Tapered Robotic Drive Attachment for Stable Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic medical systems face challenges in navigating tortuous or calcified vasculature during minimally-invasive procedures due to the need for longer guidewires and additional support, which complicates the exchange of catheters and requires multiple operators, especially in complex anatomies.
Innovation Solution
A robotic medical system with a positioning system that includes a vertical post and a robotic drive with a socket for receiving the post, featuring tapered interfaces to prevent rotation and ensure stable engagement, allowing for secure attachment and minimal operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If longer guidewires and additional support catheters are used to navigate tortuous or calcified vasculature, then the ability to reach distal anatomical locations is improved, but the complexity of catheter exchange and operator requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of long guidewires and catheters with a robotic system that automatically advances and manipulates these devices. The robotic drive system with multiple actuators can precisely control the positioning and movement of catheters and guidewires without requiring manual exchange operations, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining the ability to reach distal vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-positioning and self-manipulation of catheters and guidewires through automated control algorithms. The system can independently navigate complex vasculature, adjust catheter positions, and perform exchanges without requiring multiple operators to manually manipulate the equipment, thereby simplifying the overall procedure while using longer guidewires when needed
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of guidewires and catheters is used, then operator control is maintained, but the precision and stability of navigation in complex vasculature are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated robotic system that provides superior precision through computer-controlled actuators and sensors. The robotic system can maintain stable, sub-millimeter positioning in complex vasculature without the human factors that limit manual control precision, while still allowing operator oversight and intervention when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operators are used to manage long guidewires and perform catheter exchanges, then the ability to handle complex procedures is improved, but the operational complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs catheter exchanges and procedural maneuvers autonomously without requiring multiple operators. The automated system can independently advance, retract, and exchange catheters and guidewires through programmed sequences, reducing the need for multiple operators while maintaining the capability to handle complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various catheterization procedures including navigation, catheter exchange, and device deployment through a single integrated platform. This universal capability allows one robotic system to replace the functions previously requiring multiple specialized operators and devices
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic medical system includes a post being substantially vertical and coupled to a base; a robotic drive having a socket for receiving the post; and at least one tapered interface shaped and oriented to engage the socket to prevent rotation of the robotic drive about at least one axis.