Catheter Steering Unit Connector Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) and other cardiac defects face safety issues due to the risk of careless electric energy application when electrodes are exposed inside the blood, leading to thrombi formation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a hand-side steering unit that includes a heating unit on a catheter, featuring a slide portion, guide unit, and input/output connectors, where the connection between the connectors is adjusted to prevent electric energy application until the heating unit reaches a position suitable for tissue heating, ensuring safe and controlled energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric energy is applied to the clamping means (electrode) exposed inside the blood, then tissue fusion can be achieved, but thrombi may easily attach to the clamping means causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the heating unit to be moved to a predetermined position where tissue can be heated before the input connector and output connector can be connected. This preliminary positioning action ensures that electric energy is only applied when the heating unit is in the correct position, preventing thrombi formation while enabling tissue fusion when needed
2Reliability
If the heating unit is moved to enable tissue heating, then effective treatment can be performed, but careless electric energy application may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the predetermined position and connector alignment as an intermediary mechanism. The input connector and output connector are designed to only connect when the heating unit is at the correct position, serving as a mechanical intermediary that prevents careless energy application while enabling effective treatment when properly positioned
3Reliability
If the connector connection is restricted until proper positioning, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct components (heating unit, input connector, output connector, guide unit) with specific functions. The guide unit is segmented to provide the alignment function, separating the safety control function from the main heating function while keeping the overall device relatively simple
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
The solution enhances safety by preventing careless electric energy application and improving the reliability of the procedure, reducing the risk of thrombi formation and ensuring effective tissue heating and fusion.
Implementation Method 1
electric energy is applied to the biological tissue, and the fusion is carried out
Implementation Method 2
the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are fused by applying electric energy from both the electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be solved by the Invention] To provide a highly safe medical device which can suppress careless application of electric energy. [Means for solving the Problem] A hand-side steering unit 70 which is provided at a proximal portion of a catheter and which steers advance and retraction operation of a heating unit at a distal end includes: a main body portion 71 interlocked with the catheter; a slide portion 100 interlocked with the heating unit and approachable and separable with respect to the main body portion 71; a guide unit 40A interlocked with the main body portion 71 movably and concurrently fixed to the slide portion 100; and an input connector 75 provided at the main body portion 71, electrically connected with the heating unit and concurrently with which an output connector for supplying electric energy is connectable, wherein the guide unit 40A is arranged at a position for hindering connection between the input connector 75 and the output connector, and also there is provided a cutout portion 41 (connection adjusting unit) which enables connection between the input connector 75 and the output connector when the guide unit 40A moves with respect to the main body portion 71 and the heating unit moves to a position at which the biological tissue is heatable.