Transcarotid Micropuncture Access With Visible Depth Indicators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interventional procedures face challenges with accessing the carotid artery due to the limitations of conventional devices designed for femoral access, which are not ideal for the carotid access site, leading to increased difficulty, risk, and radiation exposure for operators.

Innovation Solution

Development of specialized transcarotid access devices, including a sheath guide wire, arterial access sheath, and sheath dilator, designed to be inserted directly into the common carotid artery, along with a micropuncture kit for precise access, minimizing radiation exposure and enhancing procedural safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional devices designed for femoral access are used for carotid access, then the devices can be used with existing infrastructure, but the procedural difficulty and risk increase due to anatomical differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidprocedural difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing access devices with specific characteristics tailored to carotid artery anatomy. The sheath and dilator components are engineered with dimensions, flexibility, and structural properties optimized for the smaller caliber and different curvature of the carotid artery compared to femoral access, thereby reducing procedural difficulty while maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements parameter changes by modifying key device parameters including sheath diameter, dilator length, guidewire specifications, and access needle dimensions to match carotid artery characteristics. These parameter adjustments enable safe and effective carotid access while maintaining compatibility with standard interventional infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional femoral access methods are used, then established procedures can be followed, but radiation exposure for operators increases due to longer procedure times and complex positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural standardizationVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-assembled access systems with pre-configured sheaths, dilators, and guidewires specifically designed for carotid access. This preconfiguration reduces procedural steps, minimizes fluoroscopic imaging time, and simplifies operator positioning, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining procedural standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If direct carotid puncture is performed without specialized devices, then access can be obtained quickly, but procedural safety decreases due to increased risk of complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidprocedural safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating safety features into the access devices, including controlled penetration mechanisms, depth-limiting structures on needles and dilators, and hemostatic sealing components. These features are designed in advance to prevent complications such as vessel perforation, uncontrolled bleeding, and embolization, thereby ensuring procedural safety while maintaining quick access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If standard access sheaths are used for carotid artery, then device inventory can be simplified, but the fit and performance are suboptimal due to size and anatomical differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice inventoryVSAvoiddevice fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a carotid access system that can accommodate various interventional devices and procedures through a standardized platform. The sheath and adapter components are engineered to accept multiple device types while maintaining optimal fit for carotid anatomy, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while preserving manufacturing precision and procedural performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12478770B2Methods and devices for transcarotid access

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A micropuncture kit for direct access of a surgically exposed vessel using direct visual guidance includes a micropuncture access needle having a proximal hub coupled to an elongate shaft defining an inner lumen and a visible depth indicator positioned on the elongate shaft a distance away from a distal tip of the elongate shaft. The kit includes an access guidewire sized to be received through the inner lumen of the micropuncture access needle and a microaccess cannula having an elongate body defining an inner lumen and a plurality of visible depth indicators formed on the elongate body. The guidewire includes a distal tip and at least one visible depth indicator positioned on the access guidewire a distance away from the distal tip of the guidewire. Each of the plurality of visible depth indicators identifies a distance from a distal tip of the cannula. Related systems, devices and methods are provided.