Catheter Core Wire Segmentation for Axial Rigidity and Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters face challenges in efficiently transmitting operator force to the distal end and navigating curved regions of lumens without core wire interference, leading to potential breakage and entrapment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a fixed first core wire and a movable second core wire, with the second core wire capable of axial and circumferential movement, and a restriction part to prevent projection, enhancing axial rigidity and reducing interference, allowing efficient force transmission and bending along curved regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple core wires are fixed to the outer tube or inner tube to improve axial rigidity, then the operator's pushing force can be efficiently transmitted to the distal end, but the core wires cannot move to the optimal position when the catheter is inserted into a curved region, causing the core wire to break or the catheter to get caught
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple independent core wires (first core wire and second core wire) that can function independently. The first core wire is fixed to provide axial rigidity, while the second core wire is movable to navigate curved regions, allowing each segment to fulfill a specific function that resolves the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second core wire is designed to be movable relative to the outer tube and inner tube, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position as the catheter navigates curved regions. This dynamic capability enables the core wire system to adapt to changing geometric conditions while maintaining axial support through the fixed first core wire.
2Strength
If multiple core wires are used to improve axial rigidity, then pushing force transmission is enhanced, but the multiple core wires may interfere with each other when the catheter is inserted into a curved region, preventing the catheter from bending along the lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter structure is segmented into independent core wire units with distinct functions. The first fixed core wire provides axial rigidity for force transmission, while the second movable core wire independently navigates curved regions without interfering with the first, eliminating mutual interference through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second core wire acts as an intermediary element that facilitates catheter bending in curved regions while the fixed first core wire maintains axial rigidity. The movable core wire mediates between the rigid structure and the flexible navigation requirement, allowing the catheter to bend without core wire interference.
3Device complexity
If a single core wire is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the axial rigidity is insufficient to efficiently transmit the operator's pushing force to the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single core wire, the structure is segmented into multiple core wires with specialized functions. The first fixed core wire specifically addresses axial rigidity requirements for force transmission, while the second movable core wire handles curved region navigation, achieving enhanced strength without excessive complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core-wire system provides universal functionality by combining axial support and curved region navigation in a single catheter structure. The first and second core wires together fulfill multiple functions that would require separate components, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter including an outer tube; a first inner tube disposed within the outer tube; a second inner tube disposed within the outer tube and parallel to the first inner tube, and having an insertion opening at its proximal end and a distal end opening at its distal end; and a first core wire and a second core wire disposed between the first inner tube and an outer tube. The second inner tube extends from a medial region of the catheter to a distal end of the catheter. A distal end of the first core wire is located distal to the insertion opening of the second inner tube, and a distal end of the second core wire is located proximal to the insertion opening of the second inner tube. The second core wire can move between the outer tube and the first inner tube.