Medical Device Handle with Elastic Element for Omni-Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with steerable distal end portions face challenges in precise deflection and articulation, leading to friction and trauma during procedures, and require multiple-handed operation, which can cause pain and necessitate sedation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a flexible control mechanism featuring an elastic element and a flexible element, allowing for single-handed, 360-degree omni-directional control of the distal portion through angular movement, amplifying deflection at the deflectable tip, utilizing pull wires and locking elements to facilitate precise navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flexible control mechanism is used to achieve omni-directional control of the distal portion, then precise deflection and articulation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into multiple independent pull wires (first pull wire, second pull wire, third pull wire) that can be controlled separately. Each pull wire corresponds to a specific deflection axis, allowing independent control of the distal tip in different directions. This segmentation enables precise omni-directional articulation while keeping each individual control element simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull wires are nested within the elastic element, with each pull wire positioned within a respective lumen of the elastic element. The locking elements are integrated into the elastic element structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the flexibility and control capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple-handed operation is used to control the distal portion, then control precision is improved, but patient pain and sedation needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single handle assembly that can be operated with one hand. The handle integrates control for multiple pull wires (first, second, and third pull wires) within a single operational interface, allowing the user to control the distal tip articulation in all directions using only one hand, thereby eliminating the need for multiple-handed operation and reducing patient discomfort.
3Productivity
If the distal portion is deflected to access targeted areas, then procedure effectiveness is improved, but friction force and tissue trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is designed with dynamic articulation capabilities through the pull wire mechanism that allows controlled deflection in multiple directions. The elastic element provides dynamic response to pull wire tension, enabling the distal tip to adapt its position and orientation to access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining smooth movement that reduces friction and tissue trauma compared to rigid structures.
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 precise and minimally invasive access to targeted areas with reduced pain and sedation needs, improving procedure success by amplifying handle movement to the deflectable tip, allowing for controlled 360-degree movement with single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element is compressible and includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The flexible element is received in a lumen defined by the elastic element and is substantially non-compressible.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device.