Proximal Sensor Mounting in Intravascular Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In patient temperature control systems, the limited space on the intubated portion of intravascular catheters poses a challenge for effectively supporting temperature sensors, as existing designs often compromise on sensor placement and functionality due to diameter constraints.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular temperature management catheter design featuring a catheter shaft with a proximally mounted joining body for temperature sensors, where conductive leads are in thermal contact with blood and a joining body, potentially made of ceramic or polymer, is positioned near the hub to optimize sensor placement and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the catheter diameter is minimized, then the catheter is easier to insert and less invasive, but the space available to support a temperature sensor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor components are redistributed along the longitudinal dimension of the catheter rather than being confined to the limited radial space. The distal segments of conductive leads are positioned at the distal end for temperature sensing, while the joining body is positioned at the proximal end near the hub, effectively utilizing the length of the catheter to accommodate all sensor components without increasing diameter.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is mounted distally on the catheter, then accurate blood temperature sensing is achieved, but the joining body and leads occupy valuable space on the intubated portion
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is divided into distinct segments: distal segments of conductive leads that are in thermal contact with blood for accurate temperature sensing, and a joining body that connects these leads. This segmentation allows the sensing elements to be positioned distally for accuracy while the joining body is positioned proximally near the hub, eliminating space conflicts on the intubated portion.
3Reliability
If a joining body is used to connect temperature sensor leads, then reliable electrical and thermal contact is achieved, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The joining body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it electrically connects the distal segments of the conductive leads, provides thermal contact between the leads and the catheter structure, and serves as a mounting point for the temperature sensor. This consolidation of functions into a single component reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate connectors, mounts, and thermal coupling elements.
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 configuration allows for accurate temperature sensing and control of the working fluid, enhancing the management of patient temperature while minimizing catheter diameter, thus addressing space constraints and improving therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second distal segments are arranged to be in thermal contact with blood flowing past the catheter when the catheter is disposed in a blood vessel of a patient
Implementation Method 2
a joining body connected to proximal segments of the first and second leads, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned or oriented such that the joining body is in a location which is proximal to the first and second conductive leads
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular temperature management catheter includes a shaft through which working fluid can circulate to and from a proximal location on the shaft. The catheter extends from a connector hub. At least one heat exchange member is supported by a distal part of the shaft or other part of the catheter to receive circulating working fluid from the proximal location. A temperature sensor is supported on the catheter for generating a temperature signal representative of blood temperature to a control system. The temperature sensor includes first and second conductive leads having respective first and second distal segments on or in the catheter shaft. The first and second distal segments are arranged to be in thermal contact with blood flowing past the catheter when the catheter is disposed in a blood vessel of a patient. Also, the temperature sensor includes a joining body connected to proximal segments of the first and second leads. The joining body may be supported in the hub or in another location proximal to the first and second conductive leads.