Cannula Tip Localization Using Detachable Ultrasound Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a cannula tip inside a body, such as the 'OnVision' system, require integration into the ultrasound imaging system, limiting their universality and potentially interfering with imaging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize detachable ultrasound position transmitters attached to the ultrasound transducer, using signal propagation times to determine the cannula tip's position without integrating into the imaging system, allowing for precise position determination using geometric relationships and multiple sensors to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasound position transmitters are integrated into the ultrasound imaging system, then the position determination can be performed, but the universality is limited and interference with imaging procedures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the ultrasound imaging system and the position determination system operate independently. The position transmitters are not integrated into the ultrasound transducer but function as separate components that can be used with any ultrasound system, thereby achieving universality without integration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The position determination system uses ultrasound position signals at a different frequency than the imaging ultrasound signals, acting as an intermediary that does not interfere with the primary imaging function. This frequency separation allows both systems to operate simultaneously without mutual interference
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed as close as possible to the cannula tip, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the cannula tip's function may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the sensor away from the cannula tip along the longitudinal axis, utilizing the known axial distance as an additional dimensional parameter. This allows the sensor to be positioned at a safe distance while the evaluation unit calculates the tip position by combining the sensor position with the known axial offset, thereby maintaining accuracy without impairing tip function
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for position determination, then the accuracy and orientation determination are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors serve dual purposes: they determine both the position and orientation of the cannula, and they provide redundancy for improved measurement accuracy. The evaluation unit processes signals from all sensors to calculate both positional coordinates and angular orientation, maximizing the utility of each additional sensor while maintaining a relatively simple overall system 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 universal applicability and precise, interference-free determination of cannula tip position, enhancing patient safety and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
coupling several ultrasound position signals into the body, wherein the ultrasound position signals are coupled in by means of the several ultrasound position transmitters
Implementation Method 2
receiving the ultrasound position signals, wherein the ultrasound position signals are received by means of a sensor attached to a cannula
Implementation Method 3
determining the signal transit times of the ultrasound position signals, wherein the signal transit times are determined by means of an evaluation unit connected to the sensor and the transmitter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a cannula tip inside a body, comprising the steps of: providing an ultrasound transducer of an ultrasound imaging system; providing a transmitter comprising several ultrasound position transmitters and at least one mounting section; attaching the transmitter to the ultrasound transducer, wherein the transmitter is detachably attached to the ultrasound transducer by means of the mounting section and is fixed to the ultrasound transducer in a defined relative position to the ultrasound transducer; coupling several ultrasound position signals into the body, wherein the ultrasound position signals are coupled in by means of the several ultrasound position transmitters; receiving the ultrasound position signals, wherein the ultrasound position signals are received by means of a sensor attached to a cannula located in the body and arranged at a known axial distance from its cannula tip;Determining the signal transit times of the ultrasound position signals, wherein the signal transit times are determined by means of an evaluation unit connected to the sensor and the transmitter; determining the position of the cannula tip in relation to the ultrasound transducer, wherein the position is determined by means of the evaluation unit as a function of the signal transit times, the relative position of the transmitter to the ultrasound transducer and the axial distance of the sensor from the cannula tip. The invention also relates to a medical system for determining the position of a cannula tip.