Catheter Transitional Woven Layer for Radiation-Free Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters used in electrophysiological procedures often rely on radiation-based visualization methods, which expose patients and clinicians to radiation, and lack efficient tracking mechanisms for catheter positioning and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring an elongated shaft with a longitudinally extending inner member and a support member comprising a proximal woven portion, a distal woven portion, and an intermediate nonwoven portion, with an electrode and a lead conductor system that allows for impedance-based tracking without radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for visualization during electrophysiological procedures, then catheter positioning and manipulation can be visualized, but patient and clinician exposure to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiation-based fluoroscopy system with an impedance-based tracking system. Electrodes on the catheter tip detect impedance changes in response to electric fields generated by the mapping system, allowing real-time tracking of catheter position and orientation without radiation exposure. This substitution eliminates the harmful radiation factor while maintaining the measurement precision of catheter positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that uses electric fields and impedance measurements as a mediator between the catheter and the visualization system. Instead of directly visualizing the catheter through radiation, the system uses impedance signals as an intermediary to infer catheter position, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while preserving positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are included in catheters for navigation-enabled tracking, then catheter location and orientation can be tracked, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic sensor component from the catheter design and replaces it with simpler impedance-based electrodes. The tracking function is achieved through electrodes that measure impedance changes in response to external electric fields, eliminating the need for complex magnetic sensors, power sources, and signal processing circuits while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive electrodes as tracking elements instead of complex, expensive magnetic sensors. These electrodes are integral to the catheter shaft and provide sufficient tracking capability without the complexity and cost of magnetic sensor systems, aligning with the principle of using simple disposable-like components when adequate for the function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If impedance-based tracking is used instead of fluoroscopy, then radiation exposure is eliminated, but tracking capability requires electrodes and electric fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the catheter electrodes serve multiple functions: they act as both the therapeutic/sensing element for the electrophysiological procedure and the tracking element for location monitoring. The same electrodes that detect cardiac signals also measure impedance changes for tracking, eliminating the need for separate tracking components and reducing overall system complexity while eliminating radiation exposure.
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 catheter enables accurate tracking and positioning of catheters during electrophysiological procedures without radiation exposure, enhancing procedural safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a support member disposed on the longitudinally extending inner member
Implementation Method 2
Impedance-based catheters use electrodes in the presence of electric fields to track the catheters
Implementation Method 3
a lead conductor disposed within the tube and electrically coupled to the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter comprises a shaft defining a lumen and having a distal section. The shaft includes an inner member and a support member disposed on the inner member. The support member includes a proximal woven portion and a distal woven portion separated by an intermediate nonwoven portion. The distal woven portion includes an outer surface. The proximal woven portion is coupled to the distal woven portion by interconnecting threads of the intermediate portion. The shaft further includes an electrode on the distal section of the shaft, a tube extending along the shaft, and a lead conductor disposed within the tube and electrically coupled to the electrode. The tube extends radially underneath the proximal woven portion, extends on the outer surface along the distal woven portion, and extends from underneath the proximal woven portion to the outer surface at the intermediate nonwoven portion through the interconnecting threads.