Electroactive Polymer Micro-Catheter Steering for Precise Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraluminal medical devices lack precise steering control and positioning, particularly in minimally invasive surgical techniques, due to cumbersome manipulative components and poor directional control.

Innovation Solution

A steerable intraluminal medical device with a distal end featuring an ionic electroactive polymer actuator, comprising a polymer electrolyte layer and angularly distributed electrodes, allows for controlled bending and positioning by applying electrical signals, enhanced by a driving assembly for lengthwise movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional flexible materials are used for intraluminal devices, then the device can be easily bent by external force, but the directional control and steering precision are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering controlVSAvoidmanipulative components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering mechanisms with an electroactive polymer actuator that responds to electrical signals. The polymer material undergoes shape changes when voltage is applied, enabling precise directional control without complex mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical systems with electroactive materials directly resolves the contradiction between steering control and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electroactive polymer actuator changes its physical parameters (shape, curvature) in response to electrical field parameters (voltage, frequency). By controlling the electrical parameters applied to the polymer, the device achieves precise steering control. This parameter-based control method eliminates the need for complex mechanical manipulative components while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If electroactive polymer actuators are used for steering, then precise directional control is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidactuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin film electroactive polymer actuator that is integrated into the flexible structure of the intraluminal device. This thin film approach provides precise positioning control while minimizing structural complexity. The flexible nature of the polymer film allows it to conform to the device structure without adding significant complexity, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and actuator structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrodes are distributed on the polymer electrolyte layer, then bending control in multiple directions is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending direction controlVSAvoidelectrode assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrodes into a single polymer electrolyte layer structure, where electrodes are integrated directly into the flexible circuit or substrate of the actuator. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to control bending in multiple directions. The integrated electrode design resolves the contradiction between versatility and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides improved steering control and precise intra-body positioning, enabling more accurate surgical procedures with reduced invasiveness and enhanced maneuverability.

Implementation Method 1

an ionic electroactive polymer actuator comprising a polymer electrolyte layer... in which cations are free to migrate in response to an imposed electrical field... causes a portion adjacent to an energized anodic electrode to swell and a portion adjacent to an energized and cathodic electrode to contract, thereby causing the polymer electrolyte layer to bend

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic electroactive polymer actuation: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentEP3274041B1Steerable intra-luminal medical device

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXASSYSTEM

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AI summary

The disclosure provides a flexible, narrow medical device (such as a micro-catheter or a guidewire) that is controllably moved and steered through lumens of a body. The medical device may include an electrically-actuatable bendable portion at a distal end, which may be provided by a polymer electrolyte layer, electrodes distributed about the polymer electrolyte layer, and electrical conduits coupled to the electrodes, such that the polymer electrolyte layer deforms asymmetrically in response to an electrical signal through one or more conduits. The disclosure further includes a controller for moving the device into and out of bodily lumens and for applying the electrical signal for steering the device. The device further includes methods of preparing the polymer electrolyte layer in tubular shape.