Polyimide Lined Nitinol Catheter Shaft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation catheters have complex assembly processes that are time-consuming and require multiple steps, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage to the electrically insulative tube.
Innovation Solution
The catheter assembly is simplified by attaching the electrically insulative tube to the proximal hypotube segment before inserting the electrical leads, allowing them to be fed through multiple lumens simultaneously, reducing the number of assembly steps and time required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electrically insulative tube is attached to the proximal hypotube segment before inserting the electrical leads, then the assembly time is reduced and the tube is protected from damage, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulative tube is attached to the proximal hypotube segment in advance, before the electrical leads are inserted. This preliminary action allows the tube to be properly positioned and secured, preventing damage during subsequent assembly steps while enabling parallel feeding of multiple leads through pre-established lumens, thereby reducing overall assembly time.
2Reliability
If the electrically insulative tube is attached to the proximal hypotube segment, then the tube is protected from kinking, ripping, or crushing, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulative tube is attached to the proximal hypotube segment before the electrical leads are inserted. This preliminary attachment secures the tube in place, providing structural support and protection against kinking, ripping, or crushing during the lead insertion process and subsequent catheter assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a catheter system includes an elongate shaft including a distal portion and a proximal portion and a neuromodulation element on the distal portion of the elongate shaft. The proximal portion of the shaft can include a proximal hypotube segment defining an inner lumen, and an electrically insulative tube located at least partially within the inner lumen of the proximal hypotube segment, the electrically insulative tube being attached to the proximal hypotube segment at at least one of a proximal portion or a distal portion of the proximal hypotube segment. The catheter system can also include one or more electrical leads extending distally within the inner lumen of the proximal hypotube segment and the electrically insulative tube to the neuromodulation element on the distal portion of the elongate shaft.