Catheter Distal Tip Alignment Under Physiological Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for medical devices, such as catheters, struggle to maintain accurate orientation towards targets within the body due to movements caused by physiological forces like respiration and cardiac function, which are not adequately addressed by current position-maintaining technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in the catheter, coupled with a drive mechanism and computing device, determines the orientation of the catheter relative to a target using IMU signals and physiological force data, and adjusts the catheter's articulation to maintain alignment with the target despite movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a catheter is navigated to a desired location using navigation systems, then the catheter can reach the target area, but the position of the catheter becomes unstable due to physiological movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors catheter position using an electromagnetic tracking system and compares it against the desired target location. Real-time feedback signals are processed to automatically adjust catheter positioning, compensating for physiological movements and maintaining accurate alignment with the target throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning adjustments are replaced with an automated control system that uses electromagnetic field-based tracking and computational algorithms. The system substitutes manual operator intervention with automated real-time position correction based on digital image processing and tracking data
2Measurement precision
If real-time imaging is used to guide catheter navigation, then accurate target localization is achieved, but the complexity of the navigation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: real-time imaging, electromagnetic tracking, 3D rendering, and automated position control all operate within one system framework. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate independent systems while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic tracking system serves as an intermediary between the physical catheter and the imaging system. This intermediary layer processes position data from multiple imaging modalities and translates them into actionable control signals, simplifying the integration of real-time imaging guidance without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 system effectively maintains the distal tip of the catheter oriented towards the target, compensating for physiological movements, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of medical procedures by ensuring the catheter remains aligned with the intended treatment site.
Implementation Method 1
a catheter including an inertial measurement unit (IMU), the IMU configured to generate signals relating to movement of the distal portion of the catheter
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method and system of correcting alignment of catheter relative to a target including receiving signals from an inertial measurement unit located at a distal end of a catheter, determining movement of the distal end of the catheter caused by physiological forces, receiving images depicting the distal end of the catheter and the target, identifying the distal end of the catheter and the target in the images, determining an orientation of the distal end of the catheter relative to the target and articulating the distal tip of the catheter in response to the detected movement to achieve and maintain an orientation towards the target such that a tool extended from an opening at the distal end of the catheter would intersect the target.