Magnetic Probe-Sheath Alignment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invasive medical procedures face challenges in accurately determining the alignment and overlap of probe and sheath distal ends, which are not visually accessible, leading to potential obscuration of probe electrodes by the sheath.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a magnetic structure at the sheath distal end and a magnetic transducer at the probe distal end, which generates signals in response to a magnetic field, allowing a processor to estimate the distance and position of the probe relative to the sheath, using changes in inductance to determine the protrusion of the probe from the sheath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheath acts to guide the probe during insertion, then the probe is maintained in desired alignment, but the distal ends become invisible and overlap cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual/mechanical alignment verification with a magnetic sensing system. A magnetic transducer in the probe distal end detects magnetic field changes from a magnetic structure in the sheath distal end, converting physical position information into electrical signals for processor analysis, thereby resolving the visibility problem while maintaining guidance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the sheath and probe. The magnetic structure attached to the sheath distal end creates a magnetic field that the magnetic transducer in the probe detects, serving as an invisible mediator that transmits position information without requiring direct visual contact or line of sight
2Reliability
If the distal ends are not visible, then operator awareness of overlap is reduced, but adding visual indicators会增加 device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical or optical visualization systems with a simpler magnetic sensing approach. The magnetic transducer and processor provide reliable alignment detection through electrical signal processing rather than mechanical linkages or optical components, reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual (optical) to magnetic. By measuring magnetic field strength and changes in the magnetic transducer, the system obtains reliable position information without requiring visual access, thereby improving operator awareness without adding visual indicator complexity
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 accurate determination of the probe's position relative to the sheath, ensuring electrodes are not obscured, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of invasive medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic transducer which is disposed in the probe distal end and which is configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the change in the signal is in response to a change in inductance of the coil
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic structure fixedly attached to the sheath distal end... configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Apparatus, including a sheath, consisting of a lumen having a sheath distal end which is configured to be inserted into a human patient. A magnetic structure is fixedly attached to the sheath distal end. The apparatus includes a probe, having a probe distal end which is configured to be inserted through the lumen into the human patient. The probe includes a magnetic transducer which is disposed in the probe distal end and which is configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a processor which is configured to sense a change in the signal due to proximity of the magnetic structure to the transducer.