Single Pull Wire Medical Device for End Effector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices used for steering, articulating, and controlling end effectors within the body are limited by the size of the pull wire, which restricts lifting strength, durability, and accuracy during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle, shaft, end effector, and a single pull wire that utilizes a rotatable knob and longitudinally movable spool to control the end effector, allowing for rotation, configuration transition, and deflection of the shaft in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple wires are used for steering and articulation, then the control precision and articulation capability are improved, but the device size increases beyond the working channel limit
Solution Approach 1:
A single pull wire is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both steering control and articulation capability through different manipulation modes. The wire can be rotated to control articulation and pulled to control steering, making one component serve multiple purposes that traditionally required separate wires
Solution Approach 2:
The pull wire's functional capabilities are enhanced by changing its physical parameters, specifically using a flattened cross-section instead of a circular one. This geometric parameter change allows the wire to engage with different control mechanisms (rotation for articulation, linear movement for steering) while maintaining a compact size that fits within the working channel
2Strength
If a larger pull wire is used, then the lifting strength and durability are improved, but the device cannot be delivered through the insertion device
Solution Approach 1:
The wire's cross-sectional geometry is changed from circular to flattened, allowing it to maintain sufficient strength and stiffness for tissue manipulation while reducing its effective diameter to fit through the insertion device's working channel. The flattened shape provides structural integrity in the directions that matter for lifting and manipulation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary device includes multiple components for articulation, then the articulation capability is improved, but the pull wire size is further limited
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of separate articulation control wires and steering wires are merged into a single pull wire. By integrating multiple control functions into one component, the device achieves improved articulation capability without the need for additional wires that would increase the overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The single pull wire is designed with multi-functionality to provide both articulation and steering control, eliminating the need for multiple specialized wires and thereby maintaining a compact device profile that can be delivered through standard insertion devices
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and a wire. The handle includes a rotatable knob and a longitudinally movable spool. The shaft extends from a distal end of the handle. The end effector is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The wire extends from the handle, through the shaft, and to the end effector. Rotation of the knob rotates the wire independent of the shaft to rotate the end effector. Distal movement of the spool moves the wire distally independent of the shaft and transitions the end effector between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. Proximal movement of the spool urges the wire proximally. Urging the wire proximally deflects a deflectable portion of the shaft in one or more directions.