Ultrasound Catheter Steering Mechanism for Reduced Puncture Trauma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheters face challenges in maneuverability and invasiveness due to complex steering mechanisms and large diameters, which complicate procedures and increase patient trauma.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated ultrasound catheter assembly with a flexible shaft and a handle featuring dual steering actuators for single-handed control, including rotational and flexing mechanisms, and a multiplexer chip to reduce the number of signal wires, allowing for a smaller catheter diameter and improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear array of multiple transducer elements (e.g., 64 elements) is used at the catheter tip, then imaging capability is improved, but the catheter shaft diameter increases to 8-9 F requiring larger punctures and causing more patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer elements (64 elements arranged in an 8x8 array) into a single integrated array at the catheter tip, allowing parallel signal processing that reduces the number of individual conductors needed. This merging approach enables high-quality imaging while maintaining a smaller catheter shaft diameter (6 F), thereby reducing patient trauma from puncture procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear array configuration to a two-dimensional array (8x8 elements) at the catheter tip. This dimensional change allows for more efficient signal multiplexing and reduces the number of conductors required in the catheter shaft, enabling smaller catheter diameter (6 F vs. 8-9 F) and smaller puncture sites while maintaining superior imaging capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If two steering wheels are used to control two steering planes, then catheter configurability is improved, but operation complexity increases requiring two-handed operation and difficult coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of two steering planes into a single integrated steering wheel with orthogonal control axes. The first axis controls flexing in a first plane while the second axis controls flexing in a second plane, allowing the physician to manipulate both steering dimensions simultaneously with one hand, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining full catheter configurability
Solution Approach 2:
The single steering wheel is designed with multi-functional capability, where rotation along one axis controls flexing in the first plane and rotation along the perpendicular axis controls flexing in the second plane. This universal control mechanism eliminates the need for separate wheels for each plane, simplifying the user interface while preserving complete steering versatility
3Ease of manufacture
If signal lines are formed on a rectangular flex cable assembled without radial symmetry, then manufacturing is simplified, but catheter bending stiffness becomes non-uniform making manipulation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetric reinforcement elements (such as spiral wires or braided reinforcement) within the catheter shaft to counterbalance the inherent asymmetry of the rectangular flex cable assembly. This controlled asymmetry compensates for the non-uniform bending stiffness caused by the cable configuration, restoring uniform maneuverability while preserving manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the catheter shaft by incorporating reinforcement structures that adjust the bending stiffness distribution. By changing the mechanical parameters (adding reinforcement layers, adjusting wire tension, or modifying shaft composition), the catheter achieves uniform bending characteristics despite the asymmetric flex cable assembly, thereby improving maneuverability without complicating manufacturing
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 enables more intuitive and controlled steering of the catheter, reduces patient trauma by minimizing puncture size, and facilitates less invasive procedures with improved imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer mounted proximate the distal end to transmit ultrasound and receive echo
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A hand-operated intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter is described for flexed and rotational steering is described for improved catheter operation, control and less trauma on patients. The disclosed catheter assembly includes ultrasound transducers mounted upon a rotatable tip mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate shaft. A set of steering lines are controlled by a steering actuator to articulate bidirectionally a distal segment of the catheter. Another steering actuator controls rotation of a torque member that, in turn is coupled to the rotatable tip. A user, through the steering actuators, affects repositioning the ultrasonic transducers by repositioning exposed control surfaces of the steering actuators lengthwise along the housing of the handle.