Atherectomy devices including cutting blades having different edge shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atherectomy devices struggle to efficiently treat occlusions comprising heterogeneous mixtures of materials such as calcium, plaque, and collagen due to structural and performance limitations.
Innovation Solution
The atherectomy device features a cutter assembly with multiple cutting elements, each having distinct cutting edges and profiles, including a proximal and distal cutting element with varying cutting shapes and orientations, designed to efficiently cut and remove occlusive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cutting element design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently treat heterogeneous occlusive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter assembly is segmented into multiple cutting elements (first and second cutting elements) with different cutting edge shapes. Each cutting element is designed with specific geometric characteristics to target different material types, allowing the device to handle heterogeneous occlusive materials while maintaining a manageable modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cutter assembly have locally optimized cutting edges tailored to specific material properties. The first cutting element features a first cutting edge shape optimized for certain materials, while the second cutting element has a second cutting edge shape optimized for other materials, enabling localized adaptation to varying occlusive material compositions
2Productivity
If multiple cutting elements with different shapes are used, then cutting efficiency on heterogeneous materials is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is segmented across multiple elements rather than relying on a single complex blade. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific cutting tasks, improving overall productivity while distributing the complexity across modular components that can be manufactured and maintained more easily
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter assembly is designed as a multi-functional system where different cutting elements can address various occlusive material types. This universal design approach allows a single device to perform multiple cutting functions efficiently, enhancing productivity without requiring separate specialized devices for each material type
3Reliability
If conventional cutting elements are used, then the device structure is simple, but material clogging occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting elements incorporate locally optimized geometries with specific edge shapes designed to prevent material accumulation. These localized design features ensure that different materials are cut in a manner that minimizes clogging, maintaining reliable cutting effectiveness throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of heterogeneous material composition into a benefit by using varied cutting edge shapes that are specifically adapted to different material types. This approach transforms the challenge of material diversity into an opportunity for optimized cutting performance across all material types, preventing clogging while enhancing reliability
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An atherectomy device includes an outer sheath and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is disposed within and rotatable relative to the outer sheath. The atherectomy device further includes a cutter assembly including a housing coupled to and extending distally from the outer sheath. The cutter assembly further includes a proximal cutting element rotatably carried by the housing. The proximal cutting element is coupled to and extends distally from the drive shaft, and the proximal cutting element includes at least one proximal cutting blade. The cutter assembly further includes a distal cutting element that is rotatable with the proximal cutting element relative to the housing. The distal cutting element includes a first distal cutting blade that has a first cutting edge and a second distal cutting blade that has a second cutting edge. The first and second cutting edges have different shapes.