Orthopedic Guidewire with Variable Stiffness for Surgical Location Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During surgical procedures, maintaining a steady frame of reference with respect to patient tissue is challenging due to tissue modification, movement, blood obscuration, awkward angles, and tissue instability, making it difficult for surgeons to accurately orient and guide tools.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic guidewire with variable diameter and stiffness along its length, featuring a distal engaging portion with both cutting and stabilizing threads to securely anchor to bone surfaces, providing a stable landmark and guiding mechanism for surgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid guidewire is used to provide stable orientation, then the guidewire can firmly engage bone tissue, but the guidewire cannot adapt to tissue movement or modification
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire incorporates a shape memory alloy section that can dynamically change its shape in response to temperature changes or mechanical stimuli, allowing it to adapt to tissue movement or modification while maintaining stable engagement with the bone. The shape memory effect enables the guidewire to transition between different configurations, providing both stability and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the guidewire diameter is uniform along its length, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot provide optimized performance for different sections
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire features variable diameter along its length, with different sections having optimized dimensions for specific functions. The distal section has a smaller diameter for minimal invasiveness and better tissue engagement, while the proximal section has a larger diameter for easier manipulation and attachment of surgical tools. This local quality variation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally.
3Measurement precision
If the guidewire is highly rigid to maintain orientation, then location indication is precise, but it cannot be easily manipulated or inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is divided into distinct functional sections with different mechanical properties. The distal section is more flexible to facilitate insertion and navigation through tissue, while the proximal section is stiffer to maintain orientation and provide precise location indication. This segmentation allows the guidewire to be easily manipulated during insertion while maintaining accuracy during use.
4Device complexity
If a simple guidewire design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot provide both engagement and guidance functions
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire integrates multiple functions into a single device: the distal engaging feature provides secure attachment to bone tissue, the shape memory alloy section provides adaptability to tissue changes, and the proximal section provides guidance and orientation for surgical tools. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate engagement and guidance devices, reducing overall procedural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An orthopedic guidewire includes an elongate guidewire body having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal guidewire ends. An engaging feature is located at the distal guidewire end and is configured to selectively engage a bone surface. At least one of a variable diameter and a variable stiffness are along a portion of the guidewire body spaced apart from the engaging feature. A method of providing a relative location indication during a surgical procedure utilizing the orthopedic guidewire is also included.