Integrated Torque Device and Catheter Assembly for Guidewire Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endovascular procedures face challenges with the tedious and time-consuming process of removing and replacing torque devices and catheters, leading to potential loss of guidewire position and increased risk of medical complications, especially during complex procedures, due to the requirement of two-handed maneuvers and the need for active hand pressure on the torque device.
Innovation Solution
A torque device that interconnects with a catheter, allowing for one-handed manipulation and rotation of the guidewire, with a spring arm mechanism that grips the guidewire periphery when desired, enabling seamless movement and injection of materials through the torque-device/catheter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torque device is removed and replaced during catheter exchange, then the catheter can be exchanged for different shapes to navigate to different vessels, but the guidewire position may be lost and the procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque device and catheter into a single integrated unit where the torque device is positioned at the proximal end of the catheter. This merging allows the operator to exchange the entire unit as one piece rather than separately removing and replacing torque devices and catheters, thereby maintaining guidewire position and reducing procedure time while still allowing access to different catheter shapes for navigating to different vessels
2Adaptability or versatility
If the torque device is removed and replaced during catheter exchange, then the catheter can be exchanged for different shapes, but the operator must use two-handed maneuvers which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the torque device with the catheter as a single exchangeable unit, the patent eliminates the need for complex two-handed maneuvers required when separately handling torque devices and catheters. The unified design allows for simpler, single-handed exchange operations while maintaining the ability to use different catheter shapes for various vessel access needs
3Ease of operation
If active hand pressure is applied to the torque device during removal, then the torque device can be removed from the guidewire, but the guidewire position inside the blood vessel may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the torque device with the catheter creates a unified structure where the torque device remains attached to the catheter during exchange. This eliminates the need to apply hand pressure to remove the torque device from the guidewire, as the entire unit is exchanged together, thereby maintaining guidewire position stability while still allowing for easy exchange operations
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 solution reduces the risk of guidewire loss, minimizes labor and resource consumption, and enhances procedural efficiency by allowing single-handed operation and rapid advancement of catheters and guidewires, thereby improving the safety and speed of endovascular procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arm mechanism that grips the guidewire periphery when desired
Data Source
AI summary
A torque device useable in some embodiments in an endovascular procedure. The torque device is connectable to catheter end to provide an interlocked torque-device/catheter that can be mounted to, and slid over, a guidewire as a unit. A spring arm extends from a main body section of the torque device and can be depressed into the main body section so that the spring arm and main body section can be secured in position with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the depressed spring arm and main body section are mountable to an end of a catheter to secure them in position and to the catheter. Alternatively, the torque device can be mounted to a guide wire by depressing the spring arm, and releasing the spring arm can cause torque device to grip the guide wire and allow the operator to turn or move the torque device and gripped guide wire. Some embodiments provide a torque device through which material may be injected into a catheter to which the torque device is connected.