Electrical Sensor Array for Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for interventional medical devices in patients, such as catheters or endoscopes, face challenges in providing accurate real-time location data without exposing patients to harmful radiation and are complex to implement, often relying on incomplete 2D imaging and requiring repeated ionizing radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of electrical sensors on the medical device to generate feedback signals, which create an electric image of the local volume, allowing real-time tracking and navigation by analyzing these signals relative to anatomical datasets without the need for ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray based technology (CT) is used to provide global roadmap of devices, then position information is obtained, but patient is exposed to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces x-ray based mechanical/electromagnetic imaging systems with an electrical sensing system that measures electrical signals (impedance, voltage, current) to determine device position. Electrical sensors detect electrical properties of tissues to create anatomical maps and track device locations without ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure device position. Instead of directly imaging the device with x-rays, the system uses electrical sensors to detect electrical properties of surrounding tissues, which serve as intermediaries to infer device location and orientation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If 2-dimensional fluoroscopy is used to reduce radiation exposure, then radiation dose is reduced, but position information in third dimension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging to 3-dimensional spatial mapping by using multiple electrical sensors arranged in arrays. The system measures electrical signals from multiple sensor elements and uses signal processing to reconstruct three-dimensional device positions and orientations, adding the missing spatial dimension without requiring additional radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the 2D fluoroscopic imaging system with an electrical sensing system that inherently provides 3D spatial information through multi-element sensor arrays and electrical signal analysis, eliminating the need for repeated radiation exposure to update positional data.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic tracking systems are coupled with 2-dimensional fluoroscopy to provide three-dimensional tracking, then position information is obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anatomical mapping function and device tracking function into a single electrical sensing system. The same electrical sensors that detect tissue electrical properties for creating anatomical maps also detect device position and orientation, eliminating the need for separate magnetic tracking hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical sensing system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it creates anatomical maps by detecting tissue electrical properties and tracks device position and orientation by detecting changes in electrical signals. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized tracking systems.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic tracking systems are used to provide absolute position, then position data is obtained, but real-time feedback is not provided and repeated radiation exposure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical sensing system provides continuous real-time monitoring of device position by continuously measuring electrical signals from the sensor arrays. The system updates device location and anatomical map information continuously during the procedure without requiring repeated radiation exposure, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the intervention.
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 tracking and navigation of medical devices within the patient's anatomy, reducing radiation exposure and improving diagnostic and treatment precision by providing relative positional information in three dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical sensor disposed along the interventional medical device to receive electrical signals available to the interventional medical device when deployed within the subject during the medical procedure and generate a feedback signal based on the received electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking a position of an interventional medical device configured to be deployed into a subject during a medical procedure. An anatomical dataset of the subject is acquired while at least one electrical sensor is disposed along the interventional medical device. A feedback signal is generated from the electrical sensor and is processed and analyzed to identify positional information of the interventional medical device. A position of the interventional medical device with respect to the anatomical dataset is identified and the position of the interventional medical device with respect to the anatomical dataset is shown on a display.