LED Array Catheter Tracking Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter placement devices require users to divide their attention between the medical device insertion site and a separate display device, making it difficult to accurately track and position medical devices within a patient's vasculature, especially when multiple devices are involved.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system with a TLS sensor that includes an LED array to indicate the proximity, orientation, and depth of a medical device using color changes and projected symbols, integrated with ultrasound and ECG guidance to provide real-time feedback on the device's position within the patient's body, allowing for accurate placement without the need for a separate display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a separate display device is used to show medical device location, then information display capability is improved, but user attention is divided and tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display function with the tracking sensor by integrating an LED array directly into the sensor housing. This merging allows the display to show medical device location information (improving information display) while remaining at the insertion site (maintaining tracking accuracy), eliminating the need for users to divide attention between separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a remote 2D display to a localized visual indicator system using LEDs at the insertion site. This dimensional change brings the information display to the same spatial plane as the medical device insertion, allowing simultaneous monitoring of device location and placement accuracy without dividing user attention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple medical devices are used, then treatment capability is improved, but tracking and monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into independent sensor units, each equipped with its own LED array. This segmentation allows multiple sensors to track multiple medical devices simultaneously without increasing overall system complexity, as each unit operates independently while providing the same functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensor design with integrated LED display that can track and display information for any medical device with a magnetic element. This multi-functional sensor can be used across different procedures and device types, simplifying the tracking system while maintaining versatility for multi-device treatments.
3Ease of operation
If a separate display device is positioned away from the insertion site, then device independence is improved, but user distraction from sterile field increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function with the tracking sensor, creating a self-contained unit that provides both tracking and visual feedback at the insertion site. This eliminates the need for users to move between separate devices, reducing time loss while maintaining independent operation through the integrated LED array.
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 integrated system enhances catheter placement accuracy, reduces the need for confirmatory X-rays, and minimizes the user's distraction from the sterile field, leading to faster and more precise procedures while reducing patient exposure to radiation and procedural costs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes a light emitting diode (LED) array, the LED array including one or more LED lights, the LED array indicating a proximity of the medical device to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a reception component designed to detect a magnetic field associated with the medical device and to generate magnetic field strength data
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system configured to track the movement of the medical device. The medical device can include a proximal portion that has a magnetic element attached thereto. The system can include a console with a display, and a TLS sensor. The TLS sensor can be disposed on a surface of the patient and can include an LED array. The LED array can indicate a proximity of the medical device to the TLS sensor. The LED array can provide different colors and/or project images to display information regarding the location, orientation, distance, or depth of the medical device. The display can be disposed on an upper surface of the TLS sensor and can be configured to show an image of the medical device disposed therebelow, along with additional information and imagery, thus providing a standalone unit.