Steerable Endoluminal Punch Articulation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for accessing the cardiovascular system and other body vessels are often restricted by anatomical or pathological anomalies, limiting the precision and effectiveness of tissue biopsy, shunt placement, and radiopaque marker placement.
Innovation Solution
A steerable endoluminal punch (SEP) with a stiff, sharp-tipped needle and articulating mechanism, allowing for precise placement and high bending force generation, is used to navigate through body lumens and vasculature, equipped with features like radiopaque markers, actuators, and various attachments for enhanced steering and tissue penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stiff, sharp-tipped needle is used for tissue penetration, then tissue penetration capability is improved, but the ability to navigate complex anatomical paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The needle incorporates a articulating mechanism with multiple segments that can dynamically change the needle's configuration. The segments can articulate relative to each other, allowing the needle to bend and navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining a stiff tip for effective tissue penetration. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both rigidity for penetration and flexibility for navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is divided into multiple articulated segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the proximal segments to flex and navigate tortuous paths while the distal tip remains stiff and sharp for effective tissue penetration. Each segment contributes to the overall ability to adapt to complex anatomical geometries.
2Measurement precision
If a steerable articulating mechanism is added to the needle, then steering capability and placement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating mechanism provides dynamic steering capability that enhances placement precision. The mechanism consists of multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing precise control of the needle tip position and orientation. While this adds some complexity, the segmented design keeps each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating segments are nested within each other, with each segment containing the next smaller segment. This nested configuration allows the complex multi-segment structure to be compact and manageable, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining the steering and precision capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for different procedures, then procedural versatility is improved, but the number of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable needle is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple procedures including tissue biopsy, shunt placement, and radiopaque marker placement. The articulating mechanism and customizable tip configurations enable the single device to adapt to various procedural requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulating mechanism allows the needle to adapt its configuration for different procedures. By adjusting the articulation of segments and configuring the tip appropriately, the same device can effectively perform diverse tasks such as navigating to different anatomical locations, penetrating different tissue types, and placing different implants.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for performing certain medical procedures wherein a steerable endoluminal punch is used to not only gain access but to create a channel or punch through tissue, thus facilitating follow-up therapeutic procedures. The distal end of the steerable endoluminal punch is controllably articulated by the operator using a control device at the proximal end.