Deflectable Catheter Shaft Pullwire Anchor Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiology catheters face challenges in precise navigation and positioning within the body due to limitations in torque application and directional control of the distal tip, which can hinder effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for conditions like atrial arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable catheter shaft with a pullwire anchor feature, where pullwires extend along the tubular elongated body and are embedded with anchor features in a polymer anchor segment, allowing for controlled deflection and improved navigation through the vasculature by applying tension to the pullwires, enabling precise positioning of the catheter tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pullwires are extended along the tubular elongated body for deflection control, then the ability to position the catheter tip is improved, but the structural complexity of the catheter shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pullwires are nested within the tubular elongated body, with the pullwire distal end embedded in the wall of the body distal end. This nesting arrangement allows the deflection control mechanism to be integrated within the existing catheter shaft structure, adding functionality without proportionally increasing external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter shaft is segmented into distinct functional zones: the tubular elongated body, the anchor feature at the distal end, and the pullwire extending through the structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together for precise tip positioning
2Reliability
If anchor features are embedded in the wall of the body distal end to secure pullwires, then the deflection control reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor features are prepared and positioned at the body distal end before the pullwires are fully installed. This preliminary action allows for pre-positioning and alignment, reducing the precision requirements during final assembly and ensuring reliable deflection control
3Ease of operation
If the catheter shaft is made deflectable through pullwire tension, then the ease of operation for navigation is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular elongated body is designed with flexible properties that allow deflection when pullwire tension is applied. The wall structure incorporates flexibility while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand physiological forces during catheter navigation and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can be actively deflected by pullwire tension. This dynamic capability allows the catheter to adapt its shape for navigation while maintaining structural integrity through controlled flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a deflectable catheter shaft. The deflectable catheter shaft can include a tubular elongated body including a wall, an inner surface of which circumferentially surrounds and defines a central lumen extending a length of the tubular elongated body, the tubular elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a body distal end and a body proximal end. The deflectable catheter shaft can include a pullwire, wherein the pullwire includes a pullwire proximal end and a pullwire distal end, and wherein the pullwire extends along the tubular elongated body. The deflectable catheter shaft can include an anchor feature coupled to the pullwire distal end, wherein the anchor feature is embedded in the wall of the body distal end.