Microcatheter Tip Protection Device for Stereotactic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheter tips and stereotactic fixtures for microcatheters are prone to damage during handling and surgical procedures due to their small size, and existing stereotactic systems are not adequately designed to support or protect these devices.
Innovation Solution
A tip protection device with a locking mechanism and an elongate body having a central lumen, which can be formed from various materials, is used to slidably receive a catheter and include a depth stop for insertion through a stereotactic system, along with a guide tube and adapters to facilitate alignment and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microcatheter with a small tip is used for convection-enhanced delivery, then drug penetration into target tissue is improved, but the catheter tip becomes susceptible to damage during handling and insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a protective outer sheath with a robust tip for insertion, and an inner microcatheter with the actual small delivery tip. The sheath can be removed or retracted after insertion, separating the protective function from the delivery function and resolving the contradiction between tip strength and drug penetration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheath with its strengthened tip is applied to the microcatheter before insertion procedures. This preliminary protective action prevents tip damage during handling and stereotactic system insertion, allowing the fragile small-tip catheter to reach the target tissue intact for effective drug delivery
2Measurement precision
If a stereotactic system with a small-diameter lumen is used to accommodate microcatheters, then insertion precision is improved, but the system cannot adequately support and protect catheters with small diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The microcatheter with small diameter is nested within a larger-diameter protective sheath that is compatible with standard stereotactic system lumens. This nesting arrangement allows the small catheter to benefit from both the precision of the tight lumen alignment and the mechanical support of the outer sheath, resolving the contradiction between insertion precision and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheath acts as an intermediary between the stereotactic system and the fragile microcatheter. It provides the mechanical interface with the stereotactic system while protecting the inner catheter, enabling precise insertion through the small lumen without compromising catheter support
3Ease of operation
If the distal tip of the tip protection device is sharpened for piercing dura, then insertion capability is improved, but the risk of tip damage during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip protection device separates the piercing function (sharpened distal tip) from the catheter tip (small delivery opening). The sharpened portion can be made of tougher material and designed for penetration without compromising the fragile catheter tip, which remains protected within the sheath until insertion is complete
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally provide protection for devices (e.g., microcatheters) having small tips. Methods and devices are also disclosed herein that generally facilitate use of commercially-available stereotactic systems with devices (e.g., microcatheters) having small tips.