Locatable Catheter Sheath With Embedded Coils For Bronchoscopic Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for medical devices, such as bronchoscopes, face limitations in reaching deep lung lesions due to size constraints and require additional locatable guides for precise targeting, which complicate the procedure and may result in the sheath moving away from the target location post-removal of the guide.
Innovation Solution
A locatable sheath with embedded coils that generate signals in an electromagnetic field, allowing for precise monitoring of its position and orientation, either independently or in conjunction with a locatable guide, minimizing the impact on the sheath's flexibility and maintaining an open lumen for tool delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a bronchoscope is used for navigation, then illumination and imaging functions are provided, but the device width is too large to reach deep lung lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into separate functional components: a thin catheter for deep insertion with locatable guide for precision navigation, while the bronchoscope provides illumination and imaging from the proximal end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the size-precision tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
A locatable guide is introduced as an intermediary element that enables precise navigation deep within the airways. The guide features coils for magnetic field interaction and positioning sensors, acting as a mediator between the operator and the deep target location, while the sheath provides the delivery conduit.
2Measurement precision
If additional locatable guides are used for precise targeting, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locatable guide and delivery sheath are merged into an integrated assembly where the guide is inserted within the sheath. This combination allows the sheath to serve dual purposes: as a delivery conduit for the guide and as the final positioning device with embedded locatable features, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as the delivery conduit for the locatable guide during insertion, becomes the final positioning device with embedded coils and sensors for locatable navigation, and provides the working channel for instrument delivery. This universality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated components.
3Ease of operation
If locatable guides are removed after reaching target, then procedural simplicity is improved, but the sheath may move away from target location
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath incorporates embedded locatable features (coils and positioning sensors) that provide continuous feedback on its position relative to the target. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of sheath position, ensuring the sheath remains accurately positioned at the target even after the guide is removed.
4Measurement precision
If coils are embedded in sheath wall, then locatable navigation is enabled, but the lumen may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The coils are embedded specifically in the wall structure of the sheath rather than occupying the lumen space. This local placement of locatable features in the sheath wall allows position monitoring while maintaining an open, unobstructed lumen for instrument delivery. The embedding technique integrates the coils into the wall matrix, ensuring they do not protrude into the lumen.
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 precise navigation and maintenance of the sheath's position at the target location without the need for additional locatable guides, ensuring accurate delivery of instruments and reducing the risk of the sheath moving away from the target.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least three coils is configured to generate a signal when placed in an electromagnetic field, the signal indicative of a strength of the electromagnetic field and the position of the sheath
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A locatable medical instrument insertable through a working channel of a bronchoscope, is disclosed comprising a sheath having at least three coils embedded therein, the at least three coils having a common center point, and at least a portion of each of the at least three coils being embedded within a wall of the sheath, wherein each of the at least three coils is configured to generate a signal when placed in an electromagnetic field, the signal indicative of a strength of the electromagnetic field and the position of the sheath.