Fiber-Optical RealShape Guidewire for Inflatable Instrument Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable medical instruments used in procedures like balloon angioplasty require radiation exposure for tracking and monitoring, which is harmful to patients, and existing methods are complex and costly due to the need for specialized instruments with embedded optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a Fiber-Optical RealShape (FORS) system with an optical fiber guidewire to measure and analyze the shape of inflatable medical instruments during procedures, reducing radiation exposure and allowing use on standard instruments without special manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluoroscopy is used to track the inflatable medical instrument, then the instrument can be monitored during the procedure, but the patient is exposed to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based tracking system with a fiber-optical shape sensing system. The fiber optic sensor embedded in the guidewire measures shape changes through optical principles rather than using ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating harmful exposure while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fiber optic sensor as an intermediary element within the guidewire structure. This sensor acts as a mediator that translates physical shape changes into optical signals that can be processed and visualized, providing indirect but accurate tracking without direct radiation exposure to the patient
2Measurement precision
If specialized instruments with embedded optical fibers are used, then shape measurement is possible, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fiber optic shape sensing capability universally applicable to standard guidewires and inflatable medical instruments. By using a separate fiber optic sensor that can be integrated into existing device architectures, the system enables shape measurement without requiring specialized custom-manufactured instruments, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the shape sensing function from the structural function of the guidewire. The fiber optic sensor is implemented as a distinct component that measures shape independently, allowing standard instruments to be used while adding measurement capability through a modular approach rather than requiring complete redesign of the instrument
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 system effectively tracks and determines characteristics of inflatable medical instruments during procedures, reducing radiation dosage and simplifying manufacturing by enabling use on standard instruments, while providing accurate monitoring and detection of instrument status and potential adverse events.
Implementation Method 1
The guidewire includes an optical fiber for a FORS system. FORS is configured to measure a shape of the guidewire during the interventional deployment of the inflatable medical instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking and determining characteristics of an inflatable medical instrument that is configured for interventional deployment. The system includes a guidewire that is positioned within a lumen of the inflatable medical instrument. The guidewire includes an optical fiber for a FORS system. The FORS system is configured to measure a shape of the guidewire during the interventional deployment of the inflatable medical instrument. A shape analysis module is configured to analyze the FORS data from the FORS system and determine characteristics of the inflatable medical instrument, including the diameter of the inflatable instrument, the pressurization of the instrument, whether the instrument has ruptured and the position of the inflatable instrument during an interventional procedure.