Ball and Socket Steerable Catheter Handle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional catheter control systems offer limited flexibility, requiring complex combinations of actuation to control both the magnitude and direction of catheter flex, making it difficult to intuitively steer a catheter in multiple directions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a steerable catheter assembly using a ball and socket mechanism with adjustable pull wires, allowing independent control of catheter flex magnitude and direction through axial and rotational movement of an adjustment member, which engages a socket to adjust the tension in the wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional catheter control systems use multiple pull wires with separate levers or dials for each wire, then the catheter can be steered in multiple directions, but the control system becomes complex and difficult to operate intuitively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter steering capabilityVSAvoidcontrol intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single lever is designed to control multiple pull wires simultaneously, allowing the lever to perform multiple steering functions. By positioning the lever at different angular orientations and applying force at different positions along the lever, the operator can control the catheter's flexion in various directions without needing separate controls for each pull wire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pull wire control functions are merged into a single integrated lever mechanism. The lever connects to multiple pull wires through a common connection point or mechanism, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate levers or dials into one unified control element that provides intuitive directional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional catheter control systems integrate catheter flex magnitude control and catheter flex direction control, then the system can control both aspects, but it becomes difficult to control and not intuitive to understand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol comprehensivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever control is segmented into distinct functional zones or positions. Different portions of the lever's range of motion or different angular orientations of the lever correspond to control of different pull wires, separating the control of flex magnitude and flex direction into distinct, easily distinguishable operations within a single lever mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control mechanism utilizes angular orientation as an additional dimension of control. By rotating the lever to different angles, the operator can select which pull wire(s) to activate, while the position along the lever's length controls the magnitude of flexion. This adds a rotational dimension to the control that intuitively separates direction selection from magnitude control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution provides intuitive and precise control over catheter steering, enabling flexible and controlled movement of the catheter tip in various directions without rotating the entire catheter within the patient, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of transvascular procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a first ball, a socket coupled to the first ball to form a ball and socket assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall and socket mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

the pin can comprise a second ball attached at an end of the pin, wherein the second ball contacts and rolls on the socket when the pin is rotationally adjusted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact:

Data Source

PatentUS10799676B2Multi-direction steerable handles for steering catheters

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are steerable catheter assemblies and methods of steering catheters that utilize ball and socket mechanisms to accomplish independent control of catheter flex magnitude and catheter flex direction. Some embodiments include a catheter with two or more pull wires that flex the catheter, a first ball, a socket coupled to the first ball to form a ball and socket assembly, and an adjustment member coupled to the ball and socket assembly, such that the adjustment member is movable axially and rotationally relative to the ball and socket assembly. Two or more pull wires are connected to the socket, and the adjustment member engages the socket such that movement of the adjustment member adjusts the position of the socket relative to the first ball to thereby flex the catheter with the pull wires.