Catheter Loop Detection Using Electromagnetic Coils
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pulmonary artery catheters are prone to looping and knotting, especially in patients with low blood flow, which can lead to complications requiring procedures to undo the knot or surgically remove the catheter.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising first and second coils spaced on the catheter body, a driver to transmit signals to the first coil, and a receiver to receive signals from the second coil, with a signal analyzer to determine changes indicative of loop or knot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pulmonary artery catheters are advanced into the pulmonary artery to continuously monitor hemodynamic variables, then the ability to monitor hemodynamic variables is improved, but the risk of looping and knotting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting loop formation early during catheter advancement using electromagnetic sensors before the catheter can knot. The system continuously monitors the catheter's position and shape, allowing operators to take corrective action (stop advancement, reposition) before dangerous knotting occurs, thus preventing the harmful effect while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using electromagnetic sensors to continuously monitor catheter position and provide real-time information about loop formation. This feedback loop allows the operator to adjust catheter advancement based on detected loop patterns, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents knotting while enabling continuous hemodynamic monitoring
2Reliability
If the catheter is advanced further to improve monitoring coverage, then the monitoring effectiveness is improved, but the likelihood of loop formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of loop formation patterns using electromagnetic sensors during catheter advancement. By identifying early signs of looping before they develop into stable loop configurations, the system allows preventive action to be taken, enabling the catheter to be advanced further safely while maintaining configuration stability
3Reliability
If real-time detection of looping and knotting is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with electromagnetic detection. Instead of using mechanical sensors that would require direct contact and complex assemblies, the system uses electromagnetic fields to detect catheter position and loop formation, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining real-time detection capability for patient safety
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic sensors serve multiple functions: they detect catheter position, identify loop formation patterns, and provide information about catheter depth. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive real-time monitoring for patient safety
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
The system enables real-time detection of catheter looping and knotting, providing an alarm and guiding the advancement or removal of the catheter to prevent complications.
Implementation Method 1
A driver is coupled by a wired communication link to the first coil, wherein the driver is configured to transmit a first signal to the first coil. A receiver is coupled by a wired communication link to the second coil, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a second signal from the second coil indicative of a proximity of the first coil and the second coil.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A detection system for detecting a loop and/or a knot in a catheter includes a first coil and a second coil in spaced positions on a catheter body of the catheter. A driver is coupled by a wired communication link to the first coil, wherein the driver is configured to transmit a first signal to the first coil. A receiver is coupled by a wired communication link to the second coil, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a second signal from the second coil indicative of a proximity of the first coil and the second coil. A signal analyzer is coupled by a wired or wireless communication link to the receiver that is configured to receive the second signal from the receiver and determine whether there is a change in the second signal indicative of a formation of the loop and/or the knot in the catheter.