Steerable Guide Wire In-Situ Shape Change for Secure Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guide wires struggle with inserting and positioning large medical devices through tortuous access paths due to their stiffness and size, leading to complications such as vessel elongation, rupture, and kinking, especially in vessels with narrow angles, and require complex procedures like 'through-and-through' wires that can cause excessive wire traction.
Innovation Solution
A guide wire system with a core wire and anchoring mechanism that can change shape in-situ, allowing secure anchoring and traction through friction or form fitting, enabling precise placement and delivery of medical devices by transforming from a contracted state for insertion to an expanded state for anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a guide wire is made rigid to maintain its shape during insertion, then shape stability is improved, but the ability to steer and adapt to vessel anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire is divided into multiple segments with different properties: a rigid proximal portion for stable insertion and a distal portion with shape memory alloy that can be activated to change shape. This segmentation allows the wire to simultaneously maintain shape stability during insertion and provide steering capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change its shape in response to external stimuli (temperature, magnetic field, or electrical current). The shape memory alloy portion can be activated to bend or coil, providing steering capability while the proximal portion remains rigid for stable insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a guide wire is made flexible to navigate complex vasculature, then steering capability is improved, but the ability to maintain precise shape and position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire combines a flexible distal portion for navigating complex vasculature with a rigid proximal portion that maintains overall shape stability. The segmented structure allows each portion to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire utilizes shape memory alloy that can change its physical parameters (shape, rigidity) in response to external stimuli. By changing temperature or applying magnetic/electrical fields, the wire transitions between flexible and rigid states, allowing it to navigate complex vessels and then maintain its position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external control mechanisms are added to enable shape change, then steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with alternative actuation mechanisms. Shape memory alloy responds to thermal, magnetic, or electrical stimuli, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, motors, or hydraulic systems while still achieving shape change capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire uses shape memory alloy that changes its physical state in response to external parameters (temperature, magnetic field, electrical current). This parameter-based control is simpler than mechanical control systems while achieving the same functional outcome of shape change.
4Length of moving object
If the guide wire is made longer to reach distal vessels, then reach is improved, but the risk of bacterial contamination and embolism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire uses shape memory alloy that can change its shape and rigidity along its length. This allows the wire to navigate complex vasculature more efficiently, potentially reducing the need for excessive length while maintaining reach to distal vessels.
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
Enhances the stability and precision of guide wire placement, reducing complications and facilitating the insertion of medical devices by providing increased traction and secure anchoring, even in complex vessel geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory alloy which changes shape in response to a change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic material which changes shape in response to a magnetic field applied to the guide wire from a source external to the guide wire
Implementation Method 3
a piezoelectric material which changes shape in response to an applied electrical charge
Data Source
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AI summary
A steerable guide wire and/or a catheter device and associated method. The device includes a guide wire having a distal end, a hollow interior, and an anchoring mechanism positioned proximate to the distal end of the guide wire. The device further includes a core wire is slidably inserted into the hollow interior of the guide wire. Upon insertion, the core wire actuates the anchoring mechanism to anchor the guide wire at an anchoring location.