IVUS Catheter Translation Mechanism Engagement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IVUS systems often fail to ensure proper anchoring of the catheter during pullback operations, leading to incomplete or failed imaging due to lack of secure engagement between the catheter and translation mechanism, with operators unaware of the issue until after the operation.

Innovation Solution

The IVUS system incorporates a translation mechanism with an anchor port and sensor-based circuitry to detect engagement between the catheter and the anchor port, enabling or disabling operations based on connection status, ensuring secure anchoring and preventing pullback operations if disengaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the IVUS system performs pullback operations without verifying catheter anchoring, then the operation can be executed quickly, but the imaging may fail or produce incomplete results due to improper engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepullback operation speedVSAvoidimaging success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of catheter anchoring status before allowing pullback operations to proceed. The sensor detects whether the catheter is properly engaged with the translation mechanism, and the controller prevents operation initiation until proper engagement is confirmed, ensuring reliable imaging without sacrificing operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a sensor that continuously monitors catheter engagement status and provides real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the system to verify anchoring conditions and dynamically control operation enablement, ensuring that pullback operations only proceed when proper engagement is detected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the system adds sensor-based engagement detection, then the reliability of pullback operations improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter anchoring assuranceVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms with a simplified sensor-based detection approach. The sensor provides automated engagement status detection, eliminating the need for manual verification procedures and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor automatically detects catheter engagement status without requiring external intervention or complex verification procedures. The system self-verify anchoring conditions through the sensor's automatic detection capability, reducing the need for additional complex components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the system disables operations when disengaged, then imaging accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidoperation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing operation initiation when catheter engagement is not detected. The controller disables pullback operations before they can be executed improperly, ensuring imaging accuracy is maintained while providing clear guidance to operators about proper system setup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This solution ensures reliable anchoring of the IVUS catheter, allowing for successful imaging operations by preventing pullbacks if the catheter is not properly secured, thus enhancing the accuracy and reliability of IVUS imaging.

Implementation Method 1

The circuitry can include a sensor, such as an optical switch, that detects engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10478153B2System and method for monitoring device engagement

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out.