Dynamic Spring Modeling for Real-Time Catheter Shape Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modeling techniques for invasive medical probes, such as catheters, fail to accurately depict their changing shapes within moving organs like the heart due to computational complexity and lack of real-time adaptation to dynamic forces and boundary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computationally efficient dynamic mass-spring model (DMS) is employed to calculate the time-dependent shape of a probe inside a cavity, such as a cardiac catheter, by representing sections as first springs and external forces as second springs, solving coupled equations of motion to meet time-varying boundary conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing modeling techniques are used to depict probe shapes, then computational accuracy can be maintained, but computational complexity increases and real-time visualization is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple discrete segments or links along its length, with each segment represented by spring elements. This segmentation allows the complex continuous probe structure to be modeled using discrete computational elements, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining shape accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The modeling approach changes from complex continuous mechanics models to simplified spring-based discrete models with fewer parameters. By representing probe sections as springs with defined stiffness properties rather than solving full continuum mechanics equations, computational complexity is reduced while retaining essential shape characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If existing modeling techniques are used, then detailed shape information can be obtained, but real-time adaptation to dynamic forces and boundary conditions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The model transitions from static to dynamic by incorporating time-varying boundary conditions and forces. The spring-based segmented model can rapidly adapt to changing conditions in real-time, allowing the probe shape to be continuously updated as forces and boundary conditions change during cardiac catheterization procedures.
3Productivity
If computationally efficient models are used, then real-time visualization is achieved, but modeling accuracy for complex probe behaviors may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Complex continuum mechanics models are substituted with simplified spring-mechanical models. The spring elements capture the essential elastic behavior of the probe without requiring computationally intensive continuum mechanics calculations, enabling real-time visualization while maintaining sufficient accuracy for medical applications.
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 real-time visualization of the probe's shape within a beating heart, reducing computational complexity and allowing broader deployment of diagnostic catheter-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
representing sections of the probe as first springs, representing external forces acting on the sections as second springs, and solving a set of coupled equations of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving time-varying boundary condition values measured for a probe inside a cavity of an organ of a patient. A time-dependent shape of the probe is calculated by (a) representing sections of the probe as first springs, (b) representing external forces acting on the sections as second springs, and (c) solving a set of coupled equations of motion, for the first springs and the second springs, so as to meet the time-varying boundary condition values. The shape is presented to a user.