Elastically Deformable Medical Probe Navigating Tortuous Fistula Tracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical probes for traversing tortuous fistula tracts are rigid and require high skill to navigate, leading to costly and painful procedures that often necessitate general anesthesia, with existing solutions being expensive and inefficient due to their rigidity and the need for specialized practitioners.
Innovation Solution
A medical probe with an elongate elastically deformable member, helically wound and covered by a biocompatible sheath, allowing it to conform to the shape of the tract and reduce discomfort, which can be used under local anesthesia and by less specialized practitioners, facilitating easier navigation and reduced procedural costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid medical probe is used to traverse a tortuous fistula tract, then the probe structure is simple and strong, but the ease of operation deteriorates and requires high skill to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a shape memory alloy wire that can dynamically change its shape between a straight configuration for insertion and a curved configuration for navigating tortuous tracts. This dynamic shape transformation allows the probe to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring complex external manipulation or high operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes temperature-dependent shape memory effect to change its geometric parameters. When heated (e.g., by body temperature or external heating), the shape memory alloy wire transitions from a straight shape to a pre-formed curved shape that matches the anatomical tract, enabling easy navigation without complex mechanical structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid probe is used for fistula tract traversal, then manufacturing is simple, but the discomfort to patient increases and requires general anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is covered with a flexible biocompatible sheath that conforms to the tract walls, reducing mechanical irritation and patient discomfort. This flexible covering allows the probe to navigate tortuous paths smoothly without causing trauma, eliminating the need for general anesthesia while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard medical device fabrication techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a malleable probe requiring plastic deformation is used, then the probe can adapt to tract shape, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires specialized skill
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy wire is pre-formed with a specific curved configuration that matches the expected anatomical tract shape. This preliminary shaping eliminates the need for time-consuming plastic deformation during the procedure. The probe simply needs to be activated (heated) to transform into its pre-programmed shape, significantly reducing procedure time and requiring less specialized skill.
4Reliability
If procedures are performed by specialized surgeons under general anesthesia, then navigation precision is high, but procedural costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy wire automatically transforms from straight to curved configuration when exposed to body temperature, eliminating the need for manual manipulation by specialized surgeons. This self-activating shape transformation ensures reliable navigation through tortuous tracts while simplifying the procedure to a point where it can be performed by less specialized practitioners under local anesthesia, thereby reducing costs.
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 probe effectively navigates tortuous tracts with reduced discomfort and procedural complexity, enabling procedures that do not require specialized skills and can be performed under local anesthesia, thereby lowering costs and improving patient experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate elastically deformable member comprising a helically wound element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical probe for traversing a tract in the body of a human or animal. One medical probe includes an elongate elastically deformable member including a helically wound element, and a sheath having an inner surface which contacts an outer surface of the elastically deformable member. The probe is elastically deformable, for traversing the tract, by virtue of the elastically deformable member. The probe may include a treatment element, which can be used to perform a procedure in the body of a patient. An assembly includes a probe and a treatment element. The medical probe has a particular use in the treatment of a fistula, in which the probe takes the form of a fistula probe adapted to traverse a fistula tract.