Guidewire Sensor Integration via Core Wire Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular devices with electronic, optical, or electro-optical components face challenges such as limited space for conductors, stiffness, fragility, and complex assembly issues, leading to reduced performance and maneuverability during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire with a solid core wire coated in an outer layer, where conductive wires are embedded and exposed at specific points for sensor connections, eliminating the need for multiple components and adhesives, and allowing for robust and durable construction with improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If guidewires contain electronic components (pressure sensors, imaging elements), then diagnostic capability is improved, but handling performance and maneuverability deteriorate due to limited space for core wire, stiffness of rigid housing, and fragility of proximal connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete electronic components (pressure sensors, imaging elements, conductors) into an integrated assembly where the core wire itself serves as the structural support and electrical conductor. This merging eliminates the need for separate rigid housing and reduces the number of discrete parts, thereby improving handling performance while maintaining diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The core wire is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the guidewire, acts as an electrical conductor for sensor signals, and serves as the central axis for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the space required for dedicated conductor elements and improves maneuverability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guidewires contain electronic components, then diagnostic functionality is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex assembly of many discrete components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components into a unified structure where the core wire integrates structural and electrical functions. This reduces the number of discrete components that need to be assembled and connected, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining versatile diagnostic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary discrete components (separate rigid housing, multiple conductor elements) by incorporating their functions into the core wire itself. This reduction in component count directly lowers assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If proximal connector is attached to guidewire for durability, then reliability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates due to increased size and fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the proximal connector functionality directly into the core wire structure, eliminating the need for a separate attached connector. This integration maintains durability while reducing the overall size and improving maneuverability by removing the fragile connector portion.
4Reliability
If multiple discrete conductive wires are used for sensor connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but space availability deteriorates and reliability decreases due to poor solder joints and insulation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete conductive wires into a single core wire that provides both structural support and electrical conductivity. This integration eliminates the need for separate conductor elements, thereby increasing space availability while improving reliability by removing potential failure points from solder joints and insulation issues.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods of manufacturing and/or assembling a guidewire is provided. In an aspect, guidewires of the invention include a flexible elongate member having an inner core and an insulating outer layer with multiple embedded conductive wires. The conductive wires are exposed at multiple locations along the flexible elongate member and a conductive material is applied to the exposed locations at the proximal portion of the elongate member, thereby forming a connector. An electronic component is coupled to the conductive wires through the exposed locations at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member.