Medical Catheter with Ultrasound Sensor Array for Lumen Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical catheters face challenges in entering the branches of the venous system, especially the distal branches, due to the difficulty in visualizing and navigating through the complex and narrow lumens.
Innovation Solution
A new medical catheter design featuring a sensor array at the distal end for real-time imaging of the inner wall contour, a coaxial rotating device for precise alignment and channel establishment, and a fixation device for stabilizing the catheter within the lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DSA (Digital Silhouette Technology) is used for catheter positioning, then the relative position between the interventional device and patient's body can be determined, but doctors and patients are exposed to ionizing radiation for a long time causing hidden damage to health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray-based DSA imaging system with an intracavity ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound sensor array at the distal end of the catheter transmits ultrasonic waves to detect tissue structures, eliminating the need for continuous X-ray exposure while maintaining real-time imaging capability for catheter positioning and navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging modality (ultrasound) between the catheter and the tissue structures. The ultrasound sensor array acts as a mediator that can penetrate tissue and provide real-time images of the catheter's position relative to anatomical structures, replacing the direct X-ray imaging approach.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic navigation is used to determine catheter position, then the spatial position of the device can be determined, but it cannot directly image the patient's tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functional systems into a single catheter: (1) the electromagnetic navigation system for spatial position determination through frequency matching of electromagnetic coils, and (2) the intracavity ultrasound imaging system for direct tissue visualization. The sensor array at the distal end provides real-time ultrasound images while the electromagnetic coils provide positional navigation, combining both capabilities in one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality to simultaneously perform navigation and imaging. The distal end incorporates both electromagnetic coils for position determination and an ultrasound sensor array for tissue imaging, allowing the single device to fulfill multiple functions that were previously required separate systems.
3Measurement precision
If intracardiac echocardiography is used to visualize tissue contours, then precise visualization of heart tissue can be achieved, but the ultrasonic array has a great number of sensors and large volume that cannot be used in narrow and rugged lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the ultrasound sensing function at the distal tip of the catheter rather than using a large array throughout the catheter body. The sensor array is localized to the distal end where it can effectively image the immediate tissue environment, providing high-resolution local imaging without requiring a large overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is segmented into functional zones: the proximal portion for manipulation and control, and the distal portion containing the ultrasound sensor array for imaging. This segmentation allows the imaging function to be isolated to a small, manageable region at the tip while keeping the rest of the catheter slender and navigable through narrow lumens.
4Measurement precision
If DSA is used to provide projections for catheter positioning, then the target site can be visualized by spraying radiopaque liquid, but it cannot have a complete presentation of the structure of spatially distributed branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional projection imaging (DSA) to three-dimensional intracavity ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound sensor array at the distal end of the catheter captures images from multiple angles as the catheter navigates through the vasculature, providing volumetric visualization of spatially distributed branches and their three-dimensional relationships, which cannot be obtained from planar projections alone.
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 design significantly reduces the complexity and time required for surgical operations, enhances the accuracy of device placement, and increases the success rate of accessing branch veins, improving both patient and doctor safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor array can be an array of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals for detecting the inner wall contour of the lumen or cavity
Implementation Method 2
A coaxial rotating device, which can rotate independently relative to other parts of the catheter, has a through hole connected to and in communication with the outside of the catheter
Implementation Method 3
A fixing device is used to fix the relative position of the distal end of the catheter and the inner wall of the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A medical catheter (1) comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end comprises a sensor array (32) used for displaying a lumen inner wall (51); a coaxial rotation device, with a through hole in communication with the proximal end of the catheter (1). The through hole is for establishing a channel between a target bifurcated lumen (52) and the catheter distal end (1). A lumen internal fixing device (13) is provided for fixing relative positions of the catheter distal end (1) and the lumen inner wall (51), so as to ensure the stability of establishing a channel between the bifurcated lumen (52) and the catheter proximal end (1). The medical catheter detects the structure and distribution of the lumen (51) in a human body, and can conveniently guide an operator to probe into the target bifurcated lumen (52) to satisfy the requirements of a surgical operation.