Intrabody Catheter Tracking via Electrical Field Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking intrabody catheters, particularly during cardiac procedures like intra-cardiac ablation, face challenges in achieving accurate navigation and control without the use of X-ray based image guidance, which is undesirable due to radiation concerns and inaccuracy issues with non-fluoroscopic methods.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method and system that physically track catheter coordinates using electrical fields, correcting them with simulated coordinates generated from anatomical imaging data and dielectric parameter values, allowing for precise navigation and contact force estimation through real-time impedance measurements and machine learning correlations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-fluoroscopic tracking methods are used, then radiation exposure is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simulation environment as an intermediary between the physical catheter and the tracking system. The simulation model incorporates dielectric properties of body tissues and uses measured electrical field data to generate simulated catheter positions, which are then used to correct and refine the actual catheter position tracking, thereby achieving high accuracy without radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/X-ray based tracking system with an electrical field-based measurement system. Instead of using fluoroscopic imaging, the system measures electrical field distortions caused by the catheter's presence and uses these measurements to calculate position through simulation and correction algorithms
2Measurement precision
If physical tracking using electrical fields is performed, then positioning data is obtained, but accuracy deteriorates due to tissue heterogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used in the simulation model to match actual tissue conditions. By incorporating patient-specific dielectric properties from imaging data and adjusting simulation parameters to reflect real tissue heterogeneity, the system improves the reliability of position tracking through more accurate simulation-based corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where measured electrical field data is continuously compared with simulated expectations, and the differences are used to correct the position tracking. This iterative feedback process improves both accuracy and reliability by adapting to actual tissue conditions
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 approach enhances the accuracy of catheter positioning to within +/-1 millimeter, improving the precision of ablation procedures by iteratively updating simulations with real-time data, reducing radiation exposure, and providing clinically relevant contact force feedback.
Implementation Method 1
Three substantially orthogonal alternating signals are applied through the patient, directed substantially toward the area of interest to be mapped, such as patient's heart
Implementation Method 2
A voltage is sensed between the catheter tip and a reference electrode, preferably a surface electrode on the patient, which voltage signal has components corresponding to the three orthogonal applied current signals
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a computerized method of tracking a position of an intra-body catheter, comprising: physically tracking coordinates of the position of a distal portion of a physical catheter within the physical body portion of the patient according to physically applied plurality of electrical fields within the body portion and measurements of the plurality of electrical fields performed by a plurality of physical electrodes at a distal portion of the physical catheter; registering the physically tracked coordinates with simulated coordinates generated according to a simulation of a simulated catheter within a simulation of the body of the patient, to identify differences between physically tracked location coordinates and the simulation coordinates; correcting the physically tracked location coordinates according to the registered simulation coordinates; and providing the corrected physically tracked location coordinates for presentation.