RF Ablation Catheter with Electromagnetic Tracking Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiofrequency tissue ablation systems face challenges in accurately positioning the ablation device due to the use of static, two-dimensional X-ray fluoroscopy, which is prone to errors and exposes patients and medical personnel to high radiation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a tracking sensor coil with a magnetic core at the distal end of the catheter, connected to a signal processing unit, which generates an electromagnetic field to calculate the position and orientation of the catheter tip, aided by reference coils for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray fluoroscopy is used for positioning the ablation device, then real-time imaging is achieved, but radiation exposure to patients and medical personnel increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic field generators and tracking sensors as intermediary components that create an alternative imaging system. The electromagnetic field generators produce a magnetic field that interacts with tracking sensors on the catheter to generate real-time positional information without requiring ionizing radiation, thus mediating between the need for real-time imaging and the harmful effects of radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the X-ray based mechanical/imaging system with an electromagnetic field-based tracking system. Instead of using ionizing radiation to visualize the catheter position, the system uses electromagnetic field interaction between generators and sensors to determine position, substituting a harmful mechanical/imaging approach with a safer electromagnetic sensing approach
2Measurement precision
If X-ray fluoroscopy is used for positioning, then real-time images are obtained, but interpretation errors increase due to static two-dimensional images requiring multiple views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional X-ray fluoroscopy to three-dimensional electromagnetic field-based tracking. The tracking sensors detect positional information in three dimensions by measuring electromagnetic field interactions from multiple electromagnetic field generators, providing comprehensive spatial awareness that eliminates the need for multiple two-dimensional views and reduces interpretation errors
3Measurement precision
If a tracking sensor coil with magnetic core is incorporated in the catheter, then positioning accuracy and real-time three-dimensional tracking are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates tracking sensor coils into the catheter structure that can serve dual purposes. The same conductive elements in the catheter that are part of the ablation system also function as tracking sensors when exposed to electromagnetic fields, allowing the device to perform both ablation and positioning functions without requiring entirely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking sensor coils are nested within the existing catheter structure, with the magnetic cores positioned inside the catheter lumen or wall. This nested arrangement allows the tracking functionality to be incorporated within the existing catheter design without requiring external tracking components, thereby reducing the overall increase in device complexity
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
Enhances the accuracy of catheter placement, reducing radiation exposure and errors, while allowing for real-time, three-dimensional positioning of the ablation device.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a tracking sensor coil with a magnetic core at the distal end of the catheter, connected to a signal processing unit, which generates an electromagnetic field to calculate the position and orientation of the catheter tip
Data Source
AI summary
An RF ablation system has a hollow conductive coaxial cable comprising inner and outer coaxial tubular conductors, and an ablating member mounted at the distal end portion of the cable for delivery of radio frequency energy including microwaves to the target body tissue. The inner conductor has a central lumen and extends at least up to the ablating member. At least one electromagnetic tracking sensor coil with a magnetic core is located in the central lumen at the distal end portion of the cable, close to the distal tip of the cable, and connected to a signal processing unit. An electromagnetic field generator positioned in the vicinity of a patient undergoing treatment generates an electromagnetic field which induces a voltage in the sensor coil. The signal processing unit uses the induced voltage to calculate the position and orientation of the distal end portion or tip of the catheter in a patient's body.