Electroactive Polymer Lumen Traversal Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in navigating sharp turns within tubular body parts during procedures, as inflatable cuffs do not provide adequate angular manipulation for smooth traversal.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a flexible elongate member equipped with proximal, distal, and intermediate electroactive polymer actuators that can expand radially or axially upon energy application, allowing for controlled movement through lumens by changing the device's length and diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inflatable cuffs are used for propulsion, then the device can be moved through the lumen, but the device cannot navigate sharp turns due to lack of angular manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including proximal, intermediate, and distal actuators that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different portions of the device to perform different functions - propulsion and angular manipulation - resolving the contradiction between movement capability and navigational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamically adjustable actuators that can change their function based on operational needs. The intermediate actuator can switch between axial expansion for propulsion and radial expansion for angular manipulation, providing both movement and navigation capabilities
2Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are added for angular manipulation, then navigation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate actuator is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both propulsion (axial expansion) and angular manipulation (radial expansion). This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized actuators, thereby improving navigation capability while limiting complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuator functions are merged into a single intermediate actuator structure that can perform both axial and radial expansion. This consolidation achieves angular manipulation capability while avoiding the complexity of adding entirely separate actuator systems
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
Enables efficient traversal of tubular body parts by sequentially actuating the actuators to engage and move through lumens, improving navigation through complex anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
proximal and distal actuators coupled to proximal and distal portions of the flexible elongate member and adapted to expand radially to engage an inner wall of a lumen upon application of energy thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for traversing a lumen of a tubular body part, such as the large or small intestine, the colon, the bladder, the stomach, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices utilize electroactive polymers that are selectively actuated to move a device through a lumen.