Catheter Electrode Deployment Rack and Pinion Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and methods to control the actuation and deployment of electrodes from a catheter in a simple and cost-efficient manner, particularly for use in treating tissue regions within the body.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system comprising a handle with a trigger lever, an actuator rod, and a pinion that engages a rack to move the electrode between retracted and extended positions, with a locking mechanism to secure the electrode in place, allowing for easy manipulation and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rack and pinion mechanism is used to deploy electrodes from a catheter, then the electrode deployment control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion mechanism is integrated within the catheter handle structure, with the pinion gear mounted on the trigger lever shaft and the rack integrated with the actuator rod. This nesting approach allows the deployment mechanism to be contained within the existing catheter framework, improving control capability while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger lever is pre-configured with the pinion gear and the actuator rod with the rack, so that when the operator squeezes the trigger, the electrode deployment mechanism is immediately activated through the pre-positioned mechanical components. This preliminary arrangement ensures responsive control while using standardized mechanical elements
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the electrode in place, then the reliability of electrode positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded plunger that automatically engages with a notch on the actuator rod when the electrode reaches the desired position. The spring force automatically pushes the plunger into the notch, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is combined with the existing trigger lever assembly, where the plunger is mounted on the lever and the spring is integrated into the lever structure. This merging of functions allows the same structural elements to serve both the deployment control and the locking functions, minimizing additional complexity
3Ease of operation
If the actuator rod is biased using a spring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring is used to provide a biasing force on the actuator rod, creating a counterbalancing effect that assists the operator in moving the trigger lever. The spring force opposes the direction of electrode deployment, allowing the operator to control the deployment speed and position with minimal effort, while the spring absorbs the force during the return stroke
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 system enables efficient and cost-effective deployment and retraction of electrodes, facilitating therapeutic or diagnostic procedures by ensuring precise control over the electrode's position, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments such as tissue ablation and lesion formation.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator rod may be biased in one of the first and second positions by a spring
Implementation Method 2
In one embodiment, the locking element is spring-loaded. In one embodiment, the locking element is biased in a latched position by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods deploy an electrode from a catheter assembly. The systems and methods provide a catheter handle having a trigger lever adapted to carry an actuator rod. The actuator rod is adapted to cause movement of the electrode between a retracted position and an extended position. A pinion is carried by the trigger lever for engagement with a rack carried by the actuator rod. Compression of the trigger lever moves the rack along the actuator rod between a first position corresponding to the electrodes being in the retracted position and a second position corresponding to either the primed electrode firing position or the electrodes being in an extended position.