Multipurpose processing unit for electronic processing of sensor signals, in particular of sensor signals of a balloon catheter

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing unit (1) configured to be releasably connected to a catheter (2) and configured to exchange data with at least one of: a component of the catheter (20), a database (60), a computer network (6), a computer device (5), wherein the processing unit (1) comprises an integrated circuit (10a) for processing said data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing unit, system, and method for sensor measurement data used for automatically identifying and processing catheters. Background Technology

[0002] Sensors placed on balloons, such as catheters, can have different sensor signals with the same balloon parameters due to minimal deviations in balloon shape and sensor placement on the respective balloon.

[0003] WO 2009 / 051781 describes in vivo calibration of a blood pressure sensor assigned to a balloon catheter using electronically stored calibration data. Furthermore, WO2015 / 010064 discloses a blood pressure measurement based on an infrared sensor mounted on a balloon catheter and corresponding data exchange via an analog-to-digital converter.

[0004] Based on the above, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a processing unit, system and corresponding method that ensures reliable processing of sensor measurement data, such as calibration, in a user-friendly manner for different catheters or balloons. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The task is solved by a processing unit having the features of claim 1, a system having the features of claim 8, and a method having the features of claim 17.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of these aspects of the invention are pointed out in the corresponding sub-claims and described below.

[0007] Claim 1 discloses a processing unit configured to be connected to a conduit and configured to exchange data with at least one of the following: components of the conduit, a database (e.g., implemented on a remote computer network also known as the cloud), wherein the processing unit is configured to process the data. In particular, the processing unit may include circuitry comprising a microprocessor configured to process the data.

[0008] In addition, the processing unit includes a housing configured to be detachably connected to the conduit.

[0009] Furthermore, the housing of the processing unit is provided with a connector portion in an opening that allows insertion of the proximal portion of the catheter. "Proximal" refers to the portion of the catheter being closer to the person operating the catheter than the relatively distal portion of the outer shaft that can be inserted into the patient's body.

[0010] In addition, the connector portion is provided with conductive contacts, each of which is configured to be electrically connected to an associated contact of the conduit when the connector portion is inserted into the opening of the proximal portion of the conduit.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector portion surrounds the through opening of the processing unit, for example, when the connector portion is inserted into the opening of the proximal portion of the catheter, the through opening is adapted to lead to the lumen of the catheter.

[0012] According to the invention, the processing unit includes a through opening adapted to access the lumen of the catheter. Therefore, the processing unit can be easily coupled to the catheter. Typically, the proximal portion of the catheter includes a hub or Luer connector, which provides an inlet to at least one lumen of the catheter. The processing unit of the present invention can be attached to the proximal end of the catheter in such a way that the through opening of the processing unit opens to said lumen of the catheter, thereby allowing access to the lumen via the processing unit. Therefore, the catheter can be easily equipped with the processing unit without altering the performance or operation of the catheter.

[0013] Furthermore, depending on the design of the processing unit, the connector portion forms a Luer connector. In this embodiment of the invention, the processing unit itself provides a standard Luer connection. In particular, if the catheter already includes a Luer connector, the processing unit can be attached to the Luer connector of the catheter, thereby also providing a Luer connection.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the connector portion is capable of being inserted into an opening in the proximal portion of the outer shaft of the conduit.

[0015] Furthermore, the through opening surrounding the processing unit, for example when the connector portion is inserted into the opening of the proximal portion of the catheter, may be adapted to lead to the expansion lumen of the catheter or the lumen of the guidewire.

[0016] Specifically, according to one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to be mechanically connected to the catheter in a releasable manner. This releasable mechanical connection allows for the combination of one processing unit with multiple different types of catheters. Therefore, the processing unit is configured as a reusable processing unit.

[0017] According to embodiments of the invention, the processing unit is configured to be mechanically connected to a balloon catheter, a catheter suitable for implanting an intraluminal prosthesis (particularly a stent), a catheter suitable for implanting a valve prosthesis (particularly a heart valve prosthesis or a venous valve prosthesis), or a catheter suitable for implanting a closure device.

[0018] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the component is one or more of the following components: a sensor for the catheter, and an expansion pump for inflating the balloon of the catheter.

