Superelastic Guide Wire With EM Sensing for Sinus Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide wire systems for balloon dilation in treating sinusitis lack improvements in flexibility, positioning accuracy, and integration with image-guided surgery systems, which can complicate the effective insertion and positioning of balloons in sinus cavities.
Innovation Solution
A guide wire system featuring a superelastic material, electromagnetic sensor, and polymeric tube, designed for reversible configuration changes and enhanced navigation, integrated with a balloon dilation catheter for precise sinus cavity access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional guide wire system is used for balloon dilation, then the procedure can be performed, but flexibility and positioning accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire incorporates a superelastic material that can reversibly change its configuration (straight, curved, coiled) in response to applied forces. This parameter change in shape allows the guide wire to navigate complex sinus anatomy flexibly while the electromagnetic sensor provides precise positioning data, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic sensor is coupled to the distal end of the guide wire to provide real-time feedback on the position and orientation of the guide wire within the sinus cavity. This feedback enables the operator to maintain both flexibility in navigation and precise positioning accuracy by adjusting the guide wire configuration based on sensor data.
2Measurement precision
If image guided surgery system integration is added to improve positioning accuracy, then navigation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic sensor is integrated directly into the distal end of the guide wire, merging the sensing function with the existing guide wire structure. This consolidation provides image-guided navigation accuracy without requiring a separate complex positioning system, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors and sensors are added to the guide wire, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single component: the superelastic material provides mechanical flexibility and configurability, while the coupled electromagnetic sensor provides navigation capability. The connector at the proximal end enables interface with balloon dilation catheters. This multi-functionality approach improves adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity by consolidating functions rather than using multiple separate components.
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
Facilitates accurate and flexible insertion of balloon dilation catheters into sinus cavities, ensuring effective treatment of sinusitis by maintaining mucosal tissue integrity and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the guide wire comprises a superelastic material that is configured to (i) transition from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to a force applied to the guide wire and (ii) return from the second configuration to the first configuration responsive to the force being removed from the guide wire
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic sensor coupled to the distal end of the guide wire
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a guide wire system comprising (a) a guide wire having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the guide wire comprises a superelastic material, (b) a first connector coupled to the proximal end of the guide wire, (c) a second connector coupled to the guide wire between the distal end and the proximal end, (d) an electromagnetic sensor coupled to the distal end of the guide wire, and (e) a polymeric tube surrounding the guide wire and at least a portion of the electromagnetic sensor.