Luminal Impedance Device Circuit Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidewires face challenges in simultaneously providing high mechanical performance and the ability to accurately measure multiple biological metrics, while maintaining a small diameter to navigate through mammalian luminal organs, due to the need for high modulus materials and the incorporation of sensor conductors which can compromise stiffness and torque performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of an impedance device with a circuit module and distal section that includes sizing electrodes and additional sensors, allowing for bidirectional signal transmission through a single conductive element, reducing the number of components required and enabling precise measurements of vessel geometry, pressure, and temperature without compromising mechanical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensor conductor wires are added to the guidewire to enable pressure sensing, then sensing capability is improved, but lateral stiffness and torsional control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (pressure, temperature, impedance) into a single integrated sensor assembly that shares common conductor pathways. The sensor conductors are merged with the guidewire core structure, allowing multiple measurements to be taken through shared electrical pathways rather than requiring separate conductor bundles for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed with multi-functional conductors that serve multiple purposes: providing structural support, transmitting electrical signals for pressure sensing, temperature sensing, and impedance measurements. A single conductor system performs what would traditionally require multiple separate conductor assemblies, maintaining mechanical performance while enabling comprehensive sensing capabilities.
2Length of moving object
If the guidewire diameter is reduced to navigate through small luminal organs, then accessibility is improved, but mechanical support and torque performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire employs varying core compositions along its length, with different sections optimized for specific functions. The distal section contains a higher concentration of sensor conductors and sensing elements, while proximal sections maintain stronger structural support. This local differentiation allows the wire to be thin overall while providing adequate mechanical support where needed and sensing capability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire uses composite construction combining multiple materials with different properties: a flexible polymer core for navigability, reinforced with metallic or high-strength filaments for torque transmission, and integrated sensor conductors for measurement functions. This composite approach allows the guidewire to achieve a combination of small diameter, adequate mechanical support, and sensing capability that cannot be achieved with single-material construction.
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
This solution allows for accurate and efficient measurement of biological metrics while maintaining the necessary mechanical performance and small diameter, reducing the complexity and cost of guidewire design, enabling quicker and more precise interventional procedures.
Implementation Method 1
bidirectional signal transmission through a single conductive element
Implementation Method 2
impedance device with a circuit module and distal section that includes sizing electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
Impedance devices with integrated circuit modules and method of using the same to obtain luminal organ information. In one embodiment, a device comprises an elongated body for at least partial insertion into a mammalian luminal organ and having a first conductor extending therethrough, a proximal electrical unit connected to the elongated body to deliver power along the first conductor, and a sensor substrate located at or near a distal end of the elongated body and comprising a circuit module operable and/or configured to direct the sizing portion to obtain sizing data and the pressure sensor to obtain pressure data, and facilitate transmission of the sizing data and/or the pressure data to the proximal electrical unit.