Intravascular Device Selectively Deflectable Tip Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravascular devices face challenges in navigating tortuous vascular pathways, particularly when passing through fusiform aneurysms, due to limited control over distal tip alignment, which can lead to delayed or unsuccessful procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intravascular device with a selectively deflectable tip, featuring a micro-fabricated cutting pattern in the distal section that allows for predictable deflection upon tension application, providing additional navigation control through the use of a translatable inner member within a hollow lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distal section includes a micro-fabricated cutting pattern that enables deflection, then navigation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct sections: a proximal section, a distal section with micro-fabricated cutting pattern, and an inner member. The distal section is further segmented into multiple beams through the cutting pattern, allowing independent deflection control when the inner member translates, thereby improving navigation control while managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal section transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a micro-fabricated cutting pattern that enables deflection. When the inner member translates within the lumen, it applies tension to the distal section, causing the beams to deflect and change the tip orientation dynamically, enhancing navigation control.
2Ease of operation
If the device provides sufficient flexibility to navigate tortuous pathways, then ease of navigation is improved, but torquability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the device have different structural properties: the proximal section maintains higher rigidity for torquability, while the distal section incorporates a micro-fabricated cutting pattern with multiple beams that provide localized flexibility. This allows the device to navigate tortuous pathways through the flexible distal section while the proximal section transmits torque effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into functional zones: a proximal section for torque transmission, a distal section with cutting pattern for flexibility and deflection, and an inner member for actuation. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its properties for its specific function, balancing torquability and flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but navigation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-fabricated cutting pattern in the distal section changes the structural parameters of the device by creating multiple beams with specific geometries. This pattern can be manufactured using standard micro-fabrication techniques while providing predictable deflection characteristics that improve alignment precision when the inner member translates.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a composite structure combining a hollow proximal section, a hollow distal section with micro-fabricated cutting pattern, and an inner member. This composite design integrates different functional requirements into a single device that can be manufactured using established techniques while achieving enhanced navigation precision.
4Device complexity
If traditional push/pull and rotation movements are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but navigation capability through aneurysms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device adds a dynamic deflection capability to the traditional push/pull and rotation movements. The micro-fabricated cutting pattern in the distal section allows the tip to deflect when the inner member translates, providing a new degree of freedom for navigation that enhances adaptability for passing through aneurysms and other complex vascular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a deflection dimension to the traditional one-dimensional push/pull and rotation control. By translating the inner member, the operator can now deflect the distal tip in addition to pushing/pulling and rotating, providing enhanced navigation capability through complex vascular anatomy without significantly increasing overall 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
Enhances navigation capabilities, enabling better alignment and passage through complex vascular anatomy, such as aneurysms, by offering an additional option beyond traditional push/pull and rotation movements, thereby improving the success rate of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
At least the distal section includes a micro-fabricated cutting pattern that enables deflection of the distal end in response to the application of tension to the inner member
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular device, such as s guidewire device, includes a hollow proximal section and a hollow distal section joined to the proximal section and extending distally from the proximal section to form a continuous lumen extending from a proximal end of the device to a distal end of the device. An inner member extends from the proximal end to the distal end and is joined to the distal end. The inner member is translatable within the lumen in response to applied tension. At least the distal section includes a micro-fabricated cutting pattern that enables deflection of the distal end in response to the application of tension to the inner member.