Sensing Guidewire Locking Section for Stable Proximal Electrical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular guidewires face challenges in ensuring reliable electrical connections due to the need for precise alignment between electrical contacts, which can lead to failure and undesirable movement, especially when using pressure sensors for fractional flow reserve measurements in treating heart disease.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular guidewire with a flexible elongate member featuring a metal core and a locking section at the proximal portion, integrated through machining, is designed to fit within a connector's locking clip, ensuring stable electrical connections by minimizing relative movement and failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If segments of electrical contacts are arranged at the proximal portion of the guidewire to enable pressure sensor measurements, then the capability for fractional flow reserve measurements is improved, but the alignment reliability between electrical contacts and connector contacts deteriorates, leading to connection failure and undesirable relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact function with the structural core of the guidewire by integrating conductive elements into the metal core itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrical contact segments that require alignment, thereby maintaining pressure measurement capability while significantly improving electrical connection reliability through a unified, movement-resistant structure
2Ease of operation
If separate electrical contact segments are used at the proximal portion of the guidewire, then electrical connection is enabled, but the complexity of ensuring proper alignment between connector contacts and guidewire contacts increases, leading to potential connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrical contact function into the metal core structure, eliminating separate alignment requirements. The conductive metal core itself serves as the electrical contact, reducing device complexity by removing the need for precise alignment between separate contact segments and connector contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The metal core is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the guidewire and serving as the electrical contact for pressure sensor measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical contact components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing alignment complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Intravascular devices, systems and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, an intravascular system includes an intravascular guidewire that includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, at least one electronic component secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and a locking section integral with a metal core of the flexible elongate member at the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member. The metal core has a first diameter. The locking section includes a first subsection and a second subsection. The first subsection has a second of diameter smaller than the first diameter and the second subsection transitions between the first diameter and the second diameter.