Catheter Steering Control Handle for Single-Operator Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steerable tip catheters require two operators for precise steering and therapeutic agent delivery, leading to increased risk of error and complexity in dynamic environments like the heart, where movement of tissues and vessels can displace the catheter tip, resulting in incomplete or incorrect therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A catheter apparatus with a steering assembly located at the distal end of the handle, allowing for single-operator control through a palm-up configuration, combining fine motor control of the catheter tip with pharmaceutical delivery functionality, enabling concurrent steering and therapy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two operators are used for steering and therapy delivery, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steering control and therapy delivery controls into a single integrated handle assembly. The first control element (steering wheel) and second control element (therapy delivery mechanism) are merged into one operable unit, allowing a single operator to perform both functions simultaneously without requiring multiple operators or complex coordination protocols
2Productivity
If two operators are used for steering and therapy delivery, then concurrent control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed as a multi-functional device where a single operator can simultaneously control both steering (via the first control element) and therapy delivery (via the second control element). The universal design allows one operator to perform functions that previously required two operators, improving ease of operation while maintaining concurrent control capability
3Ease of operation
If steering controls are placed at distal end of handle, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the steering control element at the distal end of the handle, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, creating a spatial arrangement that optimizes ergonomic control. This dimensional repositioning allows the operator's thumb and fingers to naturally engage the control wheel, improving ease of operation while the integrated design keeps overall complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
This document relates to catheter-based therapeutic apparatus and methods for directing therapy within the body of a subject. This document also encompasses a control handle comprising a steering assembly and a delivery assembly suitable for use in conjunction with the catheter-based therapeutic apparatus to provide steering and fine positional control of the catheter tip.