Torque Device With Segmented Opening For Medical Guidewires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque devices for medical procedures lack effective mechanisms to securely grip and manipulate elongate medical devices, such as guidewires and sutures, during procedures, leading to difficulties in maneuvering and potential damage due to inadequate control and friction.
Innovation Solution
A torque device with a push-to-release configuration, featuring a bulbous housing with ridges and a spring-biased actuator, providing enhanced grip and control through a combination of concave and tapered openings, allowing secure engagement and release of elongate medical devices, thereby minimizing manual force exertion and risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional torque device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the grip and control of elongate medical devices are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into multiple functional portions: a tapered portion for initial engagement and guidance, and a concave portion for secure gripping. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall grip and control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the opening have different geometric qualities tailored to specific functions. The tapered portion provides a gradual engagement surface for smooth insertion, while the concave portion provides a gripping surface for secure hold. This local differentiation of geometric properties enhances the device's ability to securely grip and control elongate medical devices.
2Ease of operation
If manual force is increased to improve control, then the control of elongate medical devices improves, but the risk of bending or kinking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque device acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the elongate medical device. The specially designed opening with tapered and concave portions provides a mechanical interface that translates user manipulation into controlled movement while distributing forces evenly, preventing excessive localized forces that could cause bending or kinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portion of the opening provides a curved gripping surface that conforms to the shape of the elongate medical device. This curvature allows for even force distribution across the device surface, enabling effective control while minimizing the risk of creating stress concentrations that could lead to bending or kinking.
3Ease of operation
If the opening is made larger to facilitate insertion, then the ease of insertion improves, but the grip security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening geometry dynamically adapts to the inserted object. The tapered portion facilitates easy insertion by providing a gradual entry, while the concave portion automatically engages and secures the object once inserted. This dynamic geometric configuration allows the opening to transition from an insertion-friendly state to a secure-grip state without requiring size compromise.
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 torque device enables precise manipulation and secure engagement of elongate medical devices, reducing the risk of bending or kinking and allowing for intuitive operation, even when the user's hands are slippery or wet, with improved control and reduced manual fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing member configured to exert force on the actuator to bias the actuator toward the unactuated position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
A torque device for selectively securing, engaging, or gripping an elongate medical device is disclosed. The torque device can be configured to permit torquing of the elongate medical device by manipulation of the torque device. A securement mechanism for selectively securing, engaging, or gripping an elongate medical device is also disclosed. The securement mechanism may be adapted for use with the disclosed torque device, or the securement mechanism may also be adapted for use with other medical devices. For example, the securement mechanism may be adapted for use with a suture securement apparatus.