Steerable Catheter Lateral Stability via Offset Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable catheters and sheaths often experience lateral instability when deflecting within a predetermined plane due to anatomical constraints and other conditions, leading to unintended deviations from the intended path.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tubular member with a steering element lumen offset from the central axis and stabilization elements embedded within the core member, which creates a stabilization plane intersecting the steering plane, enhancing lateral stability by resisting lateral movement out of the intended plane through strategically positioned elongate members and actuation of the steering element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a steering element is provided to deflect the distal portion within a predetermined plane, then the catheter can be steered to desired locations, but the distal portion may deflect laterally out of the predetermined plane due to anatomy encountered and other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing an offset steering element lumen positioned laterally relative to the central axis of the catheter. This asymmetric positioning creates a stabilization plane that intersects the steering plane, providing inherent lateral stability while maintaining steering capability. The offset configuration ensures that the steering element operates within a defined plane, preventing unintended lateral deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating a stabilization plane that intersects the steering plane at approximately right angles. This additional dimensional constraint (the stabilization plane) limits deflection to the intended steering plane, effectively converting a potentially three-dimensional deflection problem into a controlled two-dimensional steering operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization elements are embedded in the core member to resist lateral movement, then lateral stability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stabilization function with the existing core member structure by embedding stabilization elements within the core member itself. This integration approach combines multiple functions (structural support and lateral stabilization) into a single component, reducing overall device complexity compared to adding separate stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The core member is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the steering element, and containing embedded stabilization elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving lateral stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2B
AI summary
Apparatus are provided for performing a procedure within a patient's body that include a tubular member including proximal and distal ends, a central axis or region extending therebetween, and a distal portion extending distally from an intermediate portion to the distal end. One or more accessory lumens and a steering element lumen extend between the proximal and distal ends, the steering element lumen offset from the central region within the distal portion such that a steering plane intersects the steering element lumen and the central axis. The distal portion includes a core member extending between the intermediate portion and the distal end, and stabilization elements embedded in the core member adjacent the accessory lumen and defining a stabilization plane that intersects the steering plane at a location offset from the central region, e.g., closer to the accessory lumen than the steering element lumen.