Biased-Deflection Catheter Spine for Precise Electrophysiology Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiologic catheters face challenges in achieving precise deflection control and assembly efficiency, with conventional construction methods being labor-intensive and prone to component damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable electrophysiology catheter is constructed in an 'inside-out' manner using a micro-injection molded spine with biased deflection characteristics, featuring struts and fins to control deflection in multiple planes, and a handle for actuation, along with a method of assembly that minimizes component damage and reduces labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional catheter construction methods are used (assembly from outside in), then the catheter can be assembled with traditional techniques, but the assembly process is labor intensive and prone to component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional assembly sequence by first constructing the spine assembly with all internal components (wires, cables, puller wires) already in place, then inserting this complete assembly into the catheter tubing. This 'inside out' approach eliminates the need to blindly feed components through lumens, reducing labor intensity and component damage risk while improving assembly efficiency
2Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly techniques are used, then flexibility in assembly is maintained, but the process is labor intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the spine structure with all wires, cables, and puller wires attached to the spine before insertion into the catheter. This pre-assembly of critical components reduces the complexity and cost of manual assembly operations while maintaining flexibility in the overall manufacturing process
3Ease of operation
If conventional deflection control mechanisms are used, then basic deflection is achieved, but precise control and customization of deflection characteristics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing, size, and distribution of fins along different sections of the catheter spine. This creates discrete deflection characteristics in specific regions, allowing precise control and customization of deflection behavior in different portions of the catheter while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning fins only on specific sides of the spine in certain sections, creating biased deflection characteristics. This asymmetric fin configuration allows the catheter to preferentially deflect in specific directions, providing customized deflection control without requiring complex multi-directional mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A deflectable catheter with biased deflection characteristics has an elongated catheter body having a micro-injection molded spine that is configured with a center core, outwardly extending opposing struts, and one or more sets of longitudinally-aligned and discrete fins, wherein the struts resist deflection of the spine in a first plane and bias deflection of the spine in a second plane, wherein parameters of the discrete fins define deflection characteristics of the spine in the second plane.