In the rapidly advancing field of medical device development, catheter design plays a vital role in delivering innovative, safe, and effective treatments for patients worldwide. One software solution that has significantly streamlined this process is CathCAD®, a specialized catheter design and modeling tool created for the unique needs of catheter engineers and designers.
What is CathCAD®?
CathCAD® is a proprietary software application developed specifically for the design and engineering of minimally invasive catheters and related interventional devices. CathCAD® offers a focused suite of features tailored to the intricate requirements of catheter shafts, balloon catheters, multi-lumen extrusions, and other tubular medical devices.
By providing intuitive design workflows, built-in material libraries, and Microsoft Excel based export templates, CathCAD® enables engineers to quickly create and model precise catheter designs that meet both performance and regulatory standards.
Key Features and Benefits
- Specialized Catheter Geometry Tools
CathCAD® allows users to define and model multi-layered catheter shafts, variable wall thicknesses, braided reinforcements, and complex lumen configurations with ease. This level of specificity is difficult to replicate in Finite Element Modeling programs. - Rapid Prototyping and Iteration
With CathCAD®, designers can develop and model catheter designs in real time. The software’s modeling capabilities mean that dimensions and configurations can be adjusted instantly, accelerating the iteration cycle from concept to manufacturable design. - Integrated Material Database
CathCAD® includes a robust database of medical-grade polymers, metals, and reinforcement materials commonly used in catheter manufacturing. This helps designers select appropriate materials for performance characteristics like flexibility, torque response, kink resistance, and biocompatibility. - Export for Manufacturing and Simulation
Designs created and modeled in CathCAD® can be exported to Microsoft Excel in a “ready to print” format. This export capabilities helps ensure a smooth transition from digital design to physical prototype and performance testing. - Compliance Support
CathCAD® helps device manufacturers produce designs that are easier to validate and document for submission to agencies like the FDA or EMA.
Who Uses CathCAD®?
CathCAD® is used by medical device manufacturers ranging from startups to global companies specializing in cardiology, urology, neurovascular, and peripheral vascular devices. It is also adopted by contract design and development firms that need to deliver rapid, customized catheter solutions for clients.
The Future of Catheter Design
As catheter-based therapies expand to treat a wider range of conditions, design requirements become increasingly complex. Tools like CathCAD® not only simplify the design process but also foster innovation by giving engineers the flexibility to explore novel structures and materials quickly.
In an industry where precision, safety, and time-to-market are critical, specialized software like CathCAD® is an indispensable part of the medical device engineer’s toolkit.