Catheter Pull Wire Band Electrode Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters used in procedures like atrial fibrillation treatment lack a solution for efficiently steering and diagnosing tissue electrical signals simultaneously, as they require separate diagnostic and delivery catheters, which complicates the process and reduces precision.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a pull wire band that is partially exposed to serve as an electrode and is integrated into the steering system, allowing for deflection and electrical signal detection at the distal end, enabling both steering and diagnostic functions within a single catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate diagnostic and delivery catheters are used, then diagnostic precision is improved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the delivery catheter and diagnostic catheter into a single integrated device. The delivery catheter includes a pull wire band with exposed portions that function as electrodes for detecting electrical signals from pulmonary veins, eliminating the need for a separate diagnostic catheter while maintaining diagnostic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: it delivers the ablation catheter to the target site and simultaneously detects electrical signals through the exposed pull wire band electrodes. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate devices needed during the procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate diagnostic and delivery catheters are used, then diagnostic capability is improved, but productivity and procedural efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the diagnostic electrode function into the delivery catheter structure, the procedure eliminates the step of inserting and removing a separate diagnostic catheter. The exposed pull wire band provides continuous electrical signal detection capability throughout the procedure, improving workflow efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If pull wire band is exposed to serve as electrode, then diagnostic function is added, but catheter structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull wire band serves dual functions: it provides mechanical steering control through the pull wire mechanism and simultaneously acts as an electrode for electrical signal detection when exposed. This eliminates the need for separate electrode components, reducing overall structural complexity despite adding diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
Only specific portions of the pull wire band are exposed to serve as electrodes, while other portions remain covered for mechanical function. This localized exposure approach adds diagnostic capability without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes a control handle and a catheter shaft coupled to the control handle and extending from the control handle. The catheter shaft has a proximal end coupled to the control handle and a distal end located opposite the proximal end. The catheter also includes a pull wire band coupled to the catheter shaft. At least a portion of the pull wire band is exposed to an environment outside of the catheter shaft. The catheter also includes a pull wire extending from the control handle and through the catheter shaft to the pull wire band.