Guidewire Spool Apparatus for Tangling Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidewire management systems are inefficient, leading to increased procedural time, space requirements, and contamination due to the cumbersome storage and exchange of guidewires, which results in higher costs and risks of foreign-body infections.
Innovation Solution
A spool-based apparatus with a housing and brake mechanism that allows for controlled retraction and storage of guidewires, preventing tangling and uncoiling, while reducing space requirements and minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guidewires are stored in conventional bowls or basins, then storage capacity is provided, but wires become tangled and access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of holding individual guidewires in an uncoiled state. This segmentation prevents wires from tangling while maintaining organized access to each wire separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal bowl storage to a vertical tower structure with multiple levels. This dimensional change allows wires to be stored upright in individual compartments, preventing tangling and improving accessibility without increasing horizontal space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If guidewires are laid out uncoiled for procedures, then accessibility is improved, but space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device utilizes vertical space through a tower structure with multiple levels, allowing guidewires to be stored in an uncoiled state without occupying excessive horizontal floor space. This vertical organization maintains wire accessibility while minimizing the footprint in the operating room.
3Area of stationary object
If guidewires are coiled for storage, then space is reduced, but potential energy causes uncoiling and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device stores guidewires in a vertical uncoiled configuration within individual compartments rather than coiling them horizontally. This vertical arrangement eliminates the potential energy storage associated with coiling, preventing spontaneous uncoiling and contamination while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a sterile barrier that can be disposed of after use, maintaining sterility for each wire without requiring complex reusable sterilization systems. This approach addresses contamination prevention through a simple, cost-effective solution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wire exchanges are performed, then complex procedures can be accommodated, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple guidewires are pre-prepared and organized in individual compartments before the procedure begins. This preliminary organization allows for rapid wire exchanges during the procedure, as each wire is readily accessible and requires minimal setup time, thereby reducing overall procedural time while maintaining the ability to perform complex multi-wire procedures.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If guidewires are stored in saline baths, then cleanliness is maintained, but the storage device becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a disposable sterile barrier that maintains wire cleanliness without requiring large volumes of saline solution. This approach prevents contamination while keeping the device compact, eliminating the need for bulky saline baths associated with traditional storage methods.
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
The apparatus enhances guidewire management by reducing procedural time, space needs, and contamination risks, thereby lowering costs and minimizing the risk of infections.
Implementation Method 1
The spool stop member is configured to brake the spool during rotation of the spool
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing and directing a guidewire used to guide an instrument is provided and includes a spool. The spool receives the guidewire and a spool wire. Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the guidewire and the spool wire around the spool. The apparatus also includes a wire connector that operatively couples the spool wire and the guidewire together. The apparatus further includes a housing that houses the spool. The housing includes first and second apertures. The first aperture is sized to prevent the wire connector from passing through the first aperture but allow the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the first aperture. The second aperture is sized to allow the wire connector and the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the second aperture. The first and second apertures merge together such that the guidewire and the spool wire may move between the first and second apertures.