Needle Location Detection via Pressure-Frequency Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for accessing the heart's outer wall for epicardial ablation procedures are associated with high risks of perforation and inefficiency, leading to unacceptable complication rates during minimally invasive subxiphoid access.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a high-precision fiber-optic sensor integrated into the access needle to continuously measure pressure-frequency characteristics, allowing for accurate detection of the needle's location relative to the pericardial membrane through analysis of cardiac and pressure-frequency data, thereby reducing the risk of perforation and improving access reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional guidance methods are used for subxiphoid access, then the procedure can be performed, but the risk of ventricular perforation is unacceptably high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of pericardial accessVSAvoidrisk of ventricular perforation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pressure-frequency characteristics during needle advancement and provides real-time feedback to guide the operator. Pressure sensors detect changes in pressure waveforms that indicate proximity to the pericardial membrane, allowing dynamic adjustment of needle position to avoid perforation while ensuring successful access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical guidance methods (fluoroscopy, anatomical landmarks) with a sensor-based detection system. Pressure-frequency sensors and acoustic sensors detect physiological signals to determine needle location, substituting mechanical visualization with physiological signal analysis for safer guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional access methods are used, then the procedure is simple, but the rate of unsuccessful access and complications is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of access procedureVSAvoidsuccess rate of pericardial access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Real-time pressure and acoustic feedback provides continuous information about needle position relative to the pericardial membrane, enabling operators to confidently advance the needle to the correct position without excessive caution or repeated attempts, thereby improving success rate while maintaining procedural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in pressure-frequency parameters during needle advancement. Specific changes in pressure waveform characteristics and frequency content indicate proximity to the pericardial membrane, providing objective criteria for determining correct needle position and improving access success rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If no real-time location detection is used, then the device is simple, but false positives and negatives in identifying pericardial access are frequent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of location detection systemVSAvoidaccuracy of needle location identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pressure sensors and acoustic sensors to detect physiological signals instead of relying on operator interpretation of mechanical resistance or anatomical landmarks. This sensor-based detection system provides objective, quantifiable data about needle position, significantly improving measurement precision despite increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system analyzes changes in pressure-frequency parameters and acoustic signals to determine needle location. Specific patterns in pressure waveform frequency and amplitude changes provide accurate indicators of pericardial membrane proximity, reducing false positives and negatives through objective parameter analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system significantly reduces false positives and negatives in identifying pericardial access, minimizing the risk of ventricular perforation and enhancing the safety and efficacy of epicardial treatment by providing real-time, accurate needle location data.

Implementation Method 1

A system utilizing a high-precision fiber-optic sensor integrated into the access needle to continuously measure pressure-frequency characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure wave detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9642534B2Systems and methods for determining location of an access needle in a subject

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 UNIV OF VIRGINIA PATENT FOUND

AI summary

Systems and methods for epicardial electrophysiology and other procedures are provided in which the location of an access needle may be inferred according to the detection of different pressure frequencies in separate organs, or different locations, in the body of a subject. Methods may include inserting a needle including a first sensor into a body of a subject, and receiving pressure frequency information from the first sensor. A second sensor may be used to provide cardiac waveform information of the subject. A current location of the needle may be distinguished from another location based on an algorithm including the pressure frequency information and the cardiac waveform information.