OCT-Integrated Guide Wire for Coronary Occlusion Crossing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for navigating guide wires and catheters through occluded coronary arteries lack adequate information about tissue characteristics and the precise positioning within the true lumen of the vessel, making it difficult to safely traverse occlusions.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) integrated into guide wires and catheters, which transmit and receive beams of radiation to generate depth-resolved optical data, allowing for the determination of distances between the guide wire and vessel walls or occlusions, and enabling precise control of the guide wire's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If angiography is used for navigation, then blood vessels can be visualized, but information about tissue characteristics and precise positioning within the true lumen is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines angiography with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to integrate functional blood vessel visualization with high-resolution tissue characterization. The catheter contains both angiography components and OCT imaging components, allowing simultaneous acquisition of complementary information about vessel anatomy and tissue properties, thereby reducing information loss and improving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces OCT imaging as an intermediary technology that provides detailed tissue characteristic information between the angiography system and the operator. The OCT system acts as a mediator that translates complex tissue properties into visualizable data, enabling more precise navigation and decision-making during the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If current navigation tools are used, then guide wire traversal can be performed, but adequate information about occlusion structure and tissue characteristics is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges conventional guide wire navigation capabilities with OCT imaging functionality in a single integrated catheter system. This combination maintains the ease of guide wire traversal while simultaneously providing detailed information about occlusion structure and tissue characteristics, eliminating the information deficit without complicating the operational workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a navigation tool for guide wire traversal and as an imaging device for tissue characterization. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions: navigation, imaging, and potentially therapeutic delivery, thereby providing comprehensive information while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography is integrated into guide wires, then depth-resolved optical data and precise positioning information can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the OCT imaging components are integrated within the catheter, which itself contains the guide wire. The waveguides are embedded in the catheter wall, and the imaging optics are housed within the catheter lumen. This nested arrangement minimizes overall device complexity by efficiently utilizing internal spaces and avoiding redundant external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible substrates and thin-film waveguide structures to implement the OCT imaging system. These flexible components can conform to the catheter geometry and are easier to integrate than rigid structures. The use of thin-film technology reduces the overall size and complexity of the imaging components while maintaining their functional performance.
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 approach provides accurate imaging and positioning of guide wires and catheters within the artery, facilitating safer navigation through occlusions by identifying micro-channels for easier passage and maintaining the guide wire centered within the artery.
Implementation Method 1
The distal section includes a plurality of waveguides patterned upon a flexible substrate. At least one of the plurality of waveguides transmits one or more beams of radiation away from the distal section of the catheter, and at least one of the plurality of waveguides receives one or more beams of scattered radiation
Implementation Method 2
The distal section also includes one or more optical elements that at least one of focus and steer the one or more beams of radiation
Implementation Method 3
The proximal section includes an optical source that generates a source beam of radiation and a detector that generates depth-resolved optical data
Implementation Method 4
at least one of the plurality of waveguides receives one or more beams of scattered radiation that have been reflected or scattered from a sample
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for crossing an occlusion by controlling a guide with the aid of optical coherence tomography (OCT) data are described. Embodiments include transmitting one or more beams of radiation via one or more waveguides on a flexible substrate within a guide wire. One or more beams of scattered or reflected radiation may be received from a sample via one or more waveguides. Depth-resolved optical data of the sample may be generated based on the received beams of scattered or reflected radiation. The depth-resolved data may be used for determining at least one of a distance between the guide wire and a wall of the artery and a distance between the guide wire and an occlusion within the artery. A position of the guide wire within the artery may then be controlled based on the determined distance or distances.