Steerable Medical Device with Offset Driving Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible medical devices face limitations in miniaturization due to buckling issues with secondary backbones, restricted actuator placement, and mechanical interference, which hinder their usability and range in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A steerable medical device with a bendable body featuring offset driving wires and a break-out unit with coil springs, allowing for independent manipulation and reducing the overall diameter while maintaining tool channel size, enabling controlled three-axis manipulation and increased range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If secondary backbones are used to generate bending moments, then the device can be actuated from the proximal end, but the secondary backbones buckle during pushing operation, limiting miniaturization of the sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the secondary backbones that cause buckling problems and replaces them with a single primary backbone structure. The driving wires are directly attached to this primary backbone, eliminating the intermediate secondary backbone components that were prone to buckling during pushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-backbone structure (multiple elements in space) to a single primary backbone with radially arranged driving wires. This dimensional reorganization allows the driving wires to be offset from the centerline, creating a hollow passageway while maintaining actuation capability without the buckling issues of secondary backbones.
2Ease of operation
If secondary backbones are used for actuation, then the device can be maneuvered, but the actuators must be located close to the proximal end of the secondary backbones, limiting the range and integration of multiple actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple driving wires radially around the primary backbone at different angular positions. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows actuators to be distributed along the length of the device and integrated more flexibly, rather than being constrained to a single location near the proximal end.
3Ease of operation
If secondary backbones are used, then the device can be actuated, but the circular pitch of the secondary backbones cannot be reduced due to mechanical interference of adjacent actuators, further limiting miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the driving wires from the centerline of the primary backbone and arranges them radially at different angular positions. This creates a hollow passageway through the center and allows the driving wires to be spaced more efficiently, reducing the circular pitch and overall sheath diameter while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the actuation function across multiple independent driving wires that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows each driving wire to be optimally positioned without interfering with adjacent actuators, enabling reduced circular pitch and miniaturization of the sheath.
4Adaptability or versatility
If driving wires are offset from the centerline to create a hollow passageway, then tools can pass through the center, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the driving wires radially from the centerline of the primary backbone and secures them at multiple angular positions. This creates a hollow passageway through the center for tool insertion while the driving wires remain systematically arranged around the perimeter, allowing for organized routing and reduced complexity compared to random or overlapping arrangements.
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
The solution enables miniaturization of the medical device, reduces invasiveness, and increases the range of surgical tools, while improving reliability and reducing fabrication costs by preventing buckling and accommodating misalignment, thus enhancing the device's usability and control.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion unit comprising a first break-out wire attached to the first driving wire and a contracting guide that is movable against the first driving wire
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical device, configured to be used in conjunction with guide tools and devices in medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters.