Catheter Radiopaque Marker Thickness Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters with thick radiopaque markers for improved X-ray visibility often have a large outer diameter, which reduces passability through blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a shaft having a plurality of radiopaque markers at different positions, where the thickness of each marker can be individually set, allowing for optimal X-ray visibility and passability by varying the marker thickness and outer diameter along the catheter shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the marker is made thicker to improve X-ray visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the outer diameter of the catheter increases and passability through the blood vessel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter applies different marker thicknesses at different locations along its shaft. The distal-most marker (first marker) is made thicker to provide high X-ray visibility at the critical distal end, while proximal markers (second marker, third marker) are made thinner to reduce overall catheter diameter and improve passability. This local differentiation of marker thickness resolves the contradiction between visibility and passability by optimizing each marker's thickness according to its specific functional requirement.
2Loss of information
If multiple markers are added to enable position recognition at multiple locations, then position recognition capability is improved, but the overall outer diameter and complexity of the catheter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple marker sections along its shaft, with each segment (first marker, second marker, third marker) serving a specific position recognition function. This segmentation allows the catheter to provide comprehensive position information at multiple locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each marker segment is independently designed with appropriate thickness to balance visibility and passability requirements.
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
The catheter achieves appropriate X-ray visibility and improved passability through blood vessels by strategically varying the thickness and outer diameter of the markers, ensuring effective position recognition and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft has a plurality of markers that is radiopaque at different positions in an axial direction of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter that includes a shaft having a lumen communicating from the distal end to the proximal end. The shaft has a plurality of radiopaque markers at different positions in the axial direction of the shaft. The markers include a first marker that is the distal-most marker, and a second marker located adjacent to the first marker on the proximal side. The thickness of the first marker along the radial direction of the shaft is different from the thickness of the second marker along the radial direction.