Steerable Catheter Handle with Independent Flex Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter control systems offer limited flexing capabilities, integrating flex magnitude and direction control, making it difficult and non-intuitive to steer a catheter effectively in transvascular procedures.
Innovation Solution
Steerable catheter assemblies with mechanisms like cam-based systems, ball-and-socket mechanisms, and gimbal mechanisms allow independent control of catheter flex magnitude and direction, using followers and pull wires to provide precise control without rotating the entire catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional catheter control systems with integrated flex magnitude and direction control are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates making it difficult and non-intuitive to steer
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent components: a first control mechanism for flex magnitude and a second control mechanism for flex direction. This segmentation allows each control to operate independently, making the device easier to operate while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to catheter control by introducing independent directional control separate from magnitude control. Instead of integrating both controls in a single mechanism, the system operates in two independent dimensional spaces (magnitude and direction), improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pull wires are actuated in careful combinations or sequences to generate desired radial flex, then the catheter flex direction control is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent components: a first control mechanism for flex magnitude and a second control mechanism for flex direction. This segmentation allows each control to operate independently, making the device easier to operate while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanisms are designed to pre-establish independent control pathways for magnitude and direction. The first control mechanism is preliminarily configured to affect only flex magnitude, while the second control mechanism is preliminarily configured to affect only flex direction, eliminating the need for complex combinations or sequences during operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional catheter control systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of catheter tip position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent components: a first control mechanism for flex magnitude and a second control mechanism for flex direction. This segmentation allows each control to operate independently, making the device easier to operate while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the operator to independently modify flex magnitude and flex direction in real-time. This dynamic independence enables precise positioning of the catheter tip by adjusting each parameter separately without being constrained by fixed control relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Steerable-catheter control handles and catheter assemblies that include pull wires and direction and magnitude controls on the handle operable such that adjustment of the direction and magnitude controls adjusts a direction and degree of catheter flex, thereby to steer the catheter as an operator directs.