Catheter Active Return Curve for Controlled Shaft Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflectable shaft catheters lack efficient mechanisms for active return to their initial configuration after deflection, often relying on elastic or plastic deformation, which can result in incomplete or uncontrolled reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an overmolded pull wire with constrained ends, anchored by fixation members, allows for the application of push forces to actively return the catheter shaft to its initial configuration, using a single pull wire to translate forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elastic or plastic deformation is used for return mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of complete return to initial configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pull wire is designed to function in reverse: while traditionally pull wires only exert tensile forces, this invention enables the pull wire to push the catheter shaft back to its initial configuration by translating forces through the catheter wall, effectively using the same component for both pulling and pushing actions
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter wall acts as an intermediary medium that transmits forces from the pull wire to the catheter shaft. The pull wire extends through the catheter wall and translates forces across it, enabling force transmission without direct external contact
2Device complexity
If a single pull wire is used, then device complexity is reduced, but force transmission effectiveness worsens due to lack of constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter wall serves as a flexible shell that constrains and guides the pull wire. The pull wire is secured to the exterior surface of the catheter wall, using the wall's structural properties to maintain force transmission efficiency without requiring additional constraint mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pull wire system is designed to be self-constraining through its attachment to the catheter wall. The configuration allows the pull wire to automatically translate forces effectively without requiring external constraint structures, making the system self-sufficient
3Reliability
If overmolded pull wire with fixation members is used, then reliability of force transmission is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overmolded fixation members integrate multiple functions into single components: they anchor the pull wire to the catheter wall, provide structural support, and ensure force transmission reliability. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps required
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
Enables precise and controlled reconfiguration of the catheter shaft, ensuring complete return to the initial state, enhancing maneuverability and functionality compared to catheters without active return mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the pull wire may actively apply a push force from the control member to the distal end of the catheter shaft to return the catheter shaft to the initial configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
An active return curve deflectable catheter (100) includes an elongate member (102), a fixation member (122), a deflection assembly (104), and a pull wire (126). The fixation member is coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member. The deflection assembly includes a hub assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member, a handle, and a control member. The pull wire extends from the control member through the hub assembly to the fixation member. The elongate member is configured to deflect from an initial configuration to a deflected configuration in response to a pull force applied to the pull wire by actuation of the control member in a first direction.