Variable Loop Catheter Handle Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters used in electrophysiology procedures lack the ability to adjust the diameter of the loop member during procedures, which can lead to suboptimal maneuverability and contact with artery walls, affecting the consistency and effectiveness of treatments like cardiac ablation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a loop member adjustment mechanism that includes a loop member pull wire and a sliding member within the handle, allowing for the adjustment of the loop member's diameter independently of deflection, using a rotating knob and sliding mechanism to increase or decrease the loop's size, and a braking mechanism to maintain the desired diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the catheter uses a fixed loop member diameter, then the device structure is simple, but the maneuverability and contact with artery walls are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The loop member is designed with adjustable diameter through a pull wire mechanism connected to a control element in the handle. This allows the loop to dynamically change size during the procedure, transitioning from a fixed structure to an adjustable one, thereby improving maneuverability without permanently increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is divided into functional segments: the loop member, the pull wire, and the control mechanism in the handle. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the loop diameter while maintaining the integrity of the overall catheter structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and maneuverability
2Reliability
If the loop member diameter is fixed, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the treatment consistency and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable loop diameter mechanism enables the catheter to adapt to different arterial geometries and procedural requirements, ensuring consistent contact and treatment effectiveness across varying patient anatomies, while the manufacturing complexity increase is minimal due to the use of standard mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The loop member's geometric parameter (diameter) is made variable through the pull wire tensioning system. This parameter change capability allows optimization of treatment consistency for different clinical scenarios without requiring complete redesign of the catheter, thus balancing reliability improvement with manufacturing feasibility
3Productivity
If the loop member diameter cannot be adjusted, then the device is simpler to operate, but user fatigue increases and procedure effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable loop diameter allows the operator to optimize contact with artery walls in real-time during the procedure, improving treatment effectiveness while the control mechanism is designed to minimize operational complexity and user fatigue through intuitive control elements
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
This solution enhances the catheter's maneuverability and contact with artery walls, leading to more consistent and effective procedures by allowing real-time adjustment of the loop member's diameter, reducing user fatigue, and ensuring uniform ablation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a loop member pull wire, wherein a distal end of the loop member pull wire is attached to the loop member, and a sliding member, located within the handle, wherein the sliding member is configured to translate within the handle, and wherein a proximal end of the pull wire is attached to the sliding member
Implementation Method 2
a sliding member, located within the handle, wherein the sliding member is configured to translate within the handle
Implementation Method 3
a braking mechanism to maintain the desired diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter including a loop member adjustment mechanism for adjusting a diameter of a loop member is provided. The catheter further includes a longitudinally-extending catheter shaft including a proximal end portion and a distal end deflectable portion, wherein the distal end deflectable portion includes the loop member. The loop adjustment mechanism includes a loop member pull wire, wherein a distal end of the loop member pull wire is attached to the loop member, and a sliding member, located within the handle, wherein the sliding member is configured to translate within the handle, and wherein a proximal end of the pull wire is attached to the sliding member.