Shapeable Catheter Control for Single-Action Compound Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflectable guide catheters struggle with creating compound curves in an adjustable manner, requiring tedious and difficult adjustments of multiple pull wires to achieve the desired shape, which is challenging for navigating complex vascular structures like the aortic arch.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular device with a control mechanism and energy transmission linkage that allows for a single action to create a compound curve at the distal end, using a plurality of energy conduits and a control parameter ratio to simultaneously adjust multiple bends, facilitated by a handle with adjustable ratios for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pull wires are used to create compound curves, then the catheter can navigate complex vascular structures, but the adjustment process becomes tedious and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pull wires into a single integrated control mechanism. The energy transmission linkage couples multiple pull wires to a single control input, allowing simultaneous adjustment of multiple bends through one action rather than requiring separate adjustments for each pull wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy transmission linkage acts as an intermediary between the single control input and multiple pull wires. It translates a single user input into coordinated movements of multiple pull wires, each affecting different bends in the catheter's compound curve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-shaped guide catheters are used, then navigation through tortuous pathways is improved, but the shape cannot be altered due to anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter transitions from a static, pre-shaped configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The pull wires enable the catheter to change its shape in-situ, allowing the distal end to be deflected into different compound curves based on anatomical requirements rather than being fixed at manufacture.
3Measurement precision
If the distal end is made stiff for precise direction, then catheter positioning is improved, but advancement through tortuous pathways becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter's distal end dynamically transitions between flexible and stiff states. When navigation through tortuous pathways is needed, the catheter remains flexible. When precise positioning is required, the pull wires are activated to create compound curves that provide stiffness and directional control.
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of energy transmitting conduits extending within the elongated body. The distal ends of the energy transmitting conduits terminate at different axial locations along the distal end of the elongated body. In one embodiment, the number of energy transmission conduits is only two, such that the number of bends in the compound curve assumed by the distal end of the elongated body is only two, although the number of energy transmission conduits may be any suitable number.