Catheter Tip Position Detection Using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the position of a catheter tip part within the body due to ultrasonic wave attenuation and nonuniform sonic velocity in tissues, which affects the precision of tip part position information display on ultrasonic image data.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a catheter signal detection unit that acquires frequency modulated continuous wave signals from multiple transducers and a position detection unit to calculate the catheter tip part's position based on these signals, minimizing the impact of tissue attenuation and sonic velocity nonuniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If broadband ultrasonic pulses are used for catheter tip detection, then the detection method can work independent of catheter material and shape, but the higher frequency components suffer from larger ultrasonic attenuation in body tissues, causing waveform deformation and making it difficult to accurately measure arrival times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ultrasonic wave type from broadband pulses to frequency modulated continuous waves (FMCW). This allows maintaining detection versatility while improving measurement precision through the characteristics of FMCW signals that are less susceptible to attenuation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional pulse-based detection method with a frequency modulated continuous wave method. This substitution enables accurate distance measurement through frequency difference analysis rather than arrival time measurement, overcoming the waveform deformation problem caused by tissue attenuation.
2Loss of information
If broadband ultrasonic pulses are transmitted to detect catheter position, then position information can be obtained, but the waveform deformation due to tissue attenuation makes it difficult to accurately measure arrival times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the arrival time measurement method with a frequency difference measurement method using FMCW. This replacement maintains the ability to obtain position information while significantly improving measurement reliability by avoiding the waveform deformation issue that affects arrival time measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency modulation intermediary mechanism where the distance information is encoded in the frequency difference between transmitted and received FMCW signals. This intermediary approach preserves position information while eliminating the reliability problems associated with direct arrival time measurement in attenuating media.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional ultrasonic imaging is used to observe catheter, then the catheter can be observed to a certain extent, but the small diameter of general catheters (2-3 mm) makes it impossible to observe with enough accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the catheter to serve itself by mounting a transducer on the catheter tip that actively transmits and receives ultrasonic FMCW signals. This self-service approach allows precise position detection of small-diameter catheters that would otherwise be invisible to conventional imaging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transducer mounted on the catheter tip that acts as a mediator between the catheter and the detection system. This intermediary enables accurate position detection of small-diameter catheters by providing active signal transmission and reception capabilities directly at the catheter location.
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 method enables precise detection and display of catheter tip part position information, enhancing the accuracy and safety of diagnostic and treatment procedures by reducing waveform deformation and noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
plural ultrasonic transducers arrayed two-dimensionally for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an object
Implementation Method 2
a catheter signal detection unit configured to acquire a reception signal of a frequency modulated continuous wave from reception signals from at least three of said plural ultrasonic transducers
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes plural ultrasonic transducers, a catheter signal detection unit and a position detection unit. The plural ultrasonic transducers are arrayed two-dimensionally for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an object. The catheter signal detection unit is configured to acquire a reception signal of a frequency modulated continuous wave from reception signals from at least three of the plural ultrasonic transducers. The frequency modulated continuous wave is transmitted from a catheter inserted in the object. The position detection unit is configured to detect a position of the catheter based on the acquired reception signal of the frequency modulated continuous wave.