Rotational Imaging Catheter Twist Mitigation With Dynamic Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotational imaging devices in catheters, such as IVUS systems, experience torsional energy buildup leading to twisting and kinking, which can cause procedural complications and image distortions during intravascular imaging.
Innovation Solution
A rotational imaging system with a processor and memory that dynamically controls the motor drive unit (MDU) to mitigate torsional energy by adjusting motor speed, acceleration, or engaging a brake in response to detected energy buildup, using image frame correlation to identify and reduce torsional energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging device is rotated while the catheter is distally advanced through tortuous or restricted anatomy, then cross-sectional views of the patient's anatomy can be captured, but the imaging device may bind causing the core to wind up with torsional energy leading to twisting and kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors torsional energy levels in the core and provides feedback to the motor drive unit. When torsional energy exceeds a threshold, the system automatically adjusts motor parameters or engages a brake to reduce rotation speed, preventing further twisting and kinking while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The motor drive unit dynamically adjusts rotation speed and acceleration based on real-time torsional energy measurements. The system transitions from constant speed rotation to variable speed control, engaging the brake when necessary to mitigate torsional buildup and prevent structural damage
2Productivity
If the imaging device is rotated while the catheter is distally advanced through tortuous or restricted anatomy, then cross-sectional views can be captured, but distortions are introduced into the images
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors torsional energy and provides feedback to control the motor drive unit, ensuring that rotation occurs within parameters that maintain image quality. When torsional energy approaches thresholds that would cause distortion, the system automatically reduces rotation speed or pauses rotation to prevent image degradation
3Productivity
If the motor drive unit continues rotating at high speed, then imaging productivity is maintained, but torsional energy buildup increases causing twisting and kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic braking intervals during rotation. The motor drive unit rotates at high speed for imaging acquisition, then periodically engages the brake for brief periods to dissipate torsional energy, creating a cyclic pattern of rotation and braking that prevents cumulative twisting while maintaining overall imaging productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time monitoring of torsional energy provides feedback to the motor drive unit, enabling dynamic adjustment of rotation speed. When torsional energy exceeds thresholds, the system automatically reduces speed or engages the brake, creating a closed-loop control system that balances productivity with harm prevention
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed towards recovering from the buildup of torsional energy in a rotational imaging device. The disclosure can automatically, or dynamically, change characteristics (e.g., speed, acceleration, current, etc.) of a motor drive unit (MDU) coupled to the rotational imaging device to reduce torsional energy in the device. Further, the disclosure can engage a brake coupled to the MDU to reduce torsional energy in the device.