Optical Stylet Tip Tracking for Radiation-Free Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluoroscopic methods for tracking medical device tips expose clinicians and patients to harmful radiation and contrast media, while magnetic and electromagnetic tracking methods are prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
An optical tip-tracking system comprising a light-emitting stylet, a light detector, and a console that optically tracks the distal-end portion of the stylet within a patient's vasculature using light-emitting diodes and photodetectors, with optional features including drape-piercing connectors for sterile drape placement and integrated or multi-use cable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic arms are used for picking and placing parts, then productivity and precision are improved, but the cost of the automated assembly system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the automated assembly task into two segments: a robotic arm for high-precision picking and placing operations, and a conventional conveyor for transport and positioning. This segmentation allows the expensive robotic capabilities to be used only where necessary, while less expensive conventional machinery handles routine tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional conveyor system is enhanced with optical tracking capabilities and controller integration, allowing it to perform both traditional transport functions and precision positioning functions previously requiring expensive robotic systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated robotic components.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical tracking is used to improve tip-tracking accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical tracking system serves as an intermediary between the conveyor mechanism and the control system. It provides real-time feedback on the tip position, enabling precise control without requiring complex direct measurement and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical tracking system continuously monitors the tip position and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the conveyor operation to maintain precise positioning. This closed-loop feedback system achieves high precision through simple, incremental adjustments rather than complex open-loop control.
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
Provides safe, interference-free tracking of medical device tips by eliminating radiation exposure and interference, enabling precise visualization of the distal-end portion through a graphical user interface.
Implementation Method 1
optical tip-tracking systems and methods thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical tip-tracking system is disclosed including a light-emitting stylet, a light detector, and a console configured to operably connect to the light-emitting stylet and the light detector. The light-emitting stylet is configured to be disposed in a lumen of a catheter. The light-emitting stylet includes a light source in a distal-end portion of the light-emitting stylet configured to emit light. The light detector is configured to be placed over a patient. The light detector includes a plurality of photodetectors configured to detect the light emitted from the light source. The console is configured to instantiate an optical tip-tracking process for optically tracking the distal-end portion of the light-emitting stylet while the light-emitting stylet is disposed in a vasculature of the patient, the light source is emitting light, the light detector is disposed over the light-emitting stylet, and the photodetectors are detecting the light emitted from the light source.