Sensor Guidewire Signal Conduction for Precise Intravascular Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as guidewires and catheters, face challenges in integrating sensors effectively within limited spaces, managing power and data communication, and achieving precise positioning within the body, often requiring harmful imaging techniques and complex wire management.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire system with a conductive elongated wire that conducts electrical signals, featuring sensors at its distal section for simultaneous measurement of physiological parameters, and a proximal device for power and data communication, allowing for real-time data transmission and reduced wire complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the guidewire for physiological parameter measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to limited space and integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (guidance, sensing, imaging, power delivery) into a single integrated guidewire system. Sensors for pressure, temperature, and other physiological parameters are embedded within the guidewire structure itself, eliminating the need for separate catheter-based sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity despite adding measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides mechanical guidance, physiological parameter sensing, imaging capabilities, and wireless power/d data communication. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, improving measurement capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Loss of information
If multiple wires and cables are used for power and data communication, then communication capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex wire management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication functions into a single wire interface. The guidewire system uses the existing guidewire structure to carry both electrical power to distal sensors and bidirectional data communication, eliminating the need for separate power cables and data wires that would complicate wire management in the sterile field.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire system provides self-contained power and data communication capabilities through integrated wireless technology. The distal sensors are powered and communicate data back to the proximal console through the guidewire itself, without requiring external cable connections at the patient site, thereby simplifying wire management and reducing the number of cables that need to be managed by staff.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques (dye injection and X-rays) are used for localization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but harmful factors increase due to radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical and radiological imaging methods (dye injection and X-ray imaging) with a magnetic field-based localization system. The guidewire incorporates magnetic sensors and field generation capabilities that enable precise positioning through magnetic field detection and guidance, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation and contrast dye while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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
Enables effective integration of sensors, precise positioning, and efficient data communication within the body, reducing the need for harmful imaging and simplifying wire management, thereby improving procedural safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated wire configured for insertion within a body, the wire having a proximal end and a distal end and being configured to conduct electrical signals
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.