Optical Pressure Sensor Centering in Guidewires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for measuring blood pressure within blood vessels lack sufficient flexibility and structural features to prevent contact between pressure sensors and the inner surface of guidewires, leading to potential deformations and inaccurate readings during navigation through tortuous anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure sensing guidewire with a tubular member having a distal region with a larger inner diameter than the proximal region, featuring a centering member coupled to the optical pressure sensor to reduce contact between the sensor and the inner surface of the guidewire, and a plurality of slots for increased flexibility and fluid access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the guidewire is made with a standard uniform structure, then manufacturing is simple, but the guidewire lacks sufficient flexibility to navigate tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire shaft is divided into multiple sections with different inner diameters (distal region with larger inner diameter, proximal region with smaller inner diameter). This segmentation allows each section to have different mechanical properties, with the distal section providing enhanced flexibility for navigating tortuous anatomy while the proximal section maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire incorporates a centering member specifically in the distal region to provide localized structural support where needed. This local quality enhancement allows the distal section to maintain its larger inner diameter and improved flexibility characteristics without compromising the overall guidewire structure, enabling navigation through tight vascular bends while preventing sensor contact.
2Device complexity
If the pressure sensor is positioned close to the guidewire inner surface, then the device structure is compact, but the sensor contacts the inner surface causing deformation and inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
A centering member is introduced as an intermediary element between the pressure sensor and the guidewire inner surface. This centering member maintains a specific spacing relationship, preventing the sensor from contacting the inner surface while avoiding the need for a completely redesigned compact structure. The centering member acts as a mediator that preserves measurement accuracy without sacrificing device integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guidewire has a uniform inner diameter throughout, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the guidewire cannot provide both flexibility in distal region and structural support in proximal region
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is manufactured with distinct segments - a distal region with a larger inner diameter for flexibility and sensor accommodation, and a proximal region with a smaller inner diameter for structural support. This segmentation enables regional functional adaptability while using standard manufacturing techniques for each segment, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural characteristics are applied to different regions of the guidewire. The distal region has a larger inner diameter and includes a centering member for flexibility and sensor protection, while the proximal region has a smaller inner diameter for structural support. This local quality differentiation allows each region to optimize its function without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
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 design enhances flexibility and reduces the likelihood of pressure reading offsets, allowing accurate measurement of blood pressure and fractional flow reserve while navigating through tight vascular bends.
Implementation Method 1
An optical fiber extends along the proximal region. An optical pressure sensor is coupled to the optical fiber.
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for measuring blood pressure. The medical device may include an elongated shaft having a proximal region and a distal region. An optical fiber may extend along the proximal region. An optical pressure sensor may be coupled to the optical fiber. The optical pressure sensor may be disposed along the distal region. A centering member may be coupled to the optical fiber and positioned adjacent to the optical pressure sensor.