Vibrational Catheter Transition Connector Crimping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vibrational catheters face challenges in providing adequate vibrational energy at the distal end while minimizing stress on the transmission wire, leading to overheating and wear, particularly at the connection point with the transducer, which can result in wire breakage and reduced catheter lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a transition connector with a bore that allows for variable attachment forces, using crimping techniques to distribute force more evenly along the vibrational transmission member, reducing stress on the distal end and minimizing wear, and includes features like tapered or stepped portions to optimize crimping force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If high vibrational energy is applied at the proximal end to provide desired energy at the distal end, then the vibrational energy transmission is improved, but the stress and strain on the transmission wire increases causing overheating and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrational energy transmissionVSAvoidtransmission wire durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transition connector applies different attachment forces to different portions of the transmission wire. The proximal portion receives higher attachment force to secure the wire, while the distal portion receives lower attachment force to minimize stress and heat generation, allowing the wire to flex more freely during vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the transmission wire is made thinner and more flexible to navigate small and tortuous blood vessels, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stress concentration at the connection point increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter navigabilityVSAvoidstress concentration at connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The transition connector creates a gradient of attachment forces along the transmission wire, with the distal portion having reduced attachment force compared to the proximal portion. This allows the thin, flexible wire to navigate tortuous vessels while experiencing reduced stress concentration at the connection point during insertion and use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the attachment force is uniformly distributed along the transmission wire, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the stress on the distal end is maximized causing premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrimping process simplicityVSAvoidcatheter useful life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transition connector incorporates a tapered geometry where the bore diameter decreases from the distal end toward the proximal end. This allows the crimping tool to apply variable attachment force in a single continuous operation, with lower force at the distal end and progressively higher force toward the proximal end, extending catheter life without requiring multiple crimping steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enhances the durability and effectiveness of vibrational catheters by reducing stress on the transmission wire, preventing overheating, and extending the catheter's useful life while maintaining efficient energy transmission to disrupt vascular occlusions.

Implementation Method 1

using crimping techniques to distribute force more evenly along the vibrational transmission member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrimping:

Implementation Method 2

includes features like tapered or stepped portions to optimize crimping force distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTapered geometry:

Data Source

PatentUS11510690B2Vibrational catheter devices and methods for making same

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 FLOWCARDIA INC

AI summary

A method for making a vibrational catheter device includes providing a transition connector comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a tapered portion that defines a tapered outer surface of the transition connector, the proximal portion being wider than the distal portion, and the transition connector having a bore disposed within the tapered portion; inserting a proximal end of an ultrasound transmission member into the bore; and deforming at least part of the transition connector at the tapered outer surface so as to apply greater force to the wider proximal portion than to the distal portion to secure the proximal end of the ultrasound transmission member within the bore.