Movable Sheath Imaging Catheter for Targeted Blood Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clearing blood from the cylindrical volume around an imaging probe during OCT imaging in cardiac catheterizations are inefficient, leading to suboptimal image quality and potential patient harm due to excessive contrast media use and poor delivery of flush solutions, especially in the presence of side branches.
Innovation Solution
An imaging catheter assembly with a movable sheath that surrounds the catheter, allowing precise positioning of the flush solution discharge relative to the distal end of the catheter, enabling targeted and efficient delivery of fluid to displace blood from the imaging area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high flow rate of contrast solution and/or saline is injected through a guide catheter or selective flush catheter, then blood displacement from the imaging area is improved, but patient burden increases due to over-hydration and contrast-induced nephropathy risk
Solution Approach 1:
A movable sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the flush catheter and the imaging area. The sheath directs the flush solution flow more precisely into the coronary artery, acting as a mediator that improves blood displacement efficiency while reducing the total amount of flush media required, thereby decreasing patient burden
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed to be movable relative to the catheter, allowing dynamic positioning to optimize flush solution delivery. This dynamic adjustment enables precise control of where the flush media is directed, improving blood clearance efficiency while minimizing the volume of contrast solution needed
2Ease of operation
If contrast solution is injected through a guide catheter that sits loosely at the ostium, then flush solution can be delivered to the artery, but most of the flush solution is carried away down the aorta into the rest of the body instead of making its way into the coronary artery
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sheath serves as an intermediary that captures and redirects the flush solution flow. By positioning the sheath appropriately, it intercepts the flush media that would otherwise escape into the aorta and directs it into the coronary artery, reducing substance loss while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath creates a localized flow path that concentrates the flush solution delivery precisely where needed (into the coronary artery) rather than allowing diffuse distribution into the aorta. This localizes the beneficial effect while preventing waste
3Productivity
If a sheath is affixed to the imaging catheter to direct flush solution flow, then blood displacement is improved, but the sheath becomes non-movable and the operator cannot choose the location of discharge relative to the distal end of the imaging catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to be positioned dynamically relative to the catheter. This enables the operator to adjust the discharge location of flush solution along the catheter length, maintaining both blood displacement efficiency and positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into movable and stationary components. The sheath can be moved independently to different positions while the catheter remains in place, allowing flexible positioning of the flush discharge without compromising the structural integrity or blood displacement function
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
This solution reduces the amount of flush media needed, minimizes patient burden, and improves image clarity by ensuring effective blood displacement around the arterial wall, thereby enhancing the quality of in-vivo images.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surface of the tubular body of the sheath at least partially defines a conduit for conveying a flush solution to the distal end of the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging catheter assembly comprising a catheter comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a tubular body extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and an imaging element within the tubular body; a sheath comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; and a tubular body extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the tubular body having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the tubular body of the sheath at least partially defines a conduit for conveying a fluid to the distal end of the sheath, and wherein the sheath is movable such that the distal end of the sheath is positionable relative to the distal end of the catheter.