We all know that catheter-based surgical procedures need to guide the catheter to the target area for treatment or to obtain tissue samples for diagnosis. However, due to the anatomical structure and the interaction between human soft tissues and the catheter, the operator usually needs to push and retreat the catheter repeatedly to change the direction. At this time, if the catheter is manipulated to bend, the movement track of the catheter can be limited to make it reach the target position as soon as possible and correctly.

Here is the content:

l Shortcoming of the first steerable curve diagnostic catheter

l Classification of steerable curve diagnostic catheter

l Expectation of future development

Shortcoming of the first steerable curve diagnostic catheter

The first steerable curve diagnostic catheter consists of different metals connected to each other to form a sleeve. These Shape memory alloy, SMA) metals are connected along the length direction of the catheter, and the gap between adjacent metal links is small (usually 1mm) to prevent short circuit. SMA wires are connected to the whole by stainless steel rings at the head end. When the actuator is driven, the whole catheter can bend locally at discontinuous positions. Because the straight section is conductive, each curved section needs to be connected with an SMA actuator. After the whole drive is completed and the curved section is generated, the system cannot be restored to the straight section. (This first-generation catheter is a hollow system, which is mostly used to transport diagnostic tools such as OCT)

Classification of steerable curve diagnostic catheter

According to the patent and design, the researchers classified the steerable curve diagnostic catheter into two categories: 1) force generation in tip; 2) Force transmission to tip. The force applying group can be divided into a) electric; B) thermal effect and c) magnetomotive force, etc. The force transmission group can be subdivided into: a) the force conducted by the hydraulic chamber, and b) the force conducted by the mechanical connection. Of course, each category can be subdivided into several sub-categories, and different types of catheters have differences in positioning ability, application scope and safety, and miniaturization potential. (Of course, there are various types of curved conduits, as well as planar and spatial conduits, etc.)

Expectation of future development

Because the mapping and ablation technology needs years of hard study and mastery, and the safe and effective ablation operation is still under discussion, the robot navigation technology has already existed in EP field. More than 10 years ago, the business model was more challenging and the technology was not mature, so many robot companies in the field of electrophysiology didn't reach today. With the continuous progress of technology, robot navigation, especially remote control, is still progressing, and the pace of research and development has never stopped. Hope is always there.

To sum up, the importance of steerable curve diagnostic catheter cannot be buried, and it is also very important to choose high-quality steerable curve diagnostic catheter, so KOSSEL is a good choice. We have advanced laboratories and clean rooms for all products, so we have a strong guarantee of producing smooth bending transition steerable curve diagnostic catheter. If you are interested, please contact us.