Authors:
Hafsa Inam
;
Murtaza Ali
and
Aimen Arshad
Affiliation:
Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Department, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
Keyword(s):
Laser-Cut Reinforced Shaft, Laser-Cut Torque Transfer Layer, Angiographic Catheter, Corrosion-Resistant, Burst Test, Leak Test, Tensile Strength, Flow Rate, Performance Testing.
Abstract:
The diagnostic angiographic catheter (DAC) available in the market have improved the survival rate and are the result of extensive R&D, but there’s still room for improvement in terms of catheter profile, enhanced pushability, and trackability therefore, the current research focuses on the development of laser-cut reinforced shaft catheters in an attempt to design a low-profile DAC with enhanced pushability and trackability. A new ‘I’ hollow geometry has been used to fabricate reinforced shafts. Stainless Steel 304 was selected as a material to fabricate a laser-cut reinforced shaft and PTFE and PEBAX® for inner lumen and catheter jacketing. This study analyzes and reports the design, performance, and behavior of laser-cut reinforced shaft catheters. The ‘I’ geometry of laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter differed from braided catheters based on ovality retention, enhanced flexural rigidity, and pushability; the pushability force analysis results prove that laser-cut reinforced shaft
catheter exerts a minimal resistive force which is approximately 1/3rd times less than the braided catheter. This study also endeavored to manufacture a significantly lower wall thickness for reinforced angiographic catheters. Based on this extensive in-vitro assessment, it has been concluded that laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter performed better in advancement force and flexibility than the braided catheter. In performance evaluation, the laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter has outperformed 16 and 32 wires braided catheters, exhibiting an exceptionally minimal pushability force of 6.25 N.
(More)