Acoustic Force-Sensing Catheter Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force-sensing catheters are limited in providing reliable, omni-directional force measurements, particularly axial and bending forces, and require external imaging systems for force determination, which complicates the manipulation and safety of cardiac tissue during ablative procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-contained force-sensing tip assemblies that utilize acoustic transducers and springs to measure axial and bending forces through pulse-echo principles, allowing for real-time force feedback without external imaging, enabling accurate determination of forces applied to cardiac tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external imaging systems are used to determine force in force-sensing catheters, then force measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip assembly performs force measurements using its own integrated acoustic transducer and spring mechanism, without requiring external imaging systems. The acoustic transducer emits acoustic energy that reflects off a target, and the echo time provides direct force measurement data, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external imaging systems with a simpler acoustic measurement system. Instead of using MRI or other imaging technologies to track catheter position and calculate force, the invention uses acoustic transducers with springs that directly measure force through acoustic echo time, substituting a mechanical/acoustic system for a complex imaging-based system.
2Device complexity
If self-contained force-sensing tip assemblies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for omni-directional forces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the acoustic echo time dimension to measure force. By measuring the time for acoustic energy to travel to a target and reflect back, the system can determine spring compression distance and calculate force in multiple directions (axial and bending forces) using a single acoustic measurement dimension, enabling omni-directional force sensing without complex multi-sensor arrays.
3Productivity
If acoustic transducers and springs are integrated in the catheter tip, then real-time force feedback is enabled, but the catheter tip structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force sensing function with the existing catheter tip structure by integrating an acoustic transducer and spring mechanism into the tip assembly. This merging allows real-time force feedback during ablation procedures without requiring a completely separate sensing system, as the acoustic transducer and spring work together within the existing catheter architecture.
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
Enables precise and omni-directional force measurement capabilities within the catheter tip, providing real-time feedback to operators for improved procedural outcomes and safety by eliminating the need for external imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer (16) disposed within the tip and configured to emit acoustic energy toward the target (18) and receive an acoustic echo from the target (18)
Implementation Method 2
measure axial and bending forces through pulse-echo principles
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A force-sensing tip (14) assembly for a catheter (12) comprises a tip shell (42), an acoustic transducer (16), a first target (18), and a first spring (17). The tip shell (42) is for joining to the catheter (12). The acoustic transducer (16) is disposed within the tip shell (42) and is capable of generating an acoustic ping. The first target (18) is spaced from the acoustic transducer (16) within the tip shell (42). The first spring (17) is in the tip shell (42) and configured to allow a relative position between the acoustic transducer (16) and the first target (18) to change over a range. The first target (18) is shaped and positioned to reflect at least a portion of the acoustic ping back to the acoustic transducer (16) as a first echo over at least a portion of the range.