Torque-Limiting Torquer Actuator for Single-Operator Catheter Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter-based robotic systems face challenges in navigating complex vasculature due to the need for additional support at the distal end of catheters or guidewires, particularly in tortuous or calcified vasculature, which often requires multiple operators and inadequate support from rapid exchange catheters.
Innovation Solution
A torquer mechanism with a torque limiting actuator that secures and manipulates elongated medical devices, featuring a body with a cavity, a movable pad, a biasing member, and an actuator that limits torque in a fully open position, allowing single-operator control and stable device manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rapid exchange catheters are used for navigation, then ease of operation is improved, but support capability deteriorates in tortuous or calcified vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the level of support provided to the guidewire by allowing the torquer to be selectively engaged or disengaged. The torque limiting actuator enables dynamic adjustment of torque transmission based on procedural needs, providing maximum support when navigating complex vasculature and minimal support when ease of manipulation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque transmission parameter by using a torque limiting actuator that can be adjusted to different torque thresholds. This allows the same rapid exchange catheter system to provide varying levels of support depending on the procedural requirement, effectively adapting to both simple and complex vascular anatomies.
2Strength
If additional support is provided at the distal end of catheters, then support capability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The torquer with torque limiting actuator is designed to be self-regulating, automatically providing appropriate torque limitation based on the actuator's position and the applied force. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple operators to manually adjust support levels, as the system automatically adapts to procedural requirements through its mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of support provision and torque limitation into a single integrated torquer mechanism. By combining the rapid exchange catheter with the torque limiting actuator in one device, the system eliminates the need for separate support devices and multiple operators, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced support capability.
3Ease of operation
If torque is limited in fully open position, then ease of operation is improved for single-operator control, but force transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting actuator provides dynamic torque limitation that adapts to the operational state. In the fully open position, the actuator allows free rotation for ease of manipulation, while in closed or partially closed positions, it provides torque limitation. This dynamic behavior enables single-operator control without compromising force transmission when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque transmission parameter based on the actuator's position. When the actuator is in the fully open position, torque limitation is minimized or eliminated for ease of operation. When the actuator moves to closed or partially closed positions, torque limitation increases to provide mechanical support. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either ease of operation or force transmission depending on the procedural requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A torquer releasably securing an elongated medical device thereto and including a torque limiting actuator limiting a torque applied to the torquer in a fully open position.