Elastic Guide Wire Insertion Aid for Secure Catheter Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide wire insertion aids are prone to being lost during handling, are specific to certain catheter or electrode line types, and require frequent replacement, causing logistical and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A radially elastically expandable guide wire insertion aid with a longitudinal slit in the fixing section that adapts to different proximal ends, preventing loss and ensuring secure fitting without damaging paint markings, featuring a smooth interior wall and a stop to prevent over-insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a continuous slotted insertion aid is used, then the guidewire can be guided through the catheter, but the insertion aid is prone to being lost during handling and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidewire insertion capabilityVSAvoidretention during handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slot in the insertion aid is divided into multiple separate elements rather than being continuous. These discrete slot elements can independently engage with the guidewire while remaining attached to the insertion aid, preventing loss during handling operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slot elements are designed to be nested within or attached to the insertion aid body, allowing them to function independently for guidewire guidance while being contained within the overall structure to prevent separation and loss during surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If the insertion aid is designed to fit specific connector shapes, then it provides precise alignment, but it can only fit one particular lead type requiring multiple specialized aids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidconnector compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion aid incorporates a standardized interface or adaptive mechanism that allows a single device design to accommodate multiple different connector shapes and lead types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized aids while maintaining precise alignment capabilities across various catheter and electrode lead configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the insertion aid is made sterile and disposable, then it ensures safety, but frequent replacement disrupts surgical procedure and increases logistical effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility assuranceVSAvoidprocedure disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion aid is designed with reusable components that can be sterilized and reused across multiple procedures. The device incorporates features allowing for safe reprocessing while maintaining sterility standards, reducing the frequency of replacement and associated procedural disruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 guide wire insertion aid remains securely attached to the catheter or electrode line, reducing operational disruptions and logistical costs, allowing for use with various types and simplifying storage and preparation, while maintaining secure holding force across different connections.

Implementation Method 1

making the fixation section of the insertion aid radially elastic and expandable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial elasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2564889B1Guide wire insertion aid
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG
  • EP2564889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2564889B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2564889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The guide wire insertion aid has a funnel shaped main portion which is provided with a tubular fixing section (11) and an expanding section (13). The fixing section is provided with an inner wall without contour, and is slotted and elastically expandable over a larger portion of longitudinal extension. A slotted portion of the fixing section is provided with elastic plastic, and is provided with a radially acting spring element.