Integrated Catheter Visualization for Collapsed Lung Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive medical procedures face challenges in providing sufficient imaging capabilities to accurately identify target tissue locations, especially when the target is obscured by anatomical passageways, leading to difficulties in verifying biopsy results and performing procedures like ablation or cryotherapy.
Innovation Solution
A medical system comprising a flexible catheter with lumens, an imaging probe, and a positioning system that allows for real-time visualization and stable positioning of ultrasound transducers relative to the target anatomy, using balloons to seal and collapse lung passageways for clear ultrasound imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimally invasive medical device is used to reach target tissue through natural orifices or incisions, then patient recovery time and tissue damage are reduced, but the device does not provide sufficient imaging capabilities to identify the target tissue location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (imaging, sealing, and surgical instrument delivery) into a single integrated catheter system. The catheter includes an imaging probe with ultrasound transducers, a sealing device with balloons, and lumens for surgical instruments, all merged into one device that can be inserted through a single access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform imaging, sealing, and surgical procedures through a single access point. The imaging probe provides visualization capabilities, the sealing device can collapse passageways, and multiple lumens allow delivery of various surgical instruments, making the device universal for multiple procedural needs.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If imaging capabilities are added to the minimally invasive device, then target tissue location can be identified, but the device size increases and may not fit through natural orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging probe is nested within the catheter structure, and the sealing device is integrated within the same catheter system. The ultrasound transducers are positioned within the catheter lumen, allowing the imaging functionality to be contained within the existing catheter footprint rather than requiring separate external equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are deployed through the catheter to perform procedures, then comprehensive treatment can be provided, but the catheter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens, each capable of receiving different surgical instruments. This segmentation allows multiple instruments to be delivered through a single catheter while maintaining the ability to independently control and position each instrument within its designated lumen.
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 accurate real-time localization and visualization of target tissue, ensuring precise execution of procedures such as biopsies and reducing the need for repeated positioning and lung collapse.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more imaging elements include one or more ultrasound transducers
Implementation Method 2
the sealing device seals the anatomic passageways at a sealing location using one or more balloons
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a minimally invasive procedure includes activating a sealing device of a flexible catheter to seal anatomic passageways. The flexible catheter comprises a plurality of first lumens to receive a working catheter and an imaging probe. The method includes determining a position of a distal portion of the flexible catheter, the imaging probe, or the working catheter while the imaging probe is within a first of the plurality of first lumens, the working catheter is within a second of the plurality of first lumens, and the imaging probe and the working catheter extend through the sealing device. The method includes collapsing a portion of the passageways using a third of the plurality of first lumens, one or more second lumens in the working catheter, or one or more third lumens in the imaging probe and capturing an image in the collapsed portion.