Catheter Position Detection Using Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical navigation systems face challenges in precisely determining the position of catheters within the body, particularly when electrodes are shielded inside an introducer, which can lead to compromised data quality due to shielding effects.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of inner and outer elongate members with sensor members and an electronic control unit to detect the position of the catheter relative to the introducer, using signals generated by the movement of the inner member within the outer member, allowing for accurate determination of the catheter's position through analysis of these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrodes are shielded inside an introducer during catheter manipulation, then the catheter can be positioned and manipulated through vasculature, but the shielding effect compromises data quality and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic sensor is introduced as an intermediary detection device that can sense the catheter's position through the introducer wall without requiring direct electrical contact with the electrodes. The sensor detects magnetic field changes caused by the catheter's movement, providing position information without being affected by the shielding that compromises electrical signal quality.
2Measurement precision
If a magnetic sensor is positioned close to the introducer wall for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the sensor may be affected by interference from the introducer material itself
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor is extracted from the introducer structure and placed on the catheter itself, or in a position where it can detect the catheter's position without being in direct contact with the introducer material. This separation removes the sensor from the harmful electromagnetic environment created by the introducer while maintaining detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional electric-field-based positioning systems are used, then catheter position can be determined, but the system cannot accurately detect when electrodes are shielded inside the introducer
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional electric-field-based positioning system is replaced or supplemented with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic fields can penetrate the introducer material and provide information about the catheter's position and shielding status without being blocked by the introducer, thereby recovering the lost information about electrode shielding.
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
This approach enables precise and reliable positioning of catheters, reducing data degradation from shielding and improving the accuracy of navigation systems during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
using a magnetic field to detect the location of a catheter relative to an introducer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting relative positioning of medical devices located within a human body, the apparatus comprising an inner elongate member comprising a plurality of electrodes and a first sensor member, where the first sensor member is located a known distance from each of the plurality of electrodes, and an outer elongate member comprising a first sensor, and an outer sensor member located between the first sensor and an inner wall of the outer elongate member, where the inner elongate member is configured to move within the outer elongate member and the first sensor is configured to sense a signal generated by movement of the inner elongate member relative to the outer elongate member, and a position detection module including an electronic control unit configured to detect a position of the first sensor member relative to the first sensor based on the signal.