Deformable Catheter Tube for Ultrasound Imaging Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intracorporeal exploration and intervention instruments face challenges in accessing cardiac chambers due to the large diameter of leadless capsules and the need for a single tool to combine ultrasound imaging and surgical instrument delivery, which is not feasible through venous networks, and existing solutions are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hollow catheter with a deformable tube structure that deploys a network of transducers perpendicular to its axis, allowing for a small external diameter and a large internal lumen, enabling access through venous networks while supporting a leadless capsule and providing high-resolution ultrasound imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional catheter with transducers is used, then ultrasound imaging is achieved, but the external diameter becomes too large for venous access
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter structure is segmented into an outer catheter and an inner deformable tube that can be independently manipulated. The transducer array is mounted on the deformable tube, allowing it to be positioned and oriented separately from the main catheter body, enabling venous access with a small external diameter while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is oriented perpendicular to the catheter axis rather than parallel, changing the dimensional arrangement from axial to radial. This allows the imaging face to project laterally without increasing the axial length or external diameter of the catheter, enabling ultrasound imaging through a compact profile suitable for venous access
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single tool combines ultrasound imaging and surgical instrument delivery, then functionality is integrated, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tube serves multiple functions: it supports the transducer array for ultrasound imaging, provides a delivery channel for surgical instruments or leadless capsules through its internal lumen, and can be independently positioned and oriented. This multi-functional design integrates imaging and intervention capabilities in a single relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The inner deformable tube with transducers is nested within the outer catheter structure. The deformable tube's internal lumen can accommodate surgical instruments or leadless capsules, creating a nested configuration where smaller functional elements are contained within larger structural components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining multiple capabilities
3Measurement precision
If the transducer array is oriented perpendicular to the catheter axis, then imaging resolution is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is mounted on a deformable tube that can be made of flexible material, allowing the tube to bend and conform to the desired orientation perpendicular to the catheter axis. This flexible mounting structure simplifies the mechanical complexity compared to rigid articulated systems while maintaining the ability to position the imaging face optimally for high-resolution ultrasound
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 cost-effective intracorporeal exploration and intervention by maintaining a small external diameter for venous access, accommodating a leadless capsule, and delivering high-resolution ultrasound imaging without the complexity of articulated mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
un deformable tube (100) in a compressed state, in which the deformable tube has a first external diameter adapted to be introduced into a venous network of a patient, and in a deployed state, in which the deformable tube has a second external diameter which is larger than the first external diameter
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4d
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The instrument comprises a double-walled, deformable tube (100) with an inner sleeve (102), a coaxial outer sleeve (104), and an imaging module (106) connected to the inner and outer sleeves. A transducer array is carried on an outer face of the imaging module. The inner sleeve (102) and the outer sleeve (104) are movable in relative axial translation between: a folded position where both the inner (102) and outer (104) sleeves are cylindrical, and the imaging module (106) extends substantially in line with the inner sleeve (102); and an extended position where the inner sleeve (102) is cylindrical and the outer sleeve (104) is flared, widening distally, and the imaging module (106) extends substantially with the face bearing the transducer array facing axially forward of the deformable tube.