Actuator Restraining Assembly for Catheter Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices, such as catheter systems, face challenges in maintaining the actuator mechanism in a deflected position without additional locking mechanisms, leading to user fatigue and inconsistent patient outcomes due to the natural retraction of the catheter shaft when external force is removed.

Innovation Solution

An actuator restraining assembly comprising a connecting sheath, connecting rod, brake element, and release element is integrated into the handle, providing frictional resistance to maintain the actuator mechanism in a deflected state without the need for a secondary locking mechanism, allowing reversible adjustment of the catheter shaft's deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secondary restraining or locking mechanism is added to hold the actuator mechanism in a deflected position, then the catheter shaft can be maintained in the desired position, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator position maintenanceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake element automatically engages with the inner wall of the handle to provide frictional resistance when the connecting sheath moves proximally, creating a self-restraining mechanism that maintains the actuator in the deflected position without requiring additional locking components or user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the need for secondary restraining or locking mechanisms by using the brake element's frictional resistance against the handle's inner wall to inherently maintain the actuator position, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator mechanism is manually manipulated to deflect the catheter shaft, then the catheter can be positioned at the desired site, but user fatigue increases due to continuous force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter positioning capabilityVSAvoiduser fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake element provides automatic frictional resistance to hold the connecting sheath in position, eliminating the need for continuous user force application and reducing fatigue during prolonged procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The brake element is pre-positioned to engage with the inner wall of the handle, providing immediate frictional resistance when the connecting sheath moves proximally, so the actuator mechanism is automatically restrained without requiring continuous user effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the catheter shaft returns to neutral position when external force is removed, then the pull wire tension is relieved, but inconsistent patient outcomes occur due to actuator retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepull wire tension reliefVSAvoidpatient outcome consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake element automatically engages to provide frictional resistance and maintain the actuator mechanism in the deflected position when external force is removed, preventing unwanted retraction and ensuring consistent patient outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The brake element is positioned to counteract the natural retraction tendency of the actuator mechanism by providing frictional resistance against the handle's inner wall, preventing the catheter shaft from returning to neutral position when force is removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 reduces user fatigue and ensures consistent catheter shaft deflection, enhancing patient outcomes and extending the device's life cycle by eliminating the need for additional locking steps and allowing reversible deflection adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one brake element is sized and configured to contact an inner wall of the handle to thereby provide resistance to proximal movement of the connecting sheath with respect to the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11517714B2Medical device including an actuator restraining assembly

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 ST JUDE MEDICAL CARDILOGY DIV INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a medical device comprising an actuator restraining assembly configured to assist in restraining a catheter shaft in a deflected configuration. The actuator restraining assembly may include a brake element, a release element, a connecting sheath, and a connecting rod disposed in a catheter handle, wherein the connecting sheath and connecting rod are attached to an actuator mechanism, and wherein the at brake element is attached to the connecting sheath and the release element is attached to the connecting rod. The brake element is sized and configured to contact an inner wall of the handle to thereby provide resistance to movement of actuator mechanism in a proximal direction with respect to the handle. In one embodiment, the actuator restraining assembly is configured to allow for temporary, i.e., reversible, restraining of the catheter shaft in the deflected configuration.