Multi-Functional Catheter Sensor for Accurate Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters without magnetic position sensors rely on Active Current Location (ACL) systems, which are less accurate compared to magnetic position sensors for tracking catheter location due to their reliance on impedance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional sensor unit integrated on catheters, featuring an outer coil with exposed windings that can measure physiologic signals, sense tissue proximity, and detect magnetic fields, allowing for accurate location tracking without driving current and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ACL systems are used to track catheter location, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic position sensing and physiologic signal sensing into a single integrated coil structure. The coil serves dual purposes: detecting magnetic fields for position tracking and sensing tissue impedance for physiologic measurements, eliminating the need for separate ACL components while maintaining high measurement precision through magnetic field-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The coil is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a magnetic position sensor, a tissue impedance sensor, and a physiologic signal amplifier. This multi-functional design replaces dedicated ACL components while improving measurement accuracy through the superior precision of magnetic field detection
2Measurement precision
If dedicated magnetic position sensor coils are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic position sensing coil and physiologic signal sensing electrode into a single integrated structure. The same coil windings detect both magnetic fields for position tracking and electrical signals from tissue, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall device complexity while preserving high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated coil performs multiple sensing functions simultaneously - magnetic field detection for position, tissue impedance measurement for proximity detection, and physiologic signal amplification. This universal sensor design reduces system complexity by replacing multiple dedicated sensors with one multi-functional unit
3Ease of operation
If ACL systems are used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ACL impedance-based position tracking system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The integrated coil detects magnetic fields for position determination, providing superior measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automatic sensing without requiring external current injection or complex impedance calculations
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
The multi-functional sensor unit enhances accuracy in tracking catheter location and tissue proximity, replacing individual sensors and reducing system complexity by integrating multiple functions into a single unit, thereby improving the precision of catheter positioning and physiologic signal measurement.
Implementation Method 1
electrical signals (e.g. current and/or voltage signals) output from the coil which are induced by a known magnetic flux from a generated magnetic field acting on the coil
Implementation Method 2
The coil has an inductive impedance that is determined by the coil geometry and a secondary impedance determined by the environment to which the exposed windings are exposed
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for a medical probe having one or more coils with at least two exposed winding portions. The one or more coils can be configured to output 1) electrocardiogram (ECG) signals received at the at least two exposed windings, and 2) signals indicative of environmental impedance/conductance in the vicinity of the at least two exposed windings. The one or more coils can further be configured to determine a position of the sensor based on magnetic field, determine a curvature of the sensor, directionally measure environmental impedance/conductance, and/or measure temperature. Insulated portions of the one or more coils can be interleaved with the at least two exposed winding portions. The sensor can be integral to a catheter or guide wire.