Steerable Catheter Push Ring Pull Wire Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative medical devices and manufacturing methods for intracorporeal medical devices, such as guidewires and catheters, to improve their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a steerable catheter with a unique structure comprising an outer sheath, push ring, pull ring, push members, and pull wires, along with articulation joints and snap fit features, which allows for deflection and manipulation within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional catheter design is used, then the structure is simple, but the steering precision and maneuverability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is divided into multiple articulation segments (first articulation segment, second articulation segment, etc.) that can independently deflect. Each segment contains pull wires and push members that can be controlled separately, enabling precise multi-directional steering while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates dynamic articulation joints that allow the shaft segments to flex and deflect relative to each other. The push members and pull wires create dynamic force transmission systems that enable real-time adjustment of catheter shape and direction during navigation
2Ease of operation
If pull wires are extended through the outer sheath lumen, then the steering capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull wires are nested within the outer sheath lumen, with push members positioned within the pull wires. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy the same spatial envelope, improving steering capability while containing the increase in device complexity within a compact configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Push members act as intermediaries between the operator's manual manipulation at the proximal end and the pull wires at the distal end. The push members transmit and amplify the operator's input forces to the articulation joints, enhancing steering capability while simplifying the direct connection requirements between external controls and internal pull wires
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 steering and navigation within the body by applying tensile forces to the pull wires, providing a resistive force to the inner shaft member, enhancing the catheter's ability to be steered and maneuvered effectively.
Implementation Method 1
applying tensile forces to the pull wires
Implementation Method 2
each of the pair of pull wires extending through one of the push member lumens
Implementation Method 3
providing a resistive force to the inner shaft member
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable catheter includes an outer sheath defining an outer sheath lumen extending from a proximal region to a distal region. A push ring is secured within the proximal region of the outer sheath lumen. A pull ring is secured within the distal region of the outer sheath lumen. An inner shaft member extends within the outer sheath lumen between the push ring and the pull ring. A pair of push members extend through the outer sheath lumen and secured to the push ring, each of the pair of push members defining a push member lumen extending therethrough. A pair of pull wires are secured to the pull ring, each of the pair of pull wires extending through one of the push member lumens.