ICE Catheter Radiopaque Component Layout for Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound catheters lack the ability to indicate the orientation of the ultrasound array within the body, limiting the doctor's ability to relate radiographic and ultrasound images effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radiopaque electronic components in an asymmetric pattern at the distal portion of the ultrasound catheter, allowing orientation determination through radiographic imaging, and integrating a computing device to co-register ultrasound and radiographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiopaque markers are added to indicate catheter orientation, then orientation determination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) are designed to serve dual purposes: performing their essential electrical functions in the ultrasound catheter circuit while simultaneously acting as radiopaque markers for orientation determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate orientation markers, resolving the contradiction by improving orientation capability without adding device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electronic components within the catheter self-serve as radiopaque markers. Rather than requiring additional dedicated markers, the electronic components that must already be present for circuit functionality automatically provide the orientation indication capability when arranged in asymmetric patterns, thus improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are arranged in asymmetric pattern for orientation indication, then orientation determination capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are placed in asymmetric patterns to serve dual purposes: electrical circuit functionality and orientation indication. Since these components must be present regardless for circuit operation, their asymmetric arrangement provides orientation information without requiring additional manufacturing steps or precision beyond what is already needed for functional circuit 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
Enables accurate orientation determination of the ultrasound catheter within the body, facilitating precise alignment of ultrasound images with radiographic views.
Implementation Method 1
Electronic components implemented in the circuits, such as a resistors and/or capacitors include metallic and/or electron dense material that make them radiopaque or visible within a radiographic image
Implementation Method 2
An ICE catheter typically includes an array of transducers at the distal portion of the catheter and a plurality of signal wires connecting the array to an imaging console. The array may be flat, curved, annular or may have any other configuration. The same transducers or separate transducers may be used to generate and receive echoes from the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an imaging device for imaging within a body of a patient. The imaging device comprises a flexible elongate member and an imaging assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly comprises an array of imaging elements and a plurality of electronic components configured to perform an electrical function associated with imaging within the body of the patient using the array of imaging elements. Each of the plurality of electronic components is radiopaque such that the plurality of electronic components comprises a radiopaque pattern at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. A method of imaging within a patient body comprises receiving a radiographic image representative of an ultrasound imaging device positioned within the patient body and determining an orientation of the ultrasound imaging device using a radiopaque pattern of a plurality of electronic components in the radiographic image.