Everting (toposcopic) catheter for broad clinical application.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Catheter Technology

Background:

• The development of advanced catheter systems is crucial for minimally invasive medical procedures.
• Existing catheters face challenges in precise delivery and navigation within delicate anatomical structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the advanced development, fabrication, and clinical evaluation of a novel everting (toposcopic) catheter.
• To assess the performance characteristics and clinical utility of this new catheter design.

Main Methods:

• Detailed design and fabrication techniques for the everting catheter using thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
• Surface treatment with a hydrophilic polymeric coating for improved lubricity.
• Performance evaluation including eversion pressures, flow rates, and infusate-in-blood mixing.
• Preliminary clinical assessment in chemotherapy delivery and ERCP.

Main Results:

• The everting catheter utilizes a low-durometer thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with optimized hydrophilic coating.
• Measured eversion pressures and flow rates indicate controlled performance under various conditions.
• Investigated infusate-in-blood mixing potential for effective therapeutic delivery.
• Demonstrated preliminary clinical feasibility in vascular chemotherapy and ERCP.

Conclusions:

• The advanced everting catheter demonstrates a promising design for improved clinical performance.
• Its unique properties facilitate effective vascular delivery and endoscopic procedures.
• Further clinical validation is warranted to establish its full therapeutic potential.