[0019] Specifically, in one embodiment, the sensor may be a sensor configured to measure parameters of the balloon, particularly one of the following parameters: circumference, radius, or volume. This parameter may also be a parameter derived from one of the aforementioned parameters. In particular, the sensor may be a strain gauge. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sensor may be designed to measure impedance. Additionally, the sensor may be a force sensor that measures the forces acting on the balloon. Other sensors are also conceivable. The processing unit may be configured to exchange data with one or more components (sensors) of the same or different types.

[0020] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the processing unit, the processing unit is configured to use the catheter's identifier code to identify the catheter (among a plurality of different catheters to which the processing unit is releasably connected) when the catheter is connected to the processing unit.

[0021] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the processing unit includes a memory for storing information related to different catheters to which the processing unit can be connected.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to match the identifier code with information stored in the memory of the processing unit. Alternatively or additionally, the processing unit is configured to match the identifier code with information stored in a remote database implemented on a computer network (i.e., the cloud) to identify a catheter among multiple different catheters to which the processing unit is releasably connected.

[0023] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to retrieve information about the identified catheter from the processing unit's memory and / or from a remote database, and transmit the retrieved information to a computer device to display the information on the computer device's display to a user (e.g., a doctor) operating the catheter.

[0024] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to retrieve calibration data corresponding to the identified catheter from the processing unit's memory or from a remote database, and to calibrate the sensor's measurement data using the calibration data.

[0025] According to another aspect, a system is disclosed comprising a processing unit and a catheter according to the invention, the catheter including sensors for measuring catheter-related parameters. The system of the present invention comprises two main parts, a processing unit and a catheter. Because the processing unit is releasably connected to the catheter, the processing unit can be reused with various catheters. The catheter and processing unit of the present invention are configured for a releasable mechanical connection between them.

[0026] Specifically, the catheter is a balloon catheter, a catheter suitable for implanting an intraluminal prosthesis (especially a stent), a catheter suitable for implanting a valve prosthesis (especially a heart valve prosthesis or a venous valve prosthesis), or a catheter suitable for implanting a closure device.

[0027] Specifically, the sensor can be one of the sensors described above. According to another embodiment, the catheter may include an expansion pump configured to inflate the balloon of the catheter. Furthermore, the catheter may include multiple sensors, particularly different sensors. The corresponding sensor may, for example, be one of the sensors described above.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the system, the system also includes the computer device configured to communicate with the processing unit (particularly wirelessly). The communication is not necessarily bidirectional, but bidirectional communication is preferred.

[0029] Specifically, the computer device is a mobile handheld device such as a smartphone, but it can also be any other suitable computer, such as a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

[0030] Computer devices include a user interface and a display [configured to graphically display information]. In particular, in order to incorporate user input into the user interface and to display information on the display, the computer device may be configured to execute corresponding computer programs.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the computer device is configured to scan an identification code from the catheter or the catheter packaging to identify which catheter the processing unit will be connected to or to which catheter the processing unit is connected (or can be connected) to. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface is configured to receive the identification code as (e.g., manual) user input.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the system, the system also includes a database that runs on a computer network (the system may also include a computer network and a database thereon).

[0033] Specifically, the processing unit is configured to compare and match the identifier code with information stored in the database to identify catheters among multiple different catheters to which the processing unit can be releasably connected.

[0034] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the system, the processing unit is configured to transmit retrieved catheter-related information to a computer device, which is configured to display the information via the display.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the retrieved information includes at least one of the following: the name of the catheter, instructions for use of the catheter, the type of catheter, and a list of measurements that the catheter is configured to perform (e.g., using a sensor).

[0036] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the user interface is configured to receive user input to confirm the use of the identified catheter, and specifically to initiate a system-guided process in which the identified catheter is used.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the system, the processing unit is configured to transmit measurement data received from the sensors of the identified catheter to a computer device to display the measurement data on the display during catheter operation.

[0038] Furthermore, in embodiments of the system, the processing unit is configured to store measurement data received from the sensor and / or data related to the process performed using the conduit in the processing unit's memory and / or the database.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method using the system according to the invention, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0040] Connect the processing unit to the conduit.

[0041] - Automatically identify catheters using catheter identification codes.

[0042] - Retrieve information about the identified catheter from the processing unit's memory or from the database using the processing unit, and

[0043] - The measurement data transmitted from the sensors in the conduit to the processing unit is displayed on the monitor of the computer device.

