, improving wire durability while maintaining steering response.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable stops are positioned in advance to distribute tension evenly before excessive forces can damage the wires. This preventive tension distribution protects wire durability while enabling responsive steering control.
Data Source
AI summary
A deflection mechanism for an elongate medical device may comprise an actuator. The actuator may comprise a rotatable body comprising a channel, the channel comprising a plurality of recesses. The deflection mechanism may further comprises an activation wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a wire lock attached to the proximal end of the activation wire. The wire lock may be disposed within the channel and configured to ride therein when the actuator body is rotated. An adjustable stop may be placed in one or more of the recesses of the channel so as to apply a force to the wire lock as the actuator is rotated so as to increase tension on the activation wire.