Fluoroscopic Markers for Single-View Catheter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode systems for delivering energy or stimulus to body tissues lack effective methods for determining the precise orientation of electrodes within the body, particularly in vascular environments, which can lead to suboptimal delivery of therapeutic energy to target nerves.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluoroscopically visible markers and features on electrode carrying members allows practitioners to determine the correct circumferential and longitudinal positioning of electrodes within blood vessels, enabling accurate alignment and orientation against the vessel wall for effective neuromodulation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to facilitate correct positioning of electrodes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases due to need for multiple views
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple struts (first strut, second strut, third strut) with distinct marker arrangements on each. This segmentation allows each strut to have unique positioning characteristics that can be independently identified on a single fluoroscopic view, enabling precise orientation determination without requiring multiple imaging angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Different struts are equipped with asymmetric marker patterns - the first strut has markers at specific positions, the second strut has a different marker arrangement, and the third strut has yet another configuration. These asymmetric patterns create unique silhouettes on fluoroscopic imaging, allowing the practitioner to determine the rotational orientation and spatial arrangement of electrodes from a single view.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluoroscopic views are used to determine electrode orientation, then positioning precision is improved, but the time required for the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The markers are pre-configured on the struts in specific patterns before the procedure begins. This preliminary arrangement of asymmetric marker patterns allows the practitioner to determine electrode orientation directly from a single fluoroscopic view without needing to perform multiple imaging angles or complex post-procedure analysis, significantly reducing positioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers are designed to provide contrasting visual signals on fluoroscopic imaging through their asymmetric arrangements. Different strut configurations create distinct visual patterns that can be immediately identified on the fluoroscopic display, enabling rapid orientation determination without time-consuming multiple views or complex image processing.
3Ease of operation
If asymmetric marker patterns are used on different struts, then ease of operation is improved for single-view positioning, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple struts, with each strut independently equipped with specific marker patterns. This segmentation allows the asymmetric marker arrangements to be applied to individual struts rather than the entire catheter, simplifying the manufacturing process by enabling modular assembly where each strut can be manufactured and marked separately before final assembly.
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 approach enables precise positioning of electrodes, ensuring effective delivery of therapeutic energy to target nerves, thereby improving the efficacy of treatments for conditions like heart failure by ensuring the electrodes are correctly positioned against the posterior wall of the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
fluoroscopically visible markers and features on electrode carrying members allows practitioners to determine the correct circumferential and longitudinal positioning of electrodes within blood vessels
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular catheter includes an electrode carrying member. The catheter includes features visible in the fluoroscopic image that allow the practitioner to determine the radial position of the electrode carrying member within a blood vessel, and to confirm that the electrodes are positioned at the desired part of the vessel wall (e.g. against the posterior surface) and at the desired position along the length of the vessel, all without re-orienting the fluoroscope during the course of electrode positioning within the vascular. The features are shaped, formed in patterns, or possess other properties selected so that the appearance of the features on the fluoroscopic image differs depending on the rotational orientation of the electrodes. This can thus be used by the practitioner to determine whether, for example, an electrode carrying member having the features is positioned on the anterior or posterior wall of the blood vessel in which the array is positioned.