Flexible Magnetic Sensor Catheter Shape Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impedance-based position sensing technologies for medical probes within the body often experience sudden fluctuations due to unrealistic shape assumptions, leading to inaccurate visualization and potential disorientation for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A system that applies a model of known mechanical properties of the probe to measured coordinates, calculates a cost function based on possible shapes and voltage measurements, and generates corrected coordinates to provide a more accurate representation of the probe's position and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance-based measurement technology is used for determining probe position, then position sensing capability is achieved, but sudden fluctuations occur in the probe image that are disconcerting to the physician
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by stabilizing the displayed probe image through image processing techniques before the physician views it. The processor applies filtering and smoothing algorithms to the raw position data to eliminate sudden fluctuations, ensuring a stable and continuous visualization of the probe's position throughout the medical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the probe position data and dynamically adjusting the displayed image to maintain stability. The processor compares successive position measurements and applies corrective transformations to eliminate fluctuations, creating a feedback loop that ensures consistent and reliable visualization for the physician.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the probe image is not constrained to assume realistic shapes and positions, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but sudden fluctuations occur that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by transforming the raw position coordinates through mathematical models that enforce realistic shape constraints on the probe. The processor adjusts position parameters to ensure the displayed probe maintains anatomically plausible configurations, eliminating unrealistic shapes and positions that cause fluctuations while preserving measurement flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If a model of known mechanical properties is applied to measured coordinates, then shape accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using simplified mechanical models that capture the essential shape characteristics of the probe without requiring complete and complex mechanical property data. The processor applies basic elasticity and bending models that provide sufficient shape accuracy for medical visualization while keeping computational requirements manageable for real-time processing.
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 approach stabilizes the visualization of flexible probes by minimizing errors in position and shape estimation, reducing sudden fluctuations and enhancing the accuracy of probe visualization during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Catheter shape and position detection using flexible magnetic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems for medical procedures are disclosed herein for receiving an input of a plurality of measured coordinates of a respective plurality of position transducers of a probe inside a body of a subject, receiving a measured voltage measurement output by the probe, determining a cost function based on a model of known mechanical properties of the probe compared to the measured coordinates with respect to shapes that can be assumed by the probe in the body and further based on an expected voltage value compared to the measured voltage measurement, selecting a shape based on the cost function, generating corrected coordinates of the points along the probe based on the shape and displaying a representation of the probe using the corrected coordinates.