Echogenic Catheter Coil with Non-Arcuate Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current echogenic devices for catheters, such as needles and stents, face challenges in providing enhanced ultrasonic imaging that is both inexpensive to manufacture and simple to use, while maintaining flexibility and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible echogenic coil member is integrated into the catheter assembly, featuring outwardly extending projections with non-arcuate edges, which can be positioned along the catheter's length to enhance ultrasonic imaging. The coil member can be partially or fully embedded within the catheter's lumen or outer surface, constructed from materials like aluminum or stainless steel, and configured to maintain flexibility and support during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional echogenic devices (needles, stents) are used, then ultrasonic imaging is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments, with echogenic material applied to specific segments rather than the entire catheter. This segmentation allows ultrasonic imaging enhancement at critical locations while reducing overall material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Echogenic material is applied locally to specific portions of the catheter where ultrasonic imaging is most needed, rather than uniformly across the entire device. This localized approach enhances imaging quality at critical locations while maintaining ease of manufacture by reducing material requirements.
2Measurement precision
If echogenic material is added to enhance imaging, then ultrasonic visualization is improved, but device flexibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The echogenic material is applied as a thin coating or film on the catheter surface rather than as a bulky additive. This thin-film approach maintains the flexibility and maneuverability of the catheter while providing sufficient ultrasonic imaging enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is constructed as a composite structure combining the base catheter material with echogenic material layers. This composite design allows the echogenic material to be integrated in a way that preserves the flexibility and operational characteristics of the original catheter.
3Measurement precision
If complex echogenic structures are used, then imaging enhancement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex three-dimensional echogenic structures to the catheter, the invention inverts the approach by using simple, flat echogenic surfaces or coatings. This inverted approach achieves imaging enhancement through the properties of the echogenic material itself rather than through complex geometric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes curved or rounded geometric features in the echogenic material design rather than sharp angles or complex shapes. This curvature-based approach simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining effective ultrasonic imaging enhancement through the geometric properties of the echogenic surfaces.
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
The echogenic coil member significantly enhances ultrasonic imaging of catheters during insertion, providing clear visualization while maintaining the catheter's flexibility and ease of use, making it suitable for various medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the outwardly extending projections define a cross-sectional shape having at least one non-arcuate edge. As such, the non-arcuate edges of the outwardly extending projections are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter
Implementation Method 2
Various approaches have been used to enhance ultrasonic imaging of such devices by modifying the reflective surface characteristics of these devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an echogenic catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Further, the catheter assembly includes a coil member configured with at least a portion of the lumen of the catheter. The coil member forms a plurality of outwardly extending projections. One or more of the outwardly extending projections define a cross-sectional shape having at least one non-arcuate edge. As such, the non-arcuate edges of the outwardly extending projections are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter when inserted into a patient.