Shapeable Catheter Control Linkage for Single-Action Compound Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflectable guide catheters face challenges in creating compound curves with independently controllable pull wires, requiring tedious adjustments and balance to achieve the desired shape, especially for navigating complex vascular structures like the aortic arch.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular device with a control mechanism and energy transmission linkage that allows for a single action to create a compound curve at the distal end by simultaneously applying energy outputs to multiple conduits at a preset ratio, enabling easier and more robust curve formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently controllable pull wires are used to create compound curves, then the catheter can achieve desired shaping capability, but the operation becomes tedious and complex due to requiring multiple adjustments and balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pull wires into a single integrated pull wire structure that can create compound curves with multiple bends simultaneously. Instead of using separate pull wires for each bend that require independent adjustment, the single pull wire is configured to engage with the catheter body at multiple points, allowing one pulling action to produce the desired compound curve shape, thereby eliminating the need for multiple adjustments and balancing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The pull wire is segmented into multiple engagement points along its length, with each segment corresponding to a specific bend location in the compound curve. These segments are strategically positioned and sized to create the desired curve geometry when pulled, allowing complex shaping to be achieved through a single coordinated action rather than multiple independent adjustments
2Productivity
If pre-shaped guide catheters with fixed curves are used, then navigation through specific vascular paths is facilitated, but anatomical variations require extensive pre-surgical planning to determine the correct curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter transitions from a static pre-shaped design to a dynamic shapeable design where the distal end can be configured intra-procedurally. The shapeable distal end allows the operator to adjust the compound curve geometry in real-time based on observed anatomical variations during the procedure, eliminating the need for extensive pre-surgical planning to determine the correct fixed curvature for each patient's unique anatomy
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal end of the guide catheter is made shapeable by deflecting it, then access to target sites is facilitated, but stable and finely adjustable positioning in bidirectional and multi-planar manner is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter design incorporates features that provide tactile feedback and mechanical constraints to help the operator achieve and maintain precise positioning. The compound curve formation through the single pull wire mechanism creates stable equilibrium positions that provide natural feedback, allowing for fine adjustment in bidirectional and multi-planar directions while maintaining stability once the desired configuration is achieved
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
Facilitates simpler and more precise navigation through complex anatomical pathways by allowing a single action to form compound curves, reducing the complexity and time required for achieving the desired catheter configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an energy transmission linkage coupled between proximal ends of the energy transmission conduits and the control mechanism. The energy transmission linkage is configured for, in response to a single energy input applied to the energy transmission linkage by the control mechanism, simultaneously applying a plurality of energy outputs respectively to the proximal ends of the energy transmitting conduits
Implementation Method 2
The distal end of the catheter body is configured for assuming a compound curve comprising a plurality of bends in response to the application of the plurality of energy outputs by the energy transmission linkage to the proximal ends of the energy transmitting conduits
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An intravascular device 10 includes an elongated body 12 having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of energy transmitting conduits 20 extending within the elongated body. The distal ends of the energy transmitting conduits terminate at different axial locations along the distal end of the elongated body. In one embodiment, the number of energy transmission conduits is only two, such that the number of bends in the compound curve assumed by the distal end of the elongated body is only two, although the number of energy transmission conduits may be any suitable number.