Releasable Torque Device for Guide Wire Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices require separate components for introducing and torqueing guide wires, necessitating frequent disassembly and reassembly, which complicates the manipulation of guide wires during endovascular procedures.
Innovation Solution
A releasable torque device with a rigid tubular component and an inflatable guide wire grip that selectively expands to clamp the guide wire, allowing for torsional manipulation without the need for separate torque devices, using a combination of a base cylinder and inflation cylinder or a remotely located fluid pump and reservoir for fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (introducer and torque device) are used for introducing and torqueing guide wires, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases and frequent disassembly/reassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the introducer and torque device into a single integrated device. The torque device is positioned distal to the introducer, with the guide wire passing through both components. This merging eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining both introduction and torqueing functions, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating frequent disassembly/reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: the introducer introduces the guide wire into the body, while the torque device simultaneously provides torqueing capability. The guide wire serves as a common element connecting both functions, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized components, thus improving operational efficiency without sacrificing functional optimization.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for introducing and torqueing guide wires, then component design is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent manipulation and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the introducer and torque device into one integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the need for operators to repeatedly attach and detach separate components during procedures. The guide wire passes continuously through both the introducer and torque device, allowing seamless transition between introduction and torqueing operations, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If conventional torque devices are removed for introducer use, then the introducer can be properly applied, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming component removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the torque device and introducer such that both functions are available simultaneously without requiring component removal. The guide wire passes through both components in sequence, allowing the introducer to remain in place while the torque device performs its function, thereby eliminating time-consuming removal and reattachment operations and significantly improving procedural efficiency.
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
Enables seamless manipulation of guide wires by integrating torqueing functionality into the introducer, reducing the need for component removal and enhancing procedural efficiency by maintaining a secure grip on the guide wire.
Implementation Method 1
A remotely located fluid pump and reservoir is actuated to supply fluid pressure to the volume between the tube and the guide wire grip for operation of the device
Implementation Method 2
The guide wire grip may have a high friction guide wire contact surface to enhance the clamping action of the guide wire grip on the guide wire
Data Source
AI summary
The releasable torque device obviates the need for removal of the wire introducer in order to torque or manipulate a vascular or other guide wire and/or catheter in a medical procedure, and further obviates the need to remove the torque device for wire and/or catheter introduction. The device may include a base cylinder and an inflation cylinder defining a variable fluid volume therebetween. As the inflation cylinder is pushed toward the base cylinder, the fluid is forced through a port in the inner wall of the inflation cylinder and between a tubular inner cylinder and an inflatable guide wire grip within the inner cylinder to squeeze the grip onto the guide wire passing axially therethrough. Alternatively, the device only has a central tube and an inflatable guide wire grip therein, using a remotely disposed fluid pump and reservoir supplying fluid to the tube and guide wire grip.