Flexible Circuit Coils for Tracking Inflatable Instrument Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems struggle to accurately determine the configuration and size of inflatable or balloon portions of instruments during procedures due to their changing shape and spacing, which affects the precision of navigation and tracking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible conductor or coil on the surface of the inflatable portion that senses electromagnetic fields, allowing for the determination of the instrument's configuration and size by generating signals based on the changing shape and spacing, which are then processed to display the position and configuration on a display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking device is positioned on a proximal portion of the instrument, then the tracking system can determine the location of the instrument, but the tracking precision of the distal end or working end deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking function into multiple segments by placing separate tracking devices at different locations on the instrument (proximal tracking device on the handle and distal tracking device on the balloon). This segmentation allows each tracking device to independently track its local position, and the system combines these measurements to accurately determine the position of the distal end, thereby resolving the contradiction between having a simple tracking setup and achieving high tracking precision at the working end.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inflatable portion changes shape and size during the procedure, then the instrument can perform various procedures, but the tracking accuracy deteriorates due to changing configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tracking by continuously monitoring the position of both the proximal and distal tracking devices as the balloon inflates and deflates. The system dynamically adjusts the calculation of the distal end position based on the real-time configurations of both tracking devices, allowing accurate tracking throughout the entire range of motion and shape changes of the inflatable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from both proximal and distal tracking devices to continuously update and refine the position calculation of the distal end. By comparing the positions of both tracking devices and using this feedback information, the system maintains high tracking accuracy even as the balloon configuration changes during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If a flexible conductor is placed on the surface of the balloon, then the tracking device can track the location and configuration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distal tracking device serve multiple functions: it tracks both the location and the configuration/shape of the balloon. By using the same distal tracking device for both purposes, the system avoids adding separate sensors or devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving comprehensive monitoring of the balloon's position and shape changes.
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 tracking and display of the inflatable portion's configuration and size, enhancing navigation accuracy and user understanding during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible coil is configured to sense the electromagnetic field generated with the field generating coil and generate a signal based on the sensed electromagnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for determining a location and configuration of an expandable member. A flexible coil can be provided on a shape changing portion, such as an expandable portion, to measure a signal as the shape changes.