[0044] In particular, during catheter operation, measurement data is continuously displayed on the monitor, making the system effective in guiding the catheter procedure or use.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the method, the step of automatically identifying the catheter includes a further step of comparing (in particular matching) the identifier code with information stored in the memory and / or database of the processing unit.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method includes the further steps of scanning an identifier code from the catheter or from the catheter's packaging (e.g., by means of a computer device or a scanner connected thereto) or entering the identifier code into the user interface of the computer device.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the method includes the further step of displaying retrieved information about the identified catheter on a display of a computer device, particularly prior to the step of displaying the measurement data.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the method includes a further step of confirming the displayed information using a user interface of a computer device (e.g., in order to begin the process of using the identified catheter), particularly before the step of displaying the measurement data.

[0049] According to another embodiment, the measurement data from the sensor and / or data related to the process performed using the conduit are also stored in the memory and / or database of the processing device.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the method includes the further step of analyzing the data transmitted to the database. Attached Figure Description

[0051] In the following description, embodiments of the invention, as well as further features and advantages, will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the processing device / system according to the present invention is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown;

[0055] Figure 4 A schematic representation of an embodiment of the processing unit according to the present invention is shown; and

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the processing unit according to the invention, wherein (A) shows a perspective view of the processing unit connected to the catheter, (B) shows a cross-sectional view of the catheter and the processing unit connected to the catheter, and (C) and (D) show the catheter and the processing unit separated from the catheter. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 An embodiment of the processing unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. The processing unit 1 is configured to be releasably connected to the catheter 2, and is configured to connect with components of the catheter 20, a database 60, and a computer network 6 (see also...). Figure 2 and 3 The communication, particularly the exchange of data, occurs within at least one of the computer devices 5, wherein the processing unit 1 includes an integrated circuit 10a for processing the data. The communication is not necessarily bidirectional, but is preferably bidirectional in this embodiment. The integrated circuit 10a may be a microprocessor, or may include such a processor or similar device.

[0058] Furthermore, the processing unit 1 may include a housing 11 for accommodating components of the processing unit 1, such as the integrated circuit 10a. The housing 11 may include a connector 12 for releasably (e.g., mechanically) connecting the housing 11 of the processing unit 1 to the catheter 2 (e.g., at the proximal end of the catheter 2). The catheter 2 may be a balloon catheter including a balloon 3 (e.g., for performing angioplasty or implanting an expandable implant into a body cavity). However, the invention is applicable to all types of catheters 2. Figure 1 The component 20 may be a sensor 20 that measures parameters related to the catheter 2, such as the diameter of the balloon 3 or another quantity of interest.

[0059] Specifically, in order to use the processing unit 1, which is mechanically connected to the conduit 2 using, for example, the connector 12, which preferably also establishes the necessary electrical connection between the sensor 20 and the processing unit 1. However, data transmission between the sensor 20 and the processing unit 1 can also be performed wirelessly or in other ways.

[0060] After (or shortly before) connecting the processing unit 1 to the catheter 2, the processing unit 1 automatically identifies the catheter 2 using a unique identifier code ID. This code ID can be provided on the catheter 2 or on the packaging of the catheter 2, and can be manually entered into the user interface 4a of the computer device 5 that communicates with the processing unit 1, or can be scanned by the device 5 (or by a separate scanner connected to the device 5).

[0061] In particular (see also) Figure 2 and 3 The identifier ID can be matched with information provided in a remote database 60, which can be maintained on a computer network 6 (the so-called cloud), or the identifier ID can be matched with information provided in the memory 10b of the processing unit 1 itself.

[0062] Once catheter 2 is identified in this manner, processing unit 1 is allowed to retrieve information about the identified catheter 2 and transmit this information to computer device 5 for display on its display 4. The physician / user of catheter 2 can confirm the displayed information via user input entered into user interface 4a of device 5 to initiate the following process during which the physician manipulates catheter 2 guided by processing unit 1 / system 100. During the manipulation of catheter 2, measurement data from sensor 20 is sent to processing unit 10, which calibrates measurement data M based on calibration data C provided in database 60 and / or memory 10b. Specifically, the actual (calibrated) measurement data M of sensor 20, or the quantity derived therefrom, can be displayed in real time on display 4 to guide the physician during the use of catheter 2.

