Segmented Sheathless Guide Introducer for Radial Artery Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing coronary arteries via the radial artery in the wrist is challenging due to the smaller size of the radial artery, making it difficult to insert relatively large guides, catheters, and other devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an expandable introducer and a dilator that can be inserted into a relatively small vessel, expanded to dilate the vessel, and then removed to allow for the insertion of a guide catheter, which can be used for various cardiovascular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If accessing coronary arteries via the radial artery in the wrist, then the pathway length is reduced and percutaneous opening is smaller, but the smaller size of the radial artery makes it difficult to insert relatively large guides, catheters, and other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer is divided into multiple segments that can be separated from each other. The first introducer segment can be inserted through the radial artery, then a second introducer segment is inserted through the first segment. This segmentation allows the system to access coronary arteries through the small radial artery while providing sufficient lumens and space for guiding catheters and other devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the second introducer segment is inserted through the first introducer segment, and the guide catheter is inserted through the second introducer segment. This nesting approach allows multiple components to be passed through the small radial artery access point while maintaining adequate space for each component.
2Ease of operation
If using a relatively long catheter to access coronary arteries via the femoral artery, then the pathway is sufficient, but the catheter length increases and the percutaneous opening becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the introducer into multiple sections that can be inserted sequentially through the radial artery, the system achieves adequate catheter access without requiring an excessively long catheter. The segmented introducer provides the necessary pathway length while maintaining a short access route through the wrist.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inserting relatively large guides and catheters into the radial artery, then adequate access for cardiovascular procedures is achieved, but the insertion difficulty increases due to the smaller vessel size
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented introducer design allows the system to provide adequate access for large guides and catheters through the small radial artery. Each segment can be inserted independently and provides lumens that accommodate the necessary devices, reducing insertion difficulty while maintaining adaptability for various cardiovascular procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer segments act as intermediary devices that facilitate the insertion of larger guides and catheters through the small radial artery. The introducer provides a temporary scaffold that makes insertion easier, after which it can be removed leaving the guide catheter in place.
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 easier access and insertion of larger medical devices into small vessels, such as the radial artery, by expanding the vessel and allowing for the lateral removal of the introducer, thus facilitating procedures like coronary angioplasty.
Implementation Method 1
The dilator may be advanced within the introducer to split the introducer and dilate the vessel
Implementation Method 2
an expandable introducer configured for inserting into the vessel, expanding to dilate the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inserting a guide catheter into a relatively small vessel may include an expandable introducer configured for inserting into the vessel, expanding to dilate the vessel, and holding the vessel in an open condition. The system may also include a dilator configured for arrangement within the introducer and for dilating the introducer. The expandable introducer may be removable from a catheter extending therethrough. A related method of introducing a catheter into a relatively small vessel may include inserting an introducer with a dilator arranged therein into the relatively small vessel, advancing the dilator within the introducer to split the introducer and dilate the vessel, removing the dilator, inserting a catheter through the dilated introducer and into the vessel, and removing the introducer from the catheter extending therethrough by splitting the introducer and removing laterally from the catheter. An introducer, alone, may also be provided.