Catheter Guide Wire with Granular Radio-Opac Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide wire systems for catheters require a separate dimensioning catheter for measuring vascular length, which increases procedural complexity and component count, and lacks a positioning scale during implant deployment.
Innovation Solution
A guide wire with a sheath containing granular material forming radio-opaque and radio-transparent markers, allowing dual functionality for guiding and measuring vascular length, eliminating the need for a separate dimensioning catheter and providing a positioning scale for implant deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate dimensioning catheter is used to measure vascular length, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function previously requiring a separate dimensioning catheter directly into the guide wire by incorporating radio-opaque marker elements at specific intervals along the guide wire's length, allowing vascular length measurement to be performed using the same component that provides guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides guidance to the treatment site, enables vascular length measurement through its marker elements, and assists in implant deployment, eliminating the need for separate specialized components
2Measurement precision
If a separate dimensioning catheter is used for measurement, then measurement function is achieved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the measurement markers into the guide wire itself, the patent eliminates the need to introduce and remove a separate dimensioning catheter, thereby reducing procedural steps and time while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The marker elements are pre-positioned on the guide wire at known intervals before the procedure begins, allowing immediate measurement capability upon guide wire insertion without requiring additional setup or separate measurement devices
3Measurement precision
If marker elements are added to the guide wire, then positioning scale is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in radio-opacity (a physical parameter) of the granular material to create visible markers that can be detected during X-ray imaging, providing a positioning scale without requiring complex structural modifications to the guide wire
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire incorporates granular material with different radio-opaque properties at different segments, creating a composite structure that provides measurement markers while maintaining the overall guide wire functionality and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to precision-machined markers
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 simplifies the deployment process by integrating measurement and positioning capabilities, reducing component usage and procedural time, while maintaining the necessary rigidity for medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of marker elements housed within said sheath and regularly spaced along said longitudinal axis, said markers having different radio-opacities
Data Source
AI summary
A guide wire (10) for a catheter carrying an implant includes alternating radio-opaque zones (16) and radio-transparent zones (18) formed from a granular material at a portion of the guide wire (10) just proximal to a flexible tip (12). The granular material is compressed within a sheath formed by the guide wire (10) and held in place by a bung (11). By regularly spacing the radio-opaque zones (16), the guide wire (10) enables in situ measurements to be taken within a patient's vasculature. The use of granular material to form the radio-opaque zones (16) and the radio-transparent zones (18) provides rigidity to the portion of the guide wire (10) proximal to the tip (12).