Fluid Drive Catheter Articulation via Balloon Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current articulation systems for elongate flexible structures, such as catheters and guidewires, face challenges in maintaining accurate control due to hysteresis and friction issues, leading to unpredictable responses and inconsistent results, especially when navigating complex body lumens and tissues.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold architecture with plate-mounted valves and fluid supply channels allows for separate computer-controlled fluid-actuated articulation of actuators along the flexible body, using balloons in a balloon array to induce movement of the distal end, providing precise control and reduced complexity compared to traditional motor-driven systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional motor-driven systems are used for catheter articulation, then articulation capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a fluid-driven system. Fluid is delivered through catheter lumens to inflate balloons, which mechanically articulate the catheter distal end. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and complex mechanical transmission components while achieving precise articulation control through fluid pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using fluid (gas or liquid) delivered through lumens to inflate balloons for articulation. The fluid pressure controls balloon expansion, which in turn controls catheter bending and positioning. This pneumatic approach simplifies the system by replacing complex mechanical actuation with fluid-based actuation.
2Ease of operation
If pull-wire systems are used for catheter deflection, then articulation is achieved, but hysteresis and friction cause unpredictable responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pull-wire mechanical system with a fluid-driven balloon system. Instead of pulling wires that create friction and hysteresis against catheter walls, fluid is delivered through lumens to inflate balloons. This eliminates the sliding friction and contact hysteresis inherent in pull-wire systems, providing more predictable and linear response to control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic actuation through balloon inflation controlled by fluid delivery. The fluid pressure directly translates to balloon expansion force, creating a more linear and predictable relationship between control input (fluid flow/pressure) and output (catheter deflection). This eliminates the non-linear friction and hysteresis characteristics of pull-wire mechanical systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used for precise articulation, then control precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single fluid delivery system that serves multiple actuators (balloons) along the catheter. The same fluid source and control mechanism can selectively inflate different balloons to achieve various articulation configurations. This multi-functional approach allows precise control of multiple actuators through a unified system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluid distribution network where a single fluid source can selectively deliver fluid to multiple balloons through controlled openings or valves. This pneumatic/hydraulic distribution system enables independent control of multiple actuators using a unified fluid control mechanism, reducing overall system complexity compared to electrically actuating each actuator separately.
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 solution enables precise and controlled movement of elongate flexible structures, improving alignment with target tissues and reducing trauma during minimally invasive procedures, while minimizing the need for complex and costly equipment.
Implementation Method 1
fluid delivered through a plurality of lumens can expand a set of balloons
Implementation Method 2
the catheter/tissue forces, resilient energy storage (by the tissue and the elongate body), and movement interactions may become more complex
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid control devices, systems, and methods are useful for articulating catheters and other elongate flexible structures. A modular manifold architecture includes plate-mounted valves to facilitate fluid communication along a plurality of fluid channels included in one or more multi-lumen shafts for articulating actuators comprising balloons within a balloon array, with the balloons often mounted on two or more extruded multi-lumen shafts. Valve/plate modules can be assembled in an array, and a proximal interface of the shaft(s) may have ports for accessing the balloon channels distributed along an axis of the interface. By aligning and engaging the proximal interface with a receptacle that traverses the plates of the manifold assembly, the ports can be quickly and easily sealed to associated channels of the various valve/plate modules using a quick-disconnect fitting.