Dilator Tip Reinforcement for Force Transmission Without Kinking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheters face challenges in effectively treating stenosis or chronic total occlusions due to limitations in force transmission and risk of kinking, particularly when encountering asymmetric stenosis surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A dilator design featuring a reinforcing element with a distal portion and a connection element that enhances force transmission by separating functions between the dilator shaft and the reinforcing element, using materials like metal or metal alloys for the reinforcing element and polymers for the connection element, allowing for improved force transfer and reduced kinking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dilator shaft is used to treat stenosis, then the ability to cross the stenosis is improved, but the risk of kinking increases when encountering asymmetric stenosis surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to cross stenosisVSAvoidrisk of kinking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dilator is divided into functionally distinct segments: a dilator shaft for navigation and a separate reinforcing element (such as a tip reinforcement or distal reinforcement section) that provides kink resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dilator employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - the dilator shaft may use flexible polymer materials for maneuverability, while the reinforcing element incorporates metal alloys or high-strength polymers to provide kink resistance and structural support during asymmetric force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If force is applied to cross chronic total occlusions, then the ability to penetrate the stenosis is improved, but the risk of vessel wall damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidvessel wall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing element is positioned specifically at the distal end or tip of the dilator where it contacts the stenosis, providing localized force concentration exactly where needed to penetrate the occlusion. This localized reinforcement allows high force transmission to the stenosis while the rest of the dilator shaft maintains flexibility and lower force application to protect the vessel wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260007868A1Dilator tip design for enhanced force transmission

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 BIOTRONIK AG

AI summary

A dilator including a shaft and a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is connected to a distal end of the shaft. The reinforcing element is in contact with the distal end of the dilator shaft and the connection element. The connection element at least in part encloses the dilator shaft and/or the reinforcing element. The connection element extends into at least one indentation recess or through hole of the reinforcing element. The connection element consists of a polymer. The reinforcing element consists of a metal or metal alloy.