Atraumatic Catheter Coupling for Unequal Diameter Shafts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheters face challenges in transitioning between shafts of unequal diameters, particularly in electrophysiology procedures where a smooth and atraumatic connection is necessary to facilitate accurate mapping and ablation procedures without causing tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A catheter design featuring a coupling with a hollow interior and distinct proximal and distal portions that securely join shafts of different diameters, utilizing a tapered and ribbed structure to ensure coaxial alignment and secure bonding with ultraviolet curing adhesive, allowing for atraumatic transitions and visualization through clear polymeric materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling joins shafts of unequal diameter, then the transition between different diameter shafts is achieved, but the coupling structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to join shafts of unequal diameterVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling employs a nested structure where the inner shaft is inserted into the hollow interior of the coupling, and the outer shaft is inserted into the proximal shaft through the coupling. This nested arrangement allows joining of shafts with different diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling is divided into distinct functional portions: a distal portion with a hollow interior for receiving the inner shaft, and a proximal portion for receiving the outer shaft. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall design manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a coupling with hollow interior is used to insert distal shaft, then secure joining is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure joining of shaftsVSAvoidcoupling manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow interior of the coupling is designed to receive and secure the distal shaft through insertion. This nested configuration provides reliable mechanical joining while being manufacturable as a single molded piece, balancing security with manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling can be constructed from polymeric materials that provide both the necessary mechanical strength for secure joining and the flexibility for manufacturing through molding processes, combining material properties that satisfy both reliability and manufacturability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If clear polymeric material is used for coupling, then visualization of distal shaft is enabled, but material selection becomes more limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization of distal shaftVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is made from clear or translucent polymeric material, allowing visual detection and confirmation of the distal shaft position within the coupling. This optical property enables straightforward visualization without adding complexity to the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Various polymeric materials with different degrees of transparency can be selected based on specific application requirements, allowing flexibility in material choice while maintaining the visualization function. The polymeric family provides sufficient material versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enables a secure, atraumatic, and visually confirmable connection between shafts of varying diameters, facilitating precise electrophysiology procedures by ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining catheter functionality while minimizing tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

securing the distal shaft to the coupling and securing the proximal shaft to the coupling with ultraviolet curing adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS10952629B2Atraumatic coupling and catheter employing the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 ST JUDE MEDICAL CARDILOGY DIV INC

AI summary

A catheter includes a proximal shaft and a distal shaft having differing diameters; often, the distal shaft will have a smaller diameter than the proximal shaft. A coupling joins the distal shaft to the proximal shaft. For example, a proximal portion of the distal shaft can be inserted into the coupling through its distal end, while the proximal portion of the coupling can be inserted into the proximal shaft through its distal end. To provide an atraumatic transition from the distal shaft to the proximal shaft, coupling can taper towards its distal end, for example by using a dome- or frustoconical-shape for the distal portion of the coupling. The exterior of the coupling can be ribbed to facilitate bonding to the proximal shaft. The distal shaft can be formed into at least a partial loop having a fixed or variable radius of curvature.