Ultrasonically-Lubricated Catheters: A Proof of Concept

Abstract

Minimally invasive endovascular procedures involve the use of catheters that are guided through the blood vessels to reach the target area where the intervention is performed. During the procedure, there exists an inevitable frictional interaction between the catheter and the vessel walls. While this friction can enhance stability during the intervention, it can also pose a risk during navigation, potentially causing damage to the inner layer of the blood vessel wall and leading to thrombus formation. To mitigate the risk of adverse complications, we propose a novel concept of a variable friction catheter. This catheter utilizes the principle of ultrasonic lubrication to actively control the frictional forces experienced by the catheter during the procedure. The unique feature of this catheter is its ability to adjust its frictional properties in real-time, providing low friction for easier navigation and high friction for enhanced stability during the intervention. In this paper, we introduce a proof-of-concept prototype for a friction control module, a fundamental building block of the proposed catheter concept. Our preliminary experiments have shown that this prototype is capable of reducing friction by up to 50%, highlighting the viability of the design and its potential to enhance the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive endovascular procedures.