Electrocatheter Positioning via Evoked Potential Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the positioning of electrocatheters or electroneedles in the nervous system for electrical therapies are uncertain and subjective, leading to potential risks due to variable sensitivity and incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a system for emitting an electric testing current and a reading device to objectively determine the correct positioning by translating patient responses into evoked potentials, allowing for precise localization and feedback during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical testing stimulation is used to verify electrode positioning, then the positioning can be checked before therapy, but the sensitivity and accuracy vary from patient to patient based on personal characteristics, leading to uncertain effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses evoked potential readings as objective feedback to confirm correct electrode positioning. The reading device detects neural responses and provides quantitative feedback to the operator, eliminating subjective judgment and ensuring reliable positioning verification across different patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical/sensory assessment method with an objective electrical measurement system. Instead of relying on patient sensation and doctor judgment, the system uses electrical evoked potential measurements to objectively determine electrode positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If the electrical testing stimulation magnitude is increased to ensure patient response, then the positioning can be verified more reliably, but the patient's well-being is placed at risk due to potentially excessive stimulus magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through evoked potential readings, allowing the operator to verify correct positioning at low, safe stimulation magnitudes. The objective feedback eliminates the need to increase stimulus magnitude to ensure patient response, as the electrical readings provide reliable confirmation at physiologically safe levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The evoked potential reading device acts as an intermediary between the stimulation electrode and the patient's neural tissue. It provides indirect measurement of positioning accuracy through detected neural responses, allowing verification without applying excessive direct stimulation to the patient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrical testing stimulation magnitude is reduced to ensure patient safety, then the patient's well-being is protected, but the effectiveness of positioning verification decreases due to insufficient patient response
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces reliance on subjective patient sensation with objective electrical measurement. This substitution allows effective positioning verification at low stimulation magnitudes, as the electrical evoked potential readings provide reliable data even when patient response is minimal or absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The evoked potential reading system provides sensitive feedback that can detect correct positioning even with low-magnitude stimulation. The objective electrical feedback compensates for the reduced stimulus magnitude, maintaining verification reliability while ensuring patient safety.
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 apparatus ensures accurate and reliable positioning of the electrocatheter or electroneedle, reducing the risk of incorrect placement and enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent therapies by providing objective feedback and refining the positioning process.
Implementation Method 1
The reading device is able to provide at least one reading of at least one response generated in a patient by the electrostimulation with the electrocatheter or electroneedle through the testing current
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for electrical therapies includes at least one electrocatheter, or an electroneedle, and at least one power supply device capable of electrically supplying the electrocatheter or electroneedle with at least one current suitable for carrying out at least one therapy. The apparatus includes at least one system for testing whether at least one desired point of application of the electrocatheter or electroneedle has been reached in the body of a patient. The testing system includes at least one device for emitting an electric testing current with which to electrically supply the electrocatheter or electroneedle before the start of the therapy, and at least one reading device, capable of providing at least one reading of at least one response generated in the patient by the electrostimulation with the electrocatheter or electroneedle through the testing current.