Slittable Catheter With Segmented Braid for Controlled Linear Slitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slittable catheters face challenges with spiral slitting, leading to lead dislodgement during minimally invasive procedures due to uncontrollable cutting paths and excessive rotational forces, which can result in ineffective therapy and repeated procedures.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design with an interrupted reinforcing braid and a filled gap along a linear path to facilitate controlled slitting, using a wedge and blade slitting tool to separate the braid edges and encourage straight-line cutting, reducing the risk of spiral slitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slittable catheter is used to remove the delivery device, then the lead can be extracted from the catheter, but spiral slitting occurs causing the catheter to rotate and dislodge the lead
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing braid is segmented into discrete circumferential sections separated by axial gaps, allowing the braid to be cut in a straight longitudinal line without propagating spirally. This segmentation prevents the rotational forces that cause spiral slitting and lead dislodgement while still enabling controlled catheter removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter has non-uniform structural properties along its length, with the reinforcing braid having different continuity characteristics at different axial positions. The interrupted braid pattern creates localized weak points that guide the slitter to cut in a straight path, while maintaining sufficient reinforcement elsewhere to prevent collapse and maintain mechanical integrity.
2Strength
If the reinforcing braid is continuous to maintain strength, then the catheter has good mechanical properties, but it cannot be slit in a controlled straight path
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing braid is divided into discrete circumferential sections with axial gaps between them. This segmentation allows the braid to be cut in a controlled straight longitudinal path by the slitter, while the remaining continuous portions maintain sufficient mechanical strength and structural integrity of the catheter.
3Reliability
If the catheter is made peelable to avoid spiral slitting, then lead dislodgement is reduced, but the catheter lacks reinforcing structure and has poor mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing braid is segmented into discrete circumferential sections rather than being completely absent or fully continuous. This segmented structure provides sufficient mechanical strength and reinforcement while still allowing controlled slitting without spiral propagation, achieving both lead stability and catheter integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter combines a polymer base material with a segmented reinforcing braid structure, creating a composite construction that provides both the necessary mechanical strength and the controlled slitting capability. The combination allows the catheter to maintain structural integrity while enabling safe removal without spiral slitting.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for delivering a lead or other instrument into a patient's body using a tubular device including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending therebetween, thereby defining a longitudinal axis. The tubular device includes a sidewall surrounding the lumen including a reinforcing layer embedded in one or more layers of base material, and a slittable seam in the sidewall extending from the proximal end partially towards the distal end substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In addition, slitter devices are for slitting, splitting, or opening the slittable seam. Methods are also provided for making catheters or other tubular devices including slittable, e.g., re-welded longitudinal seams that may be preferentially slit, split, or otherwise opened.