Deformable Catheter Gripping Handle for Torque and Movement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter assemblies, such as intracardiac blood pump assemblies, lack effective gripping devices that can securely hold and transfer torque, push, or pull forces while allowing for flexibility and ease of movement during surgical or percutaneous procedures.

Innovation Solution

A gripping device with a deformable handle that grips the catheter in response to compression force, allowing for torque transfer and featuring a securing mechanism to restrict or permit movement, coupled with a fixation device for patient attachment, and a grippable handle that translates and rotates relative to the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a gripping device is added to the catheter assembly, then torque transfer and force application capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transfer capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is nested within the existing catheter assembly structure, with the handle integrated into the catheter body. The compression member and gripping surface are contained within the handle structure, allowing torque transfer functionality to be added without significantly increasing overall device complexity or requiring separate external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device combines multiple functions into a single integrated handle structure that can both guide the catheter and transfer torque. The compression member mechanism is merged with the handle anatomy, allowing force application while maintaining a unified device architecture rather than adding separate torque transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the handle is made deformable to improve grip, then gripping effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is made deformable by selecting appropriate material properties and structural parameters that allow controlled compression. The compression member can be designed with specific elasticity modulus and geometric parameters that enable the handle to deform sufficiently for effective gripping while maintaining structural integrity and requiring standard manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The handle incorporates flexible materials and thin-walled structures that allow controlled deformation during gripping. The compression member can be designed as a flexible element that deforms under compression forces applied during catheter manipulation, providing effective grip without requiring complex precision mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If a securing mechanism is added to restrict movement, then catheter stability is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter stabilityVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing the operator to transition between a secured state (when compression is applied to restrict catheter movement) and a free state (when compression is released to allow manipulation). This dynamic capability provides stability when needed while maintaining ease of operation during catheter positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compression member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's hand and the catheter. By applying compression to the handle, the operator activates the securing mechanism to restrict catheter movement, providing stability. When the compression force is released, the intermediary mechanism disengages, allowing easy manipulation of the catheter without permanent restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device provides secure grip and force transfer to the catheter, facilitating precise manipulation and stability during catheter assembly procedures, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of intracardiac blood pump operations.

Implementation Method 1

The grippable handle is configured to deform in response to a compression force applied to the grippable handle such that the interior surface grips the portion of the catheter to permit the grippable handle to transfer a torque force to the portion of the catheter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the interior surface grips the portion of the catheter to permit the grippable handle to transfer a torque force to the portion of the catheter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The securing mechanism is configured to be selectively engaged to restrict or permit movement of the catheter through the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250242130A1Gripping devices for catheter assemblies

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 ABIOMED INC

AI summary

Gripping devices for catheter assemblies, such as, intracardiac blood pump assemblies are provided.