Impedance-Based 3D Position Sensing Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensing systems for objects within the body require complex setups with multiple sensors and electrodes, making them cumbersome and difficult to operate in medical procedures, especially for real-time three-dimensional imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a single probe with one or more electrodes and up to three body-surface electrodes to measure impedance, allowing for real-time determination of three-dimensional position coordinates by passing electrical currents through the body, simplifying the setup and reducing the number of required electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple body surface electrodes (6-7 patches) are used for impedance-based position sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position sensing function from the complex multi-electrode system and concentrates it in a single internal probe. By taking out the sensing capability from the body surface electrodes and placing it in the internal probe, the system achieves accurate 3D position sensing with only 3 body surface electrodes, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The internal probe acts as an intermediary element that enables position sensing without requiring multiple body surface electrodes. The probe measures impedance between its electrodes and the 3 body surface electrodes, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system configuration while maintaining accurate position detection capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple body surface electrodes with wires are required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the operational burden of connecting multiple body surface electrodes by extracting the sensing function to the internal probe. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision while dramatically simplifying the setup process in the hospital setting, as only 3 electrodes need to be placed on the body surface
Solution Approach 2:
The internal probe performs the sensing function independently, eliminating the need for complex external wiring and multiple body surface electrodes. The probe self-services the position detection task by measuring impedance directly, making the system easier to operate without sacrificing measurement accuracy
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 efficient and simplified real-time position sensing within the body, reducing the complexity of medical procedures by using fewer electrodes and providing accurate three-dimensional coordinates for applications like cardiac mapping and ablation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring respective characteristics of the currents passing through the plurality of the locations; and determining position coordinates of the probe responsively to the measured characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A method for position sensing includes inserting a probe comprising at least one electrode into a body of a subject, and passing electrical currents through the body between the at least one electrode and a plurality of locations on a surface of the body. Respective characteristics of the currents passing through the plurality of the locations are measured in order to determine position coordinates of the probe.