Dual-Steering Catheter Layout for Contact-Free Patch Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steerable catheters risk causing strain and further damage to cardiovascular defects when deploying medical devices like repair patches, as the steerable tip often contacts and strains against the weakened vessel wall, impeding proper expansion and placement.
Innovation Solution
A steerable catheter with dual independently actuatable steering sections, allowing the distal end to be oriented towards the treatment site while creating sufficient free space by compensating for displacement with opposite steering directions, preventing unwanted contact with the defect site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single steering section is used to navigate to the treatment site, then the catheter can reach the target location, but the distal end turns away from the longitudinal axis causing unwanted contact with the defect site
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple steering sections (first steering section and second steering section) that can be independently controlled. The first steering section steers in a first direction to navigate to the treatment site, while the second steering section steers in a second direction (opposite to the first) to compensate for displacement and maintain safe distance from the defect site, preventing unwanted contact.
2Ease of operation
If the catheter tip is steered towards the treatment site for effective patch deployment, then the patch can be deployed, but the catheter tip contacts and strains against the weakened vascular wall
Solution Approach 1:
The steering function is segmented into two independent sections. The first steering section orients the catheter tip toward the treatment site for effective patch deployment, while the second steering section simultaneously compensates by steering in the opposite direction to maintain safe distance from the weakened vascular wall, preventing contact and strain.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the catheter are given different steering characteristics and functions. The first steering section is optimized for orienting the catheter tip toward the treatment site, while the second steering section is optimized for compensating displacement and maintaining safe distance from the defect site, allowing each section to perform its specific function optimally.
3Ease of operation
If conventional steerable catheters are used, then the catheter can be steered to access the treatment site, but free space is not created adjacent to the anatomical defect
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple steering sections that work together to create free space. The first steering section navigates to the treatment site, while the second steering section compensates for displacement by steering in the opposite direction, thereby creating free space adjacent to the anatomical defect site for safe device deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
This present disclosure relates to steerable catheters comprising first and second steering sections that are respectively configured to steer in opposite directions within the same plane. The present disclosure also relates to a system comprising a steerable catheter according to the present disclosure and a patch deployment device that is deployable via the catheter.