Smart Torquer Design for Precise Guidewire Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgery is complicated by the difficulty of maneuvering surgical tools through complex vascular systems, particularly when the entry site is far from the operative site, and conventional guidewire torquers are cumbersome and difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart torquers that engage and manipulate elongated intravascular devices, such as guidewires and catheters, by applying torque and communicating data through a communications module, allowing precise control and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional guidewire torquers are used, then torque control is provided, but the device is cumbersome and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The torquer device is divided into separate functional modules: a manipulator portion for torque application, an engager portion for securing the guidewire, and a communications module for data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torquer is designed with multi-functional capabilities, combining torque manipulation, secure engagement, and wireless communication in a single device. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate tools, simplifying the overall system while improving operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If guidewires are made fine for flexibility, then maneuverability is improved, but grip difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engager portion acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's hand and the fine guidewire. It provides a secure gripping mechanism that holds the thin guidewire firmly, allowing precise manipulation without direct manual handling of the delicate wire itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is pre-secured to the torquer device through the engager mechanism before the procedure begins. This preliminary action ensures the fine wire is firmly held and positioned, eliminating grip difficulties during the actual surgical maneuvering.
3Reliability
If torquer is threaded onto proximal end of guidewire, then attachment is achieved, but positioning time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The torquer device is pre-configured with the engager and communications module assembled before the procedure. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid attachment to the guidewire at the proximal end, reducing positioning time while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism and communication interface are merged into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the guidewire in one action. This combination eliminates the need for separate attachment steps, reducing time loss while maintaining secure connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Smart torquers are provided. Aspects of the smart torquers include: an engager for releasably engaging an elongated intravascular device; a communications module; a contact associated with the engager and configured to communicatively contact an elongated intravascular device engaged by the engager with the communications module; and a manipulator configured to allow a user to torque an elongated intravascular device engaged by the engager. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the smart torquers, as well as systems and kits employed in such methods.