Steerable Catheter Actuator Layout for Compact S-Curve Navigation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steerable systems, such as catheters, struggle to form compact S-shaped curves with short radii independently, complicating navigation through tortuous tubes like the vascular system, and often cause harm due to multiple actuators and complex curvature control.

Innovation Solution

A steerable elongated system with two mechanically independent actuators, axially offset and overlapping, allows for independent activation to form compact S-shaped curves with short radii, using energy transformation for controlled curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If multiple actuators are used to form complex curves, then the system can achieve desired curvature shapes, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature shapeVSAvoidactuator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter body is divided into multiple curvature zones, each capable of independent curvature formation. Each zone contains actuators that can be independently controlled to create specific curvature shapes in that segment, allowing complex overall curves to be built from simpler local curvatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a longitudinal offset dimension between actuators of different types. First and second actuators are positioned at different longitudinal locations along the catheter body, allowing them to create curvatures at different positions that combine to form complex shapes like S-curves, rather than requiring all actuators to be at the same location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If multiple actuators are used to form complex curves, then the system can achieve desired curvature shapes, but the control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature shapeVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter body is divided into multiple curvature zones, each capable of independent curvature formation. Each zone contains actuators that can be independently controlled to create specific curvature shapes in that segment, allowing complex overall curves to be built from simpler local curvatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a longitudinal offset dimension between actuators of different types. First and second actuators are positioned at different longitudinal locations along the catheter body, allowing them to create curvatures at different positions that combine to form complex shapes like S-curves, rather than requiring all actuators to be at the same location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a C-shaped or S-shaped distal part is used to access multiple ostia, then catheter exchange is avoided, but the device contacts and pressures artery walls causing harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to multiple ostiaVSAvoidartery wall contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter transitions from a fixed pre-shaped distal part to a dynamic configuration where curvature zones can be actively controlled. The curvature zones can be activated or deactivated based on navigation needs, allowing the catheter to maintain contact with artery walls only when necessary for steering, rather than continuously pressing against them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curvature zones are capable of self-adjustment through independent actuator control. The system can automatically form the necessary curves to navigate to different ostia without requiring external manipulation or catheter exchange, reducing the time and mechanical stress on artery walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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, non-harmful navigation through tubes by forming compact S-shaped curves with short radii, enhancing control and reducing contact with tube walls.

Implementation Method 1

each actuator presenting proximal and distal extremities, being connectable to a source of energy and configured to convey or transform an amount of energy to the elongated flexible body sufficient to cause a reversible curvature of a part of the elongated flexible body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS12520999B2Steerable elongated functional system

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 BASECAMP VASCULAR

AI summary

A steerable elongated functional system, such as a catheter or an endoscope, for internally investigating a pipe, a duct or a tube. Especially, an elongated functional system configured to be advanced in the lumen of a pipe, a duct or a tube. The system includes an elongated flexible body, at least one of a first and a second actuator, each being arranged in or on the elongated flexible body, having proximal and distal extremities, and being connectable to an energy source and configured to convey or transform energy to the elongated flexible body to cause a reversible curvature of the elongated flexible body. The elongated body includes an overlapping region where at least the proximal extremity of the first actuator overlaps with at least the distal extremity of the second actuator, and the first and second actuators are mechanically independent from one another and longitudinally offset from one another.