Catheter Haptic Sensing via Micro-Fluidic Pressure Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack real-time, accurate feedback regarding the position and force-sensing at the distal end during minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to reduced control and accuracy, especially with longer catheters where entry points are far from the surgery location, and existing diagnostic techniques provide limited feedback.
Innovation Solution
The development of medical devices with haptic sensing capabilities using micro-fluidic arrays that incorporate pressure sensors and optical fibers to measure pressure changes and provide tactile feedback, allowing for refined and controllable motion during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If longer catheters are used to reach distant surgery locations, then the entry point can be far from the surgery location enabling minimally invasive procedures, but real-time feedback and control accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple sections with distributed pressure sensors along its length, allowing localized measurement of pressure changes at different positions. This segmentation enables accurate feedback from the distal end while maintaining a long overall catheter length for minimally invasive access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by coupling pressure sensors to the catheter structure, where pressure changes at the distal end are immediately detected and transmitted to the operator. This feedback mechanism restores control accuracy despite the long catheter length by providing continuous information about tip position and tissue interaction.
2Productivity
If existing diagnostic techniques are used, then procedures can be performed, but real-time accurate feedback and force-sensing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force-sensing mechanisms with pressure sensor technology. Pressure changes within the catheter structure are measured and converted into force-sensing data, providing accurate real-time information about tissue interaction without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure changes within the catheter as an intermediary to transmit force information from the distal end to the operator. Instead of directly sensing forces at the tip, the system measures pressure variations caused by tissue interaction, which serve as a mediator to convey positional and force information.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and optical fibers are integrated into the catheter, then real-time feedback and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated catheter structure. Pressure sensors, optical fibers, and the catheter body are combined into one unified device, allowing simultaneous pressure measurement, light transmission, and mechanical function without requiring separate components for each capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs mechanical navigation, pressure sensing, and optical signal transmission. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining measurement precision and real-time feedback capabilities.
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 real-time, accurate feedback and improved control over the distal end of medical devices, enhancing the precision and safety of minimally invasive procedures by translating pressure changes into actionable signals for clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
each proximal membrane is configured to shift between a first position and an expanded position in response to a change in pressure within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of optical fibers is configured to transmit a first light signal onto the proximal membrane
Implementation Method 3
each of the first light signals transmitted onto its corresponding proximal membrane is reflected back to each respective optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
each of the array of sealed chambers is filled with an incompressible fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a catheter having a proximal end region and a distal tip and an array of sealed chambers disposed along the distal tip, wherein each of the chambers includes a distal membrane disposed along an outer surface of the distal tip and a proximal membrane extending radially inward from the outer surface. Further, each proximal membrane is configured to shift between a first position and an expanded position in response to a change in pressure within the chamber.