Single-Hand Catheter Torque Control With Selective Grip Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for rotating a catheter within the body require two hands or result in twisting the proximal portion outside the body, rather than the distal portion inside the body, and existing devices are inefficient for single-hand operation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter torquing device with a catheter holder that can be adjusted between engaged and disengaged states, using a gripping element and a depressible trigger to rotate the catheter with a single hand, allowing the catheter holder to grip or release the catheter, and a base member for ergonomic single-hand operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to rotate a catheter within the body, then the catheter can be rotated, but two hands are required or the proximal portion outside the body twists instead of the distal portion inside the body
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the catheter into distinct regions (proximal portion outside body, distal portion inside body) and applies torque selectively to the distal portion through the torquing mechanism, preventing unwanted twisting of the proximal portion while enabling single-hand operation
Solution Approach 2:
The torquing device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's hand and the catheter, providing a controlled interface that translates rotational input into precise torque application at the desired location along the catheter length
2Reliability
If the catheter holder grips the catheter tightly to prevent axial and rotational movement, then rotational control is improved, but the device complexity increases with the gripping element and trigger mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter holder employs dynamic gripping elements that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the device to adapt its grip characteristics based on operational requirements while maintaining reliable control during torque application
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping element is designed to automatically engage and disengage the catheter through the trigger mechanism, reducing the need for complex manual adjustment procedures and simplifying the overall operation while maintaining secure grip when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter torquing device is provided that enables a physician to rotate (e.g., torque) a catheter using a single hand. The provided catheter torquing device includes a catheter holder that can be slid onto a catheter. The catheter holder is adjustable between an engaged state, in which the catheter holder tightly grips the catheter, and a disengaged state, in which the catheter holder releases its grip on the catheter. When the catheter holder is in the engaged state, rotation of at least a portion of the catheter holder also rotates the catheter, whereas when the catheter holder is in the disengaged state, the catheter holder and the catheter can be translated relative to one another. The catheter torquing device further includes a base member that may be positioned directly onto a middle portion of a catheter and coupled to the catheter holder.