Robotic Catheter Feeder Mechanism for Precise Endovascular Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endovascular procedures require high skill and precision, often resulting in vessel trauma and longer procedure durations due to manual navigation challenges, with limited access to specialized expertise leading to delayed and inadequate treatment.
Innovation Solution
A robotic medical system with a feeder mechanism and reel mechanism for steerable catheters, utilizing computer vision and machine learning to enhance catheter control and navigation, enabling precise and automated endovascular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual navigation of endovascular tools is used, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but procedure time increases and vessel trauma occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation with a robotic system that uses computer vision and automated control algorithms. The robotic system navigates endovascular tools through blood vessels using image-guided automation, substituting human manual manipulation with robotic actuation based on real-time imaging feedback, thereby reducing procedure time and minimizing vessel trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through computer vision systems that continuously capture and analyze imaging data during the procedure. The system uses this feedback to automatically adjust tool positioning and navigation, enabling closed-loop control that improves navigation precision and reduces unnecessary vessel manipulation, thus decreasing both procedure time and vessel trauma.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized expertise is concentrated in limited centers, then high skill procedures can be performed, but access to treatment is delayed for patients in other locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary that bridges the gap between specialized expertise and widespread patient access. The robotic platform with integrated computer vision and automated navigation capabilities can be deployed at various healthcare facilities, allowing non-specialized centers to perform complex endovascular procedures with the precision previously available only at specialized centers, thereby eliminating treatment delays without requiring patient transfer.
3Measurement precision
If robotic control is implemented, then precision and procedure time are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robotic system with multi-functional capabilities that can perform various endovascular procedures using the same platform. The system integrates computer vision, automated navigation, and multiple tool interfaces into a single universal robotic platform, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment for different procedures and managing complexity through consolidation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computer vision to create real-time visual copies and representations of the internal vascular anatomy and tool positions. This virtual modeling allows the system to plan and execute precise navigation paths without requiring complex physical manipulation, as the robotic system can simulate and verify procedures in a virtual environment before actual execution, thereby improving precision while managing computational complexity.
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
Improves access to endovascular procedures, reducing vessel trauma and procedure time, and enabling timely and safe treatment, particularly for conditions like mechanical thrombectomy.
Implementation Method 1
The first roller and the second roller can be configured to clamp onto the elongated body of the endovascular tool passing between the first roller and the second roller
Implementation Method 2
A first pulley and a second pulley can be positioned at a first location around the axis... A third pulley and a fourth pulley can be positioned at a second location around the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder mechanism for advancing or retracting an endovascular tool is described. The feeder mechanism is drivable by outputs of a helm on a robotic medical system. A first input of the feeder mechanism is driven by a first output of the helm to open and close the feeder mechanism so that the endovascular tool can be inserted. A second input of the feeder mechanism is driven by a second output of the helm to cause rollers of the feeder mechanism to advance or retract the endovascular tool.