Sensor Guidewire Signal Integration for Radiation-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interventional medical devices face challenges in effectively integrating sensors, managing power and data communication, and achieving precise positioning within the body, particularly due to limited space and the need for harmful imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire system with a conductive elongated wire that conducts electrical signals, featuring sensors such as pressure and ultrasound sensors coupled to the distal section, allowing for simultaneous measurement of physiological parameters and precise localization within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate wires are used for power and data communication with sensors, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data communication functions into a single wire by utilizing differential signaling. The sensor interfaces use paired conductors where one conductor carries the signal and the other serves as a reference, allowing both power delivery and data transmission through the same physical medium, thereby reducing wire complexity while maintaining signal reliability
2Reliability
If multiple separate wires are used for power and data communication with sensors, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the number of wires and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wire functions into fewer wires by implementing differential signal pairs. Each sensor type uses a differential pair where both conductors are part of the same communication channel, reducing the total number of separate wires needed while ensuring reliable transmission through the differential signaling mechanism
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques (dye injection and X-rays) are used for catheter localization, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but harmful exposure to radiation and dye is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces harmful mechanical and radiological imaging techniques with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Sensors on the guidewire detect magnetic field variations to determine catheter position and orientation, providing accurate localization without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation or requiring dye injection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field sensors as an intermediary between the catheter and the imaging system. These sensors detect the magnetic signature of the catheter or guidewire, enabling non-invasive, radiation-free visualization and positioning of interventional devices
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into the distal end of the guidewire, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but space constraints and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor platform at the distal end of the guidewire that can accommodate multiple sensor types (pressure, flow, temperature, magnetic field detection). This multi-functional sensor array provides versatile capabilities for different interventional procedures while using a standardized integration approach to manage 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 enables efficient integration of sensors, effective power and data communication, and precise positioning within the body, reducing the need for harmful imaging and improving the accuracy and safety of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated wire configured for insertion into a luminal space, such as the vasculature, of a body. The wire is conductive and configured to conduct electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
The sensors may include two or more different sensors types, such as pressure sensors and ultrasound sensors
Implementation Method 3
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an imaging technique that utilizes a catheter with an ultrasound imaging sensor attached to the distal end. Ultrasound is utilized to image within targeted vasculature
Data Source
AI summary
A guidewire system includes an elongated wire configured for insertion into a luminal space, such as the vasculature, of a body. The wire is conductive and configured to conduct electrical signals. One or more sensors are coupled to a distal section of the wire and configured to send and receive the electrical signals via the wire. The wire through which the one or more sensors are coupled is the only wire through which the one or more sensors send and receive the electrical signals.