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Introduction

Welcome to VirtuCath™! VirtuCath is a simulation tool designed for the rapid design and digital prototyping of deflectable micro-catheters. Powered by the MuJoCo physics engine from Google DeepMind, VirtuCath enables you to intuitively define catheter properties,observe simulated behavior, analyze results within an interactive 3D environment, calculate material flowdown to estimate requirements for procurement, and more.

At its core, the application constructs a "digital twin" of your catheter design, allowing you to manipulate its deflection through virtual pullwires and gain insights into its mechanical performance and reach.

The simulation makes certain assumptions and simplifications, including but not limited to:

  • Primarily linear material behaviors and idealized mechanics.
  • Axial and shear deformation of the catheter sections is not modeled, under the assumption that the axial and shear stiffness is significantly greater than the bending or torsional stiffness.
  • The simulation does not account for all complex non-linear phenomena such as large elastic deformations, kinking, material hysteresis, or intricate contact mechanics that might be captured by more exhaustive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) packages.

VirtuCath is intended as a design aid and for preliminary simulation purposes only. The results generated by this software are based on a simplified physics model and should not be considered a substitute for comprehensive physical prototyping, rigorous testing, or formal Verification and Validation (V&V) activities required for medical devices or other critical applications.

Users should exercise their own professional judgment when interpreting the simulation results and are solely responsible for the design, testing, and validation of any physical product based on or informed by the use of this software. VirtuCath, LLC disclaims any and all liability for decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided by VirtuCath.