Catheter Shape Mapping with Impedance–Magnetic Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for determining the position and orientation of catheters, such as electrophysiology catheters, suffer from errors due to shift and drift in impedance measurements, leading to distorted representations of the catheter shape due to non-linear data and medication changes, making accurate positioning challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize both impedance and magnetic position measurements to determine the shape of a catheter by calculating angles between electrodes on the flexible tip portion, transforming impedance data into a magnetic domain, and predicting the catheter shape using a magnetic position sensor, thereby compensating for shifts and drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance measurements are used to determine catheter position, then the catheter shape can be visualized, but errors due to shift and drift occur leading to distorted representations
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic position sensor is introduced as an intermediary measurement system to complement impedance measurements. The magnetic sensor provides stable position data that is not affected by impedance drift, serving as a reference to correct and stabilize the catheter shape representation while maintaining visualization capability.
2Ease of operation
If impedance data is used directly, then catheter shape determination is straightforward, but non-linear data causes distortion in the rendered shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct use of non-linear impedance data with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnetic position sensor provides linear, accurate spatial coordinates that directly represent catheter shape without the non-linear distortion inherent in impedance-based calculations, improving rendered shape accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Accurately determines the catheter shape by compensating for shifts and drift, providing a reliable visual representation of the catheter's flexible tip portion and overall shape, enhancing the precision of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a magnetic position measurement from a magnetic position sensor disposed on a shaft of the catheter
Implementation Method 2
receiving a plurality of impedance measurements from a plurality of electrodes disposed on a flexible tip portion of the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for determining a shape of a catheter. The method can include receiving a plurality of impedance measurements from a plurality of electrodes disposed on a flexible tip portion of the catheter. The method can include receiving a magnetic position measurement from a magnetic position sensor disposed on a shaft of the catheter. The method can include determining a relationship between each of the plurality of electrodes disposed on the flexible tip portion of the catheter, based on the impedance measurements received from the plurality of electrodes. The method can include predicting a shape of the flexible tip portion of the catheter, based on the determined relationship between each of the plurality of electrodes disposed on the flexible tip portion of the catheter. The method can include determining a shape of the catheter, based on the magnetic position measurement and the predicted shape of the flexible tip portion.