Deflectable Torque Cable with Integrated Pull Wire for Medical Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery cables for medical devices often have reduced inner diameters due to the inclusion of a pull wire for deflection, limiting the size of medical devices that can be delivered, and maneuverability is compromised by the need for additional components that reduce the usable diameter.

Innovation Solution

A delivery cable design featuring a flexible inner core surrounded by an outer coil with a pull wire between them, allowing deflection of a distal portion and a rotatable inner core for precise device placement, combined with a bushing for reduced friction during rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pull wire is coupled to a delivery sheath to enable deflection, then maneuverability is improved, but the usable inner diameter is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidusable inner diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pull wire is nested within the delivery cable structure, specifically disposed between the flexible inner core and the outer coil, allowing deflection functionality to be integrated without occupying space in the delivery sheath's usable inner diameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull wire is positioned in a different spatial dimension (radially between inner core and outer coil) rather than occupying the axial space within the delivery sheath, thereby maintaining the usable inner diameter while still enabling deflection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If additional components are added to enable deflection, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull wire is merged with the delivery cable structure itself, forming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining deflection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery cable structure serves multiple functions: the flexible inner core provides structural support, the outer coil provides flexibility and protection, and the pull wire disposed between them enables deflection, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3838164B1Deflectable torque cable for delivery of medical devices

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 ST JUDE MEDICAL CARDILOGY DIV INC

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AI summary

A delivery cable for delivering a medical device and a delivery device including the same are described herein. The delivery cable includes a flexible inner core, an outer coil surrounding at least a portion of the flexible inner core, and a pull wire disposed between the flexible inner core and the outer coil, the pull wire configured to deflect a distal deflectable portion of the delivery cable upon manipulation thereof. Methods of making the delivery cable and methods of using the delivery cable to deploy a medical device are also described herein.