Guidewire Insertion Tool Tapered Passageway Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manipulation and advancement of guidewires in vasculature systems can be challenging due to their slender and long nature, requiring skilled user handling, and there is a need for tools that facilitate easier insertion and removal of guidewires and catheters during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire insertion tool with a tapered passageway, a slit for easy removal, protrusions for engaging catheters, a stop for size restriction, and an indicator for proper insertion, along with a tab for aiding in tool removal, enhances the handling and insertion of guidewires and catheters into the vasculature system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If guidewires are made long and slender to reach desired locations in the vasculature, then the guidewire can access remote vascular locations, but the manipulation and advancement become difficult requiring skilled user handling
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool serves as an intermediary device between the user and the guidewire. It provides a tapered passageway that guides the guidewire during insertion, and includes a tab that engages with the guidewire to facilitate controlled advancement and retrieval. This mediator simplifies the manipulation of long, slender guidewires by providing mechanical assistance rather than relying solely on user skill.
2Length of moving object
If guidewires are made long and slender to reach desired locations, then vascular access is improved, but the insertion and removal processes become complex requiring skilled handling
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool acts as a mediator that simplifies the complex insertion and removal processes. The tapered passageway automatically guides the guidewire into proper alignment, while the tab provides a simple mechanical engagement point for controlled manipulation. This reduces the procedural complexity from requiring skilled manual handling to a more straightforward tool-assisted process.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the guidewire is fully inserted into the catheter. The tapered geometry pre-positions the guidewire correctly, and the tab is pre-configured to engage with the guidewire, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment steps during the procedure.
3Device complexity
If no retrieval mechanism is provided, then the tool structure remains simple, but the removal of the tool from the guidewire becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is extracted as a separate functional element from the main tool body. It extends through the sidewall and engages with the guidewire, providing a dedicated retrieval mechanism. This extracted component allows the tool to be easily removed from the guidewire by simply pulling on the tab, without complicating the overall tool structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A guidewire insertion tool includes a sidewall defining a passageway having a first open end and a second open end and a neck therebetween. The passageway tapers from the first and second open ends to the neck. The sidewall has a slit extending longitudinally along the sidewall. A tab is adjacent one of the first or second open ends for removing the tool from a guidewire through the slit.