Imaging Catheter Radiopaque Markers Nested Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter devices with radiopaque markers face challenges in maintaining a low profile to access smaller vessels and delicate internal parts, as the markers are typically placed on the outer diameter of the guidewire, increasing the effective diameter and profile of the catheter.
Innovation Solution
The catheter design incorporates radiopaque markers arranged within the inner diameter of the drive cable or concentric to the longitudinal axis, allowing these markers to function without increasing the outer diameter or profile of the catheter, thus maintaining a low profile for better access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiopaque markers are placed on the outer diameter of the guidewire, then radiographic identification is achieved, but the effective diameter and profile of the catheter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque markers are nested within the inner diameter of the drive cable, positioned inside the existing catheter structure rather than on the outer surface. This allows the markers to be contained within the catheter's internal space, maintaining the outer profile while providing radiographic visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers are arranged in a concentric or coaxial configuration around the longitudinal axis of the drive cable, utilizing the radial dimension within the inner diameter. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple markers to be positioned without increasing the outer diameter, as they occupy the internal radial space rather than extending outward.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiopaque markers are added for accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive cable structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the imaging core, guides the imaging probe, and simultaneously houses the radiopaque markers within its inner diameter. This multi-functional design allows accurate positioning without adding separate marker housing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque markers are arranged in a uniform concentric or coaxial pattern around the longitudinal axis of the drive cable. This homogeneous arrangement provides consistent radiographic visibility from all angles while maintaining a simple, repeatable structural configuration that does not increase device complexity.
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 effectively maintains the low profile of the catheter, enabling better access to smaller vessels and more distal lesions, while still providing accurate radiographic identification and positioning of the catheter tip relative to the patient's anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
radiopaque markers for radiographically identifying the location of a patient's surgical site and/or for positioning a catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter, comprising: a drive cable having cylindrical opening extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis thereof; an imaging probe having an optical fiber arranged inside the drive cable and a distal optics assembly fixedly attached to the drive cable at the distal end thereof; a first radiopaque marker arranged at a distal end of the drive cable at a position distal and parallel to the distal optics assembly; and a second radiopaque marker arranged at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the drive cable at a position proximal to the distal optics assembly. The second radiopaque marker is arranged concentric or coaxially to the longitudinal axis in a space between the longitudinal axis and an outer surface of the drive cable.