[0063] Specifically, the information retrieved by the processing unit 1 and displayed on the display 4 may include information about the brand and model of the catheter 2, instructions for use (IFU) for the catheter 2, the type of catheter (e.g., a balloon catheter for angioplasty), a list of measurements that can be performed using the catheter 2, or a list of sensors 20 provided on the catheter 2. For example, the information may indicate that the catheter 2 allows the use of sensors 20 to measure the outer diameter of the balloon 3.

[0064] Figure 2 An embodiment of a system 100 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the system 100 includes a processing unit 1, a database 60 (e.g., provided on a computer network 6), a computer device 5 including a display 4, and in particular... Figure 2 The catheter 2 is not shown in the image.

[0065] Specifically, processing unit 1 is configured to receive data D, which includes, for example, codes identifying the type of catheter 2 and the types of its one or more sensors 20, as well as instructions for use (IFU) associated with the catheter. Furthermore, processing unit 1 is configured to receive measurement data or values ​​M from the one or more sensors 20 of catheter 2. Specifically, catheter 2 may be a balloon catheter, which includes sensors 20 that measure parameters closely related to the outer diameter of the balloon. However, processing unit 1 may also be paired with an ablation catheter or any other catheter.

[0066] Furthermore, the processing unit 1 is configured to calibrate the measurement data M using the provided code D with its integrated circuit 10a / processor 10a. During the operation of the catheter 2, the calibrated measurement data M is transmitted to the computer device 5 and displayed on the display 4 of the device 5. The device 5 / display 4 is also configured to display information about the catheter 2, such as the maximum pressure of the balloon 2 of the catheter 2 (in the case that the catheter 2 is a balloon catheter), and information contained in the instructions for use (IFU).

[0067] In addition, according to Figure 2 Measurement data M can also be transmitted to database 60. The database may transmit measurement data M obtained from similar catheters to the processing unit. Such data can be used to suggest and display optimal catheter use via computer device 4 and display 4. Furthermore, calibration data C can be transmitted to and stored in the processing unit, making it compatible with more catheters or catheter types. Similarly, calibration data C can be deleted from the processing unit if the corresponding type of catheter is no longer in use.

[0068] Figure 3Another embodiment of the system 100 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the system 100 includes a processing unit 1, a database 60 (e.g., provided on a computer network 6), a computer device 5 including a display 4, and in particular... Figure 3 The catheter 2 is not shown in the image.

[0069] Specifically, the processing unit 1 is configured to be mechanically connected to the conduit 2, for example, via one or more suitable connectors 12.

[0070] according to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, most of the data is preferably stored / provided in a remote database 60 / computer network 6. Specifically, the identifier code ID for the corresponding conduit 2 to which the identification / recognition processing unit 1 will be connected can be obtained via user input into the user interface 4a of the computer device 5 or through a combination of... Figure 1 The ground scan identifier code ID is input into the processing unit 1, specifically into the memory 10b.

[0071] In this process, the measurement data M from sensor 20 is calibrated by processing unit 1 using calibration data C retrieved from database 20. The calibrated measurement data M is then transmitted to device 5 for displaying the measurement data M in a preferably continuous manner during the use of catheter 2.

[0072] In addition, the measurement data M is also stored in the memory 10b of the processing unit and / or transferred to the database 60 for storage and / or later analysis.

[0073] Specifically, the processing unit 1 is configured to retrieve information about the identified catheter 2, represented as input data IN, from the database 60, such as IFU information, particularly one or more working instructions for the identified / identified catheter 2, the type of catheter, the purpose of use of the catheter 2, and the type of measurement that the catheter 2 is configured to perform (e.g., using sensor 20), the type of one or more sensors, and calibration data C for calibrating one or more sensors / measurement data M.

[0074] In addition, the processing unit 1 is configured to upload the output data OUT to the database 60, wherein the output data OUT may include data such as measurement data M, the type of catheter 2, and other process information (e.g., the duration of the process performed using the catheter 2).

[0075] Figure 4A schematic representation of an embodiment of the processing unit 1 according to the invention is shown. As previously described, the processing unit 1 is configured for use with a catheter 2, which may include an inflatable balloon 3 (e.g., to radially expand and anchor a stent in a blood vessel during angioplasty). Furthermore, the processing unit 1 preferably includes a processor / integrated circuit 10a for processing measurement data M from a sensor 20 disposed on the balloon 3 of the catheter 2, wherein the processing unit 1 is designed to transmit the processed measurement data M to a display 4 via a data link V for displaying the processed measurement data. Specifically, the sensor 20 may be designed to provide measurements regarding the radial expansion of the balloon 3.

