Catheter Reinforcing Member With Segmented Stiffness Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter devices face challenges in maneuverability and structural integrity during advanced procedures, such as accessing cerebral cisterns and draining cerebrospinal fluid, due to limitations in hoop strength, column strength, torqueability, and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of catheter devices with a reinforcing member featuring multiple discrete structural regions, each with varying stiffness properties defined by series of wall perforations, enhances pushability, torqueability, and flexibility, allowing for improved navigation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a catheter is made with uniform structural properties throughout, then manufacturing is simple, but the catheter cannot simultaneously achieve superior hoop strength, column strength, torqueability, and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple discrete structural regions along its length, each with different stiffness properties. The reinforcing member includes a first structural region with first stiffness properties and a second structural region with second stiffness properties, allowing different sections to optimize for different functions (strength vs. flexibility).
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the catheter are given different local structural properties. The first structural region has higher stiffness for strength and support, while the second structural region has lower stiffness for flexibility and trackability. This local differentiation allows the catheter to achieve superior overall performance without requiring complex global redesign.
2Length of moving object
If force is applied proximal to advance the catheter deeper into the vascular system, then the catheter can reach target locations, but it becomes difficult to maneuver the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into regions with different stiffness to allow force transmission at the proximal end while maintaining distal maneuverability. The transition between structural regions creates a gradient that facilitates both pushability and distal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates regions of varying flexibility that allow it to dynamically adapt during advancement. The less stiff second structural region allows the distal end to flex and maneuver more easily when force is applied proximally, while the stiffer first region maintains overall structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If torque is applied to position the distal end for a desired procedure, then rotational control is achieved, but the catheter may kink or lose structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into structural regions with different torsional rigidities. The first structural region with higher stiffness resists kinking and maintains structural integrity during torque application, while the second structural region with lower stiffness allows controlled rotation and positioning of the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the catheter have locally optimized properties: the proximal region has higher torsional rigidity to prevent kinking during torque application, while the distal region has lower torsional rigidity to enable precise rotational positioning. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and rotational control.
4Ease of operation
If the catheter is made more flexible to navigate tortuous vasculature, then trackability improves, but pushability and kink resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates distinct structural regions: a first region with higher stiffness for pushability and kink resistance, and a second region with lower stiffness for trackability. This segmentation allows the catheter to exhibit both properties at different locations along its length.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter has locally differentiated structural properties where the proximal region optimizes for pushability and kink resistance with higher stiffness, while the distal region optimizes for trackability through lower stiffness. This local quality differentiation allows the catheter to navigate tortuous vasculature while maintaining overall structural integrity and pushability.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, catheter devices can include: a reinforcing member having a proximal and distal ends, the reinforcing member comprising: discrete longitudinally arranged structural regions between the proximal and distal ends comprising: a first, proximal, structural region defining a first series of wall perforations that generate structural properties within the first structural region, the first series of wall perforations setting a first stiffness of the first structural region; and a second structural region, disposed distally relative to the first structural region, defining a second series of wall perforations that generate structural properties within the second structural region, the second series of wall perforations setting a second stiffness of the second structural region, which is less than the first stiffness, wherein the second series of wall perforations differs from the first series of wall perforations by at least one of: cut balance, cut frequency, or pitch.