Fly-By-Wire Atherectomy Control With Directional Force Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing atherectomy devices struggle with inconsistent feedback and control during both anterograde and retrograde ablation, leading to potential tissue damage and occlusion risks due to unpredictable force application.

Innovation Solution

Atherectomy systems incorporating a controller that receives input from sensors and adjusts feedback and movement based on direction, using active or passive feedback generators to provide predictable force feedback and autonomous ablation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms are used in atherectomy devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the feedback consistency and control precision deteriorate during anterograde and retrograde ablation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a fly-by-wire control system with active feedback generators that provide real-time force feedback to the operator during both anterograde and retrograde ablation. Sensors detect ablation forces and the controller adjusts feedback signals dynamically, ensuring consistent and predictable force application regardless of ablation direction, thereby resolving the feedback consistency issue without oversimplifying the control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback transmission mechanisms with an electronic fly-by-wire control system. Instead of direct mechanical coupling between the atherectomy tool and feedback mechanisms, the system uses sensors, controllers, and electronic signal processing to transmit and adjust feedback information, enabling precise control while maintaining system integrity during bidirectional ablation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If high force is applied during retrograde ablation to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but tissue damage and occlusion risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic feedback adjustment where the controller modifies feedback characteristics based on ablation direction and real-time sensor data. During retrograde ablation, the system dynamically adjusts feedback gain and damping parameters to maintain optimal force levels that maximize ablation efficiency while preventing excessive force application that could cause tissue damage or occlusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes feedback parameters dynamically based on ablation direction. The controller receives direction information from sensors and adjusts feedback signal characteristics including magnitude, phase, and damping ratio. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize productivity during retrograde ablation while maintaining safety margins to prevent tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the user interface provides direct mechanical coupling to the drive assembly, then ease of operation improves, but control precision and force management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface operabilityVSAvoidforce control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fly-by-wire control system as an intermediary between the user interface and the drive assembly. The user interface sends electronic command signals to the controller, which processes sensor feedback and generates precise drive assembly control signals. This intermediary electronic control layer maintains ease of operation while achieving superior force control precision compared to direct mechanical coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances control and safety by providing differentiated feedback for anterograde and retrograde ablation, reducing tissue damage and occlusion risks through improved force management.

Implementation Method 1

an active feedback generator adapted to alter a feel of the user interface in response to a received feedback signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS12594092B2Fly by wire control for atherectomy

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An atherectomy system includes a user interface that an operator engages with in order to indicate requested movement of a drive assembly. One or more sensors are adapted to ascertain one or more conditions of the drive assembly and to output one or more condition signals to a controller that is operably coupled with the operator assembly and the drive assembly. The controller is adapted to receive the request signal from the operator assembly and the one or more condition signals, to determine a command signal in response to the received request signal and the received one or more condition signals, and provide the command signal to the drive assembly. The drive assembly is adapted to move relative to the advancer assembly in accordance with the command signal.