Magnetic Sensor Catheter Tracking Shielded Introducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for medical catheters face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of catheters within the body, particularly when electrodes are shielded inside an introducer, leading to degraded or compromised data.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transducer assembly with a conductive winding and a core, generating a magnetic field and using an electronic control unit to measure and analyze signals from sensors on the catheter, allowing for precise determination of the catheter's position relative to the introducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric-field-based positioning systems are used to determine catheter position, then navigation capability is provided, but measurement precision degrades when electrodes are shielded inside the introducer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field-based positioning system as an intermediary method to replace the failing electric-field-based system when electrodes are shielded. The magnetic sensor on the catheter detects magnetic fields generated by external transducers, providing position information that is not affected by the introducer shielding, thus resolving the measurement precision degradation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter used for positioning from electric field interactions to magnetic field interactions. By utilizing magnetic fields instead of electric fields, the system bypasses the shielding effect that plagues electric-field-based methods, maintaining measurement precision even when electrodes are inside the introducer.
2Reliability
If magnetic field-based positioning is implemented, then position tracking works when electrodes are shielded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor on the catheter serves multiple functions: it can detect magnetic fields for position tracking whether the catheter is inside or outside the introducer. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliable position tracking across different operational states without requiring separate systems for shielded and unshielded conditions, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between electric-field-based positioning (when catheter is outside introducer) and magnetic-field-based positioning (when catheter is inside introducer). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability under varying conditions while keeping overall complexity manageable by only activating the more complex magnetic system when necessary.
3Measurement precision
If manual manipulation of catheter is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but positioning precision and control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the magnetic sensor continuously provides position information to the operator through the navigation system. This real-time feedback allows the operator to make precise manual manipulations with knowledge of the exact catheter position, thereby achieving high positioning precision while maintaining manual control and ease of operation.
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 tracking and positioning of catheters within the body, even when electrodes are shielded, improving the precision and reliability of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a transducer assembly with a conductive winding and a core, generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
measure and analyze signals from sensors on the catheter, allowing for precise determination of the catheter's position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for emitting a field comprising a core, a conductive winding with a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, where the conductive winding surrounds a portion of the core and is wound about a winding axis, a protrusion for aligning the apparatus where the protrusion is parallel with the winding axis, and a conductive connector extending from the conductive winding, wherein the conductive connector is electrically coupled with the conductive winding at the intermediate portion.