Locating Device for Central Venous Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for navigating and positioning peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in the superior vena cava lack effective non-X-ray visualization techniques, posing risks to patients and physicians due to reliance on X-ray radiation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method combining a light emitting element for light navigation and an intravascular ECG system for precise positioning, allowing the entire insertion procedure to be performed without X-ray visualization by directing light radially through tissues and using ECG readings to confirm placement within the superior vena cava or right atrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy or X-ray imaging is used to visualize PICC navigation, then navigation accuracy and positioning precision are improved, but patient and physician exposure to ionizing radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray imaging system with an optical illumination system. A light source emits light through the skin surface to illuminate the catheter, allowing visualization without ionizing radiation. This substitutes a mechanical/optical system for the radiological system while maintaining visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to transfer information about catheter position to the observer. Light passes through the skin and catheter material to create visible illumination patterns that indicate catheter location and depth, serving as a safe mediator between the catheter and the observer's vision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blind navigation without visualization is used to avoid X-ray radiation, then radiation exposure is reduced, but navigation accuracy and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color/illumination changes to indicate catheter position. As light passes through the catheter and surrounding tissues, the illumination characteristics change with depth and position, providing visual feedback to the operator about catheter location without requiring X-ray imaging.
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 safe and precise navigation and positioning of PICCs within the superior vena cava without exposing patients or physicians to X-ray radiation, improving procedural safety and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element disposed along a distal portion of the locating device, the light emitting element thereby being adapted to direct light radially away from the locating device, the light being visible through tissues of the patient from outside the patient
Implementation Method 2
a conductive member made of a metallic material electrically connected to an ECG machine, the distal portion of the conductive member being exposed to the biocompatible fluid within one of the lumens of the central venous catheter or blood within the patient adjacent the distal end of the central venous catheter, the conductive member thereby being adapted to transmit an intravascular ECG signal to the ECG machine
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method are described for navigating and positioning a central venous catheter into the venous system using two different modes of location. For example, a peripherally inserted central catheter ("PICC") may be navigated and positioned within the superior vena cava. A light emitting element is used in the first mode to navigate the PICC to the superior vena cava. To improve visibility during navigation, the light emitted from the light emitting element may include a narrow range of wavelengths that generally matches the wavelengths of light that are transmissable through a light absorbing material defining the wall of the catheter. A conductive medium is used in the second mode to monitor an ECG signal in order to position the PICC in the superior vena cava. One advantage of this procedure is that X-ray visualization can be eliminated to reduce the danger associated with X-rays.