Integrated Catheter Bearing Housing for 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 catheter deflection, allowing for reduced rigid length and enhanced steerability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional delivery system with separate bearing components is used, then torque transmission is reliable, but the rigid length is excessive and catheter steerability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing assembly directly into the distal end of the catheter, integrating components that were previously separate. The bearing race is formed as an integral part of the catheter distal end, eliminating the need for separate bearing housings and reducing overall rigid length while maintaining torque isolation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly is nested within the distal end structure of the catheter. The inner bearing race is positioned within the outer bearing race, and both are integrated into the compact distal end geometry, allowing torque isolation without extending the rigid length significantly.
2Ease of operation
If the rigid length is reduced to improve steerability, then catheter positioning is better, but torque isolation from linear motion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is merged with the distal end of the catheter, creating a compact integrated structure that provides torque isolation within a reduced length. The bearing components are positioned such that they isolate torque from linear motion along the catheter axis without requiring extended rigid sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the torque shaft and the distal end structure. The ball bearings in the bearing assembly mediate between rotational torque and linear catheter motion, allowing torque to be transmitted to the biostimulator while isolating it from catheter deflection and linear movement.
3Length of moving object
If a compact bearing assembly is integrated into the catheter distal end, then rigid length is reduced and steerability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly components (outer bearing race, inner bearing race, ball bearings) are merged into a single integrated distal end structure. The outer bearing race is formed as an integral part of the catheter distal end, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end structure serves multiple functions: it provides the bearing race for torque isolation, maintains structural integrity, and enables catheter steerability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing complexity reduction with functional requirements.
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 deflection and positioning capabilities, ensuring precise implantation of leadless pacemakers by isolating torque and linear motion, reducing the need for flushing ports and anti-coagulant solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Several ball bearings are positioned in, and contained by, the bearing race
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing assembly adapted to be coupled to a distal end of a catheter comprises a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter, the housing including a central opening and an outer bearing race formed in the housing around the central opening. A docking cap stem is positioned in the central opening and rotatable relative to the housing, the docking cap stem being adapted to be coupled to a torque shaft of the catheter, wherein the docking cap stem forms an inner bearing race and wherein the outer bearing race and the inner bearing race together form a bearing race. Several ball bearings is positioned in, and contained by, the bearing race, and a docking cap is coupled to the docking cap stem.