Atherectomy Motor PWM Tactile Feedback for Torque Limit Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current atherectomy devices face challenges in effectively removing occlusive material from body lumens without damaging surrounding vessel walls or previously implanted stents, and in providing real-time feedback to operators regarding motor performance parameters.
Innovation Solution
An atherectomy device system with a control system that uses high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signals to monitor and regulate motor performance parameters, such as torque and speed, and adds a low frequency PWM signal to produce tactile and audible feedback when parameters approach or exceed thresholds, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high frequency PWM drive signal is used to operate the drive motor, then motor performance can be regulated, but real-time feedback to operators regarding motor performance parameters is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to operators about motor performance parameters. When motor torque or speed approaches predefined thresholds, the system generates tactile signals through vibration motors or audible alerts, enabling operators to immediately感知 critical conditions without continuously monitoring displays.
2Productivity
If motor torque and speed are increased to improve occlusion removal efficiency, then productivity increases, but risk of damage to vessel walls or stents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is pre-programmed with safe operating thresholds for motor torque and speed specific to different atherectomy burr sizes and tissue types. Before operation begins, these safety parameters are configured, and the system automatically prevents operation beyond these pre-established limits, eliminating the need for operators to manually judge safe operating conditions during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors motor torque and speed parameters and provides real-time tactile feedback to operators when approaching unsafe thresholds. This immediate feedback loop allows operators to adjust their actions before damage occurs, maintaining high productivity while preventing harmful effects to vessel walls or stents.
3Reliability
If tactile feedback signals are added to alert operators of approaching performance limits, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates tactile feedback components (vibration motors, audible alerters) that are triggered by software-based threshold monitoring. The feedback mechanism uses simple binary states (below threshold/above threshold) rather than complex continuous displays, providing reliable safety information while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex visual monitoring requirements with simple tactile and audible feedback mechanisms. Instead of requiring operators to continuously interpret numerical data from displays, the system uses intuitive physical sensations (vibrations, sounds) to communicate critical motor performance information, reducing the cognitive load and interface complexity.
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 system effectively maintains safe torque and speed ranges, providing operators with real-time feedback to prevent damage to vessel walls or stents, enhancing the efficiency and safety of occlusion removal.
Implementation Method 1
A control system is adapted to regulate operation of the drive motor and is further adapted to provide the drive motor with a high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor that is adapted to rotate a drive cable extending through the handle and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr
Data Source
AI summary
An atherectomy system includes a handle and a drive motor that is adapted to rotate a drive cable extending through the handle and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr. A control system is adapted to regulate operation of the drive motor, including providing the drive motor with a high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal in order to operate the drive motor. The control system monitors a motor performance parameter such as motor speed or motor torque, and when the motor performance parameter approaches a limit of a performance range, the control system adds a low frequency PWM signal to the high frequency PWM drive signal, thereby causing the drive motor to produce a tactile signal that signals to the user that the motor performance parameter is approaching the limit of the performance range.