Intravascular Steering Device Automated Mapping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved intravascular devices and systems that can accurately guide imaging, treatment, and sensing components to a region of interest within a patient during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures without causing damage to the patient's anatomy.

Innovation Solution

An intravascular steering device with a housing, a steering controller, a processor, and an actuator that translates user inputs into actuation signals to control the movement and orientation of an intravascular device in three dimensions and rotate it about its longitudinal axis, including features like haptic feedback and automated mapping functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual steering of intravascular devices is used, then device control is possible, but precision and consistency of positioning are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to control the intravascular device. The robotic catheter system incorporates a processor that receives sensor data and automatically generates steering commands, substituting human manual control with an automated control system to achieve higher positioning precision and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The intravascular device incorporates sensors that automatically detect anatomical features and provide feedback to the control system. The system uses this sensor data to autonomously navigate and position the device without requiring continuous manual intervention, enabling the device to steer itself based on real-time environmental feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated control features are added to steering devices, then precision and consistency of device control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic catheter system is designed as an integrated multi-functional platform that combines navigation, imaging, sensing, and actuation capabilities within a single system. The control system can perform multiple functions including automated steering, positioning, data acquisition, and coordination with other catheter-based therapies, reducing the need for separate devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested architecture where the robotic catheter system contains multiple hierarchical control levels. The outer layer includes the main robotic control system, while inner layers include specialized sub-systems for specific functions such as sensor processing, actuator control, and local navigation. This nested structure organizes complexity into manageable modules that can be developed and controlled independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensing modalities are integrated, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic versatilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensing modalities including pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, and imaging capabilities into a single catheter tip assembly. These diverse sensing functions are merged into a unified platform that coordinates data from all sensors to provide comprehensive diagnostic information, eliminating the need for multiple separate catheter-based devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter incorporates flexible materials and thin-film sensor technologies that enable multiple sensing functions to be integrated within the constrained diameter of the catheter. The flexible elongate member allows the catheter to navigate vascular anatomy while accommodating embedded sensors and imaging elements without excessive increase in outer diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11872056B2Advanced control features for steering devices for intravascular devices and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

Handheld steering devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the handheld steering device includes a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a hand of a user; a steering controller coupled to the housing; a processor in communication with the steering controller, the processor configured to translate inputs from the steering controller into actuation signals based on a code architecture that includes a script for at least one of a return home function, a return to stored position function, a store current position function, or an automated mapping function; and an actuator positioned within the housing and configured to interface with the intravascular device based on the actuation signals to the steer the intravascular device. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.