Anchored Fluid Delivery Catheter for Stable Entry Site Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in delivering biologics to targeted areas of the nervous system is maintaining the position of the distal exit port of the delivery tool within the patient's anatomy to prevent movement and ensure accurate dosing, while minimizing biologic waste.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and re-deployable anchoring system using coaxial sheaths and control mechanisms to secure the delivery device, allowing for controlled expansion and contraction of anchor elements at the distal region to stabilize the catheter within the anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery catheter is made flexible to navigate the vascular system, then the catheter can reach distant target areas, but the catheter becomes susceptible to movement and displacement from the target site
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system employs dynamic anchors that can transition between deployed and retracted states. The anchors are initially retracted to allow catheter insertion and navigation, then deployed at the target site to provide stability. This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt its properties during different procedural phases, resolving the contradiction between flexibility during insertion and stability during dosing.
2Measurement precision
If the distal exit port is positioned deep within the anatomy to reach the target tissue, then accurate dosing can be achieved, but the port becomes more vulnerable to complete removal during patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor elements are deployed at the target site before dosing begins, establishing a secure foundation that prevents subsequent displacement. This preliminary anchoring action ensures that the distal exit port remains in the precise position needed for accurate dosing throughout the procedure, even as the patient moves or breathes.
3Reliability
If the catheter is secured firmly to prevent movement, then dosing accuracy is maintained, but the catheter may cause tissue damage or discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system applies stability only at the distal end where the catheter contacts the target tissue, while the proximal portion remains flexible and non-invasive. The anchors are designed to engage with tissue in a controlled manner that provides secure positioning without causing excessive damage or discomfort, localizing the anchoring function to where it is most needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery catheter includes an elongated outer sheath and an elongated inner body co-axially and slidably positioned within the outer sheath. At least one anchor is positioned on a distal region of the elongated inner body, wherein the at least one anchor transitions between an expanded state and a retracted state and wherein the at least one anchor transitions between the expanded state and the retracted state based upon relative movement between the inner body and the outer sheath. A control handle is positioned on a proximal region of the fluid delivery catheter, wherein the control handle is actuated to achieve relative movement between the inner body and the outer sheath.