Atherectomy Catheter Drive Assembly With OCT Rotary Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional atherectomy devices are hindered by the need for large, cumbersome, and expensive drive assemblies to control the rotation and axial translation of the atherectomy cutter, limiting their market adoption.
Innovation Solution
The development of drive assemblies for catheters that incorporate a rotatable cutter and on-board imaging, featuring a fiber optic rotating junction, motor, and optical connections to transmit torque and light, with a locking mechanism for alignment and a sensor to stop the motor at a predetermined rotational position, reducing the size and weight of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional drive assemblies are used to control rotation and axial translation of the atherectomy cutter, then the cutter can be effectively controlled, but the drive assembly becomes large, cumbersome, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a motor module for rotation, a separate mechanism for axial translation, and a coupling system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through integrated components. The motor serves both rotational drive and positioning functions, while the coupling mechanism handles both torque transmission and axial movement control, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
2Ease of operation
If traditional drive assemblies are used to control rotation and axial translation of the atherectomy cutter, then the cutter can be effectively controlled, but the drive assembly becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Complex and expensive components are extracted or replaced with simpler alternatives. Traditional sophisticated transmission mechanisms are replaced with direct-drive motor configurations and simplified coupling elements, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates cost-effective components that can be manufactured economically. Certain wear-prone or complex parts are designed as replaceable or disposable elements, reducing overall system cost by using cheaper materials and simpler construction methods.
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 drive assemblies provide efficient rotation and translation of the cutter while maintaining optical coherence tomography imaging, achieving a compact and cost-effective solution that enhances atherectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic rotating junction having a stationary portion with a stationary fiber therein and a rotatable portion with a rotatable fiber therein
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the fiber optic rotating junction
Data Source
AI summary
A drive assembly for driving an imaging catheter has a rotatable fiber and a rotatable drive shaft. The drive assembly includes a fiber optic rotating junction and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the fiber optic rotating junction. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the fiber optic rotating junction and a processor configured to obtain the detected rotational position and stop the motor only when the fiber optic rotating junction is in a predetermined rotational position. In some embodiments, the motor includes a hollow shaft through which at least a portion of the fiber optic rotating junction extends.