Torque Device Tapered Opening Flexible Shell Intravascular Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque devices for intravascular devices are inadequate in providing mechanical and ergonomic functionality, often damaging electrical connections and failing to meet ergonomic requirements, leading to difficulties in inserting and removing intravascular devices during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A torque device with a first component having a tapered opening and two arms, and a second component that is movably coupled to the first, allowing for both sliding and fixed engagement of the intravascular device, providing improved grip and handling characteristics without damaging electrical leads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing torque devices are used to engage intravascular devices, then mechanical engagement is provided, but electrical connections are damaged (broken, kinked, shorted)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding strengthVSAvoiddamage to electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The torque device incorporates a compliant member that acts as a flexible protective interface between the torque mechanism and the electrical connections. This compliant member deforms under compression to provide holding strength while protecting the embedded electrical leads from damage, allowing the torque device to secure the intravascular device without breaking, kinking, or shorting the electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If torque devices are tightened to provide adequate holding strength, then ergonomic requirements are met, but electrical connections are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic functionalityVSAvoiddamage to electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The compliant member serves as a flexible protective layer that allows the torque device to be tightened to ergonomic requirements while preventing transmission of excessive force to the electrical connections. The compliant member absorbs the stress through deformation, enabling secure engagement without damaging the embedded leads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard guidewires with electronic components are used, then functionality is improved, but handling performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic functionalityVSAvoidhandling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The intravascular device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the distal portion contains the electronic sensing elements embedded in polymer tubing, while the proximal portion provides a rigid interface for the torque device. This segmentation allows the electronic components to maintain flexibility and functionality in the distal region while the proximal region provides adequate mechanical interface for handling without compromising electronic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If torque devices are designed with complicated insertion/removal techniques, then secure engagement is achieved, but insertion and removal become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The torque device employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where the compliant member transitions between relaxed and compressed states. During insertion, the compliant member is compressed to engage the intravascular device securely. During removal, the compliant member returns to its relaxed state, automatically releasing the engagement. This dynamic behavior provides secure engagement during use while simplifying insertion and removal procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230321398A1Torque devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

Torque devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a torque device for use with an intravascular device includes a first component having a body defining a tapered opening for receiving a proximal portion of the intravascular device, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body; and a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component is movable relative to the first component between an open position where the torque device is configured to slidably receive the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between the first and second arms of the first component and a closed position where the torque device fixedly engages the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member between first and second arms of the first component.