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Related Experiment Videos

Flexible impulse transfer using a Newton's Cradle-inspired catheter: A feasibility study.

Aimée Sakes1, Leander Grandia1, Remie Lether1

  • 1Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, the Netherlands.

Medical Engineering & Physics
|April 15, 2019
PubMed
Summary

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This study introduces a Newton's Cradle-inspired catheter to overcome force transfer challenges in minimally invasive surgery. The novel device effectively transfers high-force impulses through flexible instruments without buckling, enhancing surgical capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Surgical Robotics
  • Medical Device Innovation

Background:

  • Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) faces challenges in transferring high forces through flexible instruments due to low buckling resistance.
  • Existing flexible instruments like needles and catheters are prone to buckling under high loads, limiting their application.
  • Effective force transfer is crucial for precise manipulation and therapeutic delivery during MIS procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the feasibility of a Newton's Cradle-inspired catheter for high-force impulse transfer in MIS.
  • To investigate the impact of design parameters on the performance and efficiency of the novel catheter system.
  • To demonstrate the potential of this technology for enhancing force delivery in miniature medical devices.

Main Methods:

Keywords:
BucklingCatheterFeasibilityForceGuidewiresImpulseMedical device designMinimal invasive surgeryMomentumNewton's Cradle

Related Experiment Videos

  • A patented catheter system inspired by Newton's Cradle was designed, featuring an input plunger, a flexible shaft filled with steel balls, and an output plunger.
  • Proof-of-principle experiments were conducted to evaluate impulse transfer efficiency.
  • Key parameters such as clearance, length, shaft type, curve angle, and curve radius were systematically varied to assess their effects.

Main Results:

  • The Newton's Cradle-inspired catheter successfully delivered forces up to 6 N without buckling.
  • An average impulse efficiency of 35% was achieved, with potential for further optimization.
  • The study identified design parameters influencing the catheter's performance, including clearance, length, and curvature.

Conclusions:

  • The Newton's Cradle-inspired catheter is a feasible technology for transferring high-force impulses in MIS.
  • This innovation addresses the critical challenge of buckling in flexible surgical instruments.
  • The developed system shows significant promise for advancing high-force delivery capabilities in miniature medical devices for minimally invasive procedures.