Interlocked Coil Guidewire for 3D Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ENT procedures, such as balloon sinuplasty, face challenges in precisely positioning and visualizing instruments within anatomical passageways due to limited 2D endoscopic views and lack of clear anatomical landmarks, which can complicate dilation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dilation instrument assembly incorporating a guidewire with a navigation sensor and an image-guided surgery system, allowing for real-time 3D navigation and visualization of instruments within the patient's anatomy, enhancing precision and safety during procedures like sinus dilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional 2D endoscopic views are used for visualization, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the precision of instrument positioning and anatomical landmark identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical 2D endoscopic visualization with an electromagnetic field-based navigation system. Electromagnetic sensors on the guidewire interact with an electromagnetic field generated by external coils to provide 3D spatial coordinates, substituting optical-mechanical systems with electromagnetic sensing to achieve superior positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D endoscopic visualization to 3D spatial navigation by incorporating electromagnetic sensing that provides x, y, and z coordinates. This dimensional enhancement allows precise localization of instruments within the anatomical passageway, overcoming the limitations of flat 2D imaging
2Measurement precision
If image-guided surgery systems with electromagnetic sensors are used, then real-time 3D navigation precision is improved, but the device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary registration of anatomical landmarks and creates a 3D digital map before the actual dilation procedure. This preparatory step allows the navigation system to be pre-configured with anatomical reference points, reducing setup time during the procedure and enabling faster instrument tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical guide for instrument delivery and as a carrier for electromagnetic navigation sensors. This integration eliminates the need for separate navigation equipment, reducing overall procedural complexity and setup time while maintaining 3D navigation capabilities
3Manufacturing precision
If a guidewire with navigation sensor is used, then instrument positioning accuracy is improved, but the guidewire structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds electromagnetic sensors and wiring within the guidewire's existing structure, nesting the navigation components inside the guidewire body. The sensors are positioned within the guidewire's cross-section, utilizing the existing cylindrical geometry to house complex electronic components without significantly increasing external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical guidewire function with electromagnetic sensing capabilities into a single integrated device. The guidewire structure merges support, navigation, and signal transmission functions, eliminating the need for separate navigation instruments and reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced capabilities
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 system enables precise and accurate positioning of dilation instruments, improving the effectiveness and safety of ENT procedures by providing real-time 3D visualization and navigation, overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D endoscopic views.
Implementation Method 1
a navigation sensor located within the distal coil and configured to generate signals in response to movement within an electromagnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An apparatus includes a proximal coil, a distal coil, a navigation sensor, and a wire. The proximal coil is formed by a wire wrapped in a helical configuration. The distal coil is formed by a wire wrapped in a helical configuration. At least one wrap at a proximal portion of the distal coil is interlocked with at least one wrap at a distal portion of the proximal coil, such that interlocking portions of the proximal and distal coils form a double helix configuration. The navigation sensor is located within the distal coil. The navigation sensor is configured to generate signals in response to movement within an electromagnetic field. The wire extends through the proximal coil. The wire is in electrical communication with the navigation sensor such that the wire is configured to communicate signals from the navigation sensor.