Steerable Catheter Circular Deflection for Variable Loop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheters lack the ability to control the distal tip effectively and form variable-sized loops, limiting their maneuverability and precision in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring multiple lumens with pull-wires anchored to different shafts, allowing for simultaneous or independent deflection along curved and straight paths, enabling formation of various loop sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single straight lumen path with pull-wire is used for catheter deflection, then the device structure is simple, but the catheter can only deflect in one plane with limited control of the distal tip
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments with separate pull-wires (first pull-wire for curved path deflection, second pull-wire for straight path deflection) that can be controlled independently, enabling precise distal tip control through segmented actuation of different deflection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-plane deflection to three-dimensional deflection by introducing curved and straight lumen paths that operate in different spatial dimensions, allowing the catheter to form loops and navigate complex vascular geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single pull-wire system is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the catheter cannot form variable-sized loops
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates dynamic control through independently adjustable pull-wires that enable the formation of loops with variable sizes and orientations, allowing the distal section to adapt its shape continuously based on procedural requirements rather than being fixed to a single configuration
3Ease of operation
If deflection mechanisms are positioned in opposing directions, then the catheter can achieve deflection, but an S-shape is created between sheath and catheter reducing maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using opposing deflection mechanisms that create S-shapes, the invention inverts the approach by using coordinated pull-wires in curved and straight lumen paths that work together to produce smooth, continuous bends and loops, eliminating the counterproductive S-shaped configuration
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A catheter 100 including: an elongated body 103 sized to traverse vasculature; a lumen 116 formed in the elongated body; and a pull-wire 126. 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 122 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 118 curved about the longitudinal axis and extending from the distal end to the transition zone, and a straight path 116 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.