Optical-Fiber Stylet Holders for Breakage-Free Catheter Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical-fiber stylets used in intravascular guidance of medical devices are prone to breakage when folded over catheters for positioning, which is a common method for maintaining their placement in target anatomical locations.

Innovation Solution

Development of optical-fiber stylet holders with integrated funnels, locking mechanisms, and various configurations to securely hold optical-fiber stylets in position within catheters, including radiused shoulders, notches, caps, gaskets, arms, clamps, and elastomeric pads, to prevent breakage and maintain functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical-fiber stylets are folded over catheters for positioning, then the stylets can be held in position in target anatomical locations, but the optical fibers are prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestylet positioning reliabilityVSAvoidoptical fiber strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A stylet holder is introduced as an intermediary device between the optical-fiber stylet and the catheter. The holder receives the stylet in a straight configuration and maintains it in position without requiring the stylet to be folded, thereby protecting the optical fibers from breakage while achieving stable positioning in target anatomical locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into three distinct components: the catheter, the stylet holder, and the optical-fiber stylet. This segmentation allows the stylet to remain straight and protected within the holder, while the holder itself is positioned on the catheter, separating the positioning function from the stylet structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If traditional stylet holders are used without protective features, then the structure is simple, but the optical fibers break when folded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder structure complexityVSAvoidoptical fiber functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stylet holder incorporates a radiused shoulder that provides a curved support surface before the stylet enters the holder body. This pre-curved support prevents sharp bending stresses from being applied to the optical fibers, cushioning them against breakage before the stylet is fully positioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiused shoulder features a curved, spherical surface geometry that allows the optical-fiber stylet to transition smoothly into the holder without sharp angles or kinks. This curvature distributes mechanical stresses evenly along the stylet, preventing fiber breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250249208A1Optical-Fiber Stylet Holders and Methods Thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 BARD ACCESS SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Optical-fiber stylet holders and methods for holding optical-fiber stylets in position in catheters or the like prevent breakage of optical fibers in the optical-fiber stylets and maintain functionality of the optical-fiber stylets. The holding of optical-fiber stylets in position in catheters or the like can be important for maintaining distal tips of intravascularly delivered optical-fiber stylets in their target anatomical locations during procedures.