Catheter Deflection Lever Tactile Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophysiology catheters with deflection levers lack a clear tactile indication of the deflection lever's orientation and the state of the catheter shaft deflection, making it difficult for operators to navigate during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The catheter incorporates a deflection lever with a ball bearing and a spring screw that provides tactile feedback through elastic contact with an indent on the control handle, allowing operators to feel the deflection orientation and state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a deflection lever with visual marker is used to indicate catheter deflection direction, then the direction information is provided, but the operator cannot readily perceive the lever orientation when the control handle is flipped upside down during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
A ball bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the deflection lever and control handle. The ball bearing translates the rotational position of the deflection lever into a linear positional change that can be tactfully perceived by the operator's finger, serving as a mediator that conveys orientation information independently of visual markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides continuous tactile feedback to the operator about the deflection lever's orientation. As the lever rotates, the spring compresses or extends, changing the tactile sensation on the operator's finger, thereby providing real-time feedback about catheter deflection state without requiring visual confirmation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control handle is flipped upside down to manipulate the catheter distal end, then operational flexibility is improved, but the deflection lever becomes invisible and its orientation cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing acts as a mediator that decouples the detection of lever orientation from the visual field. It converts rotational information into tactile information that can be perceived regardless of the control handle's orientation in space, allowing the operator to flip the handle for versatility while maintaining awareness of deflection lever position.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indication system is replaced with a tactile indication system. Instead of relying on visual markers that require line-of-sight, the patent uses mechanical elements (ball bearing and spring) to provide tactile cues that are independent of the control handle's spatial orientation.
3Ease of operation
If no tactile indication mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the operator cannot feel the deflection lever orientation and catheter shaft deflection state
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing serves as a simple intermediary component that provides tactile feedback without requiring complex mechanisms. It translates the rotational position of the deflection lever into a linear displacement that can be easily perceived by the operator's finger, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically provides tactile feedback based on the deflection lever's position without requiring external power sources or complex electronics. The system uses the inherent mechanical properties of the spring and ball bearing to generate the feedback signal, making the operation self-service and minimizing added complexity.
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
This design enhances operator control by providing a tactile indication of the deflection lever's position and the catheter shaft's deflection, improving navigation and precision during electrophysiology procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring screw configured to mobilize the ball bearing into elastic contact with the indent when the deflection lever is rotated into a neutral position
Implementation Method 2
the ball bearing into elastic contact with the indent such that the elastic contact provides a tactile indication of shaft deflection
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter (10) with tactile indication of deflection, comprising a shaft (129, a control handle (16) with a housing configured with an indent (44), and a deflection lever (22) mounted on the housing over the indent (44) and configured to deflect the shaft with rotation of the deflection lever. The deflection lever (22) includes a ball bearing (42) and a spring screw (40) configured to mobilize the ball bearing into elastic contact with the indent when the deflection lever is rotated into a neutral position, where the engagement between the ball bearing (42) and the indent (44) provides a tactile indication of shaft deflection detected by an operator holding the deflection lever.