Articulable Catheter with Nested Segments for Valve Leaflet Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical treatment devices lack effective methods for removing clips, cysts, and modifying or removing luminal valve leaflets, which are essential for cardiac valve diagnosis and treatment, particularly when replacing or repairing valves.

Innovation Solution

The development of advanced catheter systems and robotic manipulators equipped with cutting, grasping, and articulating capabilities, allowing for precise removal or modification of cardiac valve leaflets, including the use of electrosurgical devices and ultrasonic transducers, to facilitate procedures such as cutting, reshaping, or removing valve structures for replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional catheter devices are used for cardiac valve procedures, then the device structure is simple, but the capability to remove clips, cysts, and modify valve leaflets is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to remove clips, cysts, and modify valve leafletsVSAvoidcatheter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments including an outer catheter body, an intermediate catheter, and an inner catheter that can be independently advanced and retracted. Each segment serves specific functions such as delivery, manipulation, and cutting, allowing the system to perform multiple procedures with a single integrated device while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter system integrates multiple functions including grasping, cutting, removing clips and cysts, and modifying valve leaflets within a single device platform. The articulating distal end with multiple degrees of freedom enables the catheter to perform diverse surgical tasks without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby improving versatility while maintaining structural organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If rigid catheter structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to navigate complex anatomical pathways and articulate at the distal end is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistal end articulation capabilityVSAvoidcatheter structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms at the distal end that allow the structure to change its configuration from straight to bent states with multiple degrees of freedom. The articulating segments can be actively controlled to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining structural integrity through controlled deformation rather than rigid fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter employs a nested structure where an intermediate catheter is disposed within an outer catheter, and an inner catheter is disposed within the intermediate catheter. This nested arrangement allows each layer to provide structural support while enabling the innermost articulating section to achieve complex movements without compromising the overall structural stability of the outer layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If minimally invasive procedures are performed, then patient trauma is reduced, but the precision and control for complex valve modifications are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient traumaVSAvoidvalve leaflet modification precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter system replaces traditional open surgical mechanical approaches with a minimally invasive catheter-based system that delivers cutting and manipulation tools directly to the target site through vascular access. Electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy are used instead of large mechanical instruments, reducing patient trauma while maintaining precise control over valve leaflet modification through the articulating distal end and push-pull actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and minimally invasive procedures for cardiac valve interventions, allowing for the removal of unwanted structures, preparation for replacement valves, and performing various surgical procedures across the body, including cardiac, venous, and other anatomical structures with improved precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

electrosurgical devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion to thermal energy: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

ultrasonic transducers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12133962B2Catheters and manipulators with articulable ends

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 TRANSMURAL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

The disclosure provides various embodiments of catheters having articulable ends that can be used for various procedures. Embodiments of methods are also provided that can be performed with catheters in accordance with the present disclosure.