Steerable Catheter Control Handle with Variable Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ICE catheters lack intuitive and fine steering controls, often requiring two-handed operation and struggling with simultaneous steering in multiple planes.
Innovation Solution
A steerable intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter with an ergonomic control handle featuring a variable braking system, allowing for precise deflection and locking of the catheter tip through a combination of pulley mechanisms and frictional members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wheel is used for single-plane articulation, then the device structure is simple, but two-handed operation is required for multi-plane steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple steering functions into a single integrated control wheel. The wheel incorporates both articulation control (via pullwires) and torquing control (via a torquing member), allowing the operator to control catheter shape in multiple planes simultaneously with one hand, eliminating the need for two-handed operation while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control wheel is designed as a universal control interface that performs multiple functions: it controls distal articulation in one plane through pullwires, controls articulation in a second plane through a torquing member, and provides braking control through a variable friction mechanism. This multi-functional design allows single-handed operation for complex multi-plane steering
2Adaptability or versatility
If two wheels are used for dual-plane steering, then more catheter configurations are possible, but simultaneous steering coordination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate wheels for different steering planes, the patent merges all steering controls into a single wheel interface. The wheel controls both articulation planes through different mechanical pathways (pullwires for one plane, torquing member for the other), simplifying the coordination task while maintaining the ability to achieve various catheter configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a variable braking mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the operator. By adjusting the friction on the wheel, the operator can control the responsiveness and holding force of the steering mechanism, making it easier to coordinate simultaneous steering in multiple planes through feel-based feedback rather than visual coordination of multiple independent controls
3Device complexity
If inherent friction is used to hold wheel position, then the mechanism is simple, but fine steering control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic braking mechanism where the friction level on the control wheel can be adjusted during operation. A friction member with variable friction characteristics allows the operator to switch between high-friction mode (for holding position and preventing drift) and low-friction mode (for fine, precise steering adjustments), optimizing the control precision for different operational phases without adding complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism changes the friction parameter dynamically. By varying the friction coefficient between the wheel and friction member, the system transitions between different control states: high friction for stable positioning and low friction for precise maneuvering. This parameter adjustment enables fine steering control while maintaining overall system simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides intuitive and fine steering control, enabling single-handed operation and maintaining desired catheter configurations, thus enhancing the precision and ease of use during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first frictional member coupled to the first actuator and arranged to contact the first actuator to control positioning of the imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
An intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate shaft including a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the flexible elongate shaft is configured for insertion into a patient body; a distal tip that comprises an imaging element and is operably associated with the distal portion of the flexible elongate shaft; and a control handle coupled to the proximal portion of the flexible elongate shaft, wherein the control handle includes: a first actuator configured to position the imaging element within the patient body; and a first frictional member coupled to the first actuator and arranged to contact the first actuator to control positioning of the imaging element. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.