Guide Wire Radiopaque Segmentation for X-ray Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guide wires with helically wound coils produce low-contrast X-ray images, making it difficult to locate the distal end during insertion into a living body, as the two parts of the coil appear as a monochromatic continuous member, hindering precise placement and advancement.
Innovation Solution
A guide wire with a radiopaque part divided into three regions, where the second region has a lesser X-ray image producing capability due to less dense radiopaque member arrangement and reduced radiopaque material in the resin coating layer, creating varying opaqueness for high contrast imaging, allowing for accurate localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional coil consisting of two parts is used, then the guide wire structure is simple, but the X-ray image contrast is low and the distal end cannot be clearly located
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque part is segmented into three distinct radiopaque regions arranged in sequence along the wire body, with the second region having different X-ray image producing capability than the first and third regions. This segmentation creates high-contrast X-ray images that clearly distinguish the distal end from other portions, resolving the low contrast problem while maintaining manageable structural complexity through a systematic three-region design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the radiopaque part are given different local qualities: the first and third radiopaque regions have higher X-ray image producing capability while the second region has lesser capability. This is achieved by varying the density of radiopaque members and/or the amount of radiopaque material in the resin coating layer across different regions, enabling clear visual differentiation during X-ray imaging without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Measurement precision
If a monochromatic continuous coil is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the distal end location cannot be determined during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque part is divided into three distinct radiopaque regions with different X-ray image producing capabilities, creating a patterned appearance on X-ray images that enables clear identification of the distal end position during insertion procedures. This segmentation provides precise localization information while the systematic three-region design maintains reasonable manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray image producing capability parameter is varied across different radiopaque regions by changing the density of radiopaque members and/or the amount of radiopaque material in the resin coating layer. This parameter variation creates distinguishable patterns on X-ray images for accurate distal end localization, while the variations can be implemented through controlled manufacturing processes.
3Measurement precision
If the radiopaque member is arranged densely throughout, then the X-ray image is highly opaque, but the contrast between different regions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the radiopaque part are assigned different local qualities in terms of radiopaque material density and distribution. The first and third regions have higher radiopaque material content for strong visibility, while the second region has lesser content to create contrast differentiation. This local quality variation enables clear region distinction and distal end identification without requiring excessive radiopaque material throughout the entire structure.
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 varying opaqueness of the radiopaque regions enables clear distinction and accurate placement of the guide wire during radioscopy, preventing slippage and ensuring smooth insertion into the lumen of a living body.
Implementation Method 1
the radiopaque part comprises a radiopaque member composed of an X-ray producible metallic material which is adapted to produce an X-ray image
Data Source
AI summary
A guide wire includes an elongated wire body and a radiopaque part capable of forming an X-ray image and located at the distal end portion of the wire body. The radiopaque part has a radiopaque member and a resin coating layer. The radiopaque member is composed of a metallic material capable of forming an X-ray image and arranged outside the wire body and in the lengthwise direction of the wire body. The resin coating layer covers the radiopaque member and at least part of coating layer contains a radiopaque material capable of forming an X-ray image. The radiopaque part is divided into a first radiopaque region, a second radiopaque region, and a third radiopaque region which are sequentially arranged from the distal end in the lengthwise direction of the wire body.