Catheter Handle Torque Mechanism and Steering for Stable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters face challenges in navigating through complex patient anatomy due to unstable movement and manual torqueing, which requires significant force and limits control functionality.
Innovation Solution
A catheter handle with integrated torqueing and steering mechanisms, featuring a nosecone, bearing, and pull wire system that allows precise rotation and bending of the catheter shaft without interfering with control operations, along with a strain relief component for protection during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire handle is manually rotated to torque the catheter, then the catheter can be rotated to achieve alignment, but the movement becomes unstable and significant force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into a stationary housing and a rotatable nosecone component. The torqueing mechanism segments the rotation function from the control controls, allowing the nosecone to rotate independently to transmit torque to the catheter shaft while the housing and controls remain stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
A torque transmission mechanism (including bearing and drive shaft) acts as an intermediary between the rotatable nosecone and the catheter shaft. This intermediary transfers rotational motion from the nosecone to the shaft without requiring movement of the entire handle, enabling stable and controlled torqueing.
2Ease of operation
If the entire handle is rotated during torqueing, then the catheter can be torqued, but the controls on the handle are placed in a position that limits their usability
Solution Approach 1:
The handle controls are segmented into a fixed housing portion that remains stationary during torqueing operations. Only the nosecone rotates, separating the control interface from the torque transmission function and maintaining constant accessibility to controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables torqueing through localized rotation of the nosecone without requiring rotation of the control housing, thus maintaining control accessibility while achieving the desired torqueing effect.
3Measurement precision
If manual torqueing is used to rotate the catheter, then alignment can be achieved, but significant force is required to combat recoiling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing and drive shaft act as mechanical intermediaries that provide a low-friction connection between the nosecone and catheter shaft. This mechanical advantage reduces the force required at the nosecone to achieve the necessary torque on the long catheter shaft, making it easier to overcome recoiling forces.
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
Enhances stability and control during catheter navigation, enabling precise alignment and reduced manual effort, while maintaining access to handle controls and protecting the catheter during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing coupled to the nosecone to be rotatable therewith. The bearing is concentrically disposed over the shaft and is configured to transmit a torque from the nosecone to the shaft when the nosecone is rotated
Implementation Method 2
axial movement of the rack tensions the pull wire to bend the distal portion of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes a handle with torqueing and steering mechanisms. The torqueing mechanism includes a rotatable nosecone and a bearing coupled to the nosecone to be rotatable therewith. The bearing is concentrically disposed over a shaft of the catheter. The steering mechanism includes a rack coupled to the bearing to be slideable therewith and a pull wire having a proximal end attached to the bearing and a distal end attached to a distal portion of the shaft. Rotation of the nosecone causes an entire length of the shaft to rotate and axial movement of the rack tensions the pull wire to bend the distal portion of the shaft. A valve relief component is slidingly disposed over the shaft and is configured to dock onto the handle when not in use.