Modular Medical Simulator With Optical Tracking for Small Guidewires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical simulators are limited in tracking small guidewires and are cumbersome, making them non-portable and restrictive in the types and sizes of elongated instruments they can accommodate, particularly for procedures requiring instruments with diameters between 0.014″ and 0.035″.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus comprising a proximal module, distal module, and measurement module with a motion sensing unit and communication unit, allowing for the tracking of elongated instruments with cross-sectional sizes within a predefined range, using optical sensors to measure displacement and rotation, and enabling removability for flexibility in instrument size compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical position tracking sensor is used to track the distal end of the catheter, then the position tracking is reliable, but small guidewires with diameter 0.014'' to 0.035'' cannot be tracked because they cannot be secured to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical position tracking sensor with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor detects the position of the elongated instrument through optical fields without requiring mechanical attachment, enabling tracking of small guidewires that cannot be secured to mechanical sensors while maintaining position tracking precision.
2Measurement precision
If the medical simulator is designed with a fixed structure to provide stable measurement, then the measurement accuracy is maintained, but the simulator becomes cumbersome and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the medical simulator into separate modular components including the measurement module, proximal module, and distal module. Each module can be independently assembled or disassembled, allowing the system to maintain measurement accuracy when assembled while enabling easy portability when disassembled into smaller segments.
3Measurement precision
If the medical simulator is designed to receive elongated instruments within a specific diameter range, then the measurement accuracy for that range is optimized, but the number and types of instruments that can be used is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement module with universal measurement capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of elongated instruments with different diameters. The optical sensing system and modular structure allow the same module to accurately measure various instruments including guidewires, catheters, and other medical devices without requiring dedicated modules for each instrument type.
4Ease of operation
If the medical simulator uses a fixed modular configuration to simplify assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the flexibility to accommodate different instrument sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic modular configuration where the measurement module can be selectively assembled with different proximal and distal modules to create customized measurement channels. This allows the system to maintain simple assembly procedures through standardized interfaces while providing flexibility to accommodate different instrument sizes by selecting appropriate module combinations.
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
The modular system provides realistic feedback for training medical professionals by accurately tracking the insertion of elongated instruments of varying sizes, enhancing the portability and versatility of medical simulation training.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for detecting the elongated instrument and measuring the cross-sectional size of the elongated instrument
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor for measuring the displacement of the elongated instrument
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for simulating an insertion of an elongated instrument into a subject, comprising: a frame extending between two end walls along a first axis and two lateral walls along a second axis, one of the two end walls being provided with an insertion aperture and one of the two lateral walls being provided an insertion hole, the insertion aperture defining a first passageway and the insertion hole defining a second passageway, the first and second passageways intersecting each other at an intersection point; and a sensing unit contained within the frame and configured for measuring at least one of a displacement of the elongated member and a rotation of the elongated member, the sensing unit being positioned adjacent to the intersection point for performing the measurement of the at least one of the displacement and the rotation at the intersection point.