Catheter Navigation Using Controlled Current 3D Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluoroscopic imaging and catheter-based electrophysiological mapping techniques for cardiac ablation are imprecise, time-consuming, and costly, posing challenges in accurately navigating and positioning ablation catheters inside the heart, which can expose patients and healthcare providers to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using controlled constant current signals transmitted through body surface electrodes and catheter electrodes, combined with data acquisition and computing devices, to generate a 3D model for precise navigation and positioning of medical devices within the body, compensating for patient movements and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for catheter navigation and positioning, then real-time imaging is achieved, but radiation exposure increases and measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic imaging (optical/radiation-based system) with an electrical impedance sensing system. Body surface electrodes and catheter electrodes measure electrical signals to determine catheter position, substituting the mechanical/optical imaging approach with an electrical field-based approach that eliminates radiation exposure while providing precise positioning information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary medium for position detection. Instead of directly imaging the catheter with radiation, the system uses electrical signals transmitted through body tissues and sensed by electrodes to indirectly determine catheter location, providing accurate positioning without harmful radiation.
2Productivity
If fluoroscopy is used for navigation, then real-time visualization is obtained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time position monitoring through continuous electrical signal acquisition and processing. Unlike fluoroscopy which requires intermittent imaging sequences, the electrical sensing system continuously tracks catheter position, eliminating time losses associated with image acquisition and processing while maintaining real-time guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of fluoroscopic imaging with electrical impedance sensing eliminates the time-consuming aspects of radiation-based imaging, including image acquisition, processing, and interpretation, thereby reducing overall procedure time and increasing productivity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional mapping systems are used, then 3D localization is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into separate, simple components: body surface electrodes for signal transmission, catheter electrodes for signal sensing, and a computing device for position calculation. This segmentation avoids the need for complex integrated navigation systems while achieving accurate 3D localization through coordinated operation of simple, independent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing medical devices (catheters and electrodes) multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their primary medical functions and position detection functions. The catheter remains a standard medical device while also containing electrodes that detect electrical signals for positioning, eliminating the need for specialized complex navigation equipment.
4Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for positioning, then visual guidance is provided, but positioning accuracy and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual guidance from fluoroscopy with electrical signal-based positioning. The electrical impedance sensing method provides more reliable and accurate position detection because it directly measures electrical properties related to catheter location rather than relying on indirect visual estimation from 2D fluoroscopic images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring electrical signals from the catheter electrodes and updating position information in real-time. This continuous feedback loop ensures high positioning accuracy and reliability by immediately detecting and reporting position changes, unlike fluoroscopy which provides intermittent visual feedback.
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 faster, less expensive, and more accurate navigation and positioning of medical devices, such as catheters, within the body, enhancing the success rate of cardiac ablation procedures and reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of body surface electrodes, the body surface electrodes being configured for placement on or over a first portion of the patient's body surface; a plurality of catheter electrodes mounted on or attached to the catheter... at least one controlled constant current source configured to be operably connected to the plurality or selected ones of the body surface electrodes and to transmit controlled constant current signals therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, components, devices and methods for determining locations of or imaging a catheter or other type of medical device inside a patient's body as the catheter or other type of medical device is navigated or positioned therein. In some embodiments, controlled constant current signals are transmitted through body surface electrodes into the patient's body for reception and sensing by one or more electrodes disposed on the catheter or other type of medical device as sensed electrical signals, which are then converted into sensed electrical signal values. In one embodiment, a volume of voxels is generated by one or more computing devices that corresponds to at least a portion of the patient's body where the catheter or other type of medical device is to be navigated, positioned or imaged. For at least some of the voxels, expected electrical signal values corresponding to the voxels are generated by the one or more computing devices. For corresponding given periods of time, a sequence of three-dimensional locations of the catheter or other type of medical device inside the patient's body is then determined and generated by the one or more computing devices on the basis of the sensed electrical signal values and the expected electrical signal values corresponding thereto. In another embodiment, expected signal values are not generated, and instead optimization problems are computed and solved to determine the three-dimensional locations of the catheter or other type of medical device inside the patient's body.