Pulze Hammer II: Catheter

Developed in 2017-2018, diameter 2 mm

We want to go deeper into the human body, using incisions that are smaller or even non existent. For this purpose we need small flexible tools that are able to deliver sufficient forces without buckling.

In an effort to facilitate high force delivery in a small flexible medical instrument, the pulze catheter prototype (2 mm) has been developed. Buckling is prevented by using a dynamic loading method, in which a high-speed indenter collides with the non-moving target. The flexible prototype consists of a distal spring-loaded indenter, which is manually actuated using a compliant (re)load mechanism, allowing for loading, locking, and (re)loading of the prototype while inserted in the body.

We are currently testing this catheter ex-vivo. Further development of this crossing prototype may in time allow for performing surgery deep inside the body.

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