Shape Memory Insertion Tube for Interventional Probe Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interventional imaging probes face instability due to the weight of internal components, leading to operator fatigue during prolonged procedures, as the flexible insertion tube struggles to maintain a stable position within the patient.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a semi-rigid first section of the insertion tube that can be manipulated to maintain a desired shape and position, allowing only the flexible second section to be moved, reducing operator fatigue and enhancing imaging precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insertion tube is made fully flexible to enable insertion and movement within the patient, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the imaging element deteriorates due to weight of internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube is divided into a first section with shape memory material and a second section without shape memory material. This segmentation allows the proximal section to provide stability while the distal section maintains flexibility for insertion and manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Shape memory material is applied locally to the proximal section of the insertion tube rather than the entire tube. This local application provides stability where needed (proximal section) while maintaining flexibility where required (distal section).
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insertion tube length is increased to accommodate patient size variations, then adaptability is improved, but operator fatigue increases due to weight of the tube and internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube is segmented into proximal and distal sections with different properties. The proximal section with shape memory material provides structural support and stability, reducing the weight burden on the operator while the distal section maintains the necessary length and flexibility for patient accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory material changes its mechanical properties (stiffness) in response to temperature changes, allowing the proximal section to transition between flexible and rigid states. This parameter change enables the tube to be easier to manipulate during insertion while maintaining stability during imaging.
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
This configuration stabilizes the imaging element, reduces operator fatigue, and improves imaging precision by distributing the weight more evenly and allowing precise positioning without significant movement of the control handle.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory material, when heated to a transformation temperature, stabilizes the insertion tube at a selected configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An invasive/interventional device or probe for use in an interventional medical procedure includes a control handle operably connected to an imaging system and an insertion tube. The insertion tube includes a first, proximal section operably connected to the control handle and a second, distal section operably connected to the first section opposite the control handle. The first section includes a stiff but flexible structure that can be manipulated to alter the shape of the first section, but that can retain the selected shape after being moved. The nature of the construction for the first section enables the first section to positioned as desired by the operator of the probe, and to retain that position until modified by the operator. The first section of the insertion tube allows the operator to manipulate only the second section during the procedure, reducing operator fatigue and increasing positional precision for the probe.