Endovascular Catheter Cut Completion Sensing for Fistula Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenging aspects of endovascular treatment include the difficulty in determining the completion of catheter cutting operations, particularly in forming fistulas, due to subjective visual determination under fluoroscopy and the need for reinsertion if the procedure is unsuccessful.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first catheter with an electrode and a second catheter with a backstop, equipped with a cut completion sensor, communicates with a controller to detect electrical signals indicative of the cutting operation's status, allowing real-time determination of completion without removing the catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If practitioners use visual determination under fluoroscopy to assess cutting operation completion, then they can monitor the procedure in real-time, but the determination becomes subjective and difficult requiring extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual fluoroscopy-based assessment system with an electrical sensing system. The cut completion sensor detects electrical signals (such as impedance changes) to objectively determine when the cutting operation is complete, substituting subjective visual judgment with automated electrical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring electrical parameters during the cutting operation and providing real-time information about cutting progress. The controller receives signals from the cut completion sensor and can provide feedback to guide the practitioner on when the cutting is complete, eliminating the need for subjective visual assessment.
2Reliability
If practitioners use cameras to observe fluid flow through the fistula to determine cutting completion, then they can obtain visual confirmation, but the catheters must be removed from the subject requiring additional procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of cutting completion using the cut completion sensor during the procedure itself. By detecting electrical signal changes that indicate cut completion before removing the catheters, the system verifies the procedure was successful without requiring additional time-consuming steps of catheter removal and reinsertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based visual inspection method with an electrical sensing approach. The cut completion sensor uses electrical field detection to assess cutting completion, eliminating the need for physical camera insertion and subsequent catheter removal that characterized the previous method.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unsuccessful procedures require reinsertion of catheters, then another attempt can be made, but additional catheter systems are needed increasing complexity and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on cutting operation status through electrical signal monitoring, allowing practitioners to know with high confidence whether the procedure is complete or unsuccessful while the catheters are still in place. This enables immediate assessment and potential correction without the complexity of managing multiple catheter systems.
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 precise and real-time assessment of catheter cutting operations, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of endovascular treatments like fistula formation by providing objective feedback on completion.
Implementation Method 1
a cut completion sensor configured to output a signal indicative of the electrode completing a cutting operation from a first vessel to a second vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for endovascular treatment of a blood vessel is provided. The system includes a first catheter having a housing and an electrode coupled to the housing, a second catheter having a backstop, the backstop comprising a cut completion sensor configured to output a signal indicative of the electrode completing a cutting operation from a first vessel to a second vessel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the cut completion sensor. The controller is operable to receive the signal from the cut completion sensor, and determine a status of the cutting operation based on the signal from the cut completion sensor.