Configurable Catheter Handle with Detachable Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control handles for medical catheters require separate parts and molds for irrigated and nonirrigated procedures, leading to increased inventory costs and risks of contamination, damage, and undesirable aesthetics when handles are not fully enclosed.
Innovation Solution
A configurable control handle with a housing that includes a detachable plug and recessed grooves, allowing the handle to be adapted for use with or without an irrigation side arm, providing a single part number for multiple uses and ensuring the port is either exposed or covered during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single control handle housing is used for both irrigated and nonirrigated catheters, then manufacturing cost and inventory complexity are reduced, but the risk of contamination and damage to internal electronics increases due to uncovered ports
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a main body and a detachable plug component. The plug can be removed to expose the port for irrigated procedures or left in place to seal the port for nonirrigated procedures, allowing a single housing design to serve multiple functions while protecting internal electronics when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic removable state, allowing the port to be exposed only when needed for irrigation. This dynamic configuration enables the same housing to adapt between protected and accessible states based on procedural requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing has an uncovered hole for the side arm, then assembly and configuration for multiple uses is simplified, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates with an unfinished or damaged look
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design separates the functional port opening from the aesthetic exterior surface by using a detachable plug. When the plug is installed, it creates a clean, finished appearance on the housing exterior, while still allowing port access when removed for irrigation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable plug acts as an intermediary element between the internal port and the external housing surface. It provides a clean transition that maintains aesthetic appearance when installed, while enabling port access when removed, thus mediating between form and function requirements.
3Reliability
If separate control handles are manufactured for irrigated and nonirrigated catheters, then reliability and aesthetics are maintained, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle housing is designed with universal applicability for both irrigated and nonirrigated catheter procedures. By incorporating a detachable plug that can be removed or left in place, the same housing serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate housing designs and reducing inventory complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a static single-purpose design to a dynamic multi-purpose design through the removable plug. This dynamic feature allows the same physical housing to adapt its functionality based on whether the plug is installed or removed, reducing the need for multiple housing variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A control handle for a surgical tool, e.g., an irrigated ablation catheter for use with a fluid side arm, has a housing defining an interior cavity and having a port through which the component can extend into the interior cavity. The housing has a detachable plug covering at least a portion of the port and being at least partially surrounded by a recessed groove to facilitate detachment of the plug from the housing. The recessed groove may be formed on an outer surface of the housing and there may be a second recessed groove on an inner surface of the housing generally tracing the first groove. The plug may also include a hinge to allow the plug to be arranged at an angled position relative to the housing without being fully detached from the housing.