Segmented Guide Wire Core Engagement for Sensor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular guide wires with electronic, optical, or electro-optical components face challenges due to limited space, stiffness, and fragility, leading to reduced performance and maneuverability, as well as complex assembly issues with separate conductive wires, which hinder accurate stenosis detection and treatment in heart disease.
Innovation Solution
The development of a guide wire with separate sections coupled by engaging core components, allowing for the integration of various sensors such as pressure, flow, and temperature sensors, and a simplified assembly process using transition sections that facilitate electrical communication, enhancing mechanical performance and reducing the complexity of component handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components are integrated into the guide wire, then sensing capability is improved, but handling performance and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire is divided into separate sections: a flexible distal section with sensors and a more rigid proximal section with connectors. This segmentation allows the distal end to maintain flexibility for navigation while the proximal end provides structural support for handling, resolving the contradiction between sensing capability and handling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the guide wire have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The distal section has higher flexibility for maneuverability, while the proximal section has higher rigidity for handling. This local differentiation allows each section to optimize its performance characteristics without compromising the other.
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are integrated into the guide wire, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the guide wire into modular sections with distinct functions (sensing section, connector section, transition section), the overall device complexity is managed through standardized interfaces and separate assembly processes, making the complex device more manageable and manufacturable.
3Reliability
If the proximal connector is kept attached to the guide wire, then electrical connection is maintained, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal connector is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the guide wire. This allows the connector to be attached when electrical connection is needed and detached when maneuverability is required, resolving the contradiction between maintaining electrical connection and improving maneuverability.
4Reliability
If separate conductive wires are used for assembly, then electrical communication is established, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements are integrated into the core structure of the guide wire sections rather than being separate wires. This merging of electrical conduction paths with the mechanical structure simplifies assembly by eliminating separate wire routing and connection steps, while maintaining reliable electrical communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire that includes separate sections with engaged core components. For example, a sensing guide wire can include a proximal portion having a proximal core member and at least one proximal electrical conductor and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, the distal portion having a distal core member, a sensing element, and at least one distal electrical conductor coupled to the sensing element, wherein engagement structures of the proximal and distal core members are engaged and wherein the at least one distal electrical conductor is coupled to the at least one proximal electrical conductor such that the at least one proximal electrical conductor is in electrical communication with the sensing element. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.