Handheld Magnetic Gun for Guide Wire Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field devices for directing guide wires or catheters in endovascular procedures are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, especially in secondary cannulation of branching arterial vessels, requiring manual trial-and-error and extensive time due to their large size and complex mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact magnetic field device with an electromagnet, permanent magnets, and a user-operable control system that generates a directed magnetic field, allowing for precise manipulation of guide wires or catheters through the vasculature, featuring a hand-held design with adjustable magnetic strength and a magnetic shield to prevent unintended interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large magnetic field devices with complex mechanical systems are used, then magnetic field generation capability is sufficient, but device portability and ease of maneuvering deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: an electromagnet assembly for magnetic field generation, a power source, and a handheld housing. This segmentation allows the magnetic field generating components to be optimized independently while maintaining overall portability through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical positioning systems are replaced with electromagnetic actuation. The electromagnet generates magnetic fields that directly manipulate the guide wire or catheter without requiring complex mechanical linkages, gears, or manual manipulation mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining maneuverability.
2Ease of operation
If manual trial-and-error methods are used for catheter positioning, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but procedural time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the position and orientation of the guide wire or catheter in real-time. This feedback is processed by a control system that provides guidance to the operator, enabling precise positioning while reducing the need for trial-and-error maneuvers. The feedback loop maintains operator control while significantly improving procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the magnetic field generation mechanisms. This intermediary processes operator inputs, calculates appropriate magnetic field parameters, and automatically adjusts the electromagnet output, thereby maintaining operator flexibility while eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error positioning.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnet with permanent magnets is used, then magnetic field strength and control precision improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines electromagnets with permanent magnets in a hybrid configuration. The permanent magnets provide a baseline magnetic field and structural support, while the electromagnets provide adjustable control. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to using only electromagnets, as the permanent magnets reduce the power and control requirements for the electromagnetic components.
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 precise navigation of guide wires or catheters into branching arterial vessels, reducing procedural time and trauma to the vessel wall by allowing for controlled magnetic guidance, independent of operator experience.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet adjacent the muzzle and connected to the electrical power source
Implementation Method 2
A magnet loading chamber is adjacent to the electromagnet and opposite to the magnetic sensor. The magnet loading chamber is configured to accommodate one or more permanent magnets therein
Implementation Method 3
A magnetic sensor within the muzzle is adjacent to the electromagnet
Implementation Method 4
A magnetic shield surrounds exterior surfaces of the electromagnet and magnet loading chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A magnetic field device (10) for directing a magnetic coupling source includes an electrical power source (30-34), a control module (40), a muzzle (20), and an electromagnet (12) adjacent the muzzle and connected to the electrical power source. A magnetic sensor (22) within the muzzle is adjacent to the electromagnet. A magnet loading chamber (35) is adjacent to the electromagnet magnetic and opposite to the magnetic sensor. The magnet loading chamber is configured to accommodate one or more permanent magnets (14). A magnetic shield surrounds exterior surfaces of the electromagnet and magnet loading chamber. A user operable control device (26) is electrically connected to the electromagnet and to the electrical power source. The control device regulates an amount of electric current from the electrical power source to the electromagnet. A magnet guidewire delivery system includes a guide wire (40) having a magnetic element and a magnetic field device generating a magnetic field that couples with the magnetic element.