Programmable medical wire system and method
Inventors
Schubert, Keith E. • OLAFSEN, Linda • OLAFSEN, Jeffrey • LEE, Sunghwan • Huang, Jason H. • Dayawansa, Samantha • Choi, Jin-Woo
Assignees
Baylor University • Baylor Scott and White Health • Louisiana State University
Publication Number
US-11969565-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-30
Expiration Date
2039-02-07
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Abstract
The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a programmable medical wire system that can be preprogrammed and then controlled and reshaped upon command. The system consists of a multilayered wire assembly, a power supply, and a controller. The programmable wire assembly is constructed with a core conductor, a plurality of actuator conductors electrically coupled to the core conductor, a plurality of selective conductors adjacent to the core and actuator conductors, insulated from each other, and a biocompatible shield surrounding all layers.
One or more of the selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and/or the core conductor, causing these conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. The conductors are made from materials that can change their shape with the application of heat, such as shape memory effect materials like nickel-titanium. When de-energized, the conductors return to their natural shape. By controlling which conductors are energized, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways.
The problem addressed by the invention relates to the difficulty in reliably, quickly, and successfully directing medical wires through body passageways to reach target areas, such as in procedures for treating aneurysms within blood vessels. Current manual techniques tend to be imprecise and dependent on trial and error, which can impact treatment efficacy and timing. The programmable wire system specifically aims to improve the ability to steer wires with precision and efficiency.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims, each defining key inventive features related to the controllable, programmable wire system, its configuration, and its method of operation.
Programmable medical wire assembly with independent actuator portions
A programmable wire assembly includes: - A core conductor. - Multiple selective conductor portions at different longitudinal positions, each having sets of selective conductors. - Multiple actuator portions, each at different longitudinal positions, with sets of actuator conductors electrically coupled both to the core conductor and to selective conductors. - Each actuator portion is programmed to move toward a predetermined shape based on energy—specifically, resistive electrical energy resulting in heat—applied through its corresponding selective conductors; the shape and control are independent between actuator portions. - At least two actuator portions can be controlled independently to create separate, programmable movement along the wire.
Method for independent programmable actuation of medical wire
A method of operating a programmable medical wire system, involving the following steps: 1. Energize at least one selective conductor in a first set to actuate at least one actuator conductor in a first actuator portion, changing its shape in a programmed manner via heat produced by resistive electrical energy. 2. Energize at least one selective conductor in a second set, at a different longitudinal location, to actuate a different actuator conductor, producing independent programmable movement at that portion of the wire. 3. Control the movement of the programmable wire assembly in each actuator portion independently of the other.
Programmable medical wire system utilizing thermal resistive actuation at multiple independent locations
A programmable medical wire system comprises: - A core conductor. - At least two selective conductor portions at different longitudinal positions, each with a set of selective conductors. - First and second actuator portions at different, non-adjacent longitudinal locations, each portion having actuator conductors electrically coupled to its respective selective conductors. - The actuator conductors move toward predetermined, independently programmed shapes by receiving heat generated by thermal resistive electrical energy applied through their respective selective conductors, allowing non-adjacent segments of the wire to actuate independently.
The inventive features encompass a multilayered, programmable medical wire with independently programmable actuator portions controlled by selective conductors; as well as methods for independent, localized actuation of the wire using thermal resistive energy at multiple positions.
Stated Advantages
The programmable wire can be guided more easily, reliably, and quickly through body passageways to reach target areas.
The wire can be preprogrammed and reshaped upon command, allowing for precise and successful targeting within the body.
Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, cameras, and cutters can be coupled and controlled through the wire system, enhancing its functionality.
Documented Applications
Medical procedures requiring access through body passageways, including treatment in the ear, nose, throat, ureter, rectal passageways, and blood vessels.
Insertion and guidance of a wire within a blood vessel to treat conditions such as aneurysms.
Support and operation of auxiliary medical equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other devices attached to the wire assembly.
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