Steerable Catheter Handle With Pull-Wire Distal Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter steering mechanisms fail to efficiently deliver therapeutic energy to target tissue locations without substantial movement of the entire catheter handle.
Innovation Solution
A steerable catheter handle design with a deflectable distal end portion, featuring an actuator that moves longitudinally relative to the housing to curve the catheter shaft in one or both directions, utilizing steering lines and a pulley assembly to maintain curvature without continuous user force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional catheter steering mechanism is used, then the catheter handle can be positioned, but substantial movement of the entire catheter handle is required to reach target tissue locations
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion that can be independently deflected. The distal portion is made flexible and can be steered separately from the proximal portion, allowing the handle to remain stationary while the tip reaches target locations through localized bending of the distal segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism adds a dimensional aspect to catheter positioning by enabling curvature in the distal portion. Instead of moving the entire handle in one dimension, the distal tip can reach targets by curving through additional spatial dimensions, achieving positioning without handle displacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter shaft is made flexible to enable steering, then the distal end can be directed to target locations, but the catheter may lose stability and precise positioning control
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is segmented into a stable proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. This segmentation allows the proximal section to maintain stability and precise positioning control, while the distal section provides the necessary flexibility for steering and adapting to target locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the catheter shaft have different mechanical properties. The proximal portion maintains rigidity for stable handling and positioning, while the distal portion is made flexible to enable steering. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If an actuator mechanism is added to enable distal deflection, then steering precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pull wire acts as an intermediary element between the actuator mechanism and the distal catheter shaft. The pull wire transmits the actuating force from the handle to the distal portion, enabling precise steering control while keeping the actuator mechanism itself relatively simple and compact.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the distal portion is made highly flexible for steering, then adaptability to target locations is improved, but the force required to maintain curvature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal portion of the catheter is designed to maintain its curved configuration through its own structural properties and the positioning mechanism, without requiring continuous application of force. Once positioned, the catheter maintains its shape through its flexible yet structurally sound construction, reducing the force needed to sustain the curved state.
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
Enables precise delivery of therapeutic energy to target tissue areas by allowing the distal end of the catheter to be steered and curved, maintaining curvature without continuous user input, enhancing procedural control and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pull wire arranged within the housing and having a first end attached to the distal portion of the catheter shaft and a second end attached to the actuator, wherein the pull wire is configured to curve the distal portion of the catheter shaft in a first curve direction in response to the actuator moving in a first direction relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a second pull wire arranged within the housing and having a first end attached to the distal portion of the catheter shaft and a second end attached to the actuator, wherein the second pull wire is configured to curve the distal portion of the catheter shaft in a second curve direction in response to the actuator moving in a second direction relative to the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a housing (102,202); a catheter shaft (104,204) and an actuator (106,206) coupled to the catheter shaft and configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing and longitudinally move the catheter shaft in response to force imparted by a user. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may also include a piston assembly (214) arranged within the housing and configured to receive the actuator and allow longitudinal movement of the actuator relative to the housing.