IVC Catheter Ultrasound Anchor Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices are unable to continuously monitor Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) volume over extended periods, limiting their effectiveness in guiding hemodynamic therapy, and existing methods for measuring CVP and venous oxygen saturation are not accurate indicators of preload or volume responsiveness, making them impractical for continuous monitoring in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system equipped with an elongate catheter body and a distal end configured for placement in the IVC, featuring an ultrasound transducer and anchor element to maintain position without distorting the vessel, allowing for continuous measurement of IVC diameter, pressure, and oxygen saturation, along with a control module to generate therapy instructions based on the data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate intravascular devices are used to measure IVC volume, CVP, and venous oxygen saturation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the impracticality of multiple devices in the central venous system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (IVC volume monitoring via ultrasound transducer, CVP measurement via pressure sensor, and venous oxygen saturation measurement via optical sensor) into a single integrated catheter device. This merging allows all three parameters to be measured simultaneously through one intravascular access, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter device is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse measurements within the central venous system. The single catheter can monitor IVC diameter, measure central venous pressure, and assess venous oxygen saturation, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized devices and simplifies clinical操作流程.
2Ease of operation
If anchor element is placed close to ultrasound transducer, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to vessel distortion caused by anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchor element from immediate proximity to the ultrasound transducer by positioning it at a distance along the catheter body. This separation removes the distorting influence of the anchor on the vessel wall at the measurement site, allowing the ultrasound transducer to accurately measure IVC diameter without interference from anchoring-induced vessel deformation.
3Ease of operation
If CVP monitoring is used to assess preload and volume responsiveness, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens because CVP is not an accurate indicator of preload or volume responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IVC diameter measurement as an intermediary parameter that more accurately reflects preload and volume responsiveness. Instead of relying directly on CVP readings, the ultrasound transducer measures IVC diameter, which serves as a better mediator for assessing volume status. This intermediary measurement provides more precise information about preload while maintaining ease of operation through continuous monitoring.
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 continuous monitoring of IVC volume and related parameters, providing a more accurate picture of a patient's volume status, guiding therapy effectively in acute settings, and reducing the need for costly and risky pulmonary artery catheterization.
Implementation Method 1
the detection element includes an ultrasound transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
Catheter-based devices and methods for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure and/or fluid status of a patient. Related therapy systems and methods for integrated monitoring and therapy are also disclosed.