Single-Hand Remote Controller for Catheter Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Invasive medical procedures involving catheter insertion expose patients and medical staff to radiation, leading to potential health risks for patients and cumulative radiation dosage for operators, with existing shielding methods being heavy and uncomfortable, causing spinal injuries.

Innovation Solution

A single-hand operated remote controller for a catheter positioning system, featuring a thumb joystick, first wheel, and second wheel controls, along with visual indicators and haptic feedback, to facilitate precise catheter positioning while reducing operator exposure to radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If lead shielding is worn to protect operators from radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but weight and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidshielding weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the radiation protection function from the operator's body by introducing a remote controller that allows operation from a protected location. The operator can control the catheter positioning system from behind shielding, separating the control function from the radiation-exposed position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote controller acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the catheter positioning system. It transmits control signals wirelessly to the positioning system, allowing the operator to manipulate the catheter from a protected location without direct radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lead shielding is worn to protect operators from radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidoperator comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the radiation protection function from the operator's body by introducing a remote controller that allows operation from a protected location. The operator can control the catheter positioning system from behind shielding, separating the control function from the radiation-exposed position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with wireless electronic control. The remote controller uses wireless communication to transmit control signals to the catheter positioning system, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of controls while wearing heavy shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If lead shielding is worn to protect operators from radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but spinal injury risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidspinal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the radiation protection function from the operator's body by introducing a remote controller that allows operation from a protected location. The operator can control the catheter positioning system from behind shielding, separating the control function from the radiation-exposed position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent counteracts the harmful effect of heavy lead shielding by using wireless control technology. This eliminates the need to wear heavy shielding during procedures, thereby preventing the cumulative weight stress that leads to spinal injuries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS9750577B2Single hand operated remote controller for remote catheter positioning system

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 CATHETER PRECISION LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a remote controller for a catheter positioning system configured to be operated with a single hand by a catheter positioning system operator. In an embodiment, the remote controller may include a thumb joystick control, first wheel control, and second wheel control. In an embodiment, the remote controller may include various visual indicators and/or haptic feedback mechanisms providing information to a catheter positioning system operator.