Spiral Guide Wire for Nerve Stimulation and Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation devices for nerve cells, such as those used in renal denervation procedures, are often bulky and difficult to handle, and they lack effective methods for measuring denervation efficacy during and after the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A spiral/helical guide wire with embedded electrical wires and stimulation electrodes, which can be used independently or in conjunction with ablation devices, to facilitate electrical nerve stimulation and mapping, allowing for the assessment of denervation efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ablation devices with baskets containing multiple electrodes are used, then denervation coverage is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky structure and difficulty in handling
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional basket electrode is divided into multiple independent contact elements arranged in a chain configuration. Each contact element can independently contact the vessel wall, allowing the device to conform to the vessel geometry while maintaining simplicity in overall structure and ease of delivery through the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are arranged in a three-dimensional chain configuration that can expand within the vessel lumen. This spatial arrangement allows comprehensive denervation coverage of the renal artery while maintaining a compact delivery profile for easy handling and insertion.
2Reliability
If multiple electrodes are positioned in a basket configuration, then denervation efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases making the device bulky and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple discrete contact elements (at least 3, preferably 5-10) distributed along a flexible chain. This segmentation provides comprehensive denervation coverage while keeping each individual element simple in structure, avoiding the complexity of a traditional rigid basket framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are connected by flexible insulating material forming a chain structure that can conform to the vessel wall. This flexible configuration achieves effective denervation coverage without requiring a complex rigid basket structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring systems are added to ablation devices, then measurement precision of denervation efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation electrode serves multiple functions: it delivers radiofrequency energy for ablation, acts as a temperature sensor by measuring its own impedance changes, and functions as a stimulation electrode. This multi-functionality enables precise measurement of denervation efficacy without adding separate monitoring systems, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablation electrode monitors its own temperature through impedance measurements during the ablation process. This self-monitoring capability eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors, maintaining device simplicity while achieving precise temperature and denervation efficacy measurement.
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 device enables efficient and effective electrical nerve stimulation and denervation measurement, improving the handling and usability of ablation devices, and providing a reliable method to assess the success of ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
emitting an electrical pulse from the stimulation electrode surrounding the blood vessel
Implementation Method 2
measuring the blood flow velocity with a Doppler sensor
Implementation Method 3
treating sympathetic nerve cells with an ablation electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Device for electrical nerve stimulation and/or mapping, of body tissue comprising a guide wire with a proximal and a distal end and at least one electrode or sensor on the distal end, characterized in that the guide wire comprises at least one spiral /helical shaped groove along the guide wire.