Biomaterial Injection Device with Spiral Tissue Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection techniques for treating heart failure, such as injecting biological substances into the heart, face challenges in reliably identifying and maintaining the injection position due to tissue movement, especially during procedures like catheter-based treatments.
Innovation Solution
An injection device equipped with a detection unit using electrodes to detect electrical characteristics of biological tissue and a follow-up mechanism that spirally extends around the puncture unit, allowing for precise positioning and movement accommodation, including a second follow-up mechanism that independently tracks tissue motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a catheter is used to inject biological substances into heart tissue, then the treatment can be performed minimally invasively, but it becomes difficult to reliably identify and maintain the injection position due to tissue movement during heart contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electroanatomic mapping to continuously monitor electrical characteristics of heart tissue, providing real-time feedback on catheter position. The system records voltage signals from multiple electrodes to create a dynamic 3D map that updates as the heart moves, allowing the operator to track and maintain the injection position despite tissue contraction and relaxation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical position tracking methods with electrical field-based detection. Instead of relying on mechanical markers or visual cues that are obscured by tissue movement, the system uses electrical impedance and voltage measurements to detect catheter position and tissue characteristics, providing accurate positioning information independent of mechanical tissue displacement.
2Measurement precision
If 3D mapping of the ventricle is performed to specify infarct area position, then the treatment planning can be accurate, but it is not easy to reliably identify the actual tissue injection position during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive 3D electroanatomic mapping and identifies the infarct area boundary before the injection procedure begins. This preliminary characterization of the target zone, including electrical threshold determination and spatial mapping, is stored and used as a reference guide during the actual injection, ensuring that the pre-planned target remains identifiable despite subsequent tissue movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares real-time electrical measurements during injection against the pre-established 3D map and infarct boundary criteria. This feedback mechanism verifies that the injection needle remains within the target zone by monitoring electrical characteristics that define the infarct boundary, providing continuous confirmation of correct positioning throughout the procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter follows the beating heart tissue, then the treatment can adapt to tissue motion, but the reliability of performing the procedure at the exact treatment position decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tracking system that continuously updates the 3D electroanatomic map during heart cycles. The system adapts to tissue motion by recording electrical signals at multiple phases of the cardiac cycle and interpolating catheter position between phases, maintaining accurate spatial relationships between the catheter and moving tissue structures throughout systole and diastole.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time electrical impedance and voltage feedback to continuously verify catheter-tissue contact and position during each heart cycle. By monitoring changes in electrical characteristics that occur with tissue deformation and movement, the system provides feedback signals that confirm the catheter remains at the intended treatment position despite the dynamic nature of heart contraction and relaxation.
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 more reliable and precise administration of substances at the desired treatment position, even during heart contractions, by using electrodes to determine infarct locations and rotating the puncture unit for accurate alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit that includes an electrode capable of detecting electrical characteristics of a biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device is described including a detection unit that includes an electrode that detects electrical characteristics of a biological tissue, a follow-up mechanism that follows motions of the biological tissue, and a puncture unit capable of puncturing the biological tissue. The injection device is configured to administer a predetermined substance to the biological tissue through a hollow portion defined in the puncture unit. A position of the puncture unit is specified based on a position of the electrode. The follow-up mechanism includes a spiral portion spirally extending around the puncture unit, and being stretchable and compressible along an extending direction of the puncture unit. Electrodes are disposed on an annular distal-end projected plane of the spiral portion, as seen from a distal end side of the puncture unit, along a circumferential direction of the puncture unit.