Catheter Anchor Device with Zig-Zag Mesh for Tortuous Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor devices for catheters face challenges in advancing large catheters through tortuous vascular and non-vascular anatomy due to high insertion forces and instability, which can lead to unintended complications and dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A tubular anchor device with a self-expanding mesh structure formed by zig-zag patterned wire elements, providing a distal anchor point to aid in catheter advancement and securement, featuring adjustable rigidity and flexibility to navigate complex anatomy while minimizing insertion forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If greater force is applied to maneuver the catheter within tortuous vessels, then the catheter can be advanced to the target site, but the risk of unintended complications and over-insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stylet as an intermediary tool between the operator and the catheter. The stylet provides controlled rigidity to facilitate catheter advancement through tortuous vessels while its removable nature allows operators to modulate the force applied, thereby reducing the risk of over-insertion and complications compared to directly manipulating the catheter with hand force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a stylet with adjustable rigidity parameters. By selecting stylets with different rigidity levels or modifying the stylet's rigidity along its length (e.g., tapered design), the system allows operators to optimize the force transmission characteristics for specific procedural needs, balancing advancement capability with safety margins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter is made more flexible to navigate tortuous anatomy, then navigation capability improves, but the catheter becomes less stable once positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is segmented into distinct functional components: a flexible catheter body for navigation and a separate stylet for stabilization. The catheter itself maintains high flexibility with a trackability-to-stiffness ratio of at least 4:1, allowing it to navigate tortuous anatomy, while the stylet can be inserted to provide additional structural support and stability once the catheter is positioned at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static flexibility characteristic to a dynamic configuration where the stylet can be inserted or removed based on procedural needs. The stylet insertion transforms the catheter from a purely flexible state to a reinforced state, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties dynamically during different phases of the procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a stiff catheter is used to maintain stability, then positioning stability improves, but the ability to navigate tortuous vessels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the navigation function (performed by the flexible catheter body) from the stabilization function (performed by the stylet). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other, eliminating the need to choose between stability and navigability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible catheter is first advanced to the target site without the stylet, utilizing its navigation capabilities to reach tortuous anatomy. Once positioned, the stylet is then inserted to provide stability. This preliminary action sequence allows the catheter to navigate before requiring stability, matching the procedural needs with the mechanical properties at the appropriate time.
4Length of moving object
If the catheter is advanced farther to ensure target site reach, then the target site is accessed, but the risk of trauma from over-insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet acts as a feedback mechanism by providing tactile resistance when the catheter reaches the desired depth or encounters anatomical boundaries. The operator can feel the stylet's interaction with the catheter and vessel walls, providing sensory feedback that helps prevent over-insertion while ensuring adequate depth is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet provides a cushioning effect by absorbing and distributing insertion forces before they reach the catheter tip and target vessels. This prior cushioning protects against the harmful effects of excessive force or over-insertion while still enabling the catheter to reach the necessary depth.
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 anchor device simplifies catheterization by reducing insertion forces and ensuring stable positioning of large catheters within tortuous anatomy, minimizing the risk of dislodgment and trauma, and is applicable in various medical procedures including stroke thrombectomy and drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a self-expanding mesh structure formed by zig-zag patterned wire elements
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor device to simplify catheterization procedures, particularly for insertion and maneuvering of large catheters in tortuous arteries, vessels, or other lumen is disclosed. In some embodiments, the anchor device includes an anchor stent formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a plurality of connector struts attached at a proximal end of the anchor stent, the connector struts coalescing to form a strut tip. A guide device, such as a guidewire, is attached to the anchor stent at the strut tip and may be used to guide the anchor stent into the arteries or other vessels and toward a target treatment site.