Catheter Handle Torque Mechanism for Stable Tip Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter handling methods cause unstable movement and require significant force to navigate through complex patient anatomy due to manual torqueing of the entire device, limiting control accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A catheter handle with integrated torqueing and steering mechanisms, featuring a nosecone and bearing system that transmits torque to the shaft without rotating the handle, and a pull wire for precise distal portion bending, allowing controlled navigation without interfering with other handle controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire handle is manually rotated to torque the catheter, then the catheter can be rotated to achieve alignment, but the catheter becomes unstable inside the patient and significant force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into two independently rotatable components: the main handle body and the nosecone. The nosecone can rotate relative to the handle body through a bearing mechanism, allowing torque to be applied to the catheter shaft without rotating the entire handle. This segmentation enables precise control of catheter orientation while maintaining handle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A bearing mechanism serves as an intermediary between the nosecone and the handle body, facilitating relative rotation. The bearing allows the nosecone to rotate independently while remaining coupled to the catheter shaft, transmitting rotational force without requiring movement of the entire handle assembly.
2Measurement precision
If the entire handle is manually rotated to torque the catheter, then the catheter can be aligned with the target site, but the controls on the handle are placed in positions that limit their usability
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the rotation function into the independently rotatable nosecone, the main handle body and its controls remain stationary. This allows the operator to rotate only the nosecone for precise catheter alignment while keeping all handle controls (such as the balloon inflation control and other actuators) in their original, easily accessible positions.
3Measurement precision
If significant force is applied to manually rotate the handle for torqueing, then the catheter can be oriented properly, but recoiling forces are generated that complicate the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation is isolated to the lightweight nosecone rather than the entire heavy handle assembly. This reduces the moment of inertia and the forces required to achieve proper catheter orientation. The bearing mechanism efficiently transmits the reduced rotational force to the catheter shaft without generating excessive recoiling forces.
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
Enhances stability and control during catheter navigation by enabling precise rotation and bending of the distal tip, maintaining accessibility to other controls and reducing manual force requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing is concentrically disposed over the shaft and is configured to transmit a torque from the nosecone to the shaft when the nosecone is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes a handle with torqueing and steering mechanisms. The torqueing mechanism includes a rotatable nosecone and a bearing coupled to the nosecone to be rotatable therewith. The bearing is concentrically disposed over a shaft of the catheter. The steering mechanism includes a rack coupled to the bearing to be slideable therewith and a pull wire having a proximal end attached to the bearing and a distal end attached to a distal portion of the shaft. Rotation of the nosecone causes an entire length of the shaft to rotate and axial movement of the rack tensions the pull wire to bend the distal portion of the shaft. A valve relief component is slidingly disposed over the shaft and is configured to dock onto the handle when not in use.