Integrated Bearing Housing for Catheter Torque Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery systems for leadless pacemakers face challenges in isolating torque from linear motion within the limited space of the right ventricle and atrium, necessitating a reduction in rigid length to improve catheter steerability and positioning.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a bearing assembly into the distal end of the catheter, comprising an outer and inner bearing race with ball bearings, which isolates torque from linear motion, allowing for better catheter deflection and positioning of the leadless pacemaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bearing assembly is integrated into the distal end of the catheter, then catheter steerability and positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is integrated directly into the distal end of the catheter housing, merging the bearing function with the catheter structure. This integration allows torque isolation while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for cardiac delivery, improving steerability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the torque shaft and the pacemaker anchoring system. It mediates the separation of torque transmission from linear motion, enabling independent rotation of the pacemaker for anchoring while the catheter maintains its positioning, thus improving operational control
2Ease of operation
If rigid length of the catheter is reduced, then catheter steerability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, with the bearing assembly located at the distal end of the rigid section. This segmentation allows the proximal catheter to maintain structural stability for delivery while the distal section with integrated bearing provides steerability and torque isolation, enabling reduced overall rigid length without compromising stability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly introduces dynamic capability to the distal end of the catheter, allowing rotation and relative motion between components. This dynamic feature enables the catheter to achieve better steerability with reduced rigid length, as the bearing allows the distal components to rotate independently without requiring a longer rigid section for structural support
3Reliability
If bearing assembly is integrated into catheter, then torque isolation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is merged with the catheter housing structure, combining multiple functions (torque isolation, rotational support, and structural containment) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby improving torque isolation reliability while limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the bearing assembly, provides structural support for the catheter, and facilitates torque isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, improving torque isolation effectiveness while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable through component consolidation
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 integrated bearing assembly enhances catheter steerability and positioning accuracy by reducing rigid length, ensuring smooth rotation and fixation of the pacemaker without interference from linear motion.
Implementation Method 1
Several ball bearings are positioned in, and contained by, the bearing race
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A bearing assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) adapted to be coupled to a distal end of a catheter (206, 304) comprises a housing (302, 402, 502, 602) attached to the distal end of the catheter (206, 304), the housing (302, 402, 502, 602) including a central opening (320, 420, 520, 620) and an outer bearing race (318, 418, 518, 618) formed in the housing (302, 402, 502, 602) around the central opening (320, 420, 520, 620). A docking cap stem (308, 408, 508, 608) is positioned in the central opening (320, 420, 520, 620) and rotatable relative to the housing (302, 402, 502, 602), the docking cap stem (308, 408, 508, 608) being adapted to be coupled to a torque shaft (305) of the catheter (206, 304), wherein the docking cap stem (308, 408, 508, 608) forms an inner bearing race (316, 426, 526, 626) and wherein the outer bearing race (318, 418, 518, 618) and the inner bearing race (316, 426, 526, 626) together form a bearing race. Several ball bearings (328, 428, 528, 628) is positioned in, and contained by, the bearing race, and a docking cap (306, 406, 506, 606) is coupled to the docking cap stem (308, 408, 508, 608).