Noncircular Guiding Catheter Torque Transmittal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guiding catheters for interventional therapeutic treatments in the vasculature are limited by their circular cross-sectional shape, which results in larger puncture sizes and reduced flexibility, making it difficult to deliver multiple microcatheters effectively while minimizing vessel trauma and preventing kinking or collapsing.
Innovation Solution
A noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support, featuring torque transmittal guidance structures that are flexible longitudinally but resistant to torque and bending, allowing for a smaller cross-sectional area and enhanced resistance to kinking, and incorporating a braid/coil construction with a lubricious inner lumen and a polymer coating for optimal wire exchange and vessel protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a circular cross-sectional shape is used for the guiding catheter, then the structural strength and torque transmission are improved, but the puncture size increases and the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the catheter cross-section from a circular shape to a noncircular shape (such as oval or flattened circular). This asymmetric geometry reduces the puncture size required for insertion while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the optimized wall thickness distribution and reinforcement structures positioned strategically within the noncircular cross-section.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger size catheter is used to deliver multiple microcatheters, then the delivery capability is improved, but the puncture size and vessel trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by designing the catheter system where multiple microcatheters are delivered through a single guiding catheter with noncircular cross-section. The optimized geometry allows efficient packing and navigation of multiple inner catheters while reducing the overall profile, thereby minimizing vessel trauma during insertion and delivery procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a noncircular cross-sectional shape is used, then the puncture size is reduced and flexibility is improved, but the resistance to kinking and collapsing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing reinforcement structures (such as braided wires, coils, or memory alloy elements) at specific locations within the noncircular catheter cross-section. These localized reinforcements provide kink and collapse resistance precisely where needed, while allowing other regions to maintain the flexibility and reduced profile characteristics of the noncircular geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining the noncircular catheter body (made from flexible polymers) with reinforcement elements (such as metal braids, coils, or shape memory alloys). This composite construction integrates the flexibility and reduced puncture size benefits of the noncircular shape with the kink resistance provided by the reinforcement materials, achieving both properties simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support has an inner wall defining a noncircular cross-sectional shaped lumen for use in delivery of multiple microcatheters or other devices for treatment of neurovascular defects, such as for treatment of aneurysms. The noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support includes torque transmittal guidance walls that are flexible linearly but not circumferentially, and that are neither collapsible nor kinkable. The noncircular shaped cross-section of the inner lumen may extend along the entire length of the catheter or a portion thereof, including distal or proximal.