Flexible Intravascular Guidewire Assembly for Imaging and Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular guidewires with electronic, optical, or electro-optical components suffer from reduced performance due to limited space for the core wire, stiffness of the housing, and fragility of the proximal connector, limiting maneuverability and handling during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A guidewire design with flexible elements and a core structure that includes a mounting structure for electronic components, conductors, and a polymer tubing configuration to minimize space constraints and enhance flexibility, allowing for improved handling and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If guidewires contain electronic, optical, or electro-optical components, then data acquisition and imaging capabilities are improved, but handling performance and maneuverability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition capabilityVSAvoidhandling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guidewire is divided into multiple flexible elements (first flexible element, second flexible element, third flexible element) with different properties. The first flexible element contains the electronic/optical components, while the second and third flexible elements provide enhanced flexibility and maneuverability. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between component integration and handling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guidewire employs a dynamic structure where the second flexible element can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the first flexible element. During navigation, the guidewire can be in a coupled state for stability, and during manipulation, the proximal connector can be disconnected to improve flexibility. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between stability and maneuverability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the guidewire includes a rigid housing for electronic components, then component protection is improved, but flexibility and maneuverability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a rigid housing, the patent employs flexible elements (first flexible element, second flexible element, third flexible element) that enclose and protect the electronic and optical components while maintaining flexibility. These flexible elements are constructed from materials that provide mechanical protection without the stiffness of rigid housings, allowing the guidewire to bend and maneuver while keeping components secure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The guidewire utilizes composite construction with multiple flexible elements made from different materials optimized for specific functions. The first flexible element contains components while the second and third flexible elements provide enhanced flexibility. This composite approach allows the structure to simultaneously provide protection and flexibility that neither material could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If the proximal connector is made small to fit within the guidewire, then space utilization is improved, but fragility and susceptibility to kinking worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfragility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is segmented into a proximal connector and a distal connector that can be independently managed. The proximal connector can be selectively disconnected from the guidewire body, allowing it to be handled separately. This segmentation prevents the fragile proximal connector from being subjected to kinking forces during manipulation, while still allowing compact integration when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second flexible element acts as an intermediary between the proximal connector and the main guidewire body. This flexible intermediate section absorbs mechanical stresses and prevents direct transmission of kinking forces to the fragile proximal connector, thereby protecting it from damage while maintaining the compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12582356B2Intravascular devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, the connectors are flexible coils, such as a ribbon coil, formed of a conductive material. In some particular instances, the conductive coil is embedded within a polymer tubing. Further, in some embodiments the electronic, optical, or electro-optical component is positioned within a flexible element at the distal portion of the device. In some instances the flexible element is a coil. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.