[0076] In addition, the processing unit 1 includes a housing 11 that houses and protects the processor 10. The housing 11 is designed to be releasably connected to the conduit 2, such that a mechanical connection is established between the conduit 2 and the housing 11, and an electrical connection is established between the sensor 20 and the processing unit 1, through which measurement data M can be transmitted from the sensor 20 to the processing unit 1.

[0077] To establish the mechanical connection, the housing may have 11 latching lugs 15a that engage with latching lugs 15b on the conduit. Alternatively, the latching lugs 15b may be fitted onto the conduit 2; the housing 11 may thus have corresponding latching recesses 15a. Other active and / or inactive fasteners may also be used. The fact that the mechanical connection between the housing 11 and the conduit 2 is releasable means in particular that the processing unit 1 can be manually released from the conduit 2 (and preferably without tools) without damaging the processing unit 1 or the conduit 2.

[0078] Due to the releasable mechanical connection, and especially due to the fact that the processing unit 1 can adjust the measurement data M of the sensor 20 using the integrated circuit 10a, the processing unit 1 can be used multiple times, i.e., it can be used for different catheters 2, wherein the measurement data is calibrated by the processing unit 1 and displayed to the user / doctor via the display 4.

[0079] Furthermore, calibration data used for calibrating measurement data can be downloaded from database 60 on remote computer network 6, or can be provided in the memory of processing unit 1.

[0080] In addition to the measurement data from sensor 20, all other information about catheter 2 (e.g., operating instructions, dimensions, etc.) is preferably displayed to the physician on display 4. The selection of which parameters should be displayed can preferably be determined individually by the physician or hospital staff. Preferably, all measurement data is not only displayed but also sent to a database on computer network 6, stored, and thus recorded.

[0081] from Figure 4As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, the processing unit 1 preferably includes a connector portion 12 disposed on the housing 11, which can be inserted into the opening 23 of the proximal end 22 of the outer shaft 21 of the conduit 2. The connector portion 12 and the opening 23 can form a two-part Luer system.

[0082] Furthermore, preferably, the connector portion 12 has conductive contacts 13, each conductive contact 13 being configured to contact the associated contact 213 of the conduit 2 so as to establish an electrical connection when the connector portion 12 is inserted into the opening 23.

[0083] The signal from sensor 20 is transmitted along the outer shaft 21 to processing unit 1 via contacts 213, 13. Simultaneously, sensor 20 can be powered through this connection and can record measurement data accordingly. These analog circuits are preferably routed to the end of the hypotube of the outer shaft 21.

[0084] In particular, according to one embodiment, the entire electronics of the processing unit 1 can be housed within an integrated circuit 10a. This is especially suitable for A / D converters, amplifiers, filters, communication units for establishing data connections with computer equipment 5 or computer network 6, energy storage devices, and integrated circuits for calibrating / processing measurement data from sensor 20.

[0085] As further shown in Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the processing unit 1, the housing 11 may have a first protrusion 12a projecting along the connector portion 12, which can actively engage in a first recess 22a near the end portion 22 to guide the connector portion 12. The housing 11 may also have a second protrusion 12b adapted to engage and lock into a second recess 22b at the end portion 22 to provide a snap-fit ​​connection with the conduit 2.

[0086] In such Figure 4 In the two embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 5, the connector portion 12 and the housing 11 of the processing unit 1 each surround a through-hole 14, which is adapted to provide access to the inner lumen 2a of the conduit 2 when the connector portion 12 is inserted into the opening 23 of the conduit 2. In this sense, the housing 11 of the processing unit 1 is particularly annular. The balloon 3 and the inner shaft 24 are... Figure 1 It is shown in dashed lines.

