Rotatable Optical Core Probe for Guidewire-Free Imaging Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging probes are limited in their ability to reach certain anatomical locations due to their size and rigidity, and they often require a guidewire for insertion, which compromises placement and limits the use of delivery catheters.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with an imaging probe featuring a rotatable optical core and optical assembly, allowing for reduced diameter and high flexibility, enabling advancement to patient sites without a guidewire, and compatible with delivery devices that include a rotation and retraction assembly for precise image collection and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current imaging probes are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the probes are limited in reaching certain anatomical locations due to size and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging probe is divided into multiple segments including a catheter shaft, optical core, and imaging head that can be independently manipulated and positioned, allowing the probe to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The probe employs flexible materials and thin-film construction in the catheter shaft and protective layers, enabling the device to bend and conform to anatomical structures while protecting internal optical components
2Ease of operation
If guidewires are used for insertion, then probe placement is achieved, but placement is compromised and use of delivery catheters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging probe is designed with a universal delivery system that can be inserted through standard catheter pathways without requiring guidewires, allowing the same probe design to be delivered via multiple routes including femoral, radial, and direct puncture approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The design eliminates the guidewire component entirely from the delivery system, extracting the unnecessary element that was causing placement compromises and limiting catheter compatibility, while maintaining safe and effective probe delivery
3Ease of operation
If reduced diameter is achieved, then flexibility and reach are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe design utilizes parameters such as variable wall thickness, optimized lumen dimensions, and controlled material density to achieve reduced overall diameter while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance requirements
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 system enables flexible and precise imaging at various anatomical locations, enhancing the reach and usability of imaging probes by reducing diameter and eliminating the need for guidewires, thus improving imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly positioned proximate the distal end of the rotatable optical core, the optical assembly configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue
Implementation Method 2
an imaging assembly constructed and arranged to optically couple to the imaging probe, the imaging assembly configured to emit light into the imaging probe and receive the reflected light collected by the optical assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for a patient is provided. The system includes an imaging probe having an elongate shaft with a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion. A rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft. An optical assembly is positioned proximate the distal end of the rotatable optical core and is configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. An imaging assembly is constructed and arranged to optically couple to the imaging probe and the imaging assembly is configured to emit light into the imaging probe and receive the reflected light collected by the optical assembly.