Microcatheter Path Generation Using Centerline Offset Technology

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Solution Overview

Problem

The traditional microcatheter shaping method for intracranial aneurysm treatment has a steep learning curve and high failure ratio, requiring extensive knowledge and experience, leading to increased operation time and cost.

Innovation Solution

An improved microcatheter path generation method using centerline offset technology to calculate and generate unit segments, including straight and curved segments, which simulate the interaction between the microcatheter and the vessel wall, predicting obstacles and optimizing the microcatheter path, and a corresponding mandrel shaping method to shape the microcatheter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional manual shaping method is used, then the microcatheter can be shaped according to doctor's experience, but the learning curve is steep and failure ratio is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaping success rateVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical shaping process with an automated computer-based system. The microcatheter path generation is performed through computational algorithms that calculate optimal paths based on vascular models, eliminating the need for doctors to manually shape the catheter based on experience and intuition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating the microcatheter path without requiring extensive doctor intervention. The computer system independently performs path calculation, optimization, and provides step-by-step guidance for catheter delivery, reducing reliance on operator expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If traditional shaping method is used, then the microcatheter can be shaped, but the operation time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal microcatheter path before the actual delivery procedure. The computer generates the complete path plan in advance based on the patient's specific vascular anatomy, so that during the procedure, the operator only needs to follow the pre-determined path rather than making real-time decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The computational system rapidly generates paths that would take experienced doctors significant time to determine manually. The automated path generation eliminates the time-consuming trial-and-error process of manual shaping and delivery planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional shaping method is used, then the microcatheter can be shaped, but the operation cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidoperation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The computer-based path generation system serves multiple functions: it performs vascular analysis, path calculation, optimization, and provides operational guidance. This multi-functional system replaces multiple specialized skills and tools that would otherwise be needed, simplifying the overall process while reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If centerline offset technology is used to generate unit segments, then the microcatheter path is optimized, but the computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous microcatheter path into discrete unit segments along the centerline. Each segment can be independently calculated and optimized, making the complex path generation problem manageable through systematic breakdown into smaller computational units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230210600A1Microcatheter path generation method, shaping method of mandrel, computer equipment, readable storage medium and program product
Publication Date: 2023.07.06 HANGZHOU ARTERYFLOW TECH CO LTD
  • US20230210600A1 patent drawing
  • US20230210600A1 patent drawing
  • US20230210600A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This application relates to an improved method for generating microcatheter paths, a method for shaping a mandrel, a computer device, a readable storage medium, and a program product. The method for generating the microcatheter path includes obtaining a cerebral vascular model, generating a centerline, determining the proximal starting point of the centerline, and successively generating a plurality of unit segments from the proximal starting point towards the distal aneurysm. Each unit segment includes a series of connected straight segments and curved segments, and the unit segments are successively connected to form at least a part of the microcatheter path. The generation method includes obtaining the starting point and slope of the straight segment, extending continuously from the starting point of the straight segment along the slope until contacting with the vascular wall, and obtaining the contact point