Hinged Deflectable-Tip Guidewire for Aortic Valve Crossing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guidewires face challenges in efficiently crossing the aortic valve due to the risk of the distal end bottoming out on the valve cusps, leading to deflection and difficulty in advancing through the valve.
Innovation Solution
A crossing guidewire with a hinge point that allows the distal shaft segment to pivot relative to the proximal shaft segment when contacting the aortic valve, enabling better centering and alignment for easier passage through the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional straight guidewire is used to advance through the aortic valve, then the guidewire structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the distal end may bottom out on the valve cusps causing deflection and difficulty in advancing through the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire shaft is divided into multiple segments including a proximal shaft segment, a distal shaft segment, and a hinge point connecting them. This segmentation allows the distal segment to pivot independently when contacting the aortic valve, enabling the wire to navigate the valve opening more effectively while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge point introduces dynamic flexibility to the guidewire structure, allowing the distal shaft segment to pivot relative to the proximal segment when the distal end contacts the aortic valve cusps. This dynamic adaptation enables the guidewire to self-center and follow the natural curvature of the valve opening, improving advancement ease
2Reliability
If the distal end of the guidewire contacts the aortic valve cusps, then the guidewire can be positioned at the valve, but the guidewire deflects and becomes difficult to advance through the valve
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the shaft into separable proximal and distal segments connected at a hinge point, the design allows the distal segment to pivot independently upon valve cusp contact. This segmentation prevents force transmission that would cause deflection of the entire wire, maintaining reliable valve contact while enabling continued advancement
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge point acts as an intermediary mechanism between the proximal and distal shaft segments. When the distal end contacts the valve cusps, the hinge point absorbs and redirects the contact forces, allowing the distal segment to pivot and self-center without transmitting deflecting forces to the proximal segment, thus maintaining both contact reliability and advancement capability
3Measurement precision
If the guidewire distal end contacts the aortic valve cusps, then positioning is achieved, but centering alignment relative to the aortic valve is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pivoting capability of the distal shaft segment at the hinge point enables automatic self-centering when the guidewire contacts the aortic valve. As the distal end contacts the valve cusps, the hinge allows rotation that naturally centers the hinge point relative to the valve opening, achieving precise alignment without complex manual positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire design enables self-centering functionality where the hinge point automatically positions itself at the center of the aortic valve through the pivoting motion of the distal shaft segment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures, achieving precise centering alignment through the wire's own structural characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A crossing guidewire that is adapted for use in crossing an aortic valve may include a proximal shaft segment, a distal shaft segment including a distal end, and a hinge point disposed between the proximal shaft segment and the distal shaft segment. The hinge point may be adapted to allow the distal shaft segment to pivot relative to the proximal shaft segment when the distal end of the distal shaft segment contacts the aortic valve.