Guidewire Electromagnetic Microsensor Nesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guidewires with diameters less than 1 mm face challenges in integrating high signal strength microsensors while maintaining mechanical performance, particularly in terms of pushability and steerability, due to the difficulty in incorporating trackable devices without compromising clinical and mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire assembly featuring a flexible flat or tubular member with projections and attached electromagnetic microsensors, wound around a mandrel to form a spring-like tip, or positioned within a tubular member, to create a robust and trackable guidewire with minimal impact on mechanical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trackable microsensors are integrated into guidewires to enable navigation tracking, then navigation efficiency and real-time location data are improved, but the mechanical performance (pushability and steerability) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic microsensors are nested within the guidewire structure, specifically positioned within the tubular member or on projections inside the catheter. This nesting approach allows the sensors to be integrated without significantly increasing the outer diameter or compromising the mechanical properties of the guidewire, while still enabling tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible tubular member and thin-walled structure to house the microsensors. The tubular member is designed with sufficient flexibility to accommodate the sensors while maintaining the overall flexibility and steerability of the guidewire. The thin-film nature of the tubular wall minimizes the space required for sensors without affecting mechanical performance.
2Measurement precision
If high signal strength microsensors are incorporated to maximize tracking signal, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of manufacture increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire structure is designed to serve multiple functions: the tubular member provides both mechanical support and housing for the microsensors. The projections serve both as structural elements and as mounting platforms for the sensors. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The microsensors are positioned at specific locations (on projections within the tubular member) rather than distributed throughout the entire guidewire. This localized placement optimizes tracking accuracy at critical positions while minimizing the number of sensors required, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the guidewire diameter is reduced to less than 1 mm for minimally invasive access, then patient trauma and procedural invasiveness are reduced, but the ability to incorporate trackable devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microsensors are nested within the existing guidewire structure, specifically within the tubular member or on internal projections. This nesting allows high signal strength sensors to be incorporated without increasing the outer diameter beyond 1 mm, maintaining minimally invasive characteristics while enabling effective tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the radial dimension (diameter) to accommodate sensors, the patent utilizes the internal longitudinal space within the tubular member. The sensors are positioned along the length of the guidewire within the available internal volume, allowing effective tracking without compromising the small diameter required for minimally invasive access.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of integrating electromagnetic microsensors into interventional endovascular devices such as guidewires for tracking guidewires within vessels of a body with the use of a surgical navigation system.