An intravascular diameter measuring device

Abstract

This invention provides a vascular diameter measuring device, comprising a catheter and a shape memory spring. The catheter has an outlet that connects the interior and exterior of the catheter. The shape memory spring comprises multiple coils of different diameters, arranged along the axial direction of the shape memory spring and connected end to end in sequence. The shape memory spring is housed inside the catheter in a deformed manner. When the shape memory spring is pushed out from the outlet of the catheter to the exterior, the deformed coils return to their original shape. This design is simple to operate and effectively reduces scratches to the vascular endothelium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a blood vessel diameter measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] As a core parameter for assessing vascular health and diagnosing cardiovascular disease, the accuracy, real-time nature, and safety of vascular diameter measurement technology directly impact clinical decision-making. The following section further elaborates on the key roles of vascular diameter measurement from three aspects: accurate assessment, real-time navigation, and dynamic monitoring.

[0003] Vascular stenosis, especially stenosis caused by atherosclerosis, is a common pathological change in cardiovascular diseases. Accurately measuring the inner diameter of blood vessels can quantify the degree of stenosis, providing doctors with intuitive and quantitative information for lesion assessment. This data not only directly determines whether interventional treatment (such as stent implantation or balloon angioplasty) is necessary, but also guides the precise selection of treatment devices, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of treatment.

[0004] In cardiovascular interventional procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), real-time measurement of vessel diameter is crucial for surgical success. Advanced imaging technology allows surgeons to obtain vessel diameter information in real time during the procedure, enabling them to dynamically adjust surgical strategies and avoid risks associated with stent size mismatch, such as poor stent apposition and thrombosis.

[0005] Dynamic changes in blood vessel diameter are an important indicator for assessing the effectiveness of cardiovascular disease treatment. By comparing blood vessel diameter data before and after treatment, doctors can intuitively understand the efficacy of medications (such as statins) or surgical interventions (such as carotid endarterectomy).

[0006] Currently, vascular diameter measurement mainly relies on techniques such as digital subtraction angiography (DSA), ultrasound imaging, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, for small vessels with a diameter of less than 3 mm, measurement errors are generally large due to limitations in technical resolution. DSA and OCT cannot provide real-time measurement data during surgery, affecting the timeliness of clinical decision-making. High-precision equipment (such as OCT) is expensive and requires stringent operational skills, limiting its widespread clinical application.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned difficulties, patent document CN214318007U provides a measuring device for the inner diameter of heart valve annulus and blood vessels. One hand holds the sleeve firmly, while the other hand slowly rotates the handle until all the hinge points of the two measuring rods around the inner core press against the inner wall of the heart valve annulus or blood vessel. The scale value on the inner core is then read directly, which is the inner diameter width of the heart valve annulus or blood vessel. However, when the two measuring rods are folded, the hinge points may scratch the vascular endothelium. Damage to the vascular endothelium can trigger pathological processes such as platelet aggregation and thrombosis, further leading to vascular stenosis or blockage, affecting the heart and systemic blood circulation, and in severe cases, even endangering the patient's life. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a vascular diameter measuring device that reduces the risk of vascular intima scratches.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A blood vessel diameter measuring device, comprising:

[0011] A catheter having an outlet that connects the interior and exterior of the catheter;

[0012] A shape memory spring, comprising multiple coils of different diameters, the multiple coils of different diameters being arranged along the axial direction of the shape memory spring and connected end to end in sequence;

[0013] The shape memory spring is housed inside the conduit in such a deformed manner that the spring coil returns to its original shape when the shape memory spring is pushed out from the outlet of the conduit.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the multiple spring coils of different diameters are arranged from the rear end to the front end of the shape memory spring in a manner that gradually decreases in diameter.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the diameters of two adjacent spring coils differ by 1 to 2 mm.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, any two adjacent spring coils maintain a fixed distance along the axial direction of the shape memory spring.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0018] The front straight segment is connected to the front end of the shape memory spring and is parallel to the axis of the shape memory spring.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0020] The metal head, and the front straight segment respectively connect the metal head and the front end of the shape memory spring.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the metal head is spherical.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0023] The rear straight segment is connected to the rear end of the shape memory spring and is parallel to the axial direction of the shape memory spring.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the front straight segment, the shape memory spring, and the rear straight segment are formed from a single alloy wire.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the shape memory spring is made of a shape memory alloy material.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, this technical solution has the following advantages:

[0027] Guided by the catheter, the shape memory spring is delivered to the target location inside the blood vessel. Then, the spring coils are pushed out of the catheter outlet in sequence according to their diameters increasing from small to large. When a spring coil of a specific diameter fits against the inner wall of the blood vessel, the diameter of that specific diameter spring coil is the inner diameter of the blood vessel. Its diameter can be accurately identified by imaging technology, and the operation is simple.

