Laser Catheter Marker Band Locking With Heat-Fused Jacket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser catheters face challenges in securely attaching a marker band to the optical fiber ring, which affects visualization during imaging procedures and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The laser catheter design incorporates a metal strip or wire attached to the annular marker, extending to the tip, and a textured outer surface on the marker band to enhance the attachment of the marker band to the optical fiber ring, with a heat-fused plastic jacket for improved connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tapered marker band is disposed over the end of the optical fiber ring with epoxy applied to hold components together, then the marker band can be attached to the optical fiber ring, but the attachment is not secure and may affect visualization and maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The marker band attachment structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the tapered marker band itself, an inner PTFE layer defining the inner lumen wall, and an outer PTFE jacket. Each layer serves a specific function in the attachment system, distributing the attachment function across multiple segments rather than relying on a single epoxy bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the attachment function with the structural layers by heat-fusing the outer PTFE jacket to both the optical fiber ring and the tapered marker band. This combines the jacket's structural support function with the attachment function, creating a unified attachment system that is more secure than epoxy alone.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent employs phase transition (melting and fusing) of the PTFE material during the heat fusion process. The outer PTFE jacket is heated to melt and fuse to the optical fiber ring and marker band, creating a permanent, secure attachment that is superior to epoxy bonding. This phase transition enables strong adhesion without additional adhesives.
2Reliability
If the marker band attachment is improved with additional layers and heat fusing, then attachment security is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outer PTFE jacket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the catheter, acts as an attachment medium through heat fusion to both the optical fiber ring and marker band, and serves as a protective outer layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate attachment components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the enhanced attachment security.
3Ease of operation
If the inner lumen terminates at about 10 cm from the tip to provide stiffening, then maneuverability is improved, but the catheter structure becomes more complex with multiple stiffening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing stiffening at specific locations rather than uniformly throughout the catheter. The inner lumen terminates at approximately 10 cm from the tip to provide localized stiffening near the operative end, while the rest of the catheter maintains flexibility. This localized approach to stiffening improves maneuverability without requiring complex structures throughout the entire catheter length.
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 the secure attachment of the marker band to the optical fiber ring, improving visualization and maneuverability during intravascular procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the outer PTFE jacket is heat fused to the outside of the optical fiber ring
Implementation Method 2
the annular marker includes a textured outer surface, and the jacket is secured to the textured portion
Data Source
AI summary
A laser catheter device (10) comprises an inner tube (12) defining a lumen (14). the inner tube having a central axis; a ring of optical fibers (16) surrounding the inner tube and the inner lumen, the optical fibers oriented parallel with the central axis; a jacket (18) surrounding the ring of optical fibers and secured to the ring of optical fibers; an annular marker (20) disposed over an end of the ring of optical fibers; and a metal strip or wire (22. 26) oriented parallel with the central axis and secured to a portion of the inner tube. the metal strip or wire having a distal end (24, 27) attached to the annular marker.