Steerable Medical Device Pull Wire Ring Eccentric Recess Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steerable medical devices, such as catheters and sheaths, face limitations in integrating ancillary elements like electric cables and fiber optics past the pull wire ring at the distal end, which restricts their functionality and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A steerable medical device with a pull wire ring featuring an eccentric recess allows ancillary elements to be routed past the pull wire ring, enhancing functionality by providing additional lumens for elements like electric lines, data cables, and fiber optics without obstructing the main lumen, and incorporating a support structure for added rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional pull wire ring with a central main lumen is used, then the main lumen can accommodate instruments or transport fluids, but ancillary elements such as electric cables, data cables or fiber optics cannot be led past the pull wire ring towards the distal end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of the medical deviceVSAvoidstructural complexity of the pull wire ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull wire ring is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central main lumen for instruments/fluids and one or more eccentric recesses for ancillary elements. This segmentation allows different types of elements to be routed through different paths, enabling the device to perform multiple functions simultaneously without interference between elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single central lumen design to a multi-dimensional routing system by adding eccentric recesses at different radial positions. This dimensional change creates additional pathways for ancillary elements to pass through the pull wire ring structure, allowing cables and fibers to extend to the distal end while maintaining the central lumen's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ancillary elements are installed in the device wall and terminated at the pull wire ring, then the main lumen remains clear, but the functionality at the distal end is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnical functions at the distal endVSAvoidlength of ancillary elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric recesses are pre-formed in the pull wire ring structure to accommodate and guide ancillary elements through the ring. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that cables and fibers can be continuously routed from the proximal end, through the pull wire ring via the recesses, to the distal end without interruption or termination at the ring location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pull wire ring structure is modified to accommodate ancillary elements, then functionality is enhanced, but the structural integrity and rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of the medical deviceVSAvoidstructural integrity of the pull wire ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pull wire ring exhibits local quality variations with different structural characteristics in different regions. The central region maintains a solid structure for strength, while eccentric recesses are strategically positioned to provide pathways for ancillary elements. This localized structural differentiation allows the ring to maintain overall integrity while accommodating additional functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pull wire ring is constructed using composite materials that combine rigidity and structural strength with flexibility and adaptability. This composite construction allows the ring to maintain its mechanical integrity and load-bearing capacity while incorporating eccentric recesses that enable the passage of ancillary elements without compromising overall strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3215210B1Steerable medical device

Publication Date: 2021.10.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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Figure 2C~2D

AI summary

The invention addresses the problem of limited functionality of the distal end of a steerable medical device due to the presence of the pull wire ring in the distal end portion. It relates to a steerable medical device (1) comprising a pull wire ring (100a-e) for imparting a bending movement on the steerable medical device. By providing the pull wire ring (100a-e) with an eccentric recess (105a-f) which defines a passage between a first end face (101) and a second end face (105) of the ring, it becomes possible to guide ancillary elements such as electrical lines, data cables and fiber optics past the pull wire ring (100a-e) further towards the distal end of the steerable medical device. By this measure, functionality of the distal end of the medical device is enhanced without obstructing a main lumen of the device.