Intravascular Guide Wire Core Wire Embedded Conductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular guide wires with embedded sensors suffer from reduced performance due to limited space for conductors, stiffness, and fragility, leading to handling issues and increased risk of kinking, and require complex assemblies prone to failure.

Innovation Solution

Intravascular devices with a core wire containing embedded electrical conductors, isolated by an insulating layer, allowing for direct electrical connections and reducing the need for hypotubes and adhesives, enhancing durability and ease of manufacture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If guide wires contain electronic components (pressure sensors, imaging elements, conductors), then diagnostic functionality is improved, but handling performance and maneuverability deteriorate due to limited space, increased stiffness, and added complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic functionalityVSAvoidhandling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the core wire structure with embedded conductors and insulating layers into a single integrated component. The core wire itself serves both as a structural element for maneuverability and as a conduit for electrical conductors that carry sensor signals, eliminating the need for separate conductor pathways and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining diagnostic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The core wire is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for flexibility and maneuverability, housing embedded conductors for electrical signal transmission, and serving as the primary mechanical element for guiding the catheter through vasculature. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, improving handling while maintaining diagnostic capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If rigid housing is used to contain electronic components, then component protection is improved, but guide wire flexibility and maneuverability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid housing with a flexible core wire structure that includes embedded conductors and insulating layers. The core wire maintains component protection through its flexible encapsulation while preserving the guide wire's ability to bend and navigate complex vascular pathways, eliminating the maneuverability restrictions imposed by rigid housings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If proximal connector is attached to guide wire for electronic communication, then signal transmission is improved, but guide wire becomes fragile and prone to kinking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical conductor pathways directly into the core wire structure, eliminating the need for a separate proximal connector assembly. The conductors are embedded within the core wire and extend to the distal end where sensors are located, allowing signal transmission without requiring external connector attachment that would create weak points and kinking risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex assembly of discrete components is used for sensors and conductors, then functional capabilities are improved, but manufacturing complexity and failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete components (core wire, conductors, insulating layers) into a single integrated structure that is manufactured as one piece. This eliminates complex assembly steps involving separate conductor routing, insulation application, and component attachment, while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities for sensing and signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The core wire structure is designed to self-containedly provide both mechanical support and electrical signal transmission pathways. The embedded conductors and insulating layers are integral to the core wire manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving full functional capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250107718A1Intravascular devices, systems, and methods having a core wire with embedded conductors

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors embedded within a core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire and a sensing element adjacent a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.