Catheter Handle Imaging Control Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current catheter control systems require physicians to divert their attention from the catheter handle to operate imaging and recording systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity, especially during medical procedures where staff shortages or remote control setups are common.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a user interface control module directly on the catheter handle, allowing physicians to control imaging and recording system functions with minimal hand movement while maintaining catheter control, using a housing with control elements and a conductor for image data transmission, enabling local operation of imaging and recording systems without additional staff interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the physician operates controls on the catheter handle with one hand while controlling the imaging/recording system with the other hand, then the imaging/recording system can be controlled to alter or change the display of images, but the physician must choose to take a hand off of the handle which reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of imaging/recording systemVSAvoidprocedural efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions for the imaging/recording system with the catheter handle by integrating a control module that communicates with the imaging/recording system via a wireless or wired connection. This allows the physician to control image display and recording functions using the same hand that is operating the catheter, eliminating the need to switch hands and improving procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a separate individual is used to operate the imaging/recording system controls, then the physician can maintain focus on the catheter, but additional personnel are required which increases complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintaining catheter controlVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the physician to self-service the imaging/recording system controls through an integrated control module on the catheter handle. The physician can independently operate image display, measurement, and recording functions without requiring additional staff, thereby reducing procedure complexity and eliminating the need for separate control operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a robot is used to move the catheter and control the imaging computer, then the physician can control the robot remotely, but the physician is removed from the lab or operating room which lessens the ability to use experience in performing the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatheter positioning controlVSAvoidphysician expertise utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the imaging/recording system control functions from the remote control room and integrates them directly into the catheter handle. This allows the physician to remain in the lab or operating room with full control over the catheter and imaging system, maintaining direct presence and hands-on expertise without requiring robotic intermediaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If control devices are positioned around the operating table such as a foot pedal, then the imaging/recording system can be controlled, but the physician must shift focus off of the catheter handle which reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging system controlVSAvoidfocus on catheter
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the imaging/recording system controls with the catheter handle itself, positioning all necessary controls within the physician's natural hand grip area. This eliminates the need to shift focus to separate control devices located around the operating table, allowing continuous focus on the catheter while maintaining full imaging system control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11420018B2Catheter-based user interface device for remote control of display images
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US11420018B2 patent drawing
  • US11420018B2 patent drawing
  • US11420018B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In the present invention, an interface control module for controlling a mapping/imaging/recording system is provided for placement on a catheter control handle. The interface control module includes control elements that are operably connected to the mapping/imaging/recording system in order to control various functions of the imaging/recording system relating to images represented on a display forming a part of the mapping/imaging/recording system. The interface control module can be integrated with the catheter control handle or can be formed as a separate component that is releasably attachable to the catheter control handle to enable a use to operate the mapping/imaging/recording system from the catheter control handle being utilized in an interventional medical procedure.