Convertible Guidewire System with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidewire size changes during medical procedures are time-consuming, lengthening procedure time and increasing patient discomfort and risk, as existing methods require withdrawing and reinserting guidewires, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A convertible guidewire system comprising a conventional guidewire and a guidewire converter with a distal sleeve portion, locking portion, and a tapered end, allowing for easy size conversion by sliding the guidewire converter over the guidewire, secured using a collet and locking sleeve mechanism, facilitating quick adjustments in guidewire diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guidewire size is changed by withdrawing and reinserting a different guidewire, then the guidewire size can be changed, but the procedure time increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is inserted over the existing guidewire and collapsed around it, with the collet fingers nesting around the guidewire shaft. This allows the converter to be delivered through the same catheter lumen without requiring withdrawal of the original guidewire, enabling size change while maintaining continuous vascular access.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter acts as an intermediary device that facilitates guidewire size change by enveloping the original guidewire and providing a new outer diameter. The collet mechanism serves as the intermediary locking structure that secures the guidewire within the converter during the transition from small to large guidewire configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guidewire size is changed by withdrawing and reinserting a different guidewire, then the guidewire size can be changed, but patient discomfort and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converter nests over the existing guidewire and is advanced through the catheter without requiring guidewire withdrawal, thereby avoiding repeated puncture of the vascular system and reducing patient discomfort and procedural risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire remains continuously in place throughout the size change process, with the converter being advanced over it in a continuous motion through the catheter lumen. This maintains uninterrupted access to the vascular system and eliminates the need to withdraw and reinsert the guidewire, reducing patient discomfort and risk.
3Strength
If a converter with a rigid proximal portion is used, then the converter can be pushed through the vascular system, but the converter may be difficult to navigate through curved vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is designed with non-uniform flexibility along its length, with the distal portion being more flexible to navigate curved vessels and the proximal portion being more rigid to provide pushing strength. This gradient in mechanical properties allows the converter to simultaneously exhibit both navigability and pushing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter's flexibility is dynamically optimized along its length, with the distal third being significantly more flexible than the proximal two-thirds. This dynamic flexibility gradient allows the distal end to conform to curved vessel geometry while the proximal end maintains sufficient rigidity for force transmission during advancement.
Data Source
AI summary
A guidewire converter for use in intravascular procedures along with a guidewire. The guidewire converter includes an elongate tubular structure defining a lumen having an inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The inner diameter of the lumen is sized to receive the guidewire for intravascular procedures. The guidewire converter includes a locking mechanism coupled to the elongate tubular structure that has a second outer diameter that is less than or substantially equal to the first outer diameter. Operation of the locking mechanism releasably secures the elongate tubular structure to the guidewire.