Catheter Navigation System with Integrated 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems for natural orifice transluminal procedures lack precise targeting and alignment methods, relying heavily on anatomical knowledge and often requiring external incisions, which can be inaccurate and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A medical system comprising a catheter with a sensor and 3-D image data that allows for real-time light-obtained image and position data integration, enabling users to accurately align the catheter distal end with medical targets within the body lumen without external incisions by displaying position information relative to predetermined landmarks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physician relies on general anatomical knowledge to determine the cutting point, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the precision of target localization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (endoscopic images, pre-acquired 3-D images, and fluoroscopic images) into a single integrated display system. The image fusion module merges these different image types to provide comprehensive anatomical information and precise target localization, resolving the contradiction by showing that multiple data sources can be integrated without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image fusion module as an intermediary that processes and integrates data from multiple imaging sources. This intermediary component coordinates the different image types and presents unified positional information, enabling precise target localization while managing system complexity through modular architecture
2Ease of operation
If external incisions are used to access medical targets, then direct access to targets is achieved, but patient trauma and procedure invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through integrated imaging that shows the catheter's position relative to the medical target and physiological landmarks. This feedback enables the physician to navigate the catheter through natural orifices and body lumens to reach the target without external incisions, demonstrating that precise visual guidance can replace invasive surgical access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of external incisions with an image-guided catheter navigation system. Instead of using surgical tools to physically access targets through cuts, the system uses integrated imaging feedback to guide a catheter through natural body passages, substituting mechanical invasion with optical guidance
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated, then comprehensive anatomical information is provided, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging information into distinct modules: endoscopic imaging module, 3-D imaging module, and fluoroscopic imaging module. Each module handles a specific type of imaging data independently, and the image fusion module integrates these segmented data streams. This segmentation allows comprehensive anatomical information to be gathered while managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The image fusion module serves multiple functions: it integrates different image types, provides anatomical context, localizes targets, and guides catheter navigation. This multi-functional component handles diverse imaging data without requiring separate processing systems for each modality, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining information completeness
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes a catheter, a sensor, 3-D image data representative of a patient, and a computer. The catheter has a catheter distal end insertable into a natural orifice of a body lumen of the patient. The sensor is disposable proximate the catheter distal end and is adapted to provide position data. The computer is adapted: to receive an indication from a user of a medical target selected for a medical procedure which uses at least the catheter and which is to be performed within the patient; and to indicate to the user position information of the catheter distal end relative to the medical target using at least the 3-D image data and the position data. A storage medium contains a program readable by a computer which instructs the computer to perform the previously described steps. A method for assisting a medical procedure performs the above-described steps.