Catheter Handle Stabilizer With Passive Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter handle locking mechanisms for transcatheter procedures are time-consuming and inconvenient, requiring active engagement or disengagement, and can be cumbersome for medical devices with long shafts.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing apparatus with a retaining arm and biasing member that passively secures the catheter handle, allowing for easy adjustment by compressing and releasing the fork, and a rotatable locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional active locking mechanism is used to secure the catheter handle, then the catheter handle can be securely locked during the procedure, but the operator must continuously actively engage or disengage the locking device which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing apparatus employs a spring-loaded fork that automatically engages with the catheter handle when inserted, eliminating the need for active locking operations. The spring mechanism self-activates upon insertion, securing the handle without requiring continuous operator intervention to engage or disengage locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded in the fork assembly before use, storing potential energy that automatically converts to kinetic energy upon catheter insertion. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism allows instant engagement without requiring the operator to perform locking actions during the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a catheter handle is manually repositioned during a long procedure, then the position can be adjusted, but it requires releasing and re-engaging the locking mechanism which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing apparatus transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic adjustable state by simply removing the catheter and reinserting it. The spring mechanism remains compressed during removal and automatically re-engages upon reinsertion, allowing position changes without complex locking/unlocking operations. The system maintains stability during use but allows easy reconfiguration when needed.
3Reliability
If a stabilizing apparatus with spring-loaded fork is used, then passive automatic locking occurs upon insertion, but the mechanism must be designed to accommodate long catheter shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: the fork with spring mechanism for lateral engagement, the base for vertical positioning, and the overall assembly for horizontal placement on the operating table. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the fork specifically designed to engage long catheter shafts at various positions along their length.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded fork design serves multiple functions: it provides automatic locking upon insertion, maintains secure engagement during procedures, and accommodates various catheter lengths and configurations. The same basic mechanism works for different catheter types without requiring design modifications, making the system universally applicable.
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
Facilitates convenient and secure stabilization of medical devices during procedures, reducing manual effort and enabling precise control of catheter position and orientation without the need for continuous active locking.
Implementation Method 1
A stabilizing unit for a medical device includes a biasing member, such as a spring-loaded fork, that urges, or biases, the stabilizing unit against the medical device
Implementation Method 2
the locking member has an outer surface that, when compressed radially inwardly, engages the medical device to lock the medical device in position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a stabilizing system for a medical device. The stabilizing system includes a table and a stabilizing unit. The table includes a table having a base member and an upper member. The upper member is removably mounted on top of an upper portion of the base member. The upper member includes an inverted T-shaped slot. The stabilizing unit includes a base portion and a support member. The base portion has side rails. The support member is disposed on the base portion. The support member is configured to receive and support a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a catheter handle. The stabilizing unit is mounted to the upper member of the table by sliding the side rails into the inverted T-shaped slot.