Magnetic Catheter-Robot Coupling for Vascular Delivery and Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless magnetic robots for vascular treatment face challenges in navigating complex blood vessels, maintaining position and posture, and overcoming bloodstream to deliver and retrieve therapeutic functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a catheter module and magnetic robot, utilizing fastening magnets and a magnetic field to deploy and retrieve the robot to and from a lesion area, incorporating a cylindrical fastening member and flexible legs for navigation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless magnetic robot is used for vascular treatment, then the robot can navigate complex blood vessels, but the generated propulsive force is insufficient to overcome the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catheter module with a fastening magnet as an intermediary device. The fastening magnet on the catheter module magnetically couples with the second fastening magnet on the robot, providing a mechanical anchor point that enables the robot to overcome bloodstream forces during delivery and retrieval operations
2Ease of operation
If a wireless magnetic robot is deployed without a catheter module, then the robot can move freely in blood vessels, but the robot cannot be reliably delivered to the lesion or retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a catheter module for reliable delivery and retrieval operations, and a robot for therapeutic functions. The catheter module includes a fastening magnet that magnetically couples with the robot's second fastening magnet, enabling controlled attachment and detachment while maintaining operational independence of each component
3Reliability
If the robot is magnetically coupled to the catheter module, then the robot can be delivered to the lesion, but the magnetic coupling must be strong enough to resist bloodstream forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. The first fastening magnet on the catheter module and the second fastening magnet on the robot create a magnetic field-based connection that is both simple in structure and strong enough to resist bloodstream forces during delivery and retrieval operations
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
Enables safe deployment and retrieval of the magnetic robot to perform therapeutic functions in the human body, overcoming bloodstream challenges and maintaining position and posture.
Implementation Method 1
a first fastening magnet coupled to a tip of the catheter; and a magnetic robot including a second fastening magnet magnetically coupled to the first fastening magnet
Implementation Method 2
utilizing fastening magnets and a magnetic field to deploy and retrieve the robot to and from a lesion area
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a catheter system. The catheter system includes: a catheter module including a catheter and a first fastening magnet coupled to a tip of the catheter; and a magnetic robot including a second fastening magnet magnetically coupled to the first fastening magnet, and coupled to and released from the catheter module.