Intravascular Device Navigation Using Impedance Tissue Contact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular procedures, such as LAA occlusion, rely heavily on fluoroscopy and iodine-based contrast, which pose health risks and are undesirable for patients and medical personnel.
Innovation Solution
A medical navigation system using a delivery device with multiple electrodes to determine the position and contact of an intravascularly delivered device, such as an LAA occlusion device, by measuring impedance and generating real-time navigation guidance, reducing the need for fluoroscopy and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy and iodine-based contrast are used during LAA occlusion procedures, then real-time imaging guidance and anatomical visualization are achieved, but patient and personnel exposure to harmful radiation and nephrotoxic substances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based mechanical imaging system with an electrical field-based navigation system. Electrodes mounted on the intravascular device measure impedance and electrogram signals to determine device position and orientation within the LAA, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while providing equivalent spatial information for procedural guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical impedance and electrogram signals as intermediary measurements to infer device position and orientation. By measuring impedance between electrodes on the device and reference electrodes on the body surface, the system derives anatomical location information without direct visual imaging, thereby avoiding contrast injection and radiation exposure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple electrodes and navigation systems are added to the delivery device, then fluoroscopy and contrast injection are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the delivery device: the same electrodes serve both for electrical stimulation during ablation and for navigation/positioning through impedance measurement. The delivery catheter itself acts as both the transport mechanism and the measurement platform, eliminating the need for separate navigation hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the navigation system components directly into the delivery device structure. Electrodes that would traditionally be separate navigation tools are integrated onto the delivery catheter and occlusion device, merging the delivery and navigation functions into a single unified system that reduces procedural steps and device complexity
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
Enhances procedural safety by minimizing the use of fluoroscopy and contrast, allowing precise navigation and deployment of intravascular devices while providing quantitative pressure feedback and standardized deployment metrics.
Implementation Method 1
monitor impedance corresponding to the at least one indicator electrode based on the electrode data
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for guidance for navigation and positioning of intravascularly delivered devices. A medical navigation system includes a delivery device comprising a catheter, an intravascularly delivered device configured to be releasably disposed in the catheter for deployment and implantation at a target site of a patient, and a navigation computer system. The intravascularly delivered device includes a plurality of electrodes including at least one indicator electrode and at least one reference electrode configured to not contact tissue when the intravascularly delivered device is deployed at the target site. The navigation computer system is configured to be electrically coupled with the plurality of electrodes. The navigation computer system controls a drive source to transmit current to the plurality of electrodes, collects electrode data corresponding to the plurality of electrodes, monitors impedance corresponding to the indicator electrode, and determines that the indicator electrode has made contact with tissue.