Force-Sensing Catheter With Electromagnetic Clot Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating ischemic stroke lack accuracy in reaching blood clots and rely on harmful radiation for guidance, posing risks to patients.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing catheter with an electromagnetic transceiver and sensor system that provides precise clot location using frequency and power changes, combined with a spring for resistance, and a 3D anatomical mapping feature to guide clot retrieval without radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to track guidewire movement, then real-time imaging is achieved, but radiation exposure and tissue injury risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based optical imaging system with an electromagnetic sensing system. The guidewire incorporates electromagnetic sensors that detect anatomical landmarks and provide positional feedback through electrical signals rather than requiring continuous X-ray exposure. This substitution eliminates radiation while maintaining real-time tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic sensors as an intermediary between the guidewire and the imaging system. These sensors detect anatomical features and transmit positional information to the control system, serving as a mediator that provides real-time feedback without requiring direct fluoroscopic visualization, thereby eliminating radiation exposure.
2Ease of operation
If guidewire advancement relies on feel feedback, then device simplicity is maintained, but clot location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active feedback system where electromagnetic sensors on the guidewire continuously detect anatomical landmarks and provide real-time positional information to the control system. This feedback loop enables precise clot location determination while maintaining relative operational simplicity, as the system automatically processes sensor data to guide advancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical advancement tool and as a sensor platform. The electromagnetic sensors integrated into the guidewire structure allow it to perform both mechanical navigation and precise location detection functions, improving accuracy without significantly complicating the overall device operation.
3Reliability
If guidewire is advanced through false passages, then device robustness is tested, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic sensing system provides continuous feedback on guidewire position and anatomical context, enabling the control system to detect when the guidewire enters a false passage. This immediate feedback allows for real-time course correction, preventing time loss from retrying incorrect passages and reducing overall treatment time while maintaining device robustness.
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 accurate and safe removal of blood clots by eliminating radiation exposure and improving surgical precision, allowing real-time clot detection and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic transceiver can emit or receive a signal and is fixed to a proximal end of the sensing element. An electromagnetic sensor can receive the signal and is disposed at the distal end of the sensing element.
Implementation Method 2
A spring can be disposed between the transceiver and the sensor providing resistance to a proximal movement of the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A device can detect and retrieve a blood clot by advancing a catheter with a clot sensing element through a patient's vascular system. The catheter can map, using an electromagnetic sensor disposed at a distal end of the clot sensing element, the patient's vascular system. A force sensor can generate a position signal indicating the clot sensing element contacted the clot in the patient's vascular system. Once located, a blood clot retrieval device can be deployed through the catheter and a lumen in the clot sensing element to remove the clot from the patient's vascular system.