RF Tissue-Perforation Guidewire With Current-Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical systems for puncturing tissue structures, such as the atrial septum, often cause unwanted injury, char or thrombus formation due to high temperatures, and involve complex connections and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire with a conductive core and insulating collar, configured to deliver RF energy via a distal tip, reduces RF current density and includes a flexible design for precise tissue penetration, integrated with a generator interface for easy manipulation and lower operating temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing systems use high power RF energy delivery to perforate tissue structures, then the perforation speed and effectiveness is improved, but thermal damage including char and thrombus formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by delivering RF current through a fluid medium (saline or blood) rather than direct contact. This transforms the energy delivery mechanism from high-power direct RF to lower-power indirect RF through conductive fluid, reducing thermal damage while maintaining perforation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive fluid (saline solution or blood) as an intermediary between the RF energy source and the tissue. The fluid acts as a mediator that conducts RF energy to the tissue target, allowing energy delivery with reduced thermal effects compared to direct contact methods
2Reliability
If existing systems use complex connections between catheters, guidewires, and electrosurgical generators, then reliable energy delivery is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system where the electrosurgical generator can work with multiple types of energy delivery elements (catheters, guidewires, needles) through a standardized fluid-based interface. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for specialized connections for each device type, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical connection requirements by replacing them with a simpler fluid-based electrical connection system. The conductive fluid provides both electrical conductivity and a simpler interface compared to traditional mechanical connectors, reducing device complexity
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 system provides safer, faster, and more convenient transseptal punctures by minimizing thermal damage and reducing procedure complexity while lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive core is configured to deliver to the distal tip radiofrequency (RF) current from a generator coupled to a proximal portion of the guidewire
Implementation Method 2
an exposed surface area of the portion of the conductive outer region are configured to reduce a RF current density around the distal tip
Data Source
AI summary
A guidewire including a distal tip and a conductive core coupled to the distal tip. The conductive core is configured to deliver to the distal tip radiofrequency (RF) current from a generator. The guidewire includes a conductive outer region coupled to the distal tip and an insulating collar disposed between the distal tip and the conductive outer region. The guidewire is distally extendable out of an insulating shaft by a first distance in which the distal tip is exposed without exposing the conductive outer region. The guidewire is distally extendable out of the insulating shaft by a second distance greater in which the distal tip and a portion of the conductive outer region are exposed, such that an exposed surface area of the portion of the conductive outer region is configured to reduce RF current density around the distal tip.