Guidewire Core-Wire Traces for Reliable Intraluminal Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular guidewires with fine-gauge electrical wires are prone to damage during manufacturing due to their delicate nature, leading to poor electrical connectivity and increased manufacturing complexity, and they occupy significant space with their circular cross-section.

Innovation Solution

Intraluminal devices utilize printed conductive ink traces along a core wire for power and data communication, allowing for a larger outer diameter, reduced electrical resistance, improved straightness, and torque response, while minimizing manufacturing defects and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fine-gauge electrical wires are used for sensor signal transmission, then electrical connectivity is provided, but the wires are prone to damage during manufacturing and have poor electrical connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fine-gauge electrical wires with printed conductive ink traces on a flexible circuit board. This substitution eliminates the mechanical fragility and handling damage issues associated with traditional wires while maintaining electrical connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the conductor from solid wire to printed trace pattern. The conductive ink is deposited in specific patterns on the flexible circuit board, transforming the electrical conduction method from wire-based to trace-based, which improves both reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fine-gauge electrical wires with circular cross-section are used, then electrical signal transmission is achieved, but they occupy significant space with small outer diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential electrical conduction function from the circular wire cross-section and implements it through planar conductive traces. This removes the need for circular cross-section while maintaining signal transmission capability, significantly reducing space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional circular wire cross-section to two-dimensional planar traces. The conductive paths are printed as flat patterns on the flexible circuit board, utilizing the surface dimension rather than requiring volumetric wire space, thereby reducing the overall device diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple manufacturing steps involving human operator or machine contact with fine-gauge wires are used, then electrical connectivity is established, but manufacturing complexity and defects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive traces are pre-printed on the flexible circuit board during board fabrication, eliminating the need for subsequent wire handling and connection steps. This preliminary action of trace formation during board manufacturing reduces overall manufacturing complexity and the number of steps requiring human or machine contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical conductor fabrication with the flexible circuit board manufacturing process. The conductive ink traces are created as part of the board assembly process, combining multiple functions (structural support, electrical conduction, insulation) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250339100A1Electrical traces along core wire for intraluminal physiology sensing guidewire and associated devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An apparatus includes an intravascular guidewire that includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a blood vessel. The flexible elongate member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes a core wire. The intravascular guidewire includes a sensor disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The intravascular guidewire includes a first conductive member disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and coupled to the sensor. The first conductive member includes a first electrical trace disposed along the core wire. The intravascular guidewire includes a second conductive member disposed at the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member. The second conductive member is coupled to the first conductive member such that the second conductive member is in electrical communication with the sensor.