Atherectomy Knob Assembly for Precise Drive Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for treating atherosclerosis, such as rotational atherectomy devices, lack effective mechanisms for precisely controlling the operation of drive mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in plaque removal.
Innovation Solution
Atherectomy devices with a knob assembly that includes a slide adaptor, knob body, and actuator, allowing for precise adjustment of the drive mechanism between on and off modes, and longitudinal translation along a fixed path, facilitated by a switch and printed circuit board for electrical communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotational atherectomy device is used to remove plaque from blood vessels, then the stenotic lesion material can be removed, but the device lacks effective mechanisms for precisely controlling the operation of drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a drive mechanism housing containing the motor, a knob assembly for manual control, and a drive shaft connecting to the rotational element. This segmentation allows precise control of the drive mechanism through the knob assembly while keeping the overall device structure organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive shaft acts as an intermediary element between the drive mechanism (motor) and the rotational element (abrasive tip). This intermediary allows for precise transmission of rotational motion and control from the drive mechanism to the working end of the device, enabling accurate plaque removal while maintaining control over the entire system.
2Productivity
If the drive mechanism operates without precise control, then the device structure remains simple, but the efficiency of plaque removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is designed with dynamic control capabilities through the knob assembly that can adjust the operation of the drive mechanism in real-time. The drive shaft can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the rotational element, allowing the system to adapt its operation for optimal plaque removal efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism allows for parameter changes in terms of rotational speed and engagement state through the knob assembly control. By adjusting these parameters, the device can optimize its plaque removal efficiency without requiring complex control mechanisms, as the adjustments are made through straightforward mechanical means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the knob assembly allows longitudinal translation along a fixed path, then the axial position of the drive mechanism can be adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The knob assembly enables adjustment of the drive mechanism's axial position along a fixed longitudinal path, adding a dimensional degree of freedom to the device. This allows the operator to position the drive mechanism at different axial locations for optimal performance while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through the knob's translational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob assembly serves multiple functions: it controls the on/off state of the drive mechanism, adjusts the axial position along a fixed path, and provides mechanical coupling between the drive mechanism and the drive shaft. This multi-functionality achieves versatile axial position adjustment without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical systems and methods for making and using medical systems are disclosed. Example medical systems may include an atherectomy system configured to engage and remove plaque from walls in vessels of a vascular system. The atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a rotational tip coupled to an end of the drive shaft, a drive mechanism coupled to the drive shaft to rotate the rotational tip, a control unit configured to control operation of the drive mechanism, and a knob assembly configured to facilitate longitudinal movement of the drive shaft, the rotational tip, and/or the drive mechanism. In some cases, the knob assembly may be configured to initiate adjustment of a mode of the drive mechanism in response to actuation of an actuator in the knob assembly.