Distal Adhesive Wire Securement for Steerable Catheter Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheters face challenges in securely and predictably attaching control wires, particularly for small-diameter devices like cholangioscopes, leading to undesired deflection and unpredictable steering behavior.
Innovation Solution
A steerable catheter design with a secure attachment mechanism using adhesive to fix control wires within the catheter shaft, including a frayed or partially disaggregated wire portion, and adjustable tensioning via spools and gears to ensure precise steering control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded tensioning bolts or pins are used to secure control wires, then tensioning capability is provided, but secure attachment for small-diameter fibers is insufficient leading to unpredictable steering behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (threaded bolts/pins) to chemical/adhesive bonding, fundamentally altering the securing parameter. The adhesive composition and curing parameters are optimized to provide reliable attachment for small-diameter fibers, ensuring predictable steering behavior without the complexity of threaded mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded tensioning system with an adhesive bonding system. This substitution eliminates the need for threads, bolts, or pins, providing a more reliable and simpler attachment method for small-diameter control wires that ensures predictable steering behavior.
2Reliability
If control wires are tightly secured to prevent premature deflection, then deflection control is improved, but steering flexibility and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tensioning mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of control wire tension after the adhesive has secured the wires. This enables the system to maintain reliable deflection control while providing adaptability for different steering requirements through adjustable tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive provides preliminary secure attachment of the control wires to prevent premature deflection, while subsequent tensioning adjustments allow for optimal steering flexibility. The preliminary bonding ensures baseline reliability, and later adjustment provides adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If threaded tensioning mechanisms are used, then tension adjustment is possible, but secure proximal-end anchoring of fibers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive bonding function with the tensioning mechanism. The adhesive provides secure proximal-end anchoring of the fibers, while the integrated tensioning mechanism allows for subsequent tension adjustment. This combination achieves both secure anchoring and ease of tension adjustment.
4Volume of moving object
If small-diameter fibers are used for steerable cholangioscope, then device size is reduced, but attachment security and steering predictability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specially formulated adhesives with optimized viscosity and bonding parameters that are specifically suited for small-diameter fibers. This allows secure attachment of tiny control wires in steerable cholangioscopes, maintaining both device miniaturization and attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies specific adhesive compositions and bonding techniques tailored for small-diameter fibers rather than using generic attachment methods. This localized optimization ensures that the unique requirements of small fibers are met, providing secure attachment while maintaining the small device size necessary for cholangioscope applications.
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
Provides predictable and desirable steering behavior by ensuring secure attachment and adjustable tensioning of control wires, enhancing the operational reliability and accuracy of steerable catheters.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive having a first viscosity, the first adhesive disposed substantially within, and securing the wire to, the first longitudinal lumen
Data Source
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AI summary
A secure attachment method and structure for a wire (including non- metallic fiber, yarn, cable, etc.) is provided within a steerable catheter that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate catheter body length therebetween, with at least a first catheter lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter body, at least a first elongate wire disposed longitudinally through the first catheter lumen, and an adhesive substantially within, and securing the wire to, a distalmost length of the first longitudinal lumen, where at least a lengthwise portion of the wire is frayed or otherwise at least partially disaggregated, where that distalmost length may include side holes, a dilated inner diameter, or both. The structure and method provides for robustly secure affixation that will allow steering/deflection control by manipulation of another portion of the wire.