Catheter Handle Mechanism for Electrode Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters lack convenience in operation, particularly in adjusting electrode positions and shapes to accommodate varying blood vessel sizes, requiring complex hand movements and limiting ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a rotatable and slidable operation mechanism that allows for adjustable electrode positions and shapes, enabling one-handed operation and adaptation to different vessel sizes through a handle-mounted mechanism with a gear system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter uses a fixed structure for the near-distal end, then manufacturing is simpler, but the electrode position cannot be adjusted to accommodate varying blood vessel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The near-distal end structure is designed to be deformable rather than fixed, allowing it to change shape between non-deployed and deployed states. This dynamic structure enables the catheter to adapt to different blood vessel sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter shaft is divided into distinct sections with different properties: a proximal end with a handle, a mid-portion, and a distal end with the deformable near-distal end structure. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, with the near-distal end providing adaptability while other sections maintain simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the catheter requires two-handed operation for wire manipulation, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit mounted on the handle. It integrates rotation operation for circumferential electrode adjustment and slide operation for shape deformation, both controllable from one location. This merging allows the operator to perform both functions with one hand while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator and the catheter shaft, providing mechanical advantage through its gear system. The rotation and slide operations are transmitted through this intermediary mechanism to achieve precise control of the near-distal end structure and electrodes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter uses a simple rotation mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust electrode position in both radial and axial directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operation mechanism provides dynamic control capabilities with two degrees of freedom: rotation operation for circumferential adjustment and slide operation for axial deformation. This dynamic design enables comprehensive electrode position adjustment while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation mechanism is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform both rotation and slide operations. This universal mechanism mounted on the handle can control both the circumferential position and the deployed shape of the near-distal end structure, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a catheter shaft extending in an axial direction and having a near-distal end structure including a plurality of electrodes, and a handle mounted on a proximal end side of the catheter shaft. The handle includes a handle body extending in the axial direction, and an operation mechanism configured to be rotatable with respect to the handle body about a rotation axis extending along the axial direction. The operation mechanism is rotationally operated when the near-distal end structure is rotationally operated about the rotation axis while a length of the near-distal end structure in the axial direction is fixed.