Multi-directional Catheter Control Handle with Threaded Slides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter control handles are often bulky, provide inadequate fine control, require significant effort to operate, and have mechanisms that can permanently deform deflection wires, while also lacking uninterrupted lumens for medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-directional catheter control handle with threaded slides and an adjusting knob that allows for bi-directional manipulation of the catheter's distal end, maintaining bends without user action and reducing wire deformation, featuring a lumen that runs uninterrupted from the proximal to the distal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control handles are used to control catheter deflection, then the catheter can be deflected into various configurations, but the control handle becomes excessively bulky and requires significant user effort to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle is divided into multiple independent sections: a cylindrical body, a threaded insert, and a knurled adjustment knob. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall volume small. The threaded insert mechanism separates the control function from the structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism utilizes rotational motion (circular dimension) of the adjustment knob to produce linear displacement of the deflection wire along its length. This dimensional transformation allows compact control while achieving the required linear travel distance for catheter deflection.
2Reliability
If traditional wire displacement mechanisms are used, then catheter deflection can be achieved, but the deflection wires are permanently deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical crimping or clamping mechanism is replaced with a threaded screw mechanism. The threaded insert engages with the deflection wire to apply controlled tensile force, replacing the need for permanent mechanical deformation of the wire. This maintains wire integrity while achieving deflection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism changes the tension parameter of the deflection wire gradually through threaded rotation, rather than applying sudden mechanical force. This controlled parameter change prevents permanent deformation while maintaining the wire's elastic properties for reversible deflection.
3Measurement precision
If control handles with multiple components are used to provide fine control, then deflection precision improves, but the handle becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single threaded adjustment mechanism. The knurled adjustment knob combines grip enhancement, rotational control, and fine adjustment capability in one component, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded insert mechanism serves multiple purposes: it provides fine adjustment control, maintains wire tension, prevents wire deformation, and enables reversible deflection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the control handle.
4Length of moving object
If traditional control mechanisms are used, then basic deflection control is achieved, but the wire travel distance is insufficient for desired medical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism converts rotational motion of the adjustment knob into linear displacement of the deflection wire. By utilizing the circular dimension of the threaded mechanism, the handle achieves extended wire travel distance within a compact volume through the mechanical advantage of the screw thread.
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 handle enables precise, efficient control of catheter deflection with reduced effort and minimizes wire deformation, providing a compact and effective solution for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting knob includes a threaded insert with right-hand and left-hand threads. A first slide engages with the right-hand threaded portion and a second slide engages with the left-hand threaded portion. Rotation of the adjusting knob causes the slides to displace in opposite directions within the slide compartment.
Implementation Method 2
The threaded mechanism provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to generate significant linear displacement force through rotational motion while maintaining fine control over the deflection wire tension.
Implementation Method 3
Some catheter bodies employ a single deflection wire, which is pulled (i.e., placed in tension) by the actuator in order to cause the distal portion of the catheter body to deform. Other catheter bodies have at least two deflection wires, where the displacement of one wire (i.e., placing one wire in tension) results in the other wire going slack.
Implementation Method 4
The distal portion of the catheter body is selectively deformed into a variety of curved configurations using the actuator on the control handle. The deflection wires are adapted to carry both compressive and tension loads.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
An apparatus for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter (5), a sheath, a medical device, or other flexible elongate member may generally include a handle portion, a pair of adjusting knobs (10), and deflection wires (38). The adjusting knobs (10) may be rotatably coupled to the handle portion and operably coupled to the deflection wires (38). The deflection wires (38) may be in further communication with the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knobs (10) may translate or otherwise displace particular deflection wires (38) with respect to the rest of the flexible elongate member, thereby causing the distal portion of the flexible elongate member to deflect. Further, the deflection wires (38) may be oriented such that the distal portion of the flexible elongate member may be deflected in a multitude of directions.