Multi-Arm Catheter Distal Sensor Layout for Accurate Electrode Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical tracking techniques for multi-arm catheters, such as those used in electro-anatomical mapping, fail to provide accurate location detection due to the sequential nature of proximal magnetic sensors, which impairs and delays anatomical mapping and calibrated impedance location detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a distal magnetic sensor on an independent, flexible wire extending past the distal tip of the catheter, allowing for simultaneous magnetic-based position sensing at the most distal point, combined with a proximal magnetic sensor, to enhance calibration accuracy of electrical location detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximal magnetic sensor is used on the catheter shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of electrode location is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments with sensors placed at different locations: a proximal magnetic sensor on the shaft and a distal magnetic sensor on an independent wire. This segmentation allows each sensor to contribute to location accuracy without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire catheter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An independent distal wire acts as an intermediary element that extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter assembly to carry a magnetic sensor. This intermediary structure enables improved measurement precision by positioning the sensor closer to the electrodes without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a distal magnetic sensor on an independent wire is added, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is segmented into the main catheter assembly and an independent distal wire component. This allows the complex function of precise location tracking to be distributed across separate elements, with the distal wire specifically tasked with providing accurate distal positioning data.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent distal wire serves multiple functions: it provides a mechanical pathway for the distal magnetic sensor, enables calibration of electrical detection, and contributes to overall location accuracy. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural element.
3Measurement precision
If electrical tracking techniques are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of location data is insufficient for anatomical mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges electrical tracking techniques with magnetic-based position sensing from both proximal and distal sensors. This combination integrates multiple tracking methodologies to achieve the measurement precision required for accurate anatomical mapping while distributing the complexity across different sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic sensors serve as intermediary measurement devices that bridge the gap between simple electrical tracking and complex imaging systems. They provide an intermediate level of measurement precision that enables accurate anatomical mapping without requiring the full complexity of advanced imaging technologies.
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 integration of a distal magnetic sensor improves the accuracy of electrical location detection by enabling simultaneous tracking and calibration, overcoming the limitations of sequential sensing and enhancing the precision of anatomical mapping.
Implementation Method 1
a distal position sensor located at a distal end of an independent wire... the processor estimates locations of one or more of the spline-electrodes by performing impedance measurements on the one or more of the electrodes, and calibrates the impedance measurements based on signals received from the proximal position sensor and the distal position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a catheter and a processor. The catheter includes (i) a shaft for insertion into a cavity of an organ of a patient, (ii) an expandable distal-end assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft and comprising splines fitted with spline-electrodes, (iii) a proximal position sensor and a respective proximate proximal electrode located both at a proximal end of the distal-end assembly, and (iv) an independent wire that extends at the distal tip, with a distal position sensor and a respective proximate distal electrode located both at a distal end of the independent wire. The processor is configured to estimate locations of one or more of the spline-electrodes by performing impedance measurements on the one or more of the electrodes, and to calibrate the impedance measurements based on signals received from the proximal position sensor and the distal position sensor and the respective proximal and distal electrodes.