Superelastic Vascular Locator Wire for Precise Puncture Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locator devices for vascular puncture sites are bulky, difficult to remove, and require excessive space in vascular closure instruments, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in closing vessel punctures.
Innovation Solution
A vessel locator apparatus featuring a superelastic wire with a distal locator portion comprising curved segments that can be straightened for insertion and automatically return to a curved configuration for precise vessel location, integrated with a locator housing and insertion sheath for easy deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional locator devices are used to locate vascular puncture sites, then vessel location can be achieved, but the devices are bulky and take up excessive space in vascular closure instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible locator device that can be easily inserted into the puncture tract and conform to the vessel anatomy. The device uses a thin profile with radiopaque markers for visualization, eliminating the bulkiness of conventional locators while maintaining localization capability through its ability to navigate and contact the vessel wall effectively.
2Measurement precision
If conventional locator devices are used to locate vascular puncture sites, then vessel location can be achieved, but the devices are difficult to remove after the vessel is located
Solution Approach 1:
The locator device incorporates dynamic features including a shape-memory alloy construction that allows the device to change its configuration. The device can be deployed in an expanded state for effective vessel contact and localization, then easily contracted or reconfigured for simple retrieval. This dynamic capability enables seamless transition between localization and removal phases without compromising ease of operation.
3Reliability
If manual pressure is applied to close puncture sites, then bleeding can be controlled, but patient discomfort increases and hospital staff time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locator device serves as an intermediary tool that enables precise placement of closure implants. By providing accurate vessel location and guidance, the device facilitates efficient implant deployment that achieves reliable bleeding control without requiring extended manual pressure application. This intermediary function reduces both patient discomfort and staff time by enabling a more efficient closure process.
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 efficient and non-traumatic localization of vascular punctures, facilitating the accurate placement of vascular closure implants while minimizing discomfort and reducing hospital staff time.
Implementation Method 1
a superelastic wire having a proximal end and a distal end. The superelastic wire comprises an elongated portion extending in a substantially longitudinal direction and a distal locator portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A vessel locator apparatus 30 having a locator housing, and an elongated cavity defined in the locator housing, is described. The vessel locator apparatus includes a superelastic wire 46 positioned at least partially in the elongated cavity, the superelastic wire having a proximal end and a distal end. The superelastic wire may have an elongated portion extending in a substantially longitudinal direction and a distal locator portion having an original shape configuration. The original shape configuration of distal locator portion may include a first curved segment, a second curved segment, an intermediate segment extending between the first curved segment and the second curved segment, and an end segment extending between the second curved segment and the distal end of the superelastic wire.