Magnetic Coupling of Catheter Hubs for Robotic Supra-Aortic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurovascular procedures face challenges such as limited availability of trained interventionalists, complex setup requirements, and difficulties in achieving supra-aortic access, particularly in Type III arches, which hinder the delivery of neurovascular care.
Innovation Solution
A robotic control system comprising guidewire, guide catheter, and access catheter hubs that allow for precise axial and rotational adjustments, lateral deflection, and magnetic coupling to drive magnets, enabling robotic placement and manipulation of procedure catheters for neurovascular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual catheter manipulation is used, then the surgeon can directly control the catheters, but the complexity of managing multiple coaxial catheters and fluoroscopy system increases the difficulty and time required for the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-service by automatically manipulating the catheters and imaging system without requiring direct manual control from the surgeon, thereby reducing the operational burden on the surgeon while managing complex multi-catheter configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled mechanisms to manipulate catheters and coordinate fluoroscopy imaging, substituting human dexterity requirements with automated control algorithms
2Reliability
If supra-aortic access is attempted in Type III arches, then neurovascular site access can be achieved, but the difficulty and time required for access increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the catheters and pre-coordinating the fluoroscopy system before the actual neurovascular procedure begins, allowing for faster and more reliable supra-aortic access in challenging Type III arch anatomies
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from fluoroscopy imaging to continuously monitor catheter position and make automated adjustments, ensuring reliable supra-aortic access while minimizing the time required through closed-loop control
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coaxial catheters are used, then neurovascular procedures can be performed, but inadvertent catheter motion occurs due to frictional interplay between shafts and vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces manual catheter manipulation with automated control mechanisms that apply precise, controlled forces to each catheter independently, eliminating the frictional interplay and inadvertent motion that occurs during manual multi-catheter management
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
Facilitates efficient and precise robotic access to neurovascular sites, reducing setup complexity and enabling advanced neurovascular procedures like thrombectomy and stent deployment, even in challenging anatomies.
Implementation Method 1
The driven magnet on each of a guidewire hub, an access catheter hub, and a guide catheter hub is configured to cooperate with a corresponding drive magnet such that the driven magnet moves in response to movement of the corresponding drive magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a neurovascular procedure includes providing an assembly including a guidewire having a guidewire hub, an access catheter having an access catheter hub, and a guide catheter having a guide catheter hub. The method includes coupling the guidewire hub to a first hub adapter, coupling the access catheter hub to a second hub adapter, and coupling the guide catheter hub to a third hub adapter. Each of the first hub adapter, the second hub adapter and the third hub adapter is movably carried by a support table. The method includes driving the assembly in response to movement of each of the first hub adapter, the second hub adapter and the third hub adapter along the support table until the assembly is positioned to achieve supra-aortic vessel access.