Deflectable Catheter Tip Alignment via Pull Wire and Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems lack the capability for fine adjustments in alignment during bronchoscopy procedures, limiting the precision and effectiveness of accessing smaller airways for biopsy and therapeutic interventions.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable catheter system incorporating a pull wire assembly and a coil wire, allowing for controlled deflection of the catheter tip through a handle slider mechanism, which is visible in real-time using electromagnetic navigation software, maintaining the same inside and outside diameters as standard catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a catheter is inserted into a working channel of the bronchoscope to navigate smaller airways, then access to smaller airways is enabled, but the capability for fine adjustments to alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a deflectable distal portion with a pull wire assembly that allows dynamic adjustment of the catheter tip alignment. The pull wire can be selectively engaged and pulled through a handle slider mechanism to deflect the distal portion of the catheter, enabling fine adjustments to alignment while maintaining access to smaller airways.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is divided into a proximal portion and a deflectable distal portion. The distal portion can be selectively deflected independently from the proximal portion through the pull wire mechanism, allowing fine alignment adjustments at the tip without affecting the overall catheter structure or the working channel insertion.
2Ease of operation
If a pull wire assembly is added to enable deflection, then alignment adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull wire assembly serves multiple functions: it enables deflection of the distal portion for alignment adjustment, maintains structural integrity through the coil wire, and integrates with the existing catheter structure through the handle slider mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull wire is nested within a lumen in the catheter structure, and the coil wire is disposed around the pull wire. The pull ring is fixedly coupled to the end portion of the tubular structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated within the existing catheter dimensions without significantly increasing overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the catheter tip is deflected for alignment, then precision of biopsy and therapeutic procedures is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs a composite structure combining a flexible tubular structure with reinforcing elements including a coil wire and pull wire assembly. The coil wire provides structural support while allowing controlled deflection, and the pull wire transmits force for alignment adjustment. This composite construction maintains structural integrity during deflection while enabling precise alignment for procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil wire is disposed around the pull wire and braided wire, providing a cushioning or protective structure that prevents excessive stress on the catheter during deflection. This pre-engineered support structure ensures that the catheter can undergo the necessary deflection for alignment without compromising its overall structural integrity or risking failure.
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
Enables precise and accurate alignment of the catheter tip with targets within the bronchial tree, enhancing the effectiveness of biopsy and therapeutic procedures by allowing for real-time adjustments and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field and a deflectable catheter (EWC). The sensor wire is disposed around an end portion of the tubular structure and senses the electromagnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
A deflectable catheter (200) for guiding surgical tools that are passed therethrough includes a tubular structure (215), a sensor coil (213) disposed around an end portion of the tubular structure and a pull wire assembly (211, 212), which is coupled to the end portion of the tubular structure and is configured to cause a distal portion of the tubular structure to deflect when the pull wire assembly is operated. The catheter further includes a coil wire (210) disposed around a portion of the tubular structure and configured to restrain the pull wire.