Cannula Tip Position Sensing Without Ultrasound System Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the position of a cannula tip require integration into ultrasound imaging procedures, limiting their applicability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize ultrasonic signals coupled into the body through an ultrasound probe, received by sensors on the cannula, and analyzed by an evaluation device to determine the cannula tip's position without requiring integration into ultrasound imaging, allowing for universal applicability and approximate determination of the cannula tip's position, including axial distance, inclination angle, depth distance, and rotation angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integration into ultrasound imaging procedure is required, then measurement precision of cannula tip position is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position determination function from the ultrasound imaging system by using a separate evaluation device that independently processes signals from sensors on the cannula. This allows accurate position determination without requiring integration into the ultrasound imaging procedure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device serves as an intermediary between the sensors on the cannula and the position determination process. It receives signals from the sensors, compares them with reference data, and determines position without needing to be integrated into the ultrasound imaging system, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If integration into ultrasound imaging procedure is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the position determination function from the ultrasound imaging system and implementing it as a standalone evaluation device, the system gains operational flexibility. The evaluation device can process sensor signals independently without being constrained by the ultrasound imaging procedure, making the system easier to operate and more versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device is designed to be universal and can determine the position of different cannulas without requiring specific integration into ultrasound imaging systems. This multi-functionality enhances ease of operation by allowing the same device to be used across various procedures and equipment configurations.
3Measurement precision
If connection of ultrasound probe to evaluation device is required, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference signal acquisition function from the ultrasound probe connection by using pre-stored reference data in the evaluation device. This eliminates the need for a physical connection between the ultrasound probe and evaluation device, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform accurate signal amplitude comparisons for position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference data representing expected signal amplitudes at different positions are stored in advance in the evaluation device. This preliminary preparation allows the system to compare received signals with reference data without requiring real-time connection to the ultrasound probe, thereby simplifying the system architecture while preserving measurement precision.
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 accurate and flexible determination of the cannula tip's position relative to the ultrasound probe, providing approximate coordinates without the need for integration into ultrasound imaging systems, enhancing applicability and precision in procedures like regional anesthesia.
Implementation Method 1
coupling an ultrasonic signal into the body, wherein the ultrasonic signal is coupled into the body with an ultrasound probe resting on the body
Implementation Method 2
The signal amplitude applied to the ultrasound probe, i.e. the transmitted signal amplitude, can be stored, for example, as a nominal value in a memory unit of the evaluation device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a position of a cannula tip inside a body includes coupling an ultrasonic signal into the body using an ultrasound probe resting on the body and along an imaging plane. The imaging plane extends along a depth direction and a transverse direction. The ultrasonic signal is received by a plurality of sensors attached to a cannula located in the body and arranged at known axial distances to the cannula tip and to each other along a longitudinal axis of the cannula. The received ultrasonic signals are compared with regard to their signal amplitudes and their signal waveforms by an evaluation device connected to the sensors. The position of the catheter tip relative to the ultrasound probe is determined by the evaluation device depending on the comparison of the signal amplitudes and signal waveforms. A medical system is configured for carrying out the method.