Tapered Catheter Shaft Design for Fluid Flow and Pushability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures face limitations in fluid flow rates due to the camera occupying the center lumen, restricting access to smaller anatomy and reducing fluid flow compared to traditional endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section catheter design with a tapered transition from a bendable section to a proximal section, allowing for increased outer and inner diameters, accommodating multiple tools, and incorporating a braided tube for reinforcement, which enhances fluid flow rates and pushability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the camera occupies the center lumen to provide visualization, then visualization capability is improved, but fluid flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens: a center lumen housing the camera and a surrounding annular lumen dedicated to fluid flow. This segmentation allows the camera and fluid pathways to occupy separate spatial zones, eliminating the flow restriction caused by camera placement in the center of a single lumen.
2Shape
If the catheter outer diameter is decreased to reach smaller anatomy, then accessibility to distal anatomy is improved, but fluid flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional (single lumen) design to a two-dimensional (annular lumen surrounding center lumen) configuration. This dimensional change allows the fluid pathway to utilize the radial space around the camera, maximizing flow capacity within a constrained outer diameter.
3Quantity of substance
If the inner diameter is increased to improve fluid flow, then fluid flow rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular lumen structure serves multiple functions: it provides a fluid pathway, offers structural support for the catheter, and creates a stable mounting surface for the camera in the center lumen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting complexity growth despite the increased structural configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject apparatus and methods include a bendable catheter having a tapered body allowing for advancement of the catheter deeper into the anatomy, while retaining adequate fluid flow through the catheter.