Intravascular Device Connection Structure for Flexible Electronic Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intravascular guidewires with electronic components face challenges due to limited space, stiffness, and fragility, affecting their performance and maneuverability during procedures, particularly in the context of heart disease treatment where precise localization and monitoring of stenosis are critical.

Innovation Solution

The method involves assembling a connection portion of an intravascular device by positioning a tubular member around conductors and a core member, with conductive and insulating members strategically placed to facilitate electrical coupling and minimize space constraints, enhancing the device's flexibility and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electronic components are added to guidewires to enable pressure measurement and monitoring, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds electronic components (pressure sensors, conductors) within the hollow lumen of the guidewire structure. The core wire contains a lumen that houses the electronic components, allowing nesting of multiple functional elements within the constrained guidewire diameter. This resolves the contradiction by providing measurement capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guidewire is divided into distinct functional segments: a core wire with lumen containing electronic components, a separate insulating coating, and external conductive elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while managing overall complexity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the proximal connector portion is made small to fit within limited space, then device compactness is improved, but structural strength and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector volumeVSAvoidconnector strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector portion utilizes composite construction with an insulating material base and embedded conductive elements. This composite approach allows the connector to achieve sufficient mechanical strength through material properties while maintaining a compact size, resolving the contradiction between small volume and adequate strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the guidewire is made stiff to provide structural support for electronic components, then structural stability is improved, but maneuverability and handling performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guidewire exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations: the distal portion containing electronic components has higher stiffness for structural stability, while the proximal portion has lower stiffness for improved maneuverability. This spatial variation in mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between overall structural stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Area of stationary object

If conductors are arranged closely to minimize space usage, then space efficiency is improved, but electrical insulation and signal integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector areaVSAvoidelectrical insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating material is introduced as an intermediary between adjacent conductors in the connector portion. This insulating layer maintains adequate electrical isolation between closely spaced conductors, allowing compact arrangement while preserving signal integrity and preventing electrical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2866733B1Connection structures for intravascular devices and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.09.06 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

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AI summary

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of assembling an intravascular device is provided that includes positioning a first tubular member around a plurality of conductors and a core member; advancing a first of the plurality of conductors through an opening of the first tubular member; positioning a first conductive member around the first tubular member; and electrically coupling the first of the plurality of conductors to the first conductive member. In some embodiments, an intravascular device is provided that includes an insulating member positioned around a plurality of conductors and a core member and a conductive member positioned around the insulating member, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors extends through an opening in the insulating member and is electrically coupled to the first conductive member.