Modular Guidewire Segmentation for Surgical Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guidewires used in surgical procedures often lack customizability in length and tip options, making them difficult to maneuver in small spaces and potentially compromising sterility, especially for longer lengths which are awkward to transport and handle.
Innovation Solution
A modular guidewire system comprising multiple modules that can be connected and customized in length and tip configuration, allowing for interchangeable tips and modules of varying diameters and shapes, enabling flexible assembly to suit specific surgical needs and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If guidewire length is increased to reach distant anatomical targets, then coverage is improved, but maneuverability and sterility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is divided into multiple detachable modules that can be connected in series to achieve the required length. Each module is a manageable unit that can be easily maneuvered, and modules can be attached or detached to adjust the overall guidewire length based on the specific surgical procedure requirements.
2Length of moving object
If guidewire length is increased to reach distant anatomical targets, then coverage is improved, but transport difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire system is segmented into multiple compact modules that can be stored and transported separately in a sterile kit. This eliminates the handling difficulties associated with long, rigid guidewires while allowing assembly of the required length at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire system transitions from a fixed-length design to a dynamic, adjustable-length configuration. Modules can be selectively assembled to create the optimal guidewire length for each procedure, enabling both compact storage and extended reach when needed.
3Reliability
If guidewire is designed as disposable to ensure sterility, then reliability is improved, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable aspect is extracted from the entire guidewire and applied only to the tip portion that enters the sterile field. The modular design allows the non-sterile handle and connection components to be reused, while only the sterile tip is discarded after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the guidewire have different sterility requirements. The tip portion is designed as disposable to ensure sterility, while the handle and modular connection components are designed for reuse. This localized application of disposability reduces overall material waste while maintaining sterility assurance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If guidewire is made customizable with multiple length and tip options, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular connection mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows length adjustment by connecting different numbers of modules, enables tip replacement for different applications, and provides a standardized interface for assembling various module combinations. This universal connection system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2G
AI summary
A guidewire having a first end and a second end, and comprising two or more guidewire modules. Each guidewire module has a first end and a second end. Each guidewire module is configured to be attachable to a second guidewire module by at least one of: attaching the first end of the guidewire module with the second end of the second guidewire module, and attaching the second end of the guidewire module with the first end of the second guidewire module.