Composite Conductive Filars for Expandable Therapeutic Catheters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheters for medical procedures like neuromodulation lack an efficient mechanism to both deliver therapeutic energy and expand radially for effective tissue engagement, often resulting in limited accessibility and reduced treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

The catheter incorporates a plurality of electrically conductive filars with a unique layered structure, combining an outer layer of electrically conductive material with an inner core of shape memory material. This configuration allows the catheter to expand radially from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed configuration, while ensuring electrical connectivity for therapeutic elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the catheter uses traditional rigid structures to deliver therapeutic energy, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but radial expansion capability and tissue engagement effectiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial expansion capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filar is constructed as a composite structure with an inner core of shape memory material and an outer layer of electrically conductive material. This composite design allows the filar to simultaneously exhibit shape memory behavior for radial expansion and electrical conductivity for therapeutic energy delivery, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the catheter uses a single-material filar structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity and shape memory function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilar manufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddual functionality (electrical conductivity and shape memory)

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filar employs a composite structure with distinct inner and outer layers made of different materials. The inner core provides shape memory functionality while the outer layer provides electrical conductivity. This composite approach enables dual functionality without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the layers can be applied sequentially using standard coating or deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the filar are assigned different material properties: the inner core is made of shape memory material for structural transformation, while the outer layer is made of electrically conductive material for energy delivery. This local differentiation of material quality allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the catheter uses thick-walled filars for structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility for navigation and repositioning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilar structural strengthVSAvoidcatheter flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filar utilizes shape memory material in the inner core that can change its mechanical properties through temperature or stress parameters. When activated, the shape memory effect allows the filar to transition from a constrained low-profile configuration during navigation to an expanded configuration for therapeutic delivery, providing both flexibility during insertion and structural support during treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables the catheter to effectively engage target tissue sites with reduced stiffness, facilitating easier navigation and repositioning, and allowing for more precise and efficient delivery of therapeutic energy.

Implementation Method 1

The shape memory material is configured to facilitate the self-expansion of the portion (e.g., a distal portion) of the catheter from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The electrically conductive material enables the filars to electrically connect the at least one therapeutic element (e.g., an electrode, ultrasound transducer, or a sensor) to a therapy delivery device, e.g., a source of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250160938A1Catheter including conductive filars

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 MEDTRONIC IRELAND MFG UNLIMITED CO

AI summary

A catheter that includes at least one therapeutic element and a plurality of electrically conductive filars configured to both electrically connect the at least one therapeutic element to a medical device. and to enable a portion of the catheter to expand radially outwards from a relatively low profile delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. Each filar of the plurality of filars includes an outer layer formed from a first material and an inner layer (also referred to herein as an inner core) radially inward of the outer layer and formed from a second material that is different from the first material. One of the first material or the second material comprises an electrically conductive material and the other of the first material or the second material comprises a shape memory material.