Split Support Catheter Loading for On-the-Fly Device Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support catheters require preselection and cannot be loaded or removed after interventional devices, have fixed diameters, and lack expandability, leading to complications in procedures and reduced support effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Expandable slit support catheters that can be deployed 'on-the-fly' and coupled/uncoupled with interventional devices, allowing for adjustable diameter and flexible insertion/removal, facilitated by accessory loading tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support catheters are preselected and preloaded before procedures, then device availability is ensured, but procedural flexibility is reduced and device removal is required for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The support catheter incorporates an expandable distal portion that can transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded support state. This dynamic transformation allows the catheter to be delivered through small access sites while providing large-bore support during the procedure, eliminating the need for preselection and preloading while maintaining both reliability and procedural flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable distal portion is designed to be nested within a delivery catheter during insertion, similar to nested dolls. This allows the support catheter to be delivered through a smaller profile while expanding to provide the necessary support structure, enabling on-demand deployment without removing the interventional device
2Reliability
If support catheters are inserted before interventional devices, then backup support is provided, but interventional devices must be removed for insertion causing procedural inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable distal portion is pre-configured in a compressed state within the delivery catheter, ready for immediate deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the support catheter to be inserted over the interventional device without requiring device removal, as the expandable portion will automatically provide backup support once deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic expansion capability allows the support catheter to be inserted in a low-profile state and then expanded to provide backup support after insertion. This eliminates the need to choose between inserting before or after the interventional device, as the catheter can be inserted over the device and then expanded to provide the necessary support
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed diameter support catheters are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying vessel and device diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distal portion of the support catheter is designed to expand from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded support configuration. This dynamic size change allows the catheter to be delivered through small access sites while providing adaptability to various vessel and device diameters, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable distal portion changes its physical parameters (diameter, surface area) after deployment. This parameter transformation allows a single catheter design to accommodate varying vessel and device diameters, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-diameter catheter sizes
4Reliability
If support catheters require preselection, then device compatibility is ensured, but procedural complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable distal portion provides universal compatibility with various interventional devices through its ability to expand and accommodate different device sizes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for preselection of specific catheter sizes, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The ability to change diameter and other physical parameters after deployment allows a single catheter design to be compatible with multiple device types and sizes. This parameter variability provides universal compatibility without requiring complex preselection protocols or multiple specialized catheter designs
Data Source
AI summary
Split support catheters, loading tools, and methods of use are disclosed. A support catheter can include an elongate tubular member and a push member. The tubular member can comprise a longitudinal slit configured to accommodate the exchange of various interventional devices into and out of the lumen defined by the tubular member. A loading tool can comprise a body member, a rod member, or both and can facilitate loading of the support catheter onto one or more interventional devices during a medical procedure. The support catheters can provide intravascular support to various interventional devices and can advantageously be inserted and removed without first removing an interventional device having its distal end at or near a target site within a patient's vasculature.