Robotic Catheter Insertion System for Sterile Remote Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter insertion systems require the use of radiation for visualization, leading to exposure risks for patients and medical staff, and existing remotely controlled systems are not intuitive or compatible with commercially available catheters, necessitating the development of a system that allows for remote, sterile, and comfortable positioning of catheters within the body.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled robotic system that utilizes standard fluoroscopy, cine angiography, and three-dimensional mapping to position catheters within the body, allowing operators to control the catheter's movement and positioning from a remote location using a user-friendly interface, compatible with commercially available catheters, and maintaining sterility throughout the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to visualize catheter location, then catheter positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to medical staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic arm as an intermediary device between the operator and the catheter. The robotic arm executes pre-programmed movement sequences to position the catheter, eliminating the need for continuous fluoroscopy during positioning. This mediator allows precise catheter placement while significantly reducing radiation exposure to medical staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pre-programmed catheter insertion sequences that are planned and prepared before the actual procedure. The catheter path and positioning parameters are predetermined, allowing the robotic system to automatically execute the positioning without real-time fluoroscopy guidance, thus reducing radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lead shielding is worn to protect from radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but operator comfort and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radiation protection function from the operator's body (lead aprons) and transfers it to the robotic system and facility shielding. By removing the need for operators to wear lead shielding, the system eliminates the associated discomfort and mobility restrictions while maintaining radiation protection through automated remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical burden of lead shielding with an automated robotic manipulation system. The robotic arm, controlled from a remote location, performs all catheter manipulation tasks, eliminating the need for