Segmented Catheter Strengthening Element for Torque and EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheter assemblies for medical introducer devices face challenges such as kinking, electromagnetic interference, and heating issues due to continuous metal strengthening elements, which are unsuitable for deploying measurement instruments during imaging.
Innovation Solution
A catheter strengthening element with metallic members arranged in a unitary structure using non-conductive polymeric coupling members, providing torque transmission and electromagnetic shielding without acting as an antenna, and minimizing heat generation by segmenting the strengthening elements to avoid resonance with imaging frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If continuous metal strengthening elements are used in catheters, then structural strength and kink resistance are improved, but electromagnetic interference and heating effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal strengthening element is divided into multiple discrete metallic strengthening members spaced along the catheter length. These segmented members are held in position by non-conductive coupling members, which break the electromagnetic continuity while preserving mechanical strength through the spaced arrangement of metallic segments.
2Strength
If continuous metal strengthening elements are used in catheters, then structural strength and kink resistance are improved, but heat generation during imaging worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal strengthening element is divided into multiple discrete metallic strengthening members spaced along the catheter length. These segmented members are held in position by non-conductive coupling members, which break the electromagnetic continuity while preserving mechanical strength through the spaced arrangement of metallic segments.
3Reliability
If metal strengthening elements are used in catheters, then kink resistance is improved, but suitability for measurement instruments during imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal strengthening element is divided into multiple discrete metallic strengthening members spaced along the catheter length. These segmented members are held in position by non-conductive coupling members, which break the electromagnetic continuity while preserving mechanical strength through the spaced arrangement of metallic segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive coupling members are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent metallic strengthening members. These coupling members provide mechanical connection to maintain structural integrity while simultaneously blocking electromagnetic continuity, thereby enabling compatibility with measurement instruments during imaging.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If segmented metallic strengthening members are used, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but structural integrity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete metallic strengthening members are merged into a unified structural assembly through non-conductive coupling members. This combination achieves both electromagnetic shielding (through the distributed metallic segments) and structural integrity (through the coupled arrangement maintaining shape and strength).
Solution Approach 2:
The strengthening element combines metallic strengthening members with non-conductive coupling members to create a composite structure. This composite design provides both the electromagnetic shielding properties of metal and the electrical insulation properties of the non-conductive material, achieving both shielding and structural integrity simultaneously.
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 ensures the catheter assembly maintains structural integrity and safety for measurement instruments during imaging, preventing kinking and electromagnetic interference while maintaining equivalent strengthening characteristics to all-metal structures.
Implementation Method 1
the strengthening members being coupled together by at least one non-conductive coupling member, wherein the coupling members are made of a polymeric non-conductive material
Implementation Method 2
the strengthening members being coupled together by at least one non-conductive coupling member... provide individual small sections of metallic strengthening members which are interconnected to one another in such a manner that torque can be transmitted from one member to the other and which is able to act as a shield to electromagnetic waves without acting as an aerial
Implementation Method 3
with segments which are of a length that they do not resonate with MR (or other) frequency, there is a reduction in heat generated (and SAR) during imaging
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A catheter (40) or sheath (14) is provided with a strengthening element (30) embedded within the walls of the catheter (40). The strengthening element (30) is formed of a plurality of short strengthening members (32) arranged in longitudinally overlapping manner but which are radially spaced from one another and fixed to one another by annular coupling elements (36). The strengthening element (32) is made of a metal or metallic material, whereas the coupling elements (36) are made of a non-conductive material. The coupling elements (36) prevent electrical conduction through the length of the catheter (40) but retain a strengthening structure which provides torque strength and kink resistance. The short sections of conductive strengthening members (32) provide shielding of electromagnetic waves but prevent the strengthening element (30) acting as an aerial.