Parallel Wire Impedance Catheter for Multi-Point Reflux Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in accurately measuring impedance values at multiple locations within a body due to the need for multiple electrodes and conductors, leading to bulky designs and reduced accuracy, especially when trying to monitor reflux in the esophagus.
Innovation Solution
A system using a pair of parallel transmission wires with alternating insulated and non-insulated sections to sense impedance at multiple locations, allowing for high-resolution measurements and precise location computation, enabling smaller diameter catheters and improved reflux monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes and conductors are used to measure impedance at multiple locations, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple sensing sections along its length, with each section containing a pair of transmission wires that can independently measure impedance at that location. This segmentation allows multiple measurement points without requiring separate complete electrode assemblies at each point, reducing overall complexity while maintaining measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pair of transmission wires serves multiple functions: they act as both the signal transmission medium and the impedance sensing elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated electrodes and conductors at each measurement point, reducing the total number of components while maintaining measurement capability across multiple locations.
2Measurement precision
If more impedance sensing elements are added to increase measurement locations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but catheter diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance sensing function is merged with the transmission wire structure itself. By using the transmission wires as both signal carriers and sensing elements, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate sensing components that would increase catheter diameter. Multiple measurement points are achieved by segmenting the wire length rather than adding lateral components.
3Measurement precision
If standard impedance sensing methods are used with multiple conductors, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced due to heavy cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the impedance sensing capability from the traditional multi-conductor architecture and integrates it into the transmission wire structure itself. This extraction eliminates the need for heavy external cabling and complex connector assemblies, making the catheter more flexible and easier to insert while maintaining the capability to perform impedance measurements at multiple locations.
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 provides high-resolution impedance measurements and precise location tracking, facilitating easier insertion and monitoring of reflux in the esophagus, reducing errors and improving catheter design for enteral feeding.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver configured for measuring a plurality of reflections of the electrical signal from the plurality of impedance elements
Implementation Method 2
a processor configured for computing an impedance value for each of the impedance elements according to the measured plurality of reflections
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system for measuring impedance at multiple locations within a body of a patient, comprising: an elongated probe sized and shaped for being disposed within a cavity of the body of the patient or in an extracorporeal position, at least one pair of parallel transmission wires disposed along a length of the elongated probe, a plurality of impedance elements, each connected to the at least one pair of parallel transmission wires at a respective spaced apart location along the length of the elongated probe in a ladder arrangement, a transmitter configured for injecting an electrical signal to the at least one pair of parallel transmission wires, a receiver configured for measuring a plurality of reflections of the electrical signal from the plurality of impedance elements, and a processor configured for computing an impedance value for each of the impedance elements according to the measured plurality of reflections.