Impedance-Based Electrode Positioning Without Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of imaging devices like fluoroscopes for electrode position identification in medical procedures is costly, requires extensive training, and exposes personnel to ionizing radiation, limiting the number of facilities capable of performing certain procedures.
Innovation Solution
A position sensing unit (PSU) system that generates a voltage and calculates impedance to determine electrode position within a patient, eliminating the need for external imaging devices by creating a map to guide electrode placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopes are used for electrode position identification, then imaging capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (fluoroscope) with an electrical measurement system (impedance sensing). Instead of using X-ray imaging to locate electrodes, the system uses impedance measurements between electrodes and body surface contacts to calculate electrode positions mathematically, substituting a complex imaging device with simpler electrical sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the anatomical space using impedance-based positioning data. Rather than directly imaging the physical space with fluoroscopy, the system constructs a computational model (map) of electrode positions and anatomical landmarks based on electrical impedance measurements, allowing navigation through this virtual representation.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopes are used for electrode position identification, then imaging capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, capital-intensive fluoroscopy equipment with simpler, lower-cost impedance sensing components. The system uses basic electrical measurement circuits and computational algorithms that can be implemented in facilities without major imaging equipment investments, making the technology accessible to smaller or less wealthy healthcare facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (fluoroscope) with an electrical measurement system (impedance sensing). Instead of using X-ray imaging to locate electrodes, the system uses impedance measurements between electrodes and body surface contacts to calculate electrode positions mathematically, substituting a complex imaging device with simpler electrical sensing components.
3Measurement precision
If fluoroscopes are used for electrode position identification, then imaging capability is improved, but radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the body's natural electrical properties (impedance) into a beneficial positioning mechanism. Instead of introducing harmful ionizing radiation, the system utilizes the body's inherent electrical characteristics to enable electrode localization, turning a passive physiological property into an active navigation tool that avoids harmful exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (fluoroscope) with an electrical measurement system (impedance sensing). Instead of using X-ray imaging to locate electrodes, the system uses impedance measurements between electrodes and body surface contacts to calculate electrode positions mathematically, substituting a complex imaging device with simpler electrical sensing components.
4Measurement precision
If fluoroscopes are used for electrode position identification, then imaging capability is improved, but training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the anatomical space using impedance-based positioning data. Rather than directly imaging the physical space with fluoroscopy, the system constructs a computational model (map) of electrode positions and anatomical landmarks based on electrical impedance measurements, allowing navigation through this virtual representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (fluoroscope) with an electrical measurement system (impedance sensing). Instead of using X-ray imaging to locate electrodes, the system uses impedance measurements between electrodes and body surface contacts to calculate electrode positions mathematically, substituting a complex imaging device with simpler electrical sensing components.
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
This solution reduces costs, eliminates the need for protective clothing and radiation exposure, and allows more facilities to perform procedures without the need for expensive imaging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The system can determine the location of an electrode by generating a voltage in a patient and calculating a impedance at the electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
An area of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of an area or volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of an imaging device. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.