Flexible Distal Tip Catheter for Occlusion Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical cutting instruments face challenges in effectively and quickly passing occlusions, particularly in returning into veins or arteries after passing an occlusion, due to limited flexibility and maneuverability of the distal part.

Innovation Solution

The surgical cutting instrument features a distal part that is substantially more flexible than the rest of the sleeve, allowing for adjustable curvature and enhanced maneuverability, with a cutting wire that changes the curvature of the distal part when force is applied, and optionally includes multiple cutting wires and additional wires like guide and puncture wires for improved flexibility and steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the distal part of the sleeve is made more flexible to improve maneuverability and curvature adjustment, then the ability to navigate and re-enter vessels is improved, but the structural stability and support for passing occlusions may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability of distal partVSAvoidstructural stability of sleeve

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is divided into distinct segments with different flexibility characteristics: a distal part (2-10 cm from free end) that is substantially more flexible than the proximal part. This segmentation allows the distal end to navigate complex vessel geometries and re-enter vessels after passing occlusions, while the proximal part maintains structural stability for supporting the cutting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the sleeve are given different mechanical properties: the distal part is made more flexible locally to enable maneuverability and curvature adjustment, while the proximal part maintains higher stiffness for structural support. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the cutting wire is used to change the curvature of the distal part for improved positioning, then the precision of occlusion passing is improved, but the complexity of wire manipulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature control precisionVSAvoidwire manipulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting wire serves dual functions: it performs the primary cutting function and simultaneously acts as a manipulation element for adjusting the curvature of the distal part. By pulling or releasing the cutting wire, the operator can control the curvature without requiring separate manipulation mechanisms, thereby achieving precise positioning while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the distal part is made more flexible to facilitate re-entry into vessels, then the speed of occlusion passing is improved, but the control over cutting wire position may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of occlusion passingVSAvoidcutting wire position control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables more precise and effective passage of occlusions by allowing for accurate curvature control and manipulation of the distal part, facilitating re-entry into vessels and enhanced material removal or displacement, thereby improving the instrument's ability to pass occlusions efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

the distal part of the sleeve, from the free end thereof across a distance of at least 2 mm and at most 10 cm, is embodied to be substantially more flexible than the remaining part of the sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility differential: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said cutting wire is arranged such that when a force is exerted thereon, said cutting wire changes the curvature of said distal part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce-induced curvature change: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2445425B1Surgical cutting instrument

Publication Date: 2017.04.05 URECA

AI summary

Catheter assembly in which the catheter sleeve is provided with a flexible tip at its distal end for carrying out medical procedures. In order to be able to vary the position of the free end of said flexible tip, control means are present consisting of an actuating wire. According to the invention, said actuating wire is attached to the free end of the flexible tip and extends externally with respect to said flexible tip, in the direction of the catheter, and then passes through an opening into the inside of the catheter to the proximal end thereof.