Magnetic Coil Sheath Detection for Catheter Deployment Status

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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 within the human body is challenging due to the lack of navigation means in simple, flexible tubes.

Innovation Solution

Employing a flat catheter with embedded magnetic coils in a self-expanding material, which changes signal relations as it deploys, allowing real-time detection of the sheath's distal end position and status using a processor to analyze magnetic signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple flexible sheath tube is used for delivery, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to determine the location of the distal end inside the body is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheath structure simplicityVSAvoiddistal end position information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the sheath and the external tracking system. Magnetic coils embedded in the sheath generate magnetic fields that can be detected externally, allowing position determination without compromising the sheath's simple flexible tube structure or manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical position indication mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical markers or complex navigation mechanisms within the sheath, magnetic coils generate fields that are detected by an external tracking system, eliminating the need for mechanical position indication components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If magnetic coils are embedded in the catheter for position tracking, then the position tracking capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking accuracyVSAvoidcatheter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coils embedded in the sheath serve multiple functions: they enable position tracking, providesheath location information, and can potentially serve as navigation aids. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive position tracking capabilities without requiring separate systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the distal end assembly is rolled inside the sheath, then the delivery configuration is compact, but the magnetic sensor readings become unsuitable for position indication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistal end assembly sizeVSAvoidmagnetic signal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to recognize and account for the rolled configuration state before deployment. The tracking system can distinguish between rolled and unrolled states based on magnetic signal patterns, allowing the operator to understand the sheath's status and plan the deployment accordingly. This preliminary recognition enables accurate position determination both during and after deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 with a few millimeters of accuracy, enabling optimal catheter deployment.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260013750A1Magnetic based sheath detection

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD

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.