Acoustic Catheter Tip Location via Heart Sound Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter tip location methods face challenges such as difficulty in interpreting ultrasound images, potential disruptions from electromagnetic interference, and high costs associated with electromagnetic sensing technologies, which can lead to inaccurate positioning and increased risks for patients.
Innovation Solution
A system using a sound sensor housed within a sealed saline-filled chamber on a PICC, guided towards the heart, senses the magnitude of heart sounds to determine catheter tip placement, with acoustic beacon emitters providing triangulation and visual feedback on a display to ensure accurate positioning within the superior vena cava.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound is used to determine catheter tip location, then the ability to verify catheter tip location is improved, but the difficulty of interpreting the image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical ultrasound imaging system with an acoustic sensing system that directly detects heart sounds through the catheter. Instead of using ultrasound waves and complex image interpretation, the system uses a microphone or acoustic sensor to listen to heart sounds transmitted through the catheter wall, converting a visual interpretation task into an auditory one that is easier to interpret.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the catheter wall and internal fluids as an acoustic intermediary medium. The heart sounds are transmitted through the catheter wall and internal fluids to the acoustic sensor, creating a direct acoustic pathway that eliminates the need for external ultrasound imaging and complex image processing.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic detection is used to locate catheter tip, then the ability to determine catheter direction and location is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to electromagnetic interference and becomes more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic detection system with an acoustic sensing system. Instead of using electromagnetic fields and sensors to detect catheter position, the system uses acoustic waves (heart sounds) transmitted through the catheter to determine location, eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial acoustic detection method. By using sound waves instead of electromagnetic fields, the system not only eliminates the harmful interference but also utilizes the natural acoustic properties of the body and catheter materials to achieve accurate location determination.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic sensing technology is used to detect catheter tip location, then the ability to verify proper positioning is improved, but the cost of the system becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive acoustic sensors (microphones or simple acoustic detectors) that can be integrated into the catheter, replacing costly electromagnetic sensing technology. These acoustic sensors are significantly cheaper to manufacture and implement, making the overall system more cost-effective while maintaining adequate functionality for catheter tip location verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive electromagnetic sensing components with simple acoustic sensing components. The acoustic sensor system requires fewer sophisticated materials and manufacturing processes, dramatically reducing the overall system cost while still providing reliable catheter tip location information through heart sound detection.
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
This method provides accurate and cost-effective catheter tip location, minimizing the risk of misplacement or obstruction by using sound waves to graphically indicate proper placement and alerting users to potential issues through visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
The sound sensor senses the magnitude of the wave form generated by sound pressure. As the PICC is progressed toward the superior vena cava the magnitude of the sound increases.
Implementation Method 2
The sound of the heart is conducted through the catheter to the sealed chamber and propagated therewithin.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locating the tip of a catheter inside a human body is provided. The system includes a sound sensor for sensing the magnitude wave form generated by sound pressure as a PICC is progressed toward a heart of a patient. The systems also includes a monitor operably coupled to the sensor for measuring the magnitude of wave form generated by the sound sensor.