Robotic Drive System for Multi-Catheter 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, and difficulties in achieving supra-aortic access, especially in Type III arches, which hinder efficient delivery of neurovascular care.

Innovation Solution

A robotic control system with guidewire, guide catheter, and access catheter hubs that allow for precise axial and rotational adjustments, along with lateral deflection, to facilitate supra-aortic access and enable further distal advancement of procedure catheters for neurovascular treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual catheter manipulation is used, then the surgeon can directly control the catheters, but the complexity of managing multiple coaxial catheters and fluoroscopy system increases the difficulty and time required for supra-aortic access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of catheter controlVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple catheters

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system autonomously manipulates the catheters and guidewires based on pre-planned trajectories, eliminating the need for continuous manual control. The system self-adjusts catheter positions, rotational orientations, and lateral deflections to achieve supra-aortic access without requiring the surgeon to manually coordinate multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional access methods are used, then the procedure can be performed with existing equipment, but achieving supra-aortic access especially in Type III arches is challenging and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccess rate of supra-aortic accessVSAvoidtime required for access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs preliminary positioning and preparation of catheters and guidewires before the actual access procedure. The system pre-configures the multi-catheter assembly, pre-positions the guide catheter in the aortic arch, and pre-aligns all components along the intended trajectory, thereby streamlining the subsequent access procedure and reducing overall time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled mechanisms to manipulate catheters and guidewires. This substitution enables more precise and consistent control over complex maneuvers required for supra-aortic access, particularly in challenging Type III arches, improving both success rate and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If guidewire and access catheter removal is performed to add procedure catheters, then different neurovascular treatments can be achieved, but the procedure time increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform different neurovascular treatmentsVSAvoidtime for catheter exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple types of catheters and guidewires through a standardized interface. The system can accommodate procedure catheters of varying sizes and configurations without requiring removal of the access catheter, enabling diverse neurovascular treatments through a single integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a nested configuration where procedure catheters can be advanced through the existing access catheter and guide catheter assembly. This nested approach allows multiple catheters to coexist concentrically, enabling treatment catheter exchange or addition without removing the access system, thereby reducing procedure time and maintaining continuous vascular access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Productivity

If multiple coaxial catheters are used, then neurovascular procedures can be performed, but inadvertent catheter motion occurs due to frictional interplay between shafts and vasculature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform neurovascular proceduresVSAvoidstability of catheter position

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system incorporates sensors and control algorithms that continuously monitor catheter positions and detect unintended movements caused by frictional interactions with the vasculature. The system provides real-time feedback and makes compensatory adjustments to maintain stable catheter positioning, ensuring procedural accuracy despite physiological movements or frictional forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12419703B2Robotic drive system for achieving supra-aortic access

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 IMPERATIVE CARE INC

AI summary

A drive system for achieving supra-aortic access and neurovascular treatment site access includes a guidewire hub configured to adjust an axial position and a rotational position of a guidewire, a procedure catheter hub configured to adjust an axial position and a rotational position of a procedure catheter, a guide catheter hub configured to adjust an axial position of a guide catheter, and an access catheter hub configured to adjust an axial position and a rotational position of an access catheter, the access catheter further configured to laterally deflect a distal deflection zone of the access catheter.