Catheter Tip Visualization Using Impedance-Based Wall Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter navigation during cardiac procedures relies heavily on fluoroscopy, which exposes patients and medical staff to radiation, and lacks effective visual guidance without radiation-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a distal end assembly with electrodes and position sensors to track impedance and proximity, providing a distorted virtual representation on a display to guide catheter steering away from heart walls, reducing reliance on fluoroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fluoroscopy is used for tracking catheter location, then real-time imaging and navigation capability is improved, but radiation exposure to patient and staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the heart chamber and catheter through computer-generated 3D models and real-time rendering. Instead of using fluoroscopy to directly visualize the catheter, the system creates a digital twin that replicates the anatomical structures and catheter position, allowing navigation guidance without additional radiation exposure beyond the initial mapping phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluoroscopy imaging system with a computational visualization system. Instead of using X-ray mechanics to track catheter position, the system uses electro-anatomical mapping data processed by computers to generate virtual representations, substituting physical radiation-based imaging with software-based visualization
2Ease of operation
If fluoroscopy is used for catheter navigation, then visual guidance is provided, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive electro-anatomical mapping and creates a complete 3D model of the heart chamber before catheter navigation begins. This preliminary action captures all necessary anatomical information in advance, allowing subsequent navigation to proceed using the pre-built virtual model without requiring continuous fluoroscopy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a detailed virtual copy of the heart chamber geometry and electro-anatomical properties before navigation. This pre-generated digital twin serves as the navigation guide, eliminating the need for real-time fluoroscopic imaging during catheter manipulation while maintaining visual guidance capability
3Measurement precision
If a distorted visual representation is displayed to guide catheter steering, then navigation precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D fluoroscopic images to a 3D virtual representation of the heart chamber and catheter. By adding the third dimension, the system provides more accurate spatial information about catheter position relative to anatomical structures, improving positioning precision while using computational methods to manage the complexity of 3D visualization
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 safer, more precise catheter navigation with reduced radiation exposure by offering real-time visual guidance, allowing for accurate positioning without extensive use of fluoroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining electrical information from a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end assembly of a catheter
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product, the method comprising: obtaining electrical information from a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end assembly of a catheter within a heart of a patient as the catheter is being maneuvered within the heart; dynamically identifying a portion of the distal end assembly that is displaced from tissue wall of the heart, based upon the electrical information received from the plurality of electrodes; generating a visual representation of the distal end assembly; dynamically distorting the visual representation by warping (the identified portion of the distal end assembly; and rendering the visual representation as dynamically distorted to the display device.