Echogenic Multilayer Catheter for Ultrasound Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy, pose challenges including radiation exposure, limited soft tissue visibility, and the need for expensive equipment, which hinder the precise positioning of medical devices within patients for delivering implantable medical devices or therapeutic agents.

Innovation Solution

The development of medical devices with echogenic regions that use ultrasound for positioning, featuring a multilayer structure with echogenic metallic or ceramic materials dispersed in the second layer to diffusely scatter soundwaves, allowing for accurate placement of medical devices without the drawbacks of traditional imaging methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluoroscopy imaging is used to position medical devices, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure and equipment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fluoroscopy (electromagnetic radiation-based imaging) with ultrasound imaging. The echogenic regions on the delivery catheter reflect ultrasound waves, enabling visualization during ultrasound-guided procedures. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation while maintaining real-time imaging capability for device positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces echogenic regions as intermediary elements on the delivery catheter. These regions serve as reflectors for ultrasound waves, acting as mediators between the ultrasound imaging system and the catheter structure. This allows the catheter to be visualized during ultrasound procedures without requiring fluoroscopy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If fluoroscopy imaging is used to position medical devices, then positioning accuracy is improved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive fluoroscopy equipment with ultrasound imaging equipment. Ultrasound machines are generally less costly and more widely available than fluoroscopy systems. The echogenic regions enable compatibility with standard ultrasound equipment, reducing the need for specialized expensive imaging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If fluoroscopy is used for imaging, then device positioning is achieved, but soft tissue visibility is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice positioningVSAvoidsoft tissue visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes fluoroscopy with ultrasound imaging, which inherently provides superior soft tissue visualization. Ultrasound waves penetrate soft tissues effectively and provide real-time imaging of anatomical structures, blood flow, and tissue characteristics that are invisible or poorly visible on fluoroscopy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The echogenic regions serve as ultrasound reflectors that enhance visualization of the catheter position relative to surrounding soft tissues. By reflecting ultrasound waves, these regions create clear interfaces between the catheter and soft tissue structures, improving the overall visibility and information content of the ultrasound image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise positioning of medical devices using ultrasound, reducing radiation exposure and equipment costs while providing a strong support structure resistant to bursting and tearing, facilitating effective delivery of medical devices or therapeutic agents.

Implementation Method 1

The echogenic region may include an echogenic metallic or ceramic material dispersed in the second layer. The echogenic region may be configured to diffusely scatter a soundwave.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSoundwave scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20220192630A1Echogenic multilayer medical device

Publication Date: 2022.06.23 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A medical device having an echogenic region facilitate guiding the medical device to a selected location within a patient using ultrasound. The medical device includes a first layer having a first polymer. The first layer defines an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and defines a lumen extending longitudinally within the elongate body. The medical device further includes a second layer having a second polymer. The second layer is disposed on and radially adjacent to the first layer and defines the echogenic region. The echogenic region includes the second polymer and an echogenic metallic or ceramic material dispersed in the second polymer. The echogenic region is detectable using ultrasound imaging.