Steerable Guiding Sheath Rack and Pinion Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guiding sheaths for electrophysiology catheters lack improved deflection characteristics and smoother operation in deflection mechanisms, limiting maneuverability within the patient's vasculature.
Innovation Solution
A guiding sheath assembly with a control handle featuring a rotatable shaft, pinion, and shuttles, which translate to actuate puller wires for bi-directional deflection, enhancing control and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple guiding sheath is used, then the device complexity is low, but the deflection characteristics and maneuverability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle is divided into multiple functional components: a control shaft, a pinion, and two shuttles (first and second shuttles). Each component performs a specific function in the deflection mechanism, allowing independent optimization and control of the guiding sheath's movement in different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion acts as an intermediary element between the control shaft and the shuttles. It converts rotational motion of the control shaft into linear motion of the shuttles, enabling precise control of the puller wires and subsequent deflection of the guiding sheath in bi-directional paths.
2Ease of operation
If a complex deflection mechanism is used, then the deflection characteristics improve, but the operation becomes less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The control shaft is continuously rotatable, providing continuous rotational input. This continuous rotation, transmitted through the pinion and shuttles, ensures smooth and continuous linear motion of the puller wires, resulting in smooth deflection of the guiding sheath without intermittent or jerky movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism replaces direct mechanical linkage with a gear-based transmission system (pinion and rack teeth on shuttles). This substitution allows for smoother motion control and easier adjustment of the deflection characteristics, as the gear system can accommodate varying speeds and directions more gracefully than direct linkages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bi-directional deflection is implemented, then the maneuverability improves, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second shuttles are combined in a single control assembly, both engaging with the same pinion. This merging allows bi-directional deflection capability to be achieved through a unified control mechanism rather than separate mechanisms for each direction, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion serves multiple functions: it engages with both the first and second shuttles, converts rotational motion to linear motion for both shuttles, and enables control of puller wires for deflection in opposite directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 provides improved deflection characteristics and smoother operation of the guiding sheath, enabling better maneuverability and control during catheterization procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The control handle includes a rotatable shaft, a pinion, and first and second shuttles. The first shuttle is configured for translation along the longitudinal axis in one direction in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft, wherein the first shuttle has a first plurality of teeth. The pinion is in engagement with the first plurality of teeth, and is configured for rotation about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the translation of the first shuttle.
Implementation Method 2
an inner surface of the inner passage is threaded and an outer surface of the first distal portion is threaded and engaged with the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A guiding sheath has a braided layer for improved deflection characteristics and ring electrodes for electrical sensing, mapping and visualization, wherein lead wires for the ring electrodes are passed through lumened tubing position under the braided layer in a proximal portion of the guiding sheath shaft and above the braided layer in a distal portion of the guiding sheath shaft. Moreover, the hemostatic valve includes an improved friction ring with air vents to reduce the risk of air being introduced into the valve.