T-Bar Anchor for Medical Catheter Puller Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiologic catheters face challenges in sustaining pulling forces applied to puller wires during cardiac tissue ablation procedures, which can limit the effectiveness and precision of the ablation process.
Innovation Solution
A medical probe design featuring a tubular member with a t-bar anchor system, including a polymeric member and a ferrule connected to the puller wire, allows for increased pulling force transmission, enhancing the catheter's ability to bend and maneuver within the cardiac tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional anchor system is used in the catheter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pulling force transmission capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is segmented into multiple functional components: a t-bar element with transverse members, a polymeric member with high strength fibers, and a ferrule. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively achieving superior pulling force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system employs composite materials including high strength monofilament fibers, ultra-high molecular weight fibers, and polymeric materials with viscoelastic properties. These composite materials provide both the necessary mechanical strength for force transmission and the flexibility required for catheter navigation.
2Force
If the puller wire is made stronger to sustain greater pulling forces, then the pulling force capability is improved, but the catheter's flexibility and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter exhibits local quality variations where the tip portion and anchor region possess higher structural strength to withstand pulling forces, while the intermediate sections maintain greater flexibility. The anchor system itself has localized rigidity in the ferrule and t-bar regions while incorporating flexible polymeric members.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates flexible polymeric members and thin-walled tubular structures that provide the necessary flexibility for navigation through cardiac vasculature while the anchor system provides localized reinforcement for force transmission.
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 improved anchor configuration enables a 36% increase in sustained pulling force, enhancing the catheter's steerable capabilities and precision during ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric member may include a viscoelastic material; the viscoelastic material may include polyurethane
Data Source
AI summary
A medical probe includes a generally tubular member with a tip portion coupled to the tubular member. A puller wire is disposed in the tubular member and configured for movement along the longitudinal axis to bend the tip portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. An anchor is disposed within the tubular member and connected to the puller wire such that the anchor has a t-bar. The t-bar includes a generally transverse extension and a ferrule connected to the puller wire. The probe includes a fiber engaged to the generally transverse extension and extending distally into the probe to increase a strength of the anchor with respect to forces applied to the puller wire to deflect the tip of the medical probe.