Vascular Catheter Navigation Using Fluid-Bolus Sensor Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for vascular catheter placement are inaccurate and risky, often leading to incorrect insertion into arteries, incorrect vein branches, advancement into the heart, vessel wall embedding, or insufficient advancement, requiring costly and time-consuming verification with x-rays.
Innovation Solution
The use of a vascular catheter navigation system that introduces a medium with measurable parameters, such as temperature or conductivity, and sensors to track these parameters over time, allowing for real-time detection of catheter position and flow characteristics to ensure accurate placement without x-ray verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical measurement methods are used to determine catheter placement, then the process is simple and quick, but the placement accuracy is poor and risks are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid bolus as an intermediary substance to enable indirect measurement of catheter position. The bolus carries measurable parameters (temperature, conductivity, etc.) through the bloodstream, allowing the sensing system to detect catheter location without direct mechanical measurement or complex imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (physical tape measurements, anatomical landmarks) with sensor-based detection systems. Instead of relying on mechanical estimation, the system uses electronic sensors to detect physical parameters of the fluid bolus, substituting mechanical precision with electronic measurement capability.
2Loss of time
If blind catheter placement is performed, then the procedure is fast and requires minimal equipment, but verification requires costly and time-consuming x-ray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the measurable parameters of the fluid bolus as it passes the catheter. The sensing system provides immediate information about catheter position, allowing operators to verify placement accuracy without waiting for post-procedure x-ray confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification of catheter placement during the insertion procedure itself, rather than relying on post-procedure imaging. By detecting the fluid bolus parameters in real-time, the system confirms correct positioning before the procedure is completed, eliminating the need for subsequent x-ray verification.
3Reliability
If no real-time detection is used, then the device is simple, but incorrect insertion into arteries or wrong vein branches cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits differences in physical parameters (temperature, conductivity, flow characteristics) of fluids in different vessel types to identify whether the catheter is in an artery or vein. By measuring these parameter changes in real-time, the system reliably distinguishes between vessel types without requiring complex anatomical mapping or imaging systems.
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 precise catheter placement by identifying insertion into veins, avoiding arteries, incorrect vein branches, and preventing vessel wall embedding, reducing the need for x-ray verification and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
introduction of a medium (or injectate) with a measurable parameter (temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, conductance, impedance, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter
Implementation Method 2
introduction of a medium (or injectate) with a measurable parameter (temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, conductance, impedance, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter
Implementation Method 3
determine the position of the sensor within a body of a subject based on the dilution of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for vascular navigation, assessment and/or diagnosis are disclosed where a location detection system generally includes an elongate body defining a lumen at least partially along a length of the elongate body. One or more sensors are positioned near or at a distal tip of the elongate body and one or more openings are defined along the elongate body in proximity to the one or more sensors. The one or more openings are configured to control a boundary distance between the one or more sensors and a fluid with a parameter of a known initial value when emitted from the one or more openings. A controller is in communication with the one or more sensors and is configured to track a change in the parameter relating to concentration over the one or more sensors and determine a position of the one or more sensors within a body.