Interventional Device Non-Helical Cut Patterns for Flexibility and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interventional devices such as guidewires and catheters face challenges in navigating tortuous vasculature due to increased friction and formation of preferred bending directions, which hinder navigation and control.
Innovation Solution
The devices incorporate micro-fabricated features with non-helical and non-linear cut patterns that distribute bending axes to minimize preferred bending directions, enhancing flexibility and torquability without forming undesirable curvature patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional helical or linear cut patterns are used to increase flexibility, then the device can navigate tortuous pathways, but preferred bending directions are formed that cause the device to snap and hinder precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-uniform spacing between successive beam pairs along the elongated member. Instead of equal spacing, the distance varies to distribute bending axes in a non-helical, non-linear pattern, eliminating preferred bending directions while maintaining flexibility for navigating tortuous vasculature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional helical or linear cut patterns to a three-dimensional distributed pattern where beam pairs are positioned with varying rotational offsets and axial spacing. This creates a complex spatial arrangement that eliminates snap-back effects while preserving flexibility
2Length of moving object
If the length of the interventional device is increased to reach deeper vasculature, then the device can access more distant targets, but frictional surface contact increases and torquability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elongated member into multiple beam pairs with varying spacing and rotational offsets. This segmentation creates distributed flexibility along the length, allowing torque to be transmitted more effectively through the proximal sections while the distal sections provide necessary flexibility for navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing and rotational offset of beam pairs at different positions along the elongated member. proximal sections may have different spacing characteristics than distal sections, optimizing torque transmission where needed while maintaining flexibility in navigation-critical regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to interventional devices such as catheters and guidewire devices having micro-fabricated features for providing flexibility while maintaining good torquability. An interventional device includes an elongated member having an arrangement of fenestrations which define a plurality of axially extending beams coupling a plurality of circumferentially extending rings. The fenestrations are arranged so that the resulting beams form a distributed, non-helical and non-linear pattern along the length of the elongated member. The pattern of fenestrations thereby minimizes or eliminates preferred bending axes.