Curved Support Sheath for Ergonomic Interventional Tool Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical professionals face significant radiation exposure during procedures, particularly when using fluoroscopic imaging equipment, which can lead to cumulative exposure and ergonomic strain due to the need to operate within radiation fields.
Innovation Solution
A medical sheath system with a curved support sheath and retainer device allows for the ergonomic delivery of interventional tools, enabling practitioners to operate from outside the radiation field and maintain an ergonomic posture, reducing exposure and strain by allowing angled insertion and improved visibility of both the patient and imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physicians operate within the radiation field to perform interventional procedures, then procedural effectiveness is improved, but radiation exposure to physicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved sheath introduces a spatial dimension change by angling the catheter insertion path at approximately 90 degrees relative to the skin surface. This allows the physician to position themselves outside the direct radiation field while maintaining procedural effectiveness through the curved trajectory of the sheath.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved sheath acts as an intermediary device that transmits the interventional tool from the physician's position outside the radiation field to the target site within the patient's body. The sheath's curved configuration mediates between the physician's ergonomic positioning and the required insertion path.
2Measurement precision
If physicians position themselves close to the patient for procedure precision, then operational precision is improved, but ergonomic strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved sheath enables the physician to operate from a laterally offset position rather than directly over the patient. This dimensional change in positioning allows maintained precision through the curved path while significantly improving ergonomics by eliminating the need for hunched posture and reducing neck and back strain.
3Ease of manufacture
If the catheter is inserted perpendicular to the skin surface, then insertion simplicity is improved, but physician positioning and radiation exposure are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath incorporates a predetermined curve with approximately 90-degree angulation, transforming the straight insertion path into a curved trajectory. This curvature allows the catheter to enter perpendicular to the skin surface initially, then angle away from the radiation field, maintaining insertion simplicity while reducing radiation exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, medical sheath systems that include a curved support sheath are described. In one embodiment, the support sheath includes a curved tube includes a distal portion fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the proximal end during advancement of an interventional tool through the support sheath.