Catheter Assembly Loop Wire Control for Occlusion Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter technologies for bypassing occlusions in veins and arteries require exceptional skill and coordination to form and maintain a loop, are limited to larger diameters, and often necessitate multiple steps and tools, making them difficult to use effectively, especially for inexperienced operators and in smaller vessels.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a supported loop wire end that simplifies loop formation and maintenance, using a combination of rigid catheter and loop wire materials to apply controlled pressure, allowing for easier bypassing of occlusions in smaller vessels by varying the loop size and position, and incorporating channels for guide wires and contrast fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a free loop wire end is used to form and maintain a loop, then the loop can be adjusted in size, but the operation requires exceptional skill and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter serves as an intermediary structure that supports the loop wire at a second location, providing a stable reference point that simplifies loop formation and maintenance while reducing the coordination complexity required by the operator
2Productivity
If a loop wire is advanced through catheter internals, then the loop can be formed, but multiple steps and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter and loop wire are combined into a single integrated assembly where the loop wire is supported by the catheter structure, eliminating the need for separate loop formation steps and reducing the overall number of procedural steps required
3Force
If a rigid catheter and rigid loop wire material are used, then separation force can be applied to bypass occlusions, but the rigidity must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the catheter assembly have different rigidity characteristics - the catheter body provides structural support while the loop wire section provides the necessary rigidity for force application, allowing precise control of force characteristics at the working end without compromising overall flexibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~6
AI summary
A catheter assembly provided with a wire arranged therein to form a loop extending from near the effective end of the catheter for (by)passing an occlusion in a vein/artery. This loop consists of two wire ends, one of which wire ends extends through the catheter to the control end thereof, while the other wire end is attached thereto, in close proximity to the effective end of the catheter. By varying the relative position of the loop wire end extending from the control end and said control end, the size of the loop and the pushability thereof at the effective end of the catheter can be determined. In this manner, the occlusion can be removed with precise control by the physician using two hands. In addition, the catheter according to the invention is formed not only for the loop wire end extending through the catheter, but also for incorporating a guide wire and/or for contrast fluids.