Catheter Pathway Deviation Alerts Using Adjustable Anatomical Boundaries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter placement methods lack accuracy and convenience, particularly in determining deviations from the intended pathway, leading to potential patient harm due to improper placement, and existing tracking technologies are cumbersome or inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A configurable medical device placement system that includes a location transmitter, detector devices, and a computing system to provide real-time feedback on catheter position relative to user-defined anatomical landmarks and boundaries, adjusting sensitivity and alert settings based on user expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray machines are used to verify catheter placement, then placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to machine size, unavailability, and transport requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of catheter tracking from the complex X-ray system by using a simplified electromagnetic coil receiver that can be positioned directly on the patient's body surface. This removes the need for large, complex X-ray machines while maintaining placement verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field system between the catheter (with transmitter) and the external receiver. This intermediary field-based communication enables real-time tracking without requiring direct line-of-sight imaging like X-rays, eliminating the need for complex imaging equipment.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray machines are used to verify catheter placement, then placement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to delays in initiating feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of catheter position through continuous electromagnetic field transmission and reception. This eliminates the discontinuous, periodic nature of X-ray imaging, allowing immediate verification without delays while maintaining constant awareness of catheter status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary real-time feedback during the catheter insertion process itself, allowing the provider to verify placement immediately upon completion. This eliminates the need to wait for separate X-ray verification steps, enabling immediate initiation of feeding or further intervention.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray machines are used to verify catheter placement, then placement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience of transport and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification function from the immobile, transport-intensive X-ray machine and relocates it to a portable receiver that can be positioned directly on the patient's body. This makes the system as portable as the patient bed, eliminating transport inconvenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal tracking system that can be used across multiple locations (bedside, home care, mobile units) without requiring dedicated X-ray rooms. The same electromagnetic field-based system provides verification capability anywhere the patient is located, making the system universally applicable and easily operable in diverse settings.
4Measurement precision
If electromagnetic coil locating receiver is used, then catheter tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to large device size and lack of adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the electromagnetic receiver directly at the specific location where the catheter tip is needed for verification. This localized approach eliminates the need for large, cumbersome receivers, as only a small sensor element is required at the specific measurement point rather than a large comprehensive scanning system.
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, user-adjustable guidance during catheter insertion, reducing the risk of improper placement by providing real-time alerts and customizable boundary settings, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a location transmitter configured to transmit a signal related to a position of the distal end of the medical device
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector device configured to receive information related to the patient's body and the location transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable pathway deviation indication system for medical device placement includes one or more user-adjustable pathway boundaries and an indication activated upon reaching or breaching of any of the pathway boundaries. The system may include a medical device configured to be inserted into a patient; a location transmitter configured to transmit a signal related to a position of the medical device; and a detector device configured to receive information related to the patient's body and the location transmitter. The system may be operatively coupled to the location transmitter and the at least one detector device. The system may further include a display and a computing system comprising one or more processors and or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The system can display the position of the location transmitter; determine if the position of the location transmitter reaches any pathway boundaries; and provide the indication when the pathway boundary is breached and/or approached.