Robotic Multi-Catheter Control for Supra-Aortic Neurovascular Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurovascular procedures face challenges due to limited availability of trained interventionalists, complex setup requirements, and difficulties in achieving supra-aortic access, especially in Type III arches, which hinder precise catheter maneuvers and increase the risk of inadvertent motion.
Innovation Solution
A robotic control system for guidewires, guide catheters, and access catheters that allows for independent axial and rotational adjustments, lateral deflection, and magnetic coupling, enabling precise robotic placement and manipulation of interventional devices for supra-aortic access and neurovascular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of multiple coaxial catheters is used, then the surgeon can perform neurovascular procedures, but the complexity of setup requirements and demand on surgeon dexterity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated robotic system that uses magnetic fields to control catheter positions. The robotic system includes actuators that generate magnetic fields to interact with magnets on the catheters, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of multiple coaxial catheters and reducing setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system autonomously manages the complex coordination of multiple catheters without requiring surgeon intervention for delicate maneuvers. The system self-regulates catheter positions and movements through automated control algorithms, freeing the surgeon from demanding dexterity requirements while maintaining procedural capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If supra-aortic access is attempted to reach neurovascular sites, then procedural capability is improved, but achieving access especially in Type III arches becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces manual catheter navigation with automated magnetic field-based positioning. The system can precisely guide catheters through complex vascular anatomy including Type III arches by controlling magnetic forces on the catheters, making supra-aortic access more achievable despite anatomical challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system dynamically adjusts catheter positions and orientations in real-time based on feedback from imaging systems and anatomical variations. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to different arch types and vascular configurations, improving access achievement compared to static manual techniques.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise control over multiple coaxial catheters is required, then procedural accuracy is improved, but inadvertent catheter motion due to frictional interplay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces manual mechanical control with magnetic field-based actuation. Magnets on the catheters interact with magnetic fields generated by robotic actuators, eliminating frictional contact between operator hands and catheters. This substitution prevents inadvertent catheter motion while maintaining precise positioning control through automated feedback mechanisms.
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
Facilitates precise and controlled access to neurovascular sites, reducing the need for manual dexterity and enabling a wide range of neurovascular procedures, including thrombectomy and stent placement, with improved safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The drive magnets may each be independently axially movably carried by a support table. The drive magnets may be located outside of the sterile field, separated from the driven magnets by a barrier, and the driven magnets may within the sterile field.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a neurovascular procedure includes the steps of providing an access assembly comprising a guidewire, access catheter and guide catheter; coupling the access assembly to a robotic drive system; and driving the access assembly to achieve supra-aortic vessel access. The guide wire and the access catheter are decoupled from the access assembly. A procedure assembly includes at least a guidewire and a procedure catheter. The procedure assembly is coupled to the robotic drive system; and used to perform a neurovascular procedure.