Guidewire Sensor Array for Simultaneous Artery Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as guidewires and catheters, face challenges in integrating sensors effectively due to limited space and managing long lengths of wires and components, which complicates data collection and interpretation during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system that includes a guidewire with multiple sensors spaced along its distal portion to detect physiological parameters at different locations within an artery during a single heartbeat, combined with a proximal pressure sensor and a catheter with ultrasound transducers, providing real-time data integration and display for healthcare providers through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the guidewire to detect physiological parameters at multiple locations, then measurement precision and data quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is segmented into multiple sensing zones with sensors distributed along its length, allowing simultaneous measurement at multiple locations. This segmentation enables the wire to function as both a guidance tool and a multi-point measurement device without requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical guidance through vasculature, electrical sensing of physiological parameters, and data transmission. By integrating these functions into a single device, the patent eliminates the need for separate catheters or wires for each function, reducing overall procedural complexity despite increased sensor integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and electronic components are integrated into the guidewire, then functionality and data collection capability are improved, but the difficulty of managing wires and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (sensors, conductors, insulators) are merged into a single integrated guidewire structure. The sensing elements are embedded within or along the guidewire body, eliminating the need for separate cables or wires for each sensor, thus simplifying wire management while maintaining advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire itself acts as an intermediary that carries both mechanical guidance functions and electrical sensing functions. By using the guidewire as the medium for both guidance and sensing, the patent eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses or additional components that would complicate wire management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated at the distal end of the guidewire, then data collection capability is improved, but the space available for sensor integration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of concentrating all sensors at the distal tip in a single point, the patent distributes sensors along the longitudinal dimension of the guidewire. This dimensional transition from point-based to line-based sensor arrangement provides sufficient space for multiple sensors while maintaining access to the target vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the guidewire are assigned different sensor types or sensing functions based on local requirements. This allows optimization of sensor placement in specific zones while maintaining overall device functionality, effectively utilizing the limited space along the guidewire length.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and simultaneous data collection of pressure and imaging data across multiple locations within an artery, reducing procedural complexity and enhancing the ability to make informed treatment decisions during interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of sensors, comprising at least two sensors, is associated with the distal portion of the elongated member. The first group of sensors is configured to detect a physiological parameter at at least two different locations within the artery during a single heartbeat
Implementation Method 2
a catheter with an ultrasound imaging sensor attached to the distal end. Ultrasound may be utilized to image within targeted vasculature
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices, medical systems, and related methods are provided which may be used in detecting and treating anomalies in a vessel (e.g., in an artery). In one embodiment, a guidewire is provide with multiple sensors spaced apart from one another in a desired spacing. The sensors may each be configured to simultaneously detect a pressure within the vessel at their individual location within a single, common heartbeat of a patient. In one embodiment, information from the sensors may be mapped with other data or information (e.g., imaging data) to assist a healthcare professional in determining if interventional treatment is desired and, if so, what treatment may be most effective.