Catheter Sensor Arrangement for Angle-Independent Flow Velocity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter technologies face challenges in accurately measuring blood flow velocity due to the dependency on the angle of incidence of ultrasound waves, leading to insufficient accuracy in determining blood flow velocity, especially in endovascular procedures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement comprising two semi-circular sensors positioned at the circumference of the catheter, with their flat parts parallel to each other, allowing for the determination of catheter alignment with respect to fluid flow by analyzing the difference between their measured signals, providing proportional flow velocity magnitude and orientation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound-based flow velocity measurement is used in catheters, then non-invasive blood flow velocity measurement is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to dependency on angle of incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The single ultrasound sensor is divided into multiple sensors (first sensor and second sensor) arranged at different positions around the catheter circumference. Each sensor provides velocity measurements from different angles, and by combining these segmented measurements, the system can calculate the true blood flow velocity independent of catheter orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from a single-dimensional (single sensor) measurement that is highly sensitive to angle, to a multi-dimensional (multiple sensors at different positions) measurement system. This dimensional expansion allows the system to resolve the velocity vector components and calculate the magnitude independent of the angle of incidence.
2Reliability
If single sensor arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to angle dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple sensors positioned at different locations around the catheter. This segmentation allows each sensor to capture velocity information from its specific angle, and the combination of these segmented measurements provides reliable, angle-independent velocity determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-sensor arrangement creates a universal measurement system that can accurately measure blood flow velocity regardless of catheter orientation. The system performs the same reliable measurement function across all angular positions, making it universally applicable without requiring precise positioning.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged around catheter circumference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter circumference is segmented into multiple sensor positions, with each segment (sensor) contributing to the overall velocity measurement. This segmentation enables accurate velocity determination through mathematical combination of the individual sensor readings while maintaining a systematic and manageable device structure.
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
This arrangement enhances the accuracy of blood flow velocity measurement, ensuring correct catheter alignment and improved diagnostic capabilities in vascular procedures by providing consistent and orientation-insensitive measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound is then reflected by the natural blood scatters and the measurements of the Doppler frequency shift or the time of flight are used to derive the fluid's velocity
Implementation Method 2
The catheters are equipped with a piezoelectric crystal that, when excited, can emit ultrasound
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for providing information of an alignment of a catheter is provided. The arrangement comprises a catheter (140). The arrangement comprises a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement comprises a first sensor (101) and a second sensor (102). The first and the second sensors are adapted to measure respective velocities of the fluid flow. The first and second sensors are arranged at a circumference of the catheter. The first and second sensors provide information such that an alignment of the catheter with respect to a direction of the fluid flow is determinable based on the respective velocities of the fluid flow measured by the first and second sensors.