Inflatable Catheter Sensor Stabilization for Biomagnetism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomagnetism measurement devices face limitations in precision due to the weak biomagnetism they can measure and potential inaccuracies from SQUID fluxmeter twisting during catheter insertion, making it difficult to accurately diagnose disordered areas in the spine and other deep tissues.
Innovation Solution
A biomagnetism measurement device with a tubular body and inflatable portion, where the magnetic sensor is fixed to the inner wall of the inflatable portion, made of the same material with a thinner wall thickness, and designed with elliptic cross-sections to prevent twisting, allowing for precise detection of magnetic fields along constant directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a SQUID fluxmeter is contained in the front end of a catheter to measure magnetism closer to the spine, then measurement precision is improved, but the SQUID fluxmeter may twist during insertion causing measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable balloon as a flexible shell structure to support the SQUID fluxmeter. The balloon can be inflated to a predetermined shape after insertion, providing structural support to prevent twisting of the sensor while maintaining flexibility during insertion. This resolves the contradiction by enabling close proximity measurement without compromising measurement accuracy through twisting.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter structure transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a stabilized state after inflation. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined shape to provide dynamic structural support, changing the mechanical properties of the catheter from flexible to rigid at the sensor location, thereby preventing twisting while maintaining ease of insertion.
2Ease of operation
If a biomagnetism measurement system measures biomagnetism from outside the body, then the procedure is simple and convenient, but the measurement precision is limited due to extremely weak biomagnetism detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable balloon as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between external measurement convenience and internal measurement precision. The balloon is inserted into the body cavity and inflated to position the SQUID fluxmeter close to the target organ, thereby mediating between the convenience of external measurement and the precision of internal measurement without requiring invasive surgical procedures.
3Measurement precision
If an electrode is placed in the vicinity of the spine during operation or a catheter electrode is transdermally inserted, then nerve function measurement accuracy is improved, but the procedure imposes tremendous burden and may damage the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic field sensor (SQUID fluxmeter) as a non-contact alternative to direct electrical electrode contact. Instead of placing electrodes that require puncture and direct contact with neural tissues, the system copies the functional measurement capability using magnetic field detection, thereby achieving similar measurement accuracy without the harmful effects of invasive electrode insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical electrode contact system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The SQUID fluxmeter detects magnetic fields generated by neural activity without requiring physical contact or puncture of the spine, substituting a non-contact magnetic measurement approach for the invasive electrical measurement approach.
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 and convenient diagnosis of disordered areas without the need for invasive procedures, allowing for rapid identification of affected areas using magnetic markers, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor portion for detecting a magnetic field from outside the tubular body, the magnetic sensor portion being fixed to an inner wall of the inflatable portion
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable portion inflatable upon supply of gas, the inflatable portion being located at a required region of the tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
A biomagnetism measurement device includes a tubular body, an inflatable portion inflatable upon supply of gas, and a magnetic sensor portion that detects a magnetic field from outside the tubular body. The inflatable portion is located at a required region of the tubular body, and the magnetic sensor portion is fixed to an inner wall of the inflatable portion. The tubular body and the inflatable portion include the same material, and the wall thickness of the inflatable portion is thinner than that of the tubular body.