Conductive Catheter Coating for Adhesion-Resistant Return Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sphincterotomes face challenges in ensuring effective electrical conductivity and adhesion of the return path to the sphincter muscle during sphincterotomy procedures, particularly in bipolar configurations where the return path is integrated with the catheter, which can obstruct visualization and require precise alignment for proper electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A conductive coating, such as conductive ink, is applied to the outer surface of the sphincterotome's tubular member, either directly or via a primer adhesive, to create a return path that extends beyond the anchor point, ensuring contact with the sphincter muscle and maintaining visibility through strategic orientation to avoid obstructing the wire guide lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive coating is applied directly to the outer surface of the tubular member, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but adhesion to the adhesion-resistant surface is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A primer adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the adhesion-resistant outer surface of the tubular member and the conductive coating. The primer adhesive promotes bonding by chemically or physically interacting with both surfaces, enabling the conductive coating to adhere reliably to the hydrophobic or adhesion-resistant surface while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: the original tubular member material, a primer adhesive layer, and a conductive coating layer. Each layer contributes specific properties - the primer provides adhesion promotion, while the conductive coating provides electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both adhesion and electrical connectivity that neither material could provide alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer surface is made adhesion-resistant (e.g., fluoropolymer or polyolefin), then hydrophobicity and non-stick properties are improved, but coating adhesion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The primer adhesive serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the adhesion-resistant surface and the conductive coating. It is specifically formulated to interact with hydrophobic surfaces like fluoropolymers and polyolefins, enabling subsequent coating adhesion without compromising the surface's inherent hydrophobicity and non-stick properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion promotion is localized to the interface region where the primer adhesive contacts the outer surface. The bulk properties of the outer surface remain unchanged, preserving its hydrophobicity and non-stick characteristics, while only the surface interface is modified to enable coating adhesion.
3Strength
If a primer adhesive is applied to promote adhesion, then coating adhesion is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primer adhesive is applied in advance as a preparatory step before applying the conductive coating. This preliminary action ensures that the surface is pre-conditioned for optimal adhesion, and the primer has sufficient time to bond to the outer surface before the conductive coating is applied, simplifying the overall process by establishing a reliable foundation first.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that the primer adhesive remains in a suitable state (e.g., uncured or tacky) during the transition to conductive coating application. This continuity allows the two coating steps to be performed in sequence without interruption, maximizing adhesion while minimizing process complexity.
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 conductive coating enhances electrical conductivity and ensures reliable electrical connection to the sphincter muscle while preserving visualization of the wire guide lumen, improving the effectiveness and safety of sphincterotomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
applying a primer adhesive to an outer surface of an adhesion-resistant structure
Implementation Method 2
A conductive coating, such as conductive ink, is applied to the outer surface of a bipolar sphincterotome's tubular member... to create a return path that adheres to the sphincter muscle, ensuring proper electrical connection and circuit completion during electrosurgery
Implementation Method 3
subjecting a combination of the adhesion-resistant structure and the primer adhesive to heat within a predetermined temperature range above room temperature for a time period
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A conductive coating may be adhered to a structure comprising a hydrophobic and/or adhesion-resistant surface. The conductive coating may have a polymer backbone with conductive particles suspended in the backbone. In some embodiments, the conductive coating may be applied directly to the surface. In other embodiments, the conductive coating may be indirectly applied by first applying a primer adhesive to the outer surface, and then applying the conductive coating over the primer adhesive. An example structure may be a catheter of an endoscopic medical device, such as a bipolar sphincterotome, where the conductive coating functions as a return electrode.