Fiber Optic Oximetry Tracking for Radiation-Free Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular guidance methods for medical devices like guidewires and catheters rely on fluoroscopic methods, exposing patients and clinicians to harmful radiation and contrast media, and electromagnetic tracking systems are prone to interference and limited depth range.
Innovation Solution
A system using optical fibers with reflective gratings to track the placement and navigation of medical instruments within the vasculature, providing oximetry data and 3D shape sensing, which avoids radiation exposure and interference by using optical fiber technology to detect oxygen levels and monitor blood flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic methods are used for tracking medical devices, then real-time visualization of device tip placement is achieved, but patients and clinicians are exposed to harmful X-ray radiation and contrast media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic/fluoroscopic tracking systems with an optical fiber-based sensing system. Optical fibers with distributed sensors (such as fiber Bragg gratings) are embedded within the medical device to directly measure position, orientation, and physiological parameters through optical principles rather than external electromagnetic fields, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries that are integrated into the medical device structure itself. These optical fibers act as both the structural component and the sensing element, transmitting optical signals to convey information about device position and physiological conditions without requiring external radiation sources or contrast media
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic tracking systems are used to avoid radiation exposure, then radiation-free tracking is achieved, but the systems are prone to electromagnetic interference and signal drop out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic field-based tracking with optical fiber-based sensing. Optical fibers use light propagation and optical modulation principles that are inherently immune to electromagnetic interference from external sources such as cellular phones and other electronic devices, ensuring stable and reliable tracking signals throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sensing system is self-contained within the medical device, with the optical fiber both transmitting light and sensing its own deformation and physiological parameters. This self-integrated approach eliminates dependence on external electromagnetic field generators and sensors, removing the vulnerability to external electromagnetic interference
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic tracking systems are used, then line-of-sight reliance is avoided, but the systems are limited to a specific depth range and require external sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds optical fiber sensors directly within the medical device structure, allowing the sensing capability to extend throughout the entire length of the device including deep intravascular segments. This integrated approach eliminates the depth limitations of external electromagnetic sensors and removes line-of-sight requirements, as optical fibers can transmit signals through the device wall and function in confined intravascular spaces
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 and interference-free tracking of medical instruments within the vasculature, reducing radiation exposure and improving navigation accuracy by providing real-time oxygen level and blood flow direction information.
Implementation Method 1
the system is configured to detect oxygen levels of blood within a vasculature of a patient
Implementation Method 2
embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems, apparatus and methods for obtaining oximetry data (such as oxygen level) and, optionally, three-dimensional (3D) information (reflected light) corresponding to a trajectory and/or shape of a medical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system, apparatus and method directed to placing a medical instrument in a vasculature of a patient body, including an optical fiber with one or more core fibers. The system can include a console having non-transitory computer-readable medium storing logic that, when executed, causes operations of providing an incident light signal to the optical fiber, receiving a reflected light signal of the incident light, wherein the reflected light signal is reflected from at least one of red blood cells or tissue within the patient body, processing the reflected light signal to determine an oxygen level within the patient body near a distal tip of the optical fiber. The method may further include determining a location of the distal tip of the optical fiber within the patient body at least based on the oxygen level.