Passive Catheter Identification via Resistor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter identification systems, such as those using EPROM chips or RFID tags, increase manufacturing complexity and cost, and require manual user input, making them inefficient for quickly and accurately identifying catheter configurations in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A passive catheter identification system utilizing a resistor network within the catheter that provides information about the catheter's type, manufacturer, and configuration through resistance values, allowing for automatic detection and configuration by the recording or mapping system, with the option to include a color code for visual identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If EPROM chips or RFID tags are used for catheter identification, then catheter information can be stored and retrieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex electronic components (EPROM chips, RFID tags) and implements it using a simple resistor network integrated directly into the catheter structure. This extraction principle reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to store and retrieve catheter identification information through resistance value measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive resistors as the identification medium within the catheter, replacing costly electronic storage devices. Since the catheter itself is typically disposable in medical procedures, using cheap passive components like resistors aligns with the principle of using low-cost components for single-use applications, thereby reducing overall system cost without compromising identification functionality.
2Loss of information
If EPROM chips or RFID tags are used for catheter identification, then catheter configuration information is preserved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex electronic identification systems and replaces them with a resistor network that can be manufactured using standard PCB or flexible circuit board techniques. This extraction of the identification function to a simpler component basis significantly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining the ability to encode catheter configuration data through different resistance values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic storage systems (EPROM, RFID) with a passive electrical resistance-based identification system. By substituting active electronic components with passive resistive elements, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and more compatible with existing catheter manufacturing workflows, reducing both cost and complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual input of catheter information is required, then system complexity is reduced, but time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-identifying catheter system where the catheter automatically provides its identification and configuration information through its resistor network. The mapping system automatically detects and reads the resistance values, eliminating the need for manual data entry by physicians or technicians. This self-service approach reduces setup time while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a feedback loop where the catheter's resistor network provides automatic identification information back to the mapping system upon connection. The system reads the resistance values and automatically configures itself based on the catheter's encoded information, eliminating manual input requirements and reducing setup time without increasing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If color codes are used for catheter identification, then visual identification is provided, but manual data entry is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual identification function (color codes) with the electronic identification function (resistor network) into a single integrated system. The resistor values are correlated with the color codes, allowing both visual verification and automatic electronic detection to work together. This combination eliminates the need for manual data entry while maintaining ease of visual identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the catheter to automatically provide identification information through its resistor network, which the mapping system reads automatically upon connection. The color codes serve as a visual supplement to this self-service electronic identification system, allowing operators to quickly verify catheter identity visually while the system simultaneously performs automatic data capture, eliminating manual entry requirements.
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
This system simplifies catheter connection and configuration, reduces errors, and automates the identification process, enabling faster setup and improved accuracy in medical procedures by using a robust, low-cost, and easy-to-implement resistor network that supports multiple catheter types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a passive catheter identification system utilizing a resistor network within the catheter that provides information about the catheter's type, manufacturer, and configuration through resistance values
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, a catheter identification system for providing information about one or more attributes of a catheter connectable to an electrophysiology (EP) recording or mapping system includes a catheter, a resistor network operably connected to the catheter, the resistor network including at least one identification resistor and an identification resistor measurement circuit operably connected to the catheter and configured to send an identification signal through the at least one resistor in the resistor network to retrieve an altered identification signal from the identification resistor, where the altered identification signal provides information on an attribute of the catheter.