Illuminating Guidewire with Optical Core for Visual Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dilation procedures for anatomical passageways lack easy control over balloon inflation/deflation, especially when performed by a single operator, and require additional visual confirmation of guidewire positioning within the anatomical passageway.
Innovation Solution
A dilation catheter system incorporating an illuminating guidewire with a metal core and optical layers for structural rigidity and light transmission, allowing for efficient torsional motion transfer and visual confirmation of guidewire positioning, combined with a variable direction endoscope for precise visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an illuminating guidewire is used to provide visual confirmation of positioning, then visualization capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guidewire structure with light-transmitting layers and optical fibers, merging the mechanical guidance function with the illumination/visualization function into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate illumination devices and reduces overall system complexity despite adding visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance for catheter navigation, transmits light for illumination of the anatomical passageway, and enables visualization of its own position through transcutaneous light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If a variable direction endoscope is used to provide visualization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling balloon inflation/deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is designed with a self-inflating mechanism where the operator simply needs to advance the catheter assembly into the anatomical passageway, and the balloon automatically inflates due to pressure differential or pre-loaded mechanism, eliminating the need for complex external inflation control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is pre-positioned on the catheter assembly before the procedure, and the inflation mechanism is pre-prepared within the catheter structure. The operator only needs to deploy the device, and the balloon automatically transitions to its functional state, simplifying the operation sequence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate illuminating guidewire and dilation catheter systems are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the guidewire, illumination system, and dilation catheter into a single unified assembly. The guidewire serves as the core structural element around which the illumination layers and catheter components are configured, creating one integrated device that performs all functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly provides multiple functions through a single device: navigation guidance via the guidewire structure, illumination through the optical layers, and dilation through the balloon catheter. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies system configuration.
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 controlled and precise dilation of anatomical passageways with improved visual confirmation and efficient inflation/deflation of balloons, facilitating single-operator procedures and enhancing procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical core, wherein the optical core is disposed about the inner layer, wherein the optical core is configured to transmit light along the length of the guidewire
Implementation Method 2
an elongate metal core, wherein the metal core has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the metal core is configured to communicate torsional motion from the proximal end to the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A guidewire comprises an elongate metal core, an inner layer, an optical core, and an outer layer. The metal core is configured to communicate torsional motion from a proximal end of the metal core to the distal end of the metal core. The inner layer extends about the metal core and has a first index of refraction. The optical core is disposed about the inner layer, wherein the optical core is configured to transmit light along the length of the guidewire. The optical core has a second index of refraction, which is greater than the first index of refraction. The outer layer is disposed about the optical core and has a third index of refraction. The third index of refraction is less than the second index of refraction.