Crank-Tip Vascular Access Wire for Vessel Wall Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Seldinger technique often results in unintentional perforation or dissection of blood vessel walls due to the design of vascular access wires, which are difficult to maneuver and can cause harm, especially in thin and flexible veins.
Innovation Solution
A vascular access wire with a crank mechanism at the distal tip that rotates upon contact with the vessel wall, allowing for controlled deflection and deformation to prevent damage, featuring a hinge for converting axial motion to rotational motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vascular access wire is designed for sufficient pushability to advance through the needle and blood vessel, then the wire can be inserted successfully, but the tip can perforate the vessel wall and/or dissect vessel wall layers
Solution Approach 1:
The wire incorporates a dynamic tip structure with a crank mechanism that can rotate and deflect in response to contact forces from the vessel wall. This dynamic behavior allows the tip to adapt to the vessel geometry and operator manipulation, converting excessive axial pushability into controlled rotational and deflecting motions that prevent perforation while maintaining the ability to advance through the vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The wire's mechanical parameters change along its length, with the tip section having different flexibility and stiffness characteristics compared to the shaft. The crank mechanism introduces variable geometric parameters (rotation angle, deflection amount) that can change in response to contact forces, allowing the wire to maintain pushability while automatically adjusting tip orientation to prevent wall damage
2Manufacturing precision
If the needle tip is positioned near the blood vessel centerline in an acute angle, then the vascular access wire should exit the needle tip without causing unnecessary perforation, but in many cases the needle tip is too close to the opposing vessel wall or even partly penetrated thereto
Solution Approach 1:
The crank mechanism provides mechanical feedback to the operator during wire insertion. When the wire tip contacts the vessel wall, the crank rotates or deflects, creating resistance or changing the insertion dynamics that immediately feedback to the operator about improper needle placement or excessive insertion force, allowing correction before perforation occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The wire tip is pre-configured with the crank mechanism in a specific orientation or state before insertion. This preliminary configuration allows the tip to automatically adjust its orientation upon contact with the vessel wall, compensating for imprecise needle placement and preventing perforation even when the needle is not perfectly positioned
3Ease of operation
If the vascular access wire tip is pushed directly against the vessel wall in arteries, then it can cause dissection and/or irritation which may lead to vascular spasm and occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic crank mechanism at the wire tip allows it to rotate and deflect in response to contact forces, converting direct axial pushing forces into rotational and lateral motions. This dynamic response prevents the tip from maintaining direct contact with the vessel wall, reducing dissection and irritation risks while preserving operator control over wire advancement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The crank mechanism minimizes vessel wall harm by enabling controlled access, reducing perforation and dissection risks, particularly in veins, through controlled deflection and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the core member includes, or merges with the distal tip through, a hinge configured to facilitate and/or allow articulation of the crank thereabout for converting an axial motion of the core member to a rotational motion of the crank
Implementation Method 2
the deflecting and/or deforming includes buckling, bending and/or rotating
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular access wire is disclosed. The vascular access wire includes an elongated core member and a distal tip. The Distal tip comprising a crank configured with a crank distal surface and a crank center of rotation. The crank is configured to rotate about the crank center of rotation when the core member is sufficiently loaded axially and when the crank distal surface is pressed against a wall of a target blood vessel, for triggering or affecting a deflecting and/or a deforming of the core member proximally to the crank.