[0028] When a coil of a certain diameter adheres to the inner wall of the blood vessel, the pushing of the coil is stopped to prevent subsequent coils of larger diameter from damaging the blood vessel.

[0029] The circular spring coil avoids the hinge points or edges of traditional measuring rods, further reducing the risk of damage to the inner wall of blood vessels.

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shape memory spring described in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the catheter described in this utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shape memory spring described in this utility model inside the conduit.

[0035] In the diagram: 100 conduit, 110 outlet, 120 inlet, 200 shape memory spring, 210 spring coil, 300 front straight section, 400 rear straight section, 500 metal head. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the blood vessel diameter measuring device includes:

[0038] The conduit 100 has an outlet 110 that communicates with the interior and exterior of the conduit 100;

[0039] A shape memory spring 200 includes multiple spring coils 210 of different diameters, which are arranged along the axial direction of the shape memory spring 200 and connected end to end in sequence.

[0040] The shape memory spring 200 is housed inside the conduit 100 in a deformable manner, and the deformed spring coil 210 returns to its original shape when the shape memory spring 200 is pushed out from the outlet 110 of the conduit 100.

[0041] The catheter 100 provides a channel for the subsequent deployment of the shape memory spring 200. Guided by the catheter 100, the shape memory spring 200 is delivered to the target location within the blood vessel. Then, the spring coils 210 are sequentially deployed from the catheter 100 outlet in order of increasing diameter. When a spring coil 210 of a specific diameter adheres to the inner wall of the blood vessel, further deployment is stopped to prevent damage from subsequent deployments of larger diameter spring coils 210. At this point, the diameter of the spring coil 210 of that specific diameter is the inner diameter of the blood vessel, which can be accurately identified using imaging technology, simplifying the operation. Furthermore, the circular shape of the spring coil 210 avoids the hinge points or edges of traditional measuring rods, further reducing the risk of damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the shape memory spring 200 includes multiple spring coils 210 of different diameters, which are arranged along the axial direction of the shape memory spring 200 and connected end to end in sequence.

[0043] The diameters of two adjacent spring coils 210 may differ by 1 to 2 mm. That is, the diameter of the later spring coil 210 is 1 to 2 mm larger than the diameter of the previous spring coil 210.

[0044] In this embodiment, the spring coil 210 consists of five coils, arranged from left to right along the axial direction of the shape memory spring 200 in an increasing diameter manner. The five coils are divided into five sections from left to right: the first coil has the smallest diameter, and the fifth coil has the largest diameter. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 3 The diameters D of the first to fifth spring coils 210 are 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm, respectively. Of course, the diameter of the spring coils 210 can be adjusted according to the required blood vessel diameter, and the measurement diameter can be increased to 1mm to 50mm.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the conduit 100 has a tubular structure with opposing outlets 110 and inlets 120. The shape memory spring 200 can be placed inside the conduit 100 from the inlet 120 and can be pushed out from the outlet 110.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, when the shape memory spring 200 is arranged inside the conduit 100, the diameter of the spring coil 210 gradually increases in the direction from the outlet 110 to the inlet 120 of the conduit 100. Thus, when the shape memory spring 200 is pushed out relative to the shape memory spring 200, the spring coil 210 with the smallest diameter is pushed out first from the outlet 110, and then subsequent spring coils 210 are pushed out in an increasing diameter manner.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The inner diameter of the conduit 100 is approximately equal to the diameter of the second spring coil 210. Thus, the first and second spring coils 210 are in an undeformed state within the conduit 100, that is, the first and second spring coils 210 remain in their original shape, while the third to fifth spring coils 210 need to be compressed into the conduit 100 through deformation.

[0048] Because the spring coil 210 is elastic and the surface of the spring coil 210 and the inner wall of the conduit 100 are smooth, the deformed spring coil 210 can also be pushed out from the outlet 110 of the conduit 100.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, any two adjacent spring coils 210 maintain a fixed distance along the axial direction of the shape memory spring 200. That is, the middle spring coil 210 is equidistant from the preceding and following spring coils 210. In this way, the equidistantly arranged spring coils 210 are subjected to uniform force during their ejection from the conduit 100, avoiding local stress concentration.

[0050] The manufacturing method of the shape memory spring 200 is as follows:

[0051] Step 1: Material Selection

[0052] The shape memory spring 200 is made of a shape memory alloy material. The shape memory alloy material includes nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi), which has shape memory effect and superelasticity, and can return to its original shape after being deformed under pressure and recovering.

[0053] Step 2: Design the spring

[0054] The size and number of coils of the spring are designed according to application requirements. The design of memory wire springs needs to consider their force and displacement characteristics when returning to their original shape.

[0055] Step 3: Preparation of alloy wire

[0056] The alloy material is processed into wires of the desired diameter. This step may include processes such as stretching, rolling, and annealing.

[0057] Step 4: Winding and Shaping

[0058] A specialized winding machine is used to wind alloy wire into a spring of a predetermined shape. The winding tension must be controlled during the winding process to ensure the spring's shape and performance.

