Optical Connector Cable for Pressure Sensing Guidewire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for measuring blood pressure within blood vessels, such as guidewires, face challenges in accurately determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) due to limitations in material flexibility, torque transmission, and optical fiber connectivity, which can lead to damage and signal disruption during medical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure sensing guidewire with a nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy construction, featuring slots for flexibility and torque transmission, and an optical pressure sensor with a deformable coupler for improved fiber optic connectivity, allowing for precise pressure measurement and reduced signal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional guidewire materials and structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but flexibility and torque transmission are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire shaft is constructed from a nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, creating a composite material structure that simultaneously achieves superior flexibility and torque transmission capabilities. This multi-element alloy composition allows the guidewire to navigate complex vascular paths while maintaining mechanical control.
2Reliability
If conventional optical fiber connections are used, then device structure is simpler, but fiber damage and signal disruption occur during medical interventions
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable coupler is positioned within the optical connector to cushion and protect the optical fiber from damage during connection and disconnection operations. The coupler absorbs mechanical stresses and prevents direct contact between the fiber and potential damage sources, ensuring reliable optical signal transmission throughout the medical procedure.
3Measurement precision
If rigid connector structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but fiber optic connectivity and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector incorporates a deformable coupler that changes its physical parameters (shape, stiffness) in response to operational conditions. This allows the connector to maintain optimal optical alignment and protection characteristics during use, improving pressure measurement accuracy through stable fiber positioning while accommodating manufacturing variations.
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 guidewire enables accurate measurement of blood pressure and FFR by enhancing material flexibility, torque transmission, and optical connectivity, reducing the risk of fiber damage and signal disruption, thus improving the reliability of pressure measurements during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical pressure sensor having a distal end disposed within the lumen of the tubular member and a proximal end extending out of the tubular member through the proximal end of the tubular member, the optical pressure sensor including a fiber optic cable
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for measuring blood pressure. The system may include a pressure sensing guidewire including a pressure sensor and a first optical fiber extending proximally from the pressure sensor. The system may also include an optical connector cable including a distal connector capable of being coupled to the guidewire. The optical connector cable may include a second optical fiber that is capable of optically communicating with the first optical fiber. A coupler may be disposed within the distal connector and disposed between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.