Magnetic Coil Sheath Detection for Precise Catheter Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the location and status of the distal end of a delivery sheath for an invasive medical probe is challenging due to the lack of navigation means in conventional sheaths, making optimal catheter deployment difficult.
Innovation Solution
Employing a flat catheter with embedded magnetic coils of unique spatial symmetry to detect the distal end of the sheath using magnetic position sensors, which generate specific signal relations indicative of the sheath's position and deployment status, allowing real-time tracking and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sheaths without navigation means are used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to determine sheath location and deployment status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic coils are embedded within the catheter assembly, which itself is delivered through the sheath. The coils are integrated into the catheter structure during manufacturing, creating a nested configuration where the sensing elements are contained within the delivery system without requiring separate attachment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical navigation means (such as radiopaque markers or mechanical sensors) with magnetic field-based sensing. Magnetic coils detect the position of the sheath distal end through magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking systems while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic coils are embedded in the catheter assembly, then the ability to detect sheath position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coils serve multiple functions: they detect the position of the sheath distal end, determine deployment status of the catheter, and provide spatial orientation information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems for each parameter, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coils utilize the inherent magnetic field generated by the sheath's position and orientation to provide sensing information. The system uses passive magnetic field detection rather than requiring active transmission components, allowing the catheter assembly to provide its own positional data without external power or control systems at the distal end.
3Productivity
If real-time magnetic signal monitoring is implemented, then the ability to optimize catheter deployment is improved, but the loss of time for signal processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors magnetic signals from the coils and provides real-time feedback on catheter deployment status. The processor analyzes signal variations and immediately communicates deployment information to the operator, enabling continuous adjustment of the deployment process based on current positional data.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coils are pre-positioned and calibrated during catheter manufacturing, with their spatial relationships established beforehand. This preliminary configuration allows the system to interpret magnetic signals immediately upon insertion, eliminating the need for post-insertion calibration or setup time.
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
Accurately determines the position of the sheath's distal end inside the body, enabling precise catheter deployment and optimization based on real-time signal changes from the magnetic coils.
Implementation Method 1
receiving electrical signals from multiple coils embedded in a distal end assembly of a catheter delivered via a sheath inserted into a body of a patient, the electrical signals being received responsively to applying an external magnetic field to the distal end assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A method comprises receiving electrical signals from multiple coils embedded in a distal end assembly of a catheter delivered via a sheath inserted into a body of a patient, the electrical signals being received responsively to applying an external magnetic field to the distal end assembly. A change is determined in the value of an electrical signal outputted by a distal coil among the multiple coils. Based on the change in the value of the electrical signal, it is determined whether the distal end assembly is in a collapsed state inside the sheath or has begun emerging from the sheath and the distal coil is in at least partially expanded state outside the sheath. In response to detecting the change in the value, the value of the electrical signal from the distal coil is used for determining a position of a distal end of the sheath inside the body.