Presentation
Use Forces by Interventional Cardiologists: Filling Gaps in Force Data for Catheter-Based Cardiovascular Device Design
SessionLBR4: Late Breaking Results
DescriptionIntroduction
Catheter-based cardiovascular devices have unique user interfaces and require users to execute complex hand actions. There are insufficient data in the literature on user grip-types, strengths, and application to the design of these medical devices. This research aimed to gather data on maximum strength from cardiologists which can be applied to the design of devices.
Methods
Nine cardiologists performed three grip-types for each condition with their right hand: power, tripod, and tip pinch. These were prioritised by research on grip-types performed intraoperatively. A test rig was developed to mount different sized handles (6, 20, 40 and 60mm diameter) at multiple angles between horizontal to the benchtop to 45°. Maximal user grip forces applied by each finger were measured using sensorised gloves. Corresponding distal (output) forces were gathered using an in-line load cell.
Results
The middle finger contributed the most for power grip across all conditions (mean = 16.8% ), followed by the ring finger (mean = 13.8%). There was no significant variation in force contribution for tripod pinch, with thumb, index, and ring contributing 23.2%, 22.2% and 21.5% respectively. The thumb contributed on average 41.1% of the output force for tip pinch, with the difference in contribution between the thumb and index increasing for 20mm handles.
A 45° angle was the optimal for 20mm and 40mm handles across all grip-types, when optimal efficiency is considered as the least input force resulting in the highest output force.
These data address gaps for the design of devices that optimise user experience.
Catheter-based cardiovascular devices have unique user interfaces and require users to execute complex hand actions. There are insufficient data in the literature on user grip-types, strengths, and application to the design of these medical devices. This research aimed to gather data on maximum strength from cardiologists which can be applied to the design of devices.
Methods
Nine cardiologists performed three grip-types for each condition with their right hand: power, tripod, and tip pinch. These were prioritised by research on grip-types performed intraoperatively. A test rig was developed to mount different sized handles (6, 20, 40 and 60mm diameter) at multiple angles between horizontal to the benchtop to 45°. Maximal user grip forces applied by each finger were measured using sensorised gloves. Corresponding distal (output) forces were gathered using an in-line load cell.
Results
The middle finger contributed the most for power grip across all conditions (mean = 16.8% ), followed by the ring finger (mean = 13.8%). There was no significant variation in force contribution for tripod pinch, with thumb, index, and ring contributing 23.2%, 22.2% and 21.5% respectively. The thumb contributed on average 41.1% of the output force for tip pinch, with the difference in contribution between the thumb and index increasing for 20mm handles.
A 45° angle was the optimal for 20mm and 40mm handles across all grip-types, when optimal efficiency is considered as the least input force resulting in the highest output force.
These data address gaps for the design of devices that optimise user experience.
Event Type
Late Breaking Results
TimeFriday, September 13th10:15am - 10:25am MST
LocationFLW Salon B