Steerable Catheter Circular Deflection for Variable Loop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheters have limited deflection capabilities, primarily allowing deflection within one plane, resulting in an 'S' shape with opposing deflection mechanisms, which restricts the ability to form variable loop sizes and control the distal tip effectively.
Innovation Solution
The catheter design incorporates multiple lumens with pull-wires anchored to different shafts, allowing for simultaneous translation of pull-wires to achieve circular deflection and independent control of the distal tip, including a first curved lumen path and a second straight lumen path, with pull-wires anchored to the second shaft to deflect along these paths, enabling a generally circular shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a substantially straight lumen path is used for the control wire, then the catheter structure is simple, but the deflection is limited to one plane and cannot form loops of variable sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The lumen path is divided into multiple segments with different configurations (curved and straight portions) to enable multi-planar deflection and loop formation. The control wire is segmented into a first control wire in the curved lumen path and a second control wire in the straight lumen path, allowing independent manipulation of each segment to achieve complex deflection patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-plane deflection to multi-plane deflection by introducing a curved lumen path that extends in multiple dimensions. The curved lumen path with its offset proximal and distal ends creates a three-dimensional deflection capability, enabling the catheter to form loops of variable sizes and navigate complex vascular structures.
2Ease of operation
If only a single control wire in a straight lumen path is used, then the device complexity is low, but the control over the distal tip is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control wires (first control wire in curved lumen, second control wire in straight lumen), each anchored at different locations (proximal end, distal end, or transition zone). This segmentation allows independent manipulation of each control wire to achieve precise control over the distal tip position and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition zone acts as an intermediary structure with multiple lumens that facilitate the passage and independent manipulation of multiple control wires. The transition zone with its offset curved and straight lumen paths provides a mediator mechanism that enables complex control configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter uses conventional deflection mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but it cannot form loops of variable sizes for navigating complex vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs dynamic deflection capabilities where the shaft can be manipulated to form loops of variable sizes through the coordinated action of multiple control wires. The curved lumen path with its offset configuration enables dynamic loop formation and transformation, allowing the catheter to adapt to different vascular geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-dimensional loop formation capability through the curved lumen path that offsets from the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change enables the shaft to form three-dimensional loops of variable sizes, providing the versatility needed to navigate complex vascular structures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter including: an elongated body sized to traverse vasculature; a lumen formed in the elongated body; and a pull-wire. The elongated body has a transition zone disposed between proximal and distal ends of the elongated body, a first shaft extending from the proximal end of the elongated body to the transition zone and defining a longitudinal axis, and a second shaft extending proximally from the distal end to the transition zone. The lumen defines a curved path curved about the longitudinal axis and extending from the distal end to the transition zone, and a straight path extending from the transition zone to the proximal end. The pull wire extends within the curved and straight paths, and is anchored to the second shaft such that translation of the pull-wire near the proximal end deflects the second shaft substantially along the curved path.