Steerable Introducer Handle Assembly for Cross-Wire-Free Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheters and introducers face challenges in efficiently navigating tortuous vasculature due to complex steering mechanisms that require multiple forces and can lead to cross-wire interference, complicating single-hand operation during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A steerable introducer with a handle assembly featuring a slide block divider that constrains deflection wires within a slide compartment, preventing cross-wire interference and allowing single-hand control through a slide chassis and actuation assembly, facilitating smooth articulation of the steerable section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pull cables are employed to transmit steering forces, then steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases and cross-wire interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable section is divided into multiple independently controllable segments, each with its own pull cable. This segmentation allows each cable to operate in a dedicated space, reducing interference while maintaining complex steering capabilities through coordinated activation of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to cable routing by using a three-dimensional cable management system within the handle assembly. Cables are routed through separate channels and compartments, transforming a two-dimensional plane of cable interaction into a three-dimensional arrangement that eliminates cross-wire interference while preserving multi-directional steering control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex steering mechanisms are used, then navigation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in single-hand control
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cable control mechanisms are merged into a single integrated handle assembly with unified actuation controls. The combined design allows all steering functions to be controlled from one location, enabling complex navigation while maintaining ease of single-hand operation through consolidated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal control station that integrates multiple steering functions into a single multi-functional device. Different cables and steering directions are controlled through a unified interface, allowing the operator to perform complex navigation tasks using a single hand without managing separate controls.
3Stability of the object's composition
If deflection wires are allowed to move freely, then flexibility is improved, but cross-wire interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Individual deflection wires are enclosed in separate flexible protective sheaths or channels within the catheter construction. These flexible enclosures maintain the overall flexibility of the catheter while preventing direct contact and interference between adjacent wires, allowing each wire to move independently without causing or experiencing cross-wire interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable introducer deflectable via a handle assembly is described. The handle assembly includes slide members disposed within a slide chassis and coupled to deflection wires to deflect the introducer, and a slide block divider for constraining slide members. The slide block divider and the slide chassis combine to form a slide compartment in which each of the first slide member and the second slide member is slidably disposed. The slide block divider can prevent the deflection wires from crossing each other within the handle assembly, and constrain each of the slide members during translation within the slide compartment to inhibit motion transverse to a longitudinal direction of the slide compartment. The slide block divider can provide an improved handling of the steerable introducer.