Flexible Catheter Splines With Embedded Coils for Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-spline catheters require a large number of discrete magnetic sensors, making them costly and difficult to manufacture while accurately tracking spline positions within the body.
Innovation Solution
Integrate conductive traces on flexible printed circuit board ribbons to form coils along the splines, which output electrical signals in response to magnetic fields, allowing for accurate spline position derivation without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete magnetic sensors are used to track spline positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic sensing function with the structural support function by integrating coils directly into the spline elements themselves. Each spline incorporates conductive traces forming coils that serve dual purposes: providing structural integrity and generating magnetic signals for position tracking. This eliminates the need for separate discrete magnetic sensors attached to each spline, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coils integrated into the splines serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as part of the spline assembly and simultaneously function as magnetic sensors for position tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device architecture while achieving accurate spline position measurement.
2Measurement precision
If discrete magnetic sensors are used for each spline, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sensing function into the existing spline structure through integrated coils, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of assembling separate sensors onto each spline, the coils are formed as part of the spline fabrication process using conductive traces on flexible circuit boards, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical form and integration method of the sensing elements from discrete attached sensors to integrated conductive traces within the spline structure. This parameter change in integration approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of assembly operations required.
3Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensors are integrated into the catheter, then spline position tracking is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of coils into the spline structure eliminates the need for separate sensor components and their associated mounting hardware. This merging of functions reduces the total component count and associated costs, while the use of flexible circuit board technology provides a cost-effective method for implementing the magnetic sensing capability.
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
Enables accurate tracking of spline positions with reduced manufacturing costs by using integrated coils on flexible printed circuit board ribbons, enhancing the precision of medical procedures like mapping and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
conductive trace that is formed in at least one layer of the circuit board and is configured to define one or more coils, which are disposed along a length of an inner surface of the circuit board and are configured to output electrical signals in response to the magnetic fields
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Medical apparatus includes one or more magnetic field generators, which are configured to generate magnetic fields within a body of a patient. An invasive probe includes an insertion tube having a distal end, which is configured for insertion into the body, and a plurality of flexible splines configured to be deployed from the distal end of the insertion tube. Each spline includes a flexible, multilayer circuit board and a conductive trace that is formed in at least one layer of the circuit board and is configured to define one or more coils, which are disposed along a length of the spline and output electrical signals in response to the magnetic fields. A processor is coupled to receive and process the electrical signals output by the coils in order to derive respective positions of the flexible splines in the body.