Atherectomy Motor PWM Tactile Feedback for Torque Threshold Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current atherectomy devices face challenges in effectively removing occlusive material from blood vessels without damaging the surrounding vessel wall or previously implanted stents, and in providing real-time feedback to operators regarding motor performance parameters such as torque and speed.
Innovation Solution
An atherectomy device system with a control system that uses high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signals to operate a drive motor coupled to an atherectomy burr, which adds a low frequency PWM signal to indicate approaching or exceeding torque and speed thresholds, producing tactile and audible signals to alert the operator, thereby maintaining safe operating ranges and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drive motor operates at high torque and speed to effectively remove occlusive material, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damaging the vessel wall or stents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors motor performance parameters (torque, speed, current) and provides real-time feedback to the operator through tactile feedback mechanisms. When the motor approaches maximum torque or speed thresholds, the system generates tactile signals (vibrations, pulses) that are detectable by the operator through the handle, enabling immediate adjustment of operating parameters to prevent damage to the vessel wall or stents while maintaining effective occlusive material removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predetermined safe operating thresholds for torque and speed before operation begins. By monitoring motor current and performance parameters in real-time and providing advance warning through tactile feedback when approaching these thresholds, the system prevents harmful conditions before they occur, cushioning against potential damage to the vessel wall or stents
2Measurement precision
If the control system provides continuous real-time feedback through visual displays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex visual display and electronic monitoring systems with a tactile feedback mechanism that uses the motor's own electromagnetic interaction to generate detectable vibrations and pulses. This substitution maintains precise monitoring of motor performance parameters while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating separate display screens, sensors, and electronic feedback circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The motor itself serves as the feedback mechanism by generating tactile signals through its normal electromagnetic operation. The control system leverages the motor's inherent electromagnetic characteristics to produce vibrations and pulses that directly communicate performance status to the operator, eliminating the need for separate feedback hardware and reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If the control system adds multiple signal processing functions to monitor torque and speed, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses the motor's own electromagnetic field and current draw as the measurement source for torque and speed monitoring. By analyzing the motor's inherent electrical characteristics during normal operation, the system achieves precise threshold detection without requiring separate sensors, signal generators, or additional power-consuming measurement circuits
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 excises occlusive material while preventing damage to the vessel wall or stents and provides real-time feedback to operators, ensuring efficient and safe operation by maintaining motor performance within predetermined ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor that is adapted to rotate a drive cable extending through the handle and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr
Implementation Method 2
the control system adds a low frequency PWM signal to the high frequency PWM drive signal
Implementation Method 3
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
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.