Modular Navigation Element for Catheter Therapy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical therapy delivery systems face challenges in navigating instruments within the body while maintaining space for therapeutic elements, as electromagnetic receivers mounted directly on delivery tools increase the tool's profile and occupy space needed for therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A modular therapy delivery system with a navigation element including electromagnetic receivers that can be inserted and removed, allowing for navigation and then expanding the system's capacity for therapy delivery by opening up lumens for medical devices, featuring a design with a slidingly receivable navigation element within a catheter's lumen, enabling precise location tracking and subsequent removal for therapeutic agent passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic receivers are mounted directly onto a delivery tool, then navigation capability is improved, but the profile of the tool increases and space for therapeutic elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation element is segmented from the delivery tool, consisting of a separate receiver assembly that can be inserted into and removed from the catheter. This segmentation allows the receiver to provide navigation capability without permanently increasing the tool's profile, as it occupies space only during navigation and can be removed to restore full lumen capacity for therapy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver assembly is nested within the catheter lumen during navigation procedures. The receiver assembly includes an outer tube with a lumen that can receive and accommodate the delivery tool, allowing the navigation element to be contained within the delivery system without permanently increasing its external profile.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic receivers are mounted directly onto a delivery tool, then navigation capability is improved, but space within the tool for therapeutic elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is segmented as a separate modular component that can be inserted into the catheter and then removed. This allows the lumen space to be used for navigation during positioning procedures, and then fully available for therapeutic element delivery once the receiver is removed, eliminating permanent space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between two states: during navigation, the receiver assembly is inserted into the catheter to provide electromagnetic reception capability; during therapy delivery, the receiver assembly is removed to maximize lumen space for therapeutic elements. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the space conflict.
3Volume of stationary object
If a modular system with insertable navigation element is used, then space capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic reception for navigation when inserted into the catheter, and can be removed to restore full lumen capacity for therapy delivery. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both navigation capability and full therapeutic delivery capacity within a single integrated system.
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 efficient navigation and therapy delivery by providing accurate location tracking through electromagnetic receivers while allowing for the passage of therapeutic agents, enhancing the system's capacity and durability, and accommodating additional modules.
Implementation Method 1
The source, positioned external to a patient, sets up a magnetic field that induces a voltage in receivers mounted on a surgical instrument or delivery tool
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic receiver assembly is included in a navigation element for a therapy delivery system. If the system is modular, the navigation element may be an insertable module thereof and/or include a lumen to receive another insertable module.