Steerable Medical Device Pull Wire Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable medical device control mechanisms, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,944,690 and 7,691,095, lack ease of use, provide limited control, and are complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A handle for a steerable medical device featuring a housing with a slide assembly that includes a ring-shaped design with multiple sections and wire retainers, allowing for precise manipulation of control wires through a knob-driven mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a slider mechanism is used for controlling pull wires, then the device can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to awkward grasping and limited control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a rotatable control element for user input, a transmission mechanism (screw thread and nut) for motion conversion, and a slide assembly with separate retainers for each pull wire. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A screw thread acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotational motion of the control element and the linear motion required for precise pull wire adjustment. This intermediary converts the user's rotational input into fine linear displacement, providing enhanced control precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a bi-directional steerable catheter control handle with adjustment knob is used, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single integrated handle assembly. The control element, transmission mechanism, and wire retainers are combined into one cohesive unit that can be manufactured as a single component or pre-assembled module, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining bidirectional steering capability and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure: it provides bidirectional control, transmits rotational motion to linear displacement, and independently manipulates multiple pull wires. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving precise control.
3Ease of operation
If a thumb control mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved for quick adjustments, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of resolution for minute manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical thumb control is replaced with a screw thread transmission system. This substitution transforms the control mechanism from direct linear displacement (low resolution) to rotational-to-linear motion conversion (high resolution), enabling minute adjustments while maintaining ease of operation through rotational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism changes the parameter of motion from direct linear displacement to rotational displacement with mechanical advantage. The screw thread converts a large rotational movement into a small linear displacement, providing high resolution control for minute steering adjustments while allowing the user to operate with a convenient rotational motion.
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 proposed handle enables precise steering of medical devices with improved ease of use and reduced manufacturing complexity, providing finer control over the deflection of the medical device.
Implementation Method 1
A screw is positioned within the housing. The screw includes a thread. Rotation of the knob causes rotation of the thread.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a steerable medical device having a first control wire and a second control wire, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the medical device at a distal region thereof includes a housing. A slide assembly is positioned within the housing and operable to translate linearly therein. The slide assembly includes a first wire retainer and a second wire retainer. A knob is rotatably coupled to the housing, for linearly translating the slide assembly, thereby enabling the slide assembly to manipulate the first control wire and the second control wire to effect a change in a deflection of the medical device. The slide assembly comprises a ring-shape formed from a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section and the third section are separated by the second section.