[0087] The advantages of this invention lie in the relatively simple provision of sensor signals for complete processing of the sensor 20 of the catheter 2, which allows guidance to be provided to physicians using only a single multi-purpose processing unit 1 capable of connecting to various catheters, identifying individual catheters 2, and specifically calibrating the measurement data provided by the corresponding catheter. In particular, these functions are performed in conjunction with a remote database and computer devices such as smartphones. Specifically, since the processing unit 1 can be externally attached to the catheter 2, it can be easily used for different (balloon) catheters 2 and reused, significantly reducing costs and production labor. Although each catheter 2 is calibrated, since the processing unit 1 can be used multiple times, only the sensor 20 and the supply and discharge lines need to be installed on the catheter 2. The processing unit allows associated calibrations to be assigned to each catheter 2 or balloon 3, thereby generating the correct sensor signal. Furthermore, data can be automatically recorded, and all important parameters for the procedure and treatment can be provided to the physician. Due to its plug-in connection, the processing unit 1 of this invention is particularly easy to operate and does not interfere with the process.

Claims

1. A processing unit (1) configured to be releasably connected to a catheter (2) and to exchange data (M, C) with at least one of: a component of the catheter (2), a database (60), a computer network (6), a computer device (5), wherein, The processing unit (1) comprises an integrated circuit (10a) for processing the data, and wherein the processing unit comprises a housing configured to be detachably connected to the catheter, wherein the housing of the processing unit is provided with a connector portion that can be inserted into an opening of a proximal portion of the catheter, wherein the connector portion is provided with electrically conductive contacts, each configured to electrically connect to an associated contact of the catheter when the connector portion is inserted into the opening of the proximal portion of the catheter, wherein the connector portion surrounds a through opening of the processing unit, the through opening being adapted to lead to a lumen of the catheter when the connector portion is inserted into the opening of the proximal portion of the catheter, wherein the housing of the processing unit comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding along the connector portion, the first protrusion being configured to engage into a first recess of the proximal portion to guide the connector portion, the second protrusion being configured to engage and lock into a second recess of the proximal portion to provide a snap connection with the catheter.

2. The processing unit of claim 1, wherein, The components are one or more of: a sensor (20) of the catheter (2); an inflation pump of the catheter for inflating a balloon (3) of the catheter (2).

3. The processing unit of claim 2, wherein, The processing unit (1) is configured to use an identifier code (ID) of the catheter (2) to identify the catheter (2).

4. The processing unit of claim 3, wherein, The processing unit (1) comprises a memory (10b) for storing information related to different catheters to which the processing unit can be connected.

5. The processing unit of claim 4, wherein, The processing unit (1) is configured to compare the identifier code (ID) with information stored in the memory (10b) of the processing unit (1) or with information stored in a remote database (60).

6. The processing unit of claim 3, wherein, The processing unit (1) comprises a memory (10b), the processing unit (1) being configured to retrieve information about the identified catheter (2) from the memory (10b) of the processing unit (1) and / or from a remote database (60) and to transmit the retrieved information to a computer device (5) for displaying the retrieved information on a display (4) of the computer device (5).

7. The processing unit of claim 3, wherein, The processing unit (1) comprises a memory (10b), the processing unit (1) being configured to retrieve calibration data (C) corresponding to the identified catheter (2) from the memory (10b) of the processing unit (1) or from a remote database (60) and to use the calibration data (C) to calibrate measurement data (M) of the sensor (20).

8. A system (100) comprising a processing unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-7 and a catheter (2) comprising a sensor (20) for measuring a parameter related to the catheter (2).

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, The system (100) further comprises a computer device (5), wherein the computer device (5) is configured to communicate with the processing unit (1).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, The computer device (5) comprises a user interface (4a) and a display (4) configured to graphically display information.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, The computer device (5) is configured to scan an identifier code (ID) from the catheter (2) or a package of the catheter (2), and / or wherein the user interface (4a) is configured to receive an identifier code (ID) as a user input.

12. The system of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The system (100) further comprises a database (60).

13. The system of claim 12, wherein, The database (60) is a database implemented on a computer network (6).

14. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The processing unit (1) is configured to transmit the retrieved information (I) about the catheter (2) to the computer device (5), which is configured to display the information via the display (4).

15. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The user interface (4a) is configured to receive an input of a user to confirm use of the identified catheter (2).

16. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The processing unit (1) is configured to transmit measurement data (M) received from the sensor (20) of the catheter (2) to the computer device (5) for displaying the measurement data (M) on the display (4) during operation of the catheter (2).

17. The system of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The processing unit (1) comprises a memory (10b), the processing unit (1) is configured to store the measurement data (M) received from the sensor (20) and / or data related to a procedure performed with the catheter (2) in the memory (10b) of the processing unit (1) and / or in the database (60).

Images