Medical Applicator with Shape Memory Alloy for Precision Tissue Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical applicators and catheters face challenges in safely, reliably, and controllably introducing substances into human or animal organs or tissues due to issues with positioning, substance loss, and contamination risks, particularly with flexible and non-malleable materials that are not suitable for video-assisted arthroscopy and endoscopy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A manually bendable applicator with a mechanically connected plastically bendable bending element, made from materials like titanium, allows for precise adaptation to non-linear treatment channels, combined with a filter and a tubular casing for protection and secure substance transport, preventing adhesion and ensuring accurate placement during MRI procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible tubes and cannulas are used for introducing substances into tissue, then ease of insertion is improved, but positioning precision and controllability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a shape memory alloy wire that can dynamically change the catheter's shape in response to temperature changes or external forces, allowing the catheter to transition from a flexible insertion state to a stable positioning state at the target location
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the catheter are changed by incorporating shape memory alloy that responds to temperature or stress parameters, enabling the catheter to maintain different shapes during insertion versus at the final position, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and positioning precision
2Device complexity
If simple syringes and cannulas are used for substance injection, then device complexity is reduced, but substance loss increases due to geometry with corners and edges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible catheter with a smooth, continuous internal surface that eliminates corners and edges where substances can become trapped, allowing complete delivery of the substance while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter design employs curved, continuous surfaces without sharp angles or dead zones, ensuring that the substance flows smoothly through the entire length of the catheter and is completely delivered to the target tissue
3Stability of the object's composition
If deformable catheters with metal wires are used to fix orientation, then shape stability is improved, but adaptability to non-linear treatment channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy wire changes its physical properties (shape, rigidity) in response to environmental parameters such as temperature or applied stress, allowing the catheter to be flexible during insertion and then stabilize into a predetermined shape at the target location
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter transitions from a dynamic, flexible state during insertion to a stable, predetermined shape at the target site through activation of the shape memory alloy, enabling both adaptability and shape stability at different stages of the procedure
4Illumination intensity
If transparent materials are used for the hose, then visibility for positioning is improved, but protection from damage and contamination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent catheter is nested within a protective outer sheath or housing that provides mechanical protection and contamination barrier, while the transparency of the inner catheter allows visual monitoring of substance flow and positioning
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
The solution enables safe, reliable, and controlled introduction of substances into tissues, minimizing substance loss and contamination risks, while allowing for precise positioning and protection from damage, facilitating the application of cell transplants in arthroscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one manually plastically bendable bending element (20) is mechanically connected to said hose (10), by which said hose can be kept in a deformed state after the action of a bending moment acting on the applicator (1)
Data Source
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AI summary
The application-set has an applicator (1) for temporarily retaining and applying a cell-containing and/or gel forming or fluid substance in animal or human organs or tissue. A manual plastic flexible flexural element (20) is connected with a sleeve (10) that is maintained in a warp condition by the flexural element after impacting of bending moments of the sleeve. A fastening device (60) fastens a sleeve cover to the applicator and is mechanically connected with a curved area (51). The sleeve is partially enclosed by the curved area of the sleeve cover that proximally seals the applicator.