Active Sensor Detection in Coaxial Medical Introducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of interior electrodes relative to the shaft of exterior coaxial medical devices, particularly within the body, due to inaccurate readings when electrodes are within the introducer shaft.
Innovation Solution
An exterior coaxial elongate medical device with a proximal electrode and an electronic control unit (ECU) creates an electrical field within the interior lumen, allowing the ECU to measure electrical potential and determine the position of the interior electrode relative to the shaft, distinguishing between electrodes within the shaft and those extended outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional position determination methods are used for interior electrodes within the introducer shaft, then the measurement process is simple, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates due to inaccurate readings when electrodes are within the introducer shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical field created by a proximal electrode and distal electrode to mediate the position determination process. This electrical field acts as a mediator that enables accurate detection of the interior electrode's position relative to the introducer shaft by measuring electrical potential differences, thereby resolving the inaccuracy problem without requiring complex mechanical or optical positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or geometric position determination methods with an electrical field-based measurement system. By using electrical potential measurements within the introducer shaft to determine electrode position, the system achieves accurate positioning without relying on complex mechanical linkages, optical sensors, or physical markers that would increase device complexity
2Reliability
If the interior electrode position is determined without an electrical field, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to distinguish between electrodes within the shaft and those outside deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical field serves as an intermediary that enables reliable distinction between interior electrodes positioned within the introducer shaft versus those extended outside. The proximal electrode and distal electrode create this field, and the interior electrode's position is reliably determined by measuring its electrical potential within this field, providing a clear indicator of whether the electrode is inside or outside the shaft
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical potential parameter to detect the interior electrode's position. By measuring the electrical potential of the interior electrode within the created electrical field, the system can reliably determine whether the electrode is within the introducer shaft or extended outside, as the potential value changes distinctly based on the electrode's position relative to the shaft boundaries
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 positioning and orientation of interior electrodes, enabling precise guidance and navigation of medical devices during procedures by differentiating between electrodes within the introducer shaft and those outside, improving diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
driving an electrical current between a proximal electrode coupled with a proximal end of the interior coaxial medical device and a distal electrode so as to create an electrical field within an interior lumen of the exterior coaxial medical device
Implementation Method 2
measuring an electrical potential with the interior electrode within the electrical field, and determining whether the interior electrode is within the shaft of the exterior coaxial medical device according to the measured electrical potential
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
An introducer may comprise a shaft and a proximal electrode. The shaft may have a proximal end portion and an interior lumen, the interior lumen configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The proximal electrode may be coupled with the proximal end portion and may be configured to act as an electrical source or sink so as to create an electrical field within the interior lumen. A position of an electrode coupled with the catheter may be determined according to the electrical field.