Guidewire Navigation System with Direct Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidewire navigation systems in medical procedures require multiple exchanges of guidewires and catheters, relying on two-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging, which is time-consuming and limits navigation precision.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system with integrated direct visualization features, comprising slidable members of varying size and flexibility, allowing for adjustable diameter, stiffness, and flexibility, along with a lock mechanism for relative positioning, enabling navigation without multiple device exchanges and utilizing multiple imaging modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple guidewire exchanges are performed under fluoroscopic guidance, then navigation to the treatment site can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and relies on two-dimensional imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, electromagnetic fields, and direct visualization through cameras) into a single integrated navigation system. This merging allows the system to provide both real-time direct visualization and multi-modal imaging guidance simultaneously, eliminating the need for repeated guidewire exchanges and reducing procedure time while maintaining high navigation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary navigation system that coordinates between different imaging modalities and navigation instruments. This intermediary system processes information from multiple sources (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, electromagnetic fields, direct visualization) and provides integrated guidance, allowing precise navigation without time-consuming exchanges of different devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single imaging modality is used for navigation, then the system remains simple, but the ability to navigate through tortuous anatomy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation system that can perform multiple functions using different imaging modalities and navigation capabilities. The system can switch between or combine fluoroscopy, ultrasound, electromagnetic field guidance, and direct visualization depending on the specific navigation challenge, providing adaptability for tortuous anatomy while managing complexity through a unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the navigation system to change its imaging modalities and navigation parameters in real-time based on the procedural needs. The system can dynamically switch between different imaging sources and adjustment mechanisms, providing versatility for various anatomical challenges without requiring a completely different system for each scenario.
3Ease of operation
If guidewires of different dimensions are exchanged to navigate tortuous paths, then the treatment site can be reached, but the procedure requires multiple exchange cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the navigation system to dynamically adjust its characteristics (such as stiffness, diameter, and flexibility) without requiring physical exchange of guidewires. The system can change these parameters through adjustable mechanisms, enabling navigation through tortuous anatomy more efficiently and reducing the number of exchange cycles needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the navigation system with adjustable parameters and multiple imaging modalities before the procedure begins. This preliminary setup allows the system to adapt to different navigation scenarios without requiring multiple exchanges during the procedure, improving both ease of operation and procedure efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a navigation system with a remote visualization element for navigating in remote spaces in medical and non-medical applications using multiple imaging modalities, including direct visualization.