Robotic Insert Catheter Assembly for Precise Supra-Aortic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurovascular procedures face challenges such as limited availability of trained interventionalists, complex setup requirements, difficulty in navigating tortuous anatomy, and inefficiencies in achieving supra-aortic access, which prolong procedure duration and increase risks.
Innovation Solution
A neurovascular catheter system with a tubular body, including a proximal portion and a distal portion with a polymer layer and braided structure, designed for robotic control, allowing for precise navigation and minimization of inadvertent motion, and a method for delivering contrast media through a robotic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coaxial catheters are used for neurovascular procedures, then the capability to perform complex interventions is improved, but the difficulty of control and precision of maneuvers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested catheter configuration where multiple catheters (first catheter, second catheter, third catheter) are arranged coaxially one inside another. This nesting arrangement allows each catheter to be independently controlled while maintaining a compact profile, enabling complex neurovascular interventions without proportionally increasing control difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is divided into distinct functional segments - each catheter serves a specific purpose (access, navigation, treatment). The first catheter provides access, the second enables navigation with its guidewire, and the third delivers treatment. This segmentation allows specialized control for each function while maintaining overall system manageability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guidewire removal and reinsertion is performed multiple times for dye injections, then the ability to navigate complex vasculature is improved, but the procedure duration and risk of air bubble introduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the guidewire in place within the second catheter throughout the procedure. Contrast injections are delivered through the third catheter while the guidewire remains positioned, eliminating the need for repeated guidewire removal and reinsertion that would otherwise be required for navigation and imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The second catheter is designed with multi-functionality - it serves both as a navigation conduit (housing the guidewire) and as a channel for contrast delivery. The third catheter provides additional contrast injection capability. This universal design allows navigation and imaging functions to be performed simultaneously without guidewire manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If supra-aortic access is achieved to reach neurovascular sites, then the capability to perform intracranial procedures is improved, but the complexity of setup and time required for adaptation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary setup by pre-positioning the first catheter through the aorta and into the desired ostium before other components are introduced. This initial access catheter remains in place and serves as the foundation for subsequent navigation and treatment, eliminating the need for repeated access procedures during the intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested catheter configuration allows all subsequent catheters and guidewires to be introduced through the already-established first catheter. This nesting approach consolidates the complex setup into a single access point, reducing the overall complexity compared to introducing multiple separate access devices.
4Measurement precision
If robotic control is implemented for catheter delivery, then the precision of navigation and reduction of inadvertent motion is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system incorporates an intermediary robotic control mechanism that acts as a mediator between the operator and the catheter. The robotic system provides precise control of catheter positioning and movement, filtering out inadvertent motions while maintaining the mechanical interface needed for catheter manipulation. This intermediary layer enables high precision without requiring direct manual control of all catheter components.
Data Source
AI summary
A neurovascular catheter for delivery through an aorta and into an ostium can include a tubular body between a proximal end to a distal end. The tubular body can have a length of 140 cm to 180 cm, a 5 Fr size, and an internal diameter of about 0.065″ to about 0.067″. The tubular body can include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion can include a polymer layer and a layer of braids. The proximal portion can include a hypotube and the layer of braids.