Aortic Dissection Catheter Assembly With Controlled Membrane Slitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter assemblies for treating aortic dissection face challenges such as difficulty in widening the true lumen, risk of injuring the aortic wall, and cumbersome handling, making it hard to insert an endoprosthesis and ensure adequate blood supply to organs.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly comprising an elongate first catheter with a movable second catheter end portion that transitions between states, allowing for precise slitting of the dissection membrane using a flexible, biased design and an energized cutting wire, facilitated by a manipulation handle for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing catheter assemblies are used for slitting dissection membrane, then the procedure can be performed, but the true lumen cannot be suitably widened and blood supply to organs cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The second catheter end portion is designed to be movable relative to the first catheter, transitioning between a first state (retracted within the first catheter) and a second state (extended through the opening). This dynamic configuration allows the catheter assembly to adapt its shape during the procedure, enabling precise slitting of the dissection membrane while maintaining ease of handling during insertion and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a first catheter for insertion and positioning, and a second catheter end portion for slitting the dissection membrane. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability of lumen widening while maintaining ease of operation through specialized design of each segment.
2Reliability
If existing instruments are used for slitting dissection membrane, then the procedure can be performed, but there is a risk of injuring the aortic wall
Solution Approach 1:
The first catheter serves as an intermediary protective structure that guides and constrains the second catheter end portion during the slitting procedure. The second catheter is disposed within the lumen of the first catheter and extends through an opening, allowing controlled interaction with the dissection membrane while the first catheter prevents direct contact with and potential injury to the aortic wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The second catheter end portion is designed with flexibility, allowing it to conform to the dissection membrane during slitting while maintaining control. This flexible design enables precise cutting action without rigid contact that could injure the aortic wall, balancing safety with procedural effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If existing catheter assemblies are used, then the procedure can be performed, but handling is comparatively challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second catheter end portion provides dynamic control during the slitting procedure. It can be positioned precisely when needed for cutting and retracted when not in use, maintaining ease of handling throughout the procedure while achieving high precision during the critical slitting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The second catheter is nested within the first catheter, with the second catheter end portion disposed within the lumen of the first catheter. This nested configuration allows both components to be handled as a unified assembly during insertion and positioning, improving ease of operation while enabling precise deployment of the slitting function when required.
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 slitting of the dissection membrane with reduced risk of aortic wall injury, allowing for improved blood supply and potential endoprosthesis insertion, enhancing the safety and efficacy of aortic treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting wire extending through the lumen of the first catheter, the cutting wire being configured to be energized with electrical current and configured to slit the dissection membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a catheter assembly for slitting a dissection membrane of an aorta of a patient which comprises an elongate first catheter (2) and an elongate second catheter (4). The elongate first catheter (2) has a lumen (24) extending therethrough and a first catheter end portion (22) configured to be inserted into a lumen of an aorta of a patient. The first catheter end portion (22) defines a first direction (d1) and comprises an opening (26). The lumen (24) of the first catheter end portion (22) opens into an external space (A) via the opening (26). The elongate second catheter (4) is disposed movably within the lumen (24) of the first catheter (2) and has a second catheter end portion (42). The second catheter end portion (42) is movable relative to the first catheter (2) between a first state and a second state. When in the first state, the second catheter end portion (42) is disposed at least essentially within the lumen (24) of the first catheter (2). When in the second state, the second catheter end portion (42) extends through the opening (26) into the external space (A) outside of the first catheter (2). The second catheter end portion (42) is flexible and has a free end (44) which defines a free end direction (df) in dependence on a flexural state of the second catheter end portion (42). The second catheter end portion (42) is configured such that, when the second catheter end portion (42) is in the first state, the free end (44) assumes a first orientation relative to the first catheter end portion (22), and, when the second catheter end portion (42) is in the second state, the free end (44) assumes a second orientation relative to the first catheter end portion (22), wherein the second orientation differs from the first orientation.