Dual-Wire Medical Guide with Actuated Curve Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical guide wire devices face challenges in navigating complex vessel branches due to limited steerability, which can result in vessel trauma and increased procedural time, and may fail to reach desired locations, especially when arteries branch at multiple angles.
Innovation Solution
A medical guide wire device comprising a base wire and an accessory wire with flexible portions, coupled via a guiding device that allows for manual actuation to form curves and bows, enabling precise navigation through vessels by forming a bend at the distal ends, allowing for improved steerability and placement of medical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a guide wire with a pre-bent end is inserted into the vessel, then the guide wire can be positioned in the vessel, but the guide wire has limited steerability and cannot navigate complex vessel branches at multiple angles
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire is divided into multiple segments including a base wire and an accessory wire that can be independently manipulated. The accessory wire can be inserted through the base wire or used separately, allowing complex steering actions to be broken down into simpler individual wire manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a second degree of freedom by introducing the accessory wire that can be manipulated independently of the base wire. This allows navigation in multiple dimensions and angles within the vessel, transforming a single-dimension pre-bent wire into a multi-dimensional steering system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide wire is removed and reinserted to adjust the bend angle, then the desired location can be reached, but the procedure time increases and the risk of vessel trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory wire is pre-configured with its own bend geometry that can be combined with the base wire's geometry. This preliminary configuration allows the operator to achieve the desired final wire shape through controlled manipulation rather than repeated removal and reinsertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the static pre-bent wire into a dynamic configuration system where the accessory wire can be moved, inserted, and manipulated to change the overall wire geometry in real-time, allowing continuous adjustment without removing the base wire from the vessel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guide wire insertions are performed to reach the desired location, then the target can be accessed, but the risk of thrombosis and vessel dissection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base wire and accessory wire are combined into a single functional system where the accessory wire is inserted through the base wire. This merging allows both wires to work together to navigate the vessel, achieving complex steering goals in a single insertion rather than multiple separate insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory wire acts as an intermediary element that can be manipulated to adjust the steering characteristics of the overall wire system. By manipulating the accessory wire, the operator can fine-tune the wire's path without needing to remove and reinsert the entire assembly, reducing trauma risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the guide wire is manipulated to enter a branch artery, then the correct branch can be accessed, but the limited steerability results in greater time spent in the body
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation task is segmented into base wire positioning and accessory wire steering adjustments. The base wire provides stable positioning while the accessory wire handles the complex steering maneuvers needed to navigate branches, dividing the procedural steps to improve efficiency.
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 device provides enhanced guide wire steerability and precision in navigating vessel branches, reducing the risk of trauma and enabling the placement of medical devices at desired locations within vessels, while allowing for easy removal of the guiding device to insert medical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The base wire has a first proximal end, a first distal end, a longitudinal length extending therebetween, and a flexible portion near the first distal end. The accessory wire has a second proximal end, a second distal end, a longitudinal length extending therebetween, and a flexible portion near the second distal end.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical guide wire device includes a base wire, a first accessory wire, and a guiding device configured to be removably coupled to the base and first accessory wires. The base wire has a first proximal end, a first distal end, a longitudinal length extending therebetween, and a flexible portion near the first distal end. The first accessory wire has a second proximal end, a second distal end, a longitudinal length extending therebetween, and a flexible portion near the second distal end. The second distal end of the first accessory wire is coupled to the base wire at a distance spaced apart from the first distal end. Upon actuating the guiding device, the flexible portion of the base wire and the flexible portion of the first accessory wire form a curve at the first distal end of the base wire and the second distal end of the first accessory wire.