Multi-Shaft 4D Ultrasound Catheter With On-Screen Angle Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 4D ultrasound catheters face challenges with increased distal tip diameter due to triple-axis magnetic-based position sensors, limiting functionality and applicability, and require users to divert gaze from the main display to check deflection and rotation angles.
Innovation Solution
A 4D ultrasound catheter with an inner shaft for deflection and an outer shaft for rotation, using dual-axis and single-axis sensors to track position and orientation, allowing reduced distal tip size and enhanced functionality, with a processor displaying deflection and rotation angles on the main display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triple-axis magnetic-based position sensors are used to track catheter position and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but distal tip diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is divided into multiple segments (first shaft portion, second shaft portion, third shaft portion) with different functional characteristics. Position sensors are placed at specific segments rather than requiring a large triple-axis sensor at the distal tip, enabling precise tracking with a smaller distal tip diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary computational approach where the processor calculates catheter position and orientation by combining data from multiple single-axis and dual-axis sensors positioned along the shaft, rather than relying on a single triple-axis sensor at the distal tip. This intermediary calculation method achieves equivalent measurement precision with smaller sensor components.
2Measurement precision
If triple-axis magnetic-based position sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple simpler sensors (single-axis and dual-axis) distributed along the catheter shaft, replacing a single complex triple-axis sensor. This segmentation reduces individual sensor complexity while maintaining overall measurement precision through coordinated data from multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the sensor system by using multiple sensors with different axis configurations (single-axis, dual-axis) positioned at various locations along the shaft, rather than one triple-axis sensor. The processor transforms the combined data from these simpler sensors to achieve the same measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If users check handle markers to monitor deflection and rotation angles, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic visual feedback by displaying deflection and rotation angles directly on the main display screen. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to visually check physical markers on the handle, maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation and user focus during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that automatically calculates and presents angle information in a user-friendly format on the main display. This intermediary step transforms raw sensor data into easily interpretable visual feedback, eliminating the need for users to manually interpret physical markers while preserving measurement accuracy.
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 reduced distal tip diameter, increased functionality, and improved 4D ICE procedures by displaying manipulation parameters directly on the main display, enhancing user focus on the procedure without needing to check handle markers.
Implementation Method 1
using dual-axis and single-axis sensors to track position and orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes: a shaft for insertion into an organ of a patient, and first and second position sensors. The shaft includes: (a) an inner shaft, which is configured to be deflected relative to an axis of the shaft, and (b) an outer shaft, which is coupled to a distal tip of the catheter and is configured to be: (i) coaxially disposed around the inner shaft, (ii) deflected together with the inner shaft, and (iii) rotated about the axis relative to the inner shaft. The first position sensor is coupled to the distal tip and is configured to produce a first signal, and the second position sensor is coupled to the inner shaft, and is configured to produce a second signal.