Catheter Tip Positioning via ECG Signal Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of a catheter tip, particularly central venous catheters, are either radiation-intensive, costly, and time-consuming, or limited in accuracy, posing health risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method using ECG signals derived from both body surface and internal electrodes, with coordinate transformation and signal processing to determine the catheter tip's position relative to a coordinate system, eliminating the need for radiation and reducing apparatus complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray is used to detect catheter tip position, then position determination accuracy is improved, but radiation load on patient and personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the x-ray imaging system with an electrical field-based detection system. Instead of using ionizing radiation to visualize the catheter tip, the invention uses electrodes to detect electrical potentials generated by the catheter tip's interaction with body tissues, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining position determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical potentials as an intermediary between the catheter tip and the detection system. The catheter tip generates electrical potentials through its interaction with conductive body tissues, and these potentials are detected by surface electrodes, serving as a non-radiative intermediary that carries position information
2Measurement precision
If x-ray apparatus is used for position determination, then measurement accuracy is improved, but apparatus complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of position detection from the complex x-ray system. Instead of using complete x-ray imaging apparatus, the invention extracts only the necessary electrical potential detection capability, using simple surface electrodes that can be integrated with existing ECG monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection system universal by using the same electrode infrastructure already present for ECG monitoring. The existing ECG electrodes serve dual purposes: cardiac monitoring and catheter tip position detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning apparatus
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrocardiographic method is used to check catheter position, then radiation load is reduced, but position determination accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the traditional one-dimensional ECG waveform analysis to two-dimensional spatial mapping. By placing multiple electrodes at known positions on the body surface and measuring their respective potentials, the system can calculate the catheter tip's position in three-dimensional space through geometric relationships, thereby improving precision while maintaining radiation-free operation
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, accurate, and cost-effective position determination of catheter tips, reducing health risks and operational costs while improving precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least one first electrical voltage between a first electrode pair and detecting a second electrical voltage between a second electrode pair
Implementation Method 2
determining different transformed first ECG signals and different transformed second ECG signals for different transformation angles of the respective coordinate axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a position of a catheter tip of a catheter, more particularly of a central venous catheter, in the body of a patient, a medical system equipped to carry out such a method, and the use of the method in catheterization.