Reusable Catheter Processing Unit with Automatic Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in providing a user-friendly and reliable method for processing and calibrating measurement data from catheters with minimal deviations due to variations in balloon shapes and sensor arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit that is detachably connected to a catheter, capable of recognizing the catheter via an identifier code, retrieving calibration data from a database, and calibrating measurement data using a microprocessor, allowing for reusable use across different catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a processing unit is designed to work with multiple catheters of different types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for catheter recognition and calibration data retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is designed as a universal device that can interface with multiple types of catheters through automated recognition systems. The unit retrieves calibration data from remote databases based on catheter identifiers, enabling a single processing unit to handle diverse catheter configurations without requiring separate dedicated processing units for each catheter type.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface serves as an intermediary between the processing unit and external databases or memory systems. This intermediary enables the processing unit to access calibration data remotely without needing to store all possible catheter calibration data locally, thereby reducing the processing unit's internal complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If calibration data is stored locally in the processing unit, then processing speed is improved, but loss of information increases as storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data is extracted from the processing unit and stored externally in remote databases or memory systems. The processing unit only stores minimal identification data about catheters, while the actual calibration parameters are retrieved from external sources. This extraction eliminates the storage capacity constraint within the processing unit while maintaining fast access to calibration data through direct retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration data is pre-stored in external databases before being needed during procedures. When a catheter is connected and identified, the corresponding calibration data is already available in the database and can be retrieved immediately, eliminating the need for the processing unit to maintain large local storage capacities while ensuring rapid data access.
3Device complexity
If manual calibration methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user error and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is automated through self-service mechanisms where the processing unit automatically identifies the connected catheter, retrieves the appropriate calibration data from external databases, and performs calibration without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates user error and time consumption associated with manual calibration while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit continuously monitors the catheter connection status and automatically triggers the appropriate calibration routine based on the identified catheter type. This automated feedback loop ensures that the correct calibration data is applied without manual input, improving both precision and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a processing unit (1) configured to be connected to a catheter (2) in a releasable fashion and configured to exchange data with at least one of: a component of the catheter (20), a database (60), a computer network (6), a computer device (5), wherein the processing unit (1) comprises an integrated circuit (10a) for processing said data.