Resistive Shape Memory Catheter Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shape memory catheterization devices face challenges in precisely controlling heat application to avoid overheating during shape transformation, which can lead to undesirable blood clotting and tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a shape memory catheterization device with a heat source and a transformation data generator using electrical feedback to control heating, ensuring the shape memory member transforms only to the necessary extent by monitoring resistance, capacitance, or inductance changes, and discontinuing heat once the transformation is complete.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heat is applied to transform the shape memory member, then the shape transformation is achieved, but overheating can occur causing tissue damage and blood clotting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat applicationVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electrical feedback monitoring through resistive, capacitive, or inductive elements integrated into the shape memory member. These elements continuously report the transformation state back to the control system, enabling real-time adjustment of heat application. When the transformation is detected as complete through feedback signals, the heating is automatically discontinued, preventing overheating and tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory member contains self-sensing capabilities through integrated electrical elements that automatically detect its own transformation state. The member essentially monitors itself and provides intrinsic feedback about its physical state changes, eliminating the need for external sensing systems and enabling autonomous control of the heating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If conventional heating control is used, then heating is simple, but precise control of transformation extent is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating controlVSAvoidtransformation extent

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains ease of operation by using automated feedback control rather than manual adjustment. The electrical elements continuously monitor transformation progress and automatically signal when the desired transformation extent is reached, allowing the operator to simply initiate and terminate the process without complex manual control while achieving precise transformation results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control of heating with an automated electrical control system. Electrical sensing elements and control circuits substitute for manual observation and adjustment mechanisms, providing precise control of transformation extent while maintaining simple operation through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach allows for precise heat application, minimizing tissue damage and ensuring only the required shape transformation occurs, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

When heat from the heat source is applied to the shape memory member, the shape memory member undergoes a shape transformation from a catheterization shape into a transformed shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

generating transformation data based on a resistance of the at least one resistive element, wherein the transformation data indicates a shape transformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance change: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

monitoring resistance, capacitance, or inductance changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance change: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

monitoring resistance, capacitance, or inductance changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductance change: Inductor

Implementation Method 5

a shape memory catheterization device with a heat source and a transformation data generator using electrical feedback to control heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11547585B2System for deploying a resistive shape memory catheterization device and methods for use therewith

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 MEMORY EFFECT MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

A system for deploying a shape memory catheterization device within a patient, includes a catheter for endovascular insertion of the shape memory catheterization device. A heat source heats the shape memory catheterization device above the transition temperature. A transformation data generator includes a circuit driver for driving a circuit that includes at least one resistive element of the shape memory catheterization device and a detection circuit for generating transformation data based on a resistance of the at least one resistive element, wherein the transformation data indicates a shape transformation of the shape memory catheterization device from a catheterization shape to a transformed shape.