Fistula-Forming Catheter With Split Backstop for Tortuous Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters with rigid ceramic backstops face difficulty in navigating tortuous vessel anatomy, such as the anterior tibial vessel, during fistula formation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system featuring a split backstop with movable proximal and distal sections connected by flexible elements like springs, ball and socket joints, or connecting rods, allowing for greater flexibility and navigation through complex vessel structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid ceramic backstop is used in the catheter, then the backstop can withstand the heat and plasma generated by the electrode, but it becomes difficult to navigate the catheter through tortuous vessel anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid ceramic backstop is divided into multiple segments (first backstop segment and second backstop segment) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the catheter to navigate tortuous vessel anatomy while each segment maintains the heat-resistant properties of ceramic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The backstop transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic segmented structure with degrees of freedom. The segments can move relative to each other, enabling the catheter to adapt to tortuous vessel paths while maintaining structural integrity and heat resistance at the electrode interface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid ceramic backstop is used in the catheter, then the backstop provides stable support for electrode engagement, but it increases the complexity of navigating through tortuous vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is segmented into multiple sections that can move relative to one another. This allows the catheter to flex and navigate complex vessel anatomy while the segmented structure collectively maintains stable support for electrode engagement during fistula formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented backstop design introduces flexibility to the otherwise rigid ceramic structure. The segments can articulate relative to each other, allowing the catheter to conform to tortuous vessel paths while maintaining sufficient structural stability for its function.
3Device complexity
If a non-split rigid backstop is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot easily navigate tortuous vessel anatomy such as the anterior tibial vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, providing the necessary flexibility to navigate tortuous vessel anatomy. This segmentation adds only minimal complexity compared to a fully rigid structure while dramatically improving navigability.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter for use in a system for forming a fistula between two vessels. The catheter comprises a catheter shaft, and a split backstop coupled to the catheter shaft and configured to receive a fistula-forming electrode. The split backstop has a proximal section and a distal section. The proximal section and the distal section are moveable relative to each other.