Reverse Taper Helical Catheter for Renal Denervation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for renal nerve modulation in treating congestive heart failure and chronic renal failure face challenges in achieving uniform electrode contact and apposition control during RF-based therapies, leading to inconsistent treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A catheter apparatus with a moveable helical shaping structure and electrodes, featuring a reverse taper design to ensure consistent electrode contact force along its length, and a deployment mechanism that transitions between delivery and deployed states to maintain stable contact with the renal artery wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a helical shaping structure with uniform diameter is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the electrode contact force becomes non-uniform along the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The shaping structure transitions from a uniform diameter design to a variable diameter design where the cross-sectional perimeter varies along the longitudinal axis. This local variation in geometry ensures that electrodes at different positions exert substantially equal force against the vessel wall, resolving the non-uniform contact force issue while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled dimensional changes along the structure length.
2Productivity
If electrodes are positioned closer together, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the electrode contact force uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional perimeter of the shaping structure allows for optimized electrode spacing. By adjusting the local geometry at different positions along the structure, the design accommodates multiple electrodes in closer proximity while maintaining uniform contact force through compensatory geometric variations that equalize the force distribution across all electrode-vessel wall interfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shaping structure is made more rigid to maintain shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to conform to vessel wall deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaping structure employs a dynamic design where the variable cross-sectional perimeter allows the structure to adapt its conformance to the vessel wall while maintaining structural integrity. The geometric variation along the length enables the structure to flex and conform to different vessel geometries and curvatures, improving vessel wall contact without compromising the overall structural stability needed to maintain the helical configuration and deliver consistent electrode force.
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
The solution provides a more accurate and effective renal neuromodulation by ensuring uniform contact force across electrodes, reducing the risk of acute or late stenosis and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency (RF) based therapies
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter apparatus for treatment of a human patient is described, the catheter apparatus having a central axis and comprising a shaping structure moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. The shaping structure is configured to have a reverse taper with a structural diameter that varies over the length of the shaping structure such that the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the proximal end is smaller than the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the distal end.