Catheter Actuation With Motion Conversion for Low-Trauma Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter devices face challenges in minimizing damage to the body during introduction and removal, particularly when incorporating functional elements like pumps, which often require surgical intervention due to fixed diameters or complex mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A catheter device with a flexible shaft and mechanical transmission elements that allow movement conversion from a first to a second degree of freedom, enabling the functional element to be introduced and removed with minimal damage by converting longitudinal movements into rotary-thrusting movements, using biocompatible materials and mechanisms like Bowden cables or hoses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a functional element with fixed diameter is used in the catheter device, then the device can be constructed simply, but surgical intervention is required for introduction and removal when the diameter is too large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstructional simplicityVSAvoidintroduction and removal without surgical intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The functional element is designed with a variable diameter capability, transitioning from a compressed state during introduction to an expanded state during operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the element to pass through small access points and then provide full functionality, eliminating the need for surgical intervention while maintaining constructional simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The diameter of the functional element is changed as a key parameter - compressed to a small diameter for introduction through the catheter, then expanded to a larger diameter for functional operation. This parameter change enables both easy introduction and effective operation without requiring surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the functional element is introduced in a compressed state, then introduction is made easier, but the element must be expanded to function properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintroduction easeVSAvoidexpansion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion mechanism replaces complex mechanical systems with a shape memory material-based system. The functional element is made from shape memory material that automatically expands when exposed to body temperature, eliminating the need for complex mechanical expansion mechanisms while maintaining ease of introduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional element utilizes a phase transition in shape memory material - transitioning from a martensitic phase (compressible at low temperature) during introduction to an austenitic phase (expanded at body temperature) during operation. This phase transition enables automatic expansion without complex mechanical mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Volume of moving object

If a larger diameter functional element is used, then the clear transit channel is improved, but the risk of damage to body regions during introduction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclear transit channelVSAvoiddamage to body regions during introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The functional element is pre-compressed to a small diameter before introduction to minimize damage to body regions during insertion. After successful introduction and positioning, the element is expanded to provide the necessary large diameter for an clear transit channel and effective operation, thus avoiding damage while achieving the desired channel size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the introduction and removal of functional elements with reduced risk of injury and minimal disruption to the body, ensuring a clear transit channel and efficient operation of the catheter device.

Implementation Method 1

the cannula is situated during introduction into the blood vessel in a compressed state which is assumed, as a function of the temperature, in a range of low temperatures. If the cannula is inserted into the body, then it heats to body temperature and thereby assumes a second, expanded shape because of the shape memory of the material thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12377246B2Catheter device having a catheter and an actuation device

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 ECP ENTWICKLUNGSGMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a catheter device, having a catheter, an actuation device at a first end of the catheter and also a mechanical transmission element for transmitting a movement along the catheter to the actuation device, the actuation device having a coupling element which is connected to the transmission element and can be actuated by the latter relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter in a first degree of freedom, and also a conversion element which can be actuated by the coupling element and which converts the actuation movement at least partially into a movement in a second degree of freedom. As a result, a combined movement at the distal end of the catheter can be produced particularly simply for compression and release of a functional element.