Catheter Electrode Integration via Coiled Substrate Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of catheters with electrodes or heating elements is complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to the tedious process of securing these elements on the catheter surface and connecting them with conductive wires.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a primary substrate with electrically conductive elements on an elongated carrier means, where the substrate is secured to the catheter's surface and extended through a radial opening, allowing for easier attachment and connection of conductive elements, reducing the complexity and time required for catheter production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes or heating elements are secured to the catheter surface and connected with conductive wires through traditional methods, then the catheter can function properly, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode or heating element with the catheter body into an integrated assembly. The conductive elements are embedded within or formed as part of the catheter structure, eliminating the need for separate securing and wire connection steps. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are pre-positioned and secured to the catheter surface during the catheter manufacturing process itself, rather than being attached separately afterward. This preliminary action integrates the electrode/heating element attachment into the base manufacturing flow, reducing overall process complexity and time while ensuring proper functional connection.
2Reliability
If electrodes or heating elements are secured to the catheter surface and connected with conductive wires through traditional methods, then the catheter can function properly, but the production time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electrode or heating element with the catheter body into an integrated assembly, the patent eliminates multiple separate manufacturing steps including separate securing operations and wire connection processes. This integration streamlines production and significantly reduces the time required to manufacture each catheter while maintaining functional reliability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are pre-integrated into the catheter structure during the base manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate attachment and connection steps that would extend production time. This preliminary integration maintains functional reliability while accelerating overall production speed.
3Reliability
If traditional methods are used to secure and connect conductive elements, then proper electrical connections can be achieved, but the risk of incorrect connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of conductive elements into the catheter body creates fixed, predetermined connection points that eliminate the risk of incorrect wiring. The merged design ensures proper electrical connections through the structural unity of the assembly, removing the variability and error potential associated with separate securing and connection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a balloon catheter can be provided. The balloon catheter includes a catheter and a balloon, a plurality of measuring electrodes formed on a primary substrate extend around the catheter within the balloon. The primary substrate and secondary substrate is formed by a portion of a flexible resilient membrane. The membrane is coiled to form a roll, and a primary substrate is also coiled around a rolled secondary substrate. The coiled primary and secondary substrates is urged through a second lumen in the catheter from the proximal end thereof to a radial slot in the catheter communicating with the second lumen. The primary substrate is urged through the radial slot and wrapped around and bonded to the catheter to form the measuring electrodes as band electrodes.