Balloon Catheter Protective Sleeve Guide Wire Insertion Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insertion of a guide wire into a balloon catheter is challenging due to the small diameter of the guide wire and the protective sleeve, which can lead to damage to the balloon and stent coatings, and requires precise handling and good visual acuity, especially in poor light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A protective sleeve with an integrated insertion aid that facilitates the insertion of the guide wire into the balloon catheter, featuring a funnel-shaped channel and a trough-like depression to guide the wire easily and prevent damage to the coatings, eliminating the need for separate insertion aids and reducing handling complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the protective sleeve is removed before inserting the guide wire, then the guide wire can be inserted into the balloon catheter, but the balloon and stent coatings are damaged by the guide wire or handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a preliminary opening in the protective sleeve at the distal end before guide wire insertion. This opening is made in advance through a longitudinal incision that extends from the distal end toward the proximal end, allowing the guide wire to be inserted without removing the entire protective sleeve, thus preventing coating damage while facilitating insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve is segmented by making a longitudinal incision that divides the sleeve into at least two sections. This segmentation creates an opening pathway for the guide wire while maintaining the integrity and protective function of the remaining sleeve structure, allowing selective access without complete removal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the guide wire is inserted through the protective sleeve without an opening, then the protective sleeve remains intact, but the guide wire cannot be properly inserted into the balloon catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is pre-prepared with a longitudinal incision creating an opening at the distal end before the guide wire insertion procedure. This preliminary action ensures the opening is ready for guide wire passage while minimizing the extent of opening needed, thus balancing protection with accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal incision acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for protection and the need for access. It provides a controlled pathway for the guide wire to pass through the protective sleeve without requiring complete removal, thus serving as a compromise structure
3Ease of operation
If a separate insertion aid is used to facilitate guide wire insertion, then insertion is easier, but the device complexity increases and additional removal steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The functional opening for guide wire insertion is merged directly into the protective sleeve structure itself. The longitudinal incision in the protective sleeve serves both as the protective covering and as the insertion pathway, eliminating the need for separate insertion aid devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve is given multiple functions: it provides protection for the balloon and stent coatings, and simultaneously serves as the insertion pathway for the guide wire through its integrated longitudinal incision. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insertion aids and simplifies the overall device structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A protective sleeve is provided for a balloon catheter, in particular a balloon catheter having a stent, said protective sleeve at least partially, preferably substantially completely surrounding the balloon and optionally preferably also the stent. According to the invention, an insertion aid for a guide wire is integrated into the distal end of the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve for a balloon catheter, in which protective sleeve, in particular at the distal end, an insertion aid for a guide wire is integrated, is also part of the invention.