Catheter Docking Mechanism for Precise Stent Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems face challenges in precisely controlling the axial and rotational positioning of stents or prostheses during deployment, particularly when maneuvering within blood vessels, leading to potential damage to the vessel wall and inefficiencies in delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system comprising an introducer sheath and a delivery catheter with a docking mechanism that allows for axial fixation and optional rotational freedom, featuring low-friction coatings and adjustable seals to enhance control and minimize vessel damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the delivery catheter is freely movable within the introducer sheath, then ease of operation is improved, but axial positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic controllable connection. The docking mechanism allows the delivery catheter to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the introducer sheath, enabling the operator to switch between free movement for ease of manipulation and fixed positioning for precision control as needed during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism extracts the delivery catheter from complete freedom of movement by providing a controlled interface with the introduces sheath. This allows the catheter to be held in position when needed while still permitting deliberate engagement and disengagement for operational flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the delivery catheter is axially fixed to the introduces sheath, then axial positioning precision is improved, but rotational freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates axial and rotational degrees of freedom through the docking mechanism design. The mechanism provides axial fixation to ensure precise positioning while allowing independent rotational movement, effectively segmenting the two movement dimensions to satisfy both precision and operational flexibility requirements simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If the catheter system uses a secure docking mechanism, then axial movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through its geometric configuration. The complementary shapes of the docking interfaces automatically guide the delivery catheter into the correct position and maintain secure engagement without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or complex control systems, thus achieving precise axial movement control while 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
Enables precise axial and rotational control of stents or prostheses, reducing the risk of vessel damage and improving the efficiency of delivery systems by allowing single-operator manipulation and minimizing the profile within blood vessels.
Implementation Method 1
low-friction coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A modular catheter system including a sheath projecting distally from a delivery catheter having a main body module An inner core module carrying a stent thereon, the inner core being axially movable through the main body of the delivery catheter and the delivery catheter sheath, a handle member supported by the main body of the delivery catheter, the handle member being selectively axially engageable with the inner core such that the handle member and the inner core move together in an axial direction when the handle member is engaged with the inner core; and an adjustment member supported by the main body, the adjustment member being configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes the adjustment member to move axially along the main body by cither axially sliding the handle member relative to the main body or by rotating the adjustment member.