Distributed Location Sensor for Catheter Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of magnetic field-based position sensors in medical devices limits the induced voltage, making repeatable and accurate location computations challenging due to inadequate signal quality and competition for space in medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed location sensor system using a plurality of location sensing coils electrically connected in series, allowing for increased design flexibility in placement without compromising signal quality, with the effective magnetic center positioned in occupied spaces such as fluid delivery lumens or irrigation passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sensor size is miniaturized, then the device can be more compact and fit better in medical devices, but the induced voltage becomes inadequate for accurate location computations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single location sensor into multiple distributed coils arranged in a specific geometric pattern. Each coil generates a portion of the induced voltage, and their combined effect produces a stronger overall signal than a single miniaturized coil would provide, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling compact sensor design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple coils into a distributed sensor array where the individual coil signals are integrated to produce a collective induced voltage. This merging of multiple small sensing elements creates an equivalent signal strength to a larger single sensor while maintaining the miniaturized form factor needed for medical device integration
2Measurement precision
If a single large coil is used, then the induced voltage is sufficient for accurate location computations, but the design flexibility for component placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into multiple distributed coils that can be placed in various locations within the medical device. This segmentation allows each coil to be positioned in spaces that would be unavailable to a single large coil, providing design flexibility while maintaining sufficient signal quality through the combined output of all coils
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point sensing approach to a distributed spatial arrangement of multiple coils. By distributing sensors across multiple dimensions and locations within the device, the system achieves both adequate signal strength and the design flexibility to accommodate other critical components in the medical device
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 and repeatable location computations by maintaining signal strength and flexibility in sensor placement, overcoming the limitations of miniaturized single-coil sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field position sensor includes a generally cylindrical coil that transforms an applied magnetic field into an induced voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter configured for use with a magnetic field-based localization system includes a distributed location sensor that includes a plurality of individual location sensing coils electrically connected in series. The distributed location sensor has an effective magnetic center based on the individual characteristics of each location sensing coil. The effective magnetic center can be located in a space occupied by another structure such as an irrigation fluid delivery tube. The plurality of individual location sensing coils are generally smaller, thereby easing placement, and collectively, when connected in series, output a relatively strong and noise-free signal.