Catheter Control Handle with Rotational Contraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter designs with single puller wires are limited in bi-directional deflection and require additional wires for contraction, making it difficult to control the exact position and orientation of the mapping assembly, especially in confined spaces within the heart, and often require two-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a control handle that incorporates a deflection control assembly and a rotational control assembly, utilizing a pair of puller members for bi-directional deflection and a third puller member for contracting the mapping assembly, allowing single-handed manipulation through a combination of deflection and rotational mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional puller wires are added for bi-directional deflection and contraction control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (bi-directional deflection and contraction) into a single integrated control handle. The deflection control assembly and rotational control assembly share common structural elements and housing, merging what would traditionally require separate control mechanisms into one unified device. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to control multiple puller wires for precise positioning and contraction of the mapping assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle is designed as a multi-functional device that can control both deflection (via deflection control assembly) and contraction (via rotational control assembly) operations. The single control handle serves multiple purposes: it houses both control assemblies, accommodates multiple puller wires, and provides integrated operation for complex catheter maneuvers. This multi-functionality allows precise control without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control mechanisms are integrated into a single control handle, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle is segmented into distinct functional assemblies: a deflection control assembly with a deflection arm and rocker member, and a rotational control assembly with rotational members and a cam. Each assembly is responsible for specific control functions (deflection vs. contraction), allowing independent optimization of each subsystem while maintaining integrated operation through shared housing and coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the rotational control assembly is positioned within or adjacent to the deflection control assembly, both housed within the common control handle housing. The rotational members and cam are arranged to fit within the spatial constraints of the control handle, with components nested concentrically or in layered arrangements. This nesting allows multiple control mechanisms to coexist in a compact integrated unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a rotational control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The rotational control assembly has an outer rotational member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the rotational control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.