Electroactive Polymer Catheter Actuation for Vascular Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular medical devices face challenges in advancing a catheter over a guidewire, particularly in tortuous vascular paths, requiring enhanced pushability, torqueability, flexibility, tensile, and compressive strength, with a need for alternative structures and methods to aid in accessing treatment sites effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates electroactive polymers (EAPs) activated by an electrical current, controlled by a sensor and activation circuit that responds to parameters like pressure, fluid flow, or temperature, allowing the catheter to selectively change shape and functionality, such as through EAP collars or drug delivery balloons, to enhance navigation and treatment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the catheter is made with high pushability and torqueability, then the ability to advance through tortuous vasculature is improved, but the flexibility and ability to navigate complex paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators that can dynamically change the stiffness and shape of catheter segments on demand. This allows the catheter to transition between flexible and rigid states, providing both flexibility for navigation and pushability for advancement through the vasculature as needed
2Force
If the catheter is made with high pushability and torqueability, then the ability to advance through tortuous vasculature is improved, but the ease of navigation and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter uses EAP actuators to dynamically adjust the mechanical properties of catheter segments, allowing operators to optimize torqueability and maneuverability based on the specific navigation challenges encountered in different vascular paths
3Adaptability or versatility
If electroactive polymers are activated to change catheter shape and functionality, then navigation and treatment capabilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter utilizes electroactive polymers that change their mechanical properties in response to electrical stimulation. By controlling the activation parameters (voltage, duration, pattern) of EAP segments, the catheter can achieve multiple navigation and treatment functions without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms
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
This solution enables improved pushability, torqueability, and flexibility of the catheter, allowing for effective navigation through complex vascular paths and precise control over drug delivery, enhancing the ability to access and treat vascular sites efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
An activation circuit for selectively providing an electrical current to one or more electroactive polymers (EAPs) in a medical device
Data Source
AI summary
An activation circuit for selectively providing an electrical current to one or more electroactive polymers (EAPs) in a medical device is disclosed. The activation circuit may include a sensor for sensing a measure related to a parameter of an elongated member and/or a balloon of the medical device. The electrical current may be provided to the one or more EAPs according to the sensed parameter of the elongated member and/or the balloon of the medical device. In some cases, the activation circuit may include a comparator for comparing the sensed measure to a threshold to determine when the electrical current is applied to the EAPs. The parameter may be a pressure, a fluid flow, a temperature, and/or other suitable parameter.