Medical Device Support Spine for Tortuous Lumen Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in maintaining flexibility and structural integrity while traversing tortuous body lumens, particularly due to cuts in the sidewall which reduce strength and increase the risk of breaking, and they often obstruct fluid flow or energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a flexible elongate member and a support spine that is affixed to the distal end within the lumen, providing support to the sidewall and distributing bending stress, while maintaining unobstructed fluid flow and energy delivery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cuts are made in the sidewall to increase flexibility, then the device can navigate tortuous body lumens more easily, but the strength of the sidewall is reduced and the risk of breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall is segmented by introducing cuts at multiple locations around the circumference, creating a segmented structure that allows flexibility while maintaining overall integrity through the uncut portions and support spine
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure combining the elongate member material with a support spine of different material properties (stiffer, more flexible depending on embodiment), creating a composite that achieves both flexibility and strength
2Strength
If a support spine is added to provide structural support, then the device can maintain its shape and reduce breaking risk, but the lumen may be obstructed and fluid flow may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support spine is positioned specifically in the distal portion of the lumen where it provides maximum structural support while minimizing obstruction to fluid flow in the proximal portion, creating local quality variations in the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support spine extends proximally from the distal end within the lumen, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to provide support while leaving the proximal lumen unobstructed for fluid flow
3Ease of operation
If the elongate member is made more flexible to traverse tortuous lumens, then navigation is easier, but the device may kink or break more easily during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device has varying degrees of flexibility along its length, with the distal portion being more flexible for navigation and the proximal portion being stiffer for manipulation resistance, creating a dynamic flexibility profile
Solution Approach 2:
The support spine is pre-formed with a specific configuration that provides inherent resistance to kinking and breaking before the device is subjected to manipulation forces during use
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprise a flexible elongate member defining a lumen, and a support spine affixed to the distal end and extending proximally therefrom within the elongate member lumen. In some embodiments, the support spine is pre-shaped such that the support spine biases the distal region of the elongate member to adopt a straight configuration, or the support spine biases at least a portion of the distal region of the elongate member to adopt a curved shape to form a curved portion. Some embodiments include apertures at or near the distal end for enabling fluid communication between the lumen and the outside environment. In some embodiments, the support wire extends proximally from the distal end within a distal portion of the lumen such that a proximal portion of the lumen is substantially unobstructed.