Medical Sheath Control Mechanism for Stable Catheter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in accurately positioning and maintaining the position of steerable sheaths within the body, particularly due to friction and resistance issues during the insertion and manipulation of catheters, which can lead to undesirable movement of the control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A control mechanism comprising a locking mechanism with a shim and threaded nut to secure the slider in place, combined with a deflection mechanism using a pitch screw and deflection wire to articulate the distal end of the sheath, allowing precise control and stability during insertion and manipulation of catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control mechanism is made slidable to move the sheath relative to the housing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the control mechanism deteriorates due to friction and resistance during insertion and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism employs a dynamic locking system where a locking mechanism can transition between locked and unlocked states. The saddle is slidable along the control mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the sheath position while maintaining stability when locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
A saddle acts as an intermediary component between the control mechanism and the sheath. The saddle slides relative to the control mechanism to move the sheath, while the locking mechanism secures the saddle in desired positions, mediating between operator input and sheath positioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the control mechanism in place, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and deflection mechanism are merged into a single integrated control mechanism. The locking stopper is incorporated within the control mechanism housing, and the deflection control is integrated at the distal end, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides locking capability through the locking stopper, enables deflection control through the integrated deflection control, and allows saddle sliding for sheath positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deflection mechanism is integrated into the control mechanism, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection mechanism is nested within the control mechanism structure. The deflection control is positioned at the distal end of the control mechanism, allowing the control mechanism to articulate the distal end of the sheath while maintaining a compact, integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sheath configured to be at least partially inserted into a body of a patient, the sheath having a distal end and a proximal end; a housing coupled to the proximal end of the sheath; and a control mechanism operably coupled to the housing and slidable to move the sheath relative to the housing. The control mechanism includes a locking mechanism for locking the control mechanism in place relative to the housing; a deflection mechanism for articulating a distal end of the sheath; and a saddle slidable relative to the locking mechanism and the deflection mechanism. A device is coupled to the saddle and is extendable from and retractable within the sheath.