Guidewire Tip Tracking Inside Catheters Using Image and Encoder Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in endovascular interventions is the inability to accurately track the location of the guidewire tip within a catheter, leading to potential blood coagulation and vessel damage due to the opacity of the catheter obscuring the guidewire tip, and the risk of rapid advancement causing vessel perforation.

Innovation Solution

A system is developed to track coaxial elongated devices using a controller that receives images and encoding data from a motor-driven inner and outer devices, estimating the guidewire's location within the catheter by determining the positions of the outer device and using encoding data to overlay visual cues on the X-ray image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic field distribution is used to determine device location, then location information can be obtained, but the orientation and location of elongated devices like catheter shafts cannot be accurately determined due to their extended nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to elongated devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated device is divided into multiple discrete sensing locations along its length. Each sensing location independently measures electromagnetic field distribution, and these individual measurements are then integrated to determine the overall orientation and position of the entire device, enabling accurate tracking of extended structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from measuring electromagnetic fields at a single point to measuring fields across multiple spatial dimensions along the elongated device. By collecting electromagnetic field data at multiple sensing locations distributed along the device length, the system can calculate both position and orientation in three-dimensional space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensing locations are used along the elongated device, then orientation and location can be determined, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation and location determinationVSAvoidnumber of sensing locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single electromagnetic sensing assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be positioned at different locations along the elongated device, and each position provides data for both orientation and location determination. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for completely separate sensing systems at each location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing assembly is replicated at multiple discrete locations along the elongated device. Each sensing location contains a copy of the essential sensing components, allowing independent measurement at each position while maintaining consistency across the device length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the elongated device is flexible and bendable, then it can navigate body passages, but the relationship between sensed electromagnetic field distribution and device orientation becomes indeterminate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and navigabilityVSAvoidorientation determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elongated device is segmented into multiple discrete sensing locations, each capable of independent orientation measurement. By measuring electromagnetic field distribution at multiple segments rather than assuming a rigid structure, the system can determine the actual bent configuration and calculate orientation at each segment relative to the applied field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to the dynamic, flexible nature of the elongated device by continuously measuring electromagnetic fields at multiple locations along its length. The orientation calculation accounts for the device's flexible configuration by using the spatial distribution of field measurements across the bent structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 monitoring of the guidewire tip location, preventing blood coagulation and vessel damage by providing real-time visual feedback, thereby enhancing the safety and accuracy of endovascular procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic sensing assembly at a distal end of the elongated device to sense an electromagnetic field distribution at a plurality of discrete sensing locations along a length of the elongated device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4633513B1Elongated device tracking
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4633513B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4633513B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4633513B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for tracking coaxial elongated devices in anatomy includes a controller comprising a first interface and a second interface. The coaxial elongated devices comprise an outer elongated device and an inner elongated device driven by a motor. The first interface is configured to receive images including at least one of the outer elongated device or the coaxial inner elongated device. The second interface is configured to receive encoding data representative of the driving of the coaxial inner elongated device by the motor. The controller is configured to receive image including at least one of the outer elongated device, the coaxial inner elongated device being retracted within the outer elongated device; receive the encoding data; determine positions of the outer elongated device; and estimate locations of the coaxial inner elongated device retracted within the outer elongated device based on the positions of the outer elongated device and the encoding data.