Variable Radius Catheter with Bidirectional Control Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheters have limited control over deflection direction and often result in inefficient movement due to the fixed size and shape of the distal loop, which can lead to unintended movements or failure to access anatomical features effectively.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design incorporating bidirectional control wires and a variable radius control wire, housed in separate compression coils, allowing for independent control of left-to-right motion and loop size adjustment, enabling the formation of various three-dimensional shapes such as spirals, to improve access to anatomical areas without changing the catheter or distal end size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size loop is used at the distal end of the catheter, then the catheter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the catheter cannot access multiple anatomical areas effectively and requires multiple catheters with different loop sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic loop structure where the distal end of the catheter can change its loop size and shape during the procedure. The loop radius is made variable through a control mechanism that allows the loop to transition between different configurations, enabling a single catheter to access multiple anatomical areas that would otherwise require multiple fixed-loop catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of loop radius from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By introducing a control wire or mechanism that can adjust the loop radius dynamically, the catheter gains the ability to adapt to different anatomical requirements without changing the overall catheter structure or requiring multiple catheters.
2Ease of operation
If bidirectional control wires are used to control deflection, then the catheter can deflect in multiple directions, but the control over deflection precision is limited and unintended movements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by using separate control wires for different degrees of freedom. Instead of relying on a single bidirectional control system, the catheter employs multiple control wires that can be independently actuated, allowing precise control of the catheter tip position and orientation without unintended movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the position and orientation of the catheter tip are monitored and used to adjust the control wire actuation. This feedback loop enables precise control by continuously correcting for deviations and preventing unintended movements.
3Length of moving object
If the control wire is located off-center to enable deflection, then the catheter can curve toward the intended side, but the interior space for the control wire is used inefficiently causing lack of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where control wires are arranged concentrically or in a space-efficient manner within the catheter shaft. The control wires are routed through lumens or channels that optimize space utilization, allowing sufficient control wire length for effective deflection while efficiently using the available interior space.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a deflectable catheter capable of forming many variable radius spiral forms from a single, flexible, distal end section. In one aspect, the catheter employs a variable radius control wire to extend or deform a pre-formed loop structure into a three dimensional spiral-like form or geometry. The ability of a single catheter to create a multitude of shapes and sizes allows users to access to a number of anatomical areas without changing the catheter during a procedure or treatment. In another aspect, the invention encompasses methods of producing deflectable variable radius catheters, where two or more regions of the catheter having common control wires are fused or formed onto one another.