[0059] Step 5: Heat treatment

[0060] The wound springs undergo heat treatment to impart shape memory properties. Heat treatment involves heating to a certain temperature, holding it for a period of time, and then cooling it.

[0061] Step 6: Shape Setting

[0062] After heat treatment, the spring is deformed into its working shape and then fixed in that shape when cooled to room temperature.

[0063] Step 7: Performance Testing

[0064] The springs undergo performance testing, including shape recovery testing, cyclic load testing, and durability testing, to ensure they meet design requirements.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the blood vessel diameter measuring device further includes:

[0066] The front straight segment 300 is connected to the front end of the shape memory spring 200, and the front straight segment 300 is parallel to the axis of the shape memory spring 200.

[0067] The front straight segment 300 can serve as a front-end guide, and its length is relatively short.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the blood vessel diameter measuring device further includes:

[0069] The metal head 500 and the front straight segment 300 are respectively connected to the front end of the metal head 500 and the shape memory spring 200.

[0070] The metal head 500 is spherical with a smooth surface, which reduces the resistance when the measuring device is advanced into the blood vessel, while protecting the front end of the shape memory spring 200 from damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the blood vessel diameter measuring device further includes:

[0072] The rear straight segment 400 is connected to the rear end of the shape memory spring 200, and the rear straight segment 400 is parallel to the axial direction of the shape memory spring 200.

[0073] The rear straight segment 400 serves as the push rod of the shape memory spring 200, and provides axial force through an external drive system (such as a conduit handle) to ensure that the shape memory spring 200 is smoothly pushed out from the outlet 110 of the conduit 100.

[0074] The front straight segment 300, the shape memory spring 200, and the rear straight segment 400 can be formed from a single alloy wire.

[0075] The operation procedure of the blood vessel diameter measuring device is as follows:

[0076] The shape memory spring 200 is delivered to the target blood vessel site via the catheter 100;

[0077] The spring coils 210 are pushed out of the catheter 100 outlet sequentially in order of increasing diameter. At this point, the pushed-out spring coils 210 are no longer restricted by the catheter 100 and return to their original shape. Pushing continues until a spring coil 210 of a specific diameter adheres to the inner wall of the blood vessel, at which point the pushing of the spring coils 210 stops. The diameter of this specific diameter spring coil 210 is the inner diameter of the blood vessel.

[0078] In summary, the shape memory spring 200, guided by the catheter 100, is delivered to the target location within the blood vessel. Then, the spring coils 210 are sequentially pushed out of the catheter 100 outlet in order of increasing diameter. When a spring coil 210 of a specific diameter adheres to the inner wall of the blood vessel, further pushing of the spring coil 210 stops to prevent damage to the blood vessel from subsequent spring coils 210 with larger diameters. At this point, the diameter of the spring coil 210 of that specific diameter is the inner diameter of the blood vessel, which can be accurately identified using imaging technology, simplifying the operation. Furthermore, the circular shape of the spring coil 210 avoids the hinge points or edges of traditional measuring rods, further reducing the risk of damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0079] The embodiments described above are only used to illustrate the technical ideas and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. The scope of patent application of this utility model should not be limited by these embodiments. That is, any equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit disclosed in this utility model still fall within the patent scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A blood vessel diameter measuring device, characterized in that, include: A conduit (100) having an outlet (110) communicating with the interior and exterior of the conduit (100); A shape memory spring (200) comprising multiple spring coils (210) of different diameters, the multiple spring coils (210) of different diameters being arranged along the axial direction of the shape memory spring (200) and connected end to end in sequence; The shape memory spring (200) is housed inside the conduit (100) in such a deformable manner as the spring coil (210) is deformed. When the shape memory spring (200) is pushed out from the outlet (110) of the conduit (100), the deformed spring coil (210) returns to its original shape.

2. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple spring coils (210) of different diameters are arranged from the rear end to the front end of the shape memory spring (200) in a manner that gradually decreases in diameter.

3. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The diameters of two adjacent spring coils (210) differ by 1 to 2 mm.

4. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Any two adjacent spring coils (210) maintain a fixed distance in the axial direction of the shape memory spring (200).

5. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The front straight segment (300) is connected to the front end of the shape memory spring (200), and the front straight segment (300) is parallel to the axis of the shape memory spring (200).

6. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The metal head (500) and the front straight segment (300) are respectively connected to the front end of the metal head (500) and the shape memory spring (200).

7. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The metal head (500) is spherical.

8. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The rear straight segment (400) is connected to the rear end of the shape memory spring (200), and the rear straight segment (400) is parallel to the axial direction of the shape memory spring (200).

9. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The front straight segment (300), the shape memory spring (200), and the rear straight segment (400) are formed from a single alloy wire.

10. The blood vessel diameter measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory spring (200) is made of shape memory alloy material.

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