Segmented Host Catheter for Multi-Depth Micro-Catheter Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro-catheter and host catheter configurations face challenges in inserting multiple micro-catheters at varying depths and orientations without requiring a larger, more invasive host catheter, and in leaving micro-catheters implanted for extended periods while safely removing the host catheter.

Innovation Solution

A guide device with a sheath and mandrel configuration that allows the host catheter to be split radially for removal, enabling micro-catheters to be inserted at multiple depths and orientations with a minimally invasive approach, and allowing the host catheter to be removed while leaving micro-catheters in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple micro-catheters are inserted along a single host catheter with multiple lumens, then several micro-catheters can be inserted through a small incision, but all micro-catheters must be implanted at the same depth and only one micro-catheter can be implanted in each radial direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of micro-cathetersVSAvoiddepth and orientation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The host catheter is segmented into multiple separate host catheters, each with a single lumen. This allows each host catheter to be inserted independently through the same small incision, enabling micro-catheters to be placed at different depths and orientations without requiring a single large multi-lumen catheter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a single catheter with multiple lumens (one-dimensional constraint) to multiple separate catheters (adding temporal and spatial dimensions). By inserting catheters sequentially rather than simultaneously through a single device, the system gains flexibility in depth and orientation while maintaining a minimally invasive approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the host catheter diameter is increased to accommodate multiple micro-catheters at varying depths and orientations, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the procedure becomes more invasive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth and orientation flexibilityVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one large host catheter with multiple lumens, the invention uses multiple smaller host catheters (each with a single lumen). This segmentation allows each catheter to be thin and minimally invasive while collectively providing the capability to insert multiple micro-catheters at different depths and orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution uses multiple separate catheter insertions (excessive in number) rather than one large catheter (excessive in diameter). By repeating the simple action of inserting a thin catheter multiple times, the system achieves the positioning flexibility of a large catheter without the invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If a single host catheter with multiple lumens is used to insert multiple micro-catheters, then the number of incisions is reduced, but the host catheter must remain in place for extended periods increasing infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of incisionsVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The host catheter system is segmented into multiple separate catheters that can be independently removed. After micro-catheters are inserted through these host catheters, the host catheters can be individually withdrawn through the same small incision, leaving only the smaller micro-catheters in place. This reduces the duration that large-bore access is open, lowering infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The host catheter is used temporarily to deliver the micro-catheter and then extracted (removed) from the patient. This temporary use allows the larger-bore host catheter to be removed after delivery, closing the larger access pathway and reducing infection risk, while the smaller micro-catheter remains for chronic use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7588581B2Placement of chronic micro-catheter device and method

Publication Date: 2009.09.15 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A device and method of placement of a chronic micro-catheter is shown that allows effective guiding of micro-catheters through a host catheter that is later removable while leaving the micro-catheter implanted in place within the patient. The novel configuration allows the micro-catheter to be completely radially enclosed during insertion, and still allows the host catheter to be removed, leaving the micro-catheter behind. Additionally, the configuration allows several micro-catheters to be placed at any number of depths and orientations while still using a minimally invasive host catheter.