Catheter Wire Layout for Flexible Distal-End Curving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrode catheters face issues with reduced flexibility at the distal end due to metal wires proping up when the catheter is curved, as the wires lack elasticity and are restricted by the limited lumen space, especially when an insertion member is used to maintain shape.
Innovation Solution
The catheter design includes wires with positions deviated by 45 degrees or more in the circumferential direction of the insertion member, providing extra length in the lumen to absorb dragging during curving, and the use of a fixed part to secure flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal wire is used to electrically connect the electrode, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but the wire props up when the catheter is curved, reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is positioned off-center in the lumen at a deviation of 45 degrees or more in the circumferential direction, creating asymmetric spatial arrangement. This dimensional repositioning provides sufficient wire length margin that absorbs dragging during curving, preventing the wire from proping up while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an insertion member is provided in the lumen to retain the shape of the distal end portion, then shape stability is improved, but the lumen is narrowed and wire movement is restricted, causing prop-up
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is pre-positioned at a specific circumferential deviation (45 degrees or more) from the side hole in the manufacturing process. This preliminary positioning ensures that sufficient wire length margin is built into the structure before use, allowing the wire to absorb dragging movements during curving operations without proping up, even when the insertion member is present.
3Device complexity
If the wire is disposed straight along the longitudinal axis, then electrical connection is simplified, but the wire lacks margin length to absorb dragging during curving
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the wire along the longitudinal axis, the invention positions it with circumferential deviation in the radial dimension of the lumen. This off-center positioning at 45 degrees or more from the side hole creates the necessary wire length margin without complicating the electrical connection, as the wire still extends straight from the electrode through the shifted position to the external device.
Data Source
AI summary
This catheter has: a shaft (10) has a first side hole (31) and a second side hole (32) in a wall (12); an insertion member (20) disposed in the lumen (11) of the shaft (10); a first electrode (41) provided on outer side of the first side hole (31); and a first wire (51) that is electrically connected to the first electrode (41) through the first side hole (31) and extents in the lumen (11) of the shaft (10) but outside the insertion member (20), wherein the first wire (51) has a first position (61) and a second position (62) inside the shaft (10), and the second position (62) of the first wire (51) is located at a position deviated from the first position (61) by 45 degrees or more in a circumferential direction of the insertion member (20).