System and method for catheterization using an intraluminal electromagnetic working capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac catheterization techniques face challenges such as complications from long-distance navigation, vessel perforation, and the need for contrast dyes, which can cause allergic reactions and kidney issues, along with limitations in treating vascular narrowing and valvular pathologies.
Innovation Solution
An intraluminal magnetic capsule system using electromagnetic forces for navigation, equipped with cameras and working capsules for vascular interventions, including vessel dilation, plaque shaving, and stent implantation, and capable of treating valvular pathologies with adjustable and retractable valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional catheterization uses long-distance navigation through femoral or radial artery, then access to heart is achieved, but complications such as vessel perforation, thrombosis, and difficulty in navigation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical catheter pushing from distal access with electromagnetic capsule propulsion. A capsule containing magnetic beads is introduced into the vessel and propelled toward the heart using an external electromagnetic field generated by a coil system, eliminating the need for long-distance mechanical navigation through catheters and wires
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary carrier within the capsule. These magnetic beads interact with the external electromagnetic field to enable controlled propulsion of the capsule through the blood vessel, serving as a mediator between the external field and the capsule transport function
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If contrast dye is used during angiogram for visualization, then vascular anatomy is visualized, but allergic reactions and kidney damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contrast dye-based X-ray visualization with electromagnetic field-based capsule navigation and imaging. The capsule itself serves as the imaging platform, eliminating the need for contrast dye administration and associated harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic field distribution patterns as a copy or alternative representation of vascular anatomy, replacing the need for contrast dye enhancement. The electromagnetic field interacts with the conductive blood to provide visualization information without requiring contrast agents
3Force
If rigid edges are used in catheters for pushing force, then penetration capability is improved, but vessel perforation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pushing force from rigid catheter edges with electromagnetic propulsion of a soft capsule. The capsule, containing magnetic beads, is propelled by electromagnetic forces rather than mechanical pushing, allowing effective force transmission without rigid edges that could perforate vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible capsule shell instead of rigid catheter structures. The soft capsule can deform and adapt to vessel geometry while being propelled by electromagnetic forces, eliminating the risk of vessel perforation associated with rigid edges
4Shape
If balloons are used for blood vessel narrowing treatment, then vessel dilation is achieved, but temporary occlusion causing myocardial ischemia and vessel wall damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces balloon-based mechanical dilation with electromagnetic propulsion of a therapeutic capsule. The capsule can deliver therapeutic agents or perform interventions without requiring balloon inflation that causes temporary occlusion and associated complications
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule system enables self-contained therapeutic intervention within the vessel lumen, delivering treatment without requiring external balloon inflation and deflation cycles that cause ischemia and vessel wall stress
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
The system enables safe and effective vascular interventions without contrast dyes, reduces vessel damage, and provides adjustable and retractable solutions for valvular issues, improving treatment outcomes and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
A portable electromagnetic tip, wherein said tip pulls the capsule by electromagnetic/magnetic force along the created road mapping angiography towards the target vascular bed.
Implementation Method 2
Using electromagnetic/magnetic forces for navigating capsule towards the target pathology
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system for cardiac electromagnetic/magnetic catheterization for diagnosing and treating blood vessels of a patient. The system having at least one electromagnetic intraluminal capsule able to force its way through a narrowing blood vessel, the capsule carrying a camera allowing visualization of blood vessels of a patient. There is a portable electromagnetic tip, where the tip pulls the electromagnetic capsule by electromagnetic force, and when the magnetic tip moves along a body of a patient and pulls the intraluminal electromagnetic capsule along with it towards a narrowing blood vessel visualized by the camera, so that the capsule then treats the narrowing site and clears the blood vessel from coronary plaque. In addition working capsule can replace diseased valve in any cardiac position for either temporary or permanent needs.