Flexible RF Catheter and Steerable Sheath for TIPS Tract Creation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for creating a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) involve the use of stiff or rigid needles that cause damage to the liver and surrounding organs due to difficulties in traversing through tough liver tissue, requiring excessive force and lacking adaptability to tortuous anatomy.

Innovation Solution

The use of radiofrequency (RF) energy with flexible RF devices and steerable sheaths to create a tract between the hepatic vein and portal vein, minimizing tissue damage by allowing controlled advancement and precise targeting under imaging guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If stiff or rigid needles are used to create TIPS, then the puncture force is sufficient to traverse liver tissue, but tissue damage to the liver and surrounding organs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture forceVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical puncture system (stiff needles) with an energy-based system (radiofrequency energy). The RF energy creates a controlled thermal effect that facilitates tissue traversal without requiring excessive mechanical force, thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining adequate puncture capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the puncture device from rigid mechanical structures to flexible devices that can be steered and controlled. The flexible RF devices can adapt to tortuous anatomy and deliver energy in a controlled manner, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues while maintaining effective puncture capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If stiff needles are used to create TIPS, then the puncture capability is adequate, but adaptability to tortuous anatomy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to tortuous anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible RF devices with steerable sheaths that can navigate tortuous vascular anatomy. The flexible construction allows the device to conform to curved pathways while maintaining puncture capability through controlled RF energy delivery, eliminating the need for rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamically controllable steerable sheaths that can be actively directed along tortuous pathways. The steerable mechanism allows real-time adjustment of the device trajectory, enabling adaptation to complex anatomical structures while maintaining adequate puncture capability through controlled RF energy application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If stiff needles are used to create TIPS, then the puncture force is sufficient, but the number of device exchanges and procedural time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture forceVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional flexible RF device that combines puncture capability, steerable navigation, and controlled energy delivery in a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for multiple device exchanges required when using stiff needles, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining adequate puncture force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the creation of a TIPS procedure with reduced trauma to the liver and surrounding tissues by using flexible RF devices and steerable sheaths, enhancing precision and reducing the number of device exchanges and procedural time.

Implementation Method 1

delivering RF energy from the RF device to puncture through a hepatic vessel wall, the liver parenchyma and a portal vessel wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency energy: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12440266B2Transvascular electrosurgical devices and systems and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and method of using the same are disclosed for carrying out a transvascular procedure such as a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure using energy to create a tract between the hepatic vein and the portal vein. The present invention provides a method using a flexible radiofrequency (RF) catheter having a lumen therethrough. The method involves the steps of advancing the flexible RF catheter into a first vessel; advancing a guiding sheath overtop of the flexible RF catheter; steering the guiding sheath to direct a distal tip of the RF catheter towards a second vessel; and, delivering RF energy via the flexible RF catheter, forming a tract from the first vessel and entering the second vessel.