Endoscope Cable Shielding Catheter for EMI Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic endoscopes face challenges in reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and conductively coupled noise due to size constraints and increased costs associated with existing noise reduction methods, such as twisting conductors or adding EMI shielding, which can compromise image quality and patient safety.

Innovation Solution

The use of a braided or mesh catheter for EMI shielding and a non-conductive medium to surround electronic cables, along with an antenna to redirect noise, provides effective noise reduction without increasing device size or cost, while maintaining flexibility and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If twisting conductors together is used to reduce EMI coupling, then noise reduction is achieved, but cable bulk increases making it infeasible for small-diameter endoscopes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI couplingVSAvoidcable bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical twisting of conductors with a non-contact electromagnetic shielding approach using conductive fluid and grounded shields. Instead of mechanically altering cable structure through twisting, the invention uses electromagnetic field interaction with conductive saline and grounded shielding elements to achieve noise reduction without increasing cable bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces conductive saline as an intermediary medium between the EMI sources and the signal conductors. The saline acts as a shield by providing an alternative conductive path for electromagnetic interference, preventing direct coupling between external EMI sources and the signal cables while maintaining a compact cable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If EMI shielding is added to reduce noise coupling, then noise reduction is achieved, but device cost increases particularly for disposable endoscopes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise couplingVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the patient's own bodily fluids (saline) as the EMI shielding medium. The conductive properties of the saline automatically provide noise reduction without requiring additional manufactured shielding components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive EMI shielding materials and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining effective noise coupling reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If thin walls are used to reduce endoscope size, then device flexibility and size are improved, but fluid impermeability decreases allowing noise-carrying fluid to contact cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendoscope sizeVSAvoidfluid impermeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of fluid leakage through thin walls into a beneficial shielding mechanism. Instead of viewing fluid contact with cables as purely detrimental, the invention leverages the conductive properties of the leaked fluid to create an EMI shield around the cables, transforming the reliability issue into a functional advantage for noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This solution effectively reduces airborne and conductively coupled noise, enhancing image quality and patient safety by isolating cables from environmental noise and fluids, while being cost-effective and feasible for use in small-diameter endoscopes.

Implementation Method 1

The use of a braided or mesh catheter for EMI shielding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

a non-conductive medium to surround electronic cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

an antenna to redirect noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3708062B1Signal transmission components for use with medical devices

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

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AI summary

The present invention discloses a medical imaging system including a control unit; an endoscope including an elongate member extending between a proximal end and a distal end and being operably connected to the control unit, the endoscope further comprising one or more lumens extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate member; one or more electronic cables extending within the one or more lumens, each cable comprising at least one conductor and surrounding insulation; a shielding catheter enclosing the one or more electronic cables and being formed of a material suitable for shielding electromagnetic interference; and an antenna positioned near the one or more electronic cables and extending the length of the one or more electronic cables to redirect conductively coupled airborne electromagnetic interference from said electronic cables to the antenna.