Diagnostic Imaging Catheter Support Tube Priming Flow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic imaging catheters face challenges in reducing flow path resistance during priming processing, which affects the smooth transmission and reception of signals such as ultrasounds.
Innovation Solution
The diagnostic imaging catheter design includes a support tube on the outer periphery of the drive shaft that moves axially with it, a relay connector with a main and injection lumen, and a sealing member to position the distal end of the support tube proximal to the communication port, allowing the priming liquid to flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal end of the support tube is positioned distal to the communication port, then the structural integrity and sealing are maintained, but the flow path resistance of the priming liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is made axially movable relative to the drive shaft, allowing its distal end to be dynamically positioned proximal to the communication port during priming operations. This dynamic positioning reduces flow path resistance while maintaining sealing integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tube is pre-positioned proximal to the communication port before priming liquid injection. This preliminary positioning ensures that the priming liquid can flow smoothly through the relay connector without encountering excessive resistance from the support tube.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the support tube is made axially movable, then the flow path resistance is reduced, but the complexity of the priming control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is designed to move axially in conjunction with the drive shaft, utilizing the existing drive shaft movement mechanism. This self-service approach allows the support tube to be positioned correctly without requiring an additional independent control system, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the distal end of the support tube is positioned proximal to the communication port, then the priming liquid flow is improved, but the risk of malfunction during pullback operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial movability of the support tube allows it to adapt its position dynamically. During normal operation, it is positioned proximal to improve priming efficiency. During pullback operations, it can be repositioned to maintain appropriate clearance, preventing malfunctions while preserving priming benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic imaging catheter includes: a drive shaft including a signal transmitter and receiver at a distal end portion and configured to rotate and move forward and backward; a support tube on an outer periphery of the drive shaft along an axial direction and configured to move forward and backward i with the drive shaft; a sheath in which the drive shaft is positioned; a relay connector connected to a proximal end of the sheath; and a sealing member providing a seal between the relay connector and the support tube at a position proximal of the sheath proximal end. The relay connector includes a main lumen extending from the sealing member to the sheath proximal end and an injection lumen communicating with the main lumen at a communication port. A distal end of the support tube is movable to a position proximal of the front edge of the communication port.