Catheter Rotation Feedback System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters often become twisted or tangled during medical procedures due to excessive rotation in the same direction, leading to maneuvering difficulties and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures and displays the cumulative rotation angle of a catheter using magnetic or acceleration sensors, alerting the physician when it exceeds a threshold and recommending a direction to reduce entanglement, thereby preventing excessive rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the physician repeatedly rotates the catheter in the same direction to navigate or adjust viewing angle, then the catheter can be maneuvered to achieve desired positioning, but the catheter body and cables become twisted and entangled causing difficulty in maneuvering and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the cumulative rotation angle of the catheter and provides real-time feedback to the physician through visual displays and audible alerts. When the rotation angle approaches a predefined threshold that may cause entanglement, the system warns the physician, enabling proactive adjustment of manipulation to prevent catheter damage while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Loss of information
If fluoroscopic marker components are added to the catheter distal end to provide enhanced fluoroscopic visibility and twist direction information, then the physician can visually monitor catheter orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluoroscopic marker systems with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and digital processing. These sensors electronically detect catheter orientation and rotation, with results processed by a controller that displays information on a user interface, eliminating the need for physical markers while providing more precise and versatile data.
3Reliability
If a turn limiter is added to the catheter proximal end to allow limited rotation without axial dislocation, then excessive rotation and entanglement are prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically monitors catheter rotation in real-time and provides adaptive feedback based on current rotation state. Unlike static mechanical limiters, the electronic system allows full rotation freedom while continuously tracking the cumulative angle and providing context-aware warnings only when approaching dangerous thresholds, enabling the physician to maintain operational freedom while preventing entanglement through informed decision-making.
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
Reduces catheter twisting and entanglement, preventing damage and improving maneuverability by providing real-time feedback on rotation angles and preferred directions.
Implementation Method 1
In an example embodiment, the cumulative rotation angle is measured using a magnetic position sensor that is fitted in the distal end of the catheter.
Implementation Method 2
In an alternative embodiment, the cumulative rotation angle is measured using a magnetic position sensor or an acceleration sensor that is fitted in the proximal end of the catheter, e.g., in the catheter handle.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method includes, while an operator of an elongated probe, having proximal and distal ends, manipulates the proximal end so as to move the distal end within a body of a patient, automatically measuring a cumulative angle of rotation that is applied by the operator to the proximal end. An indication of the cumulative angle of rotation is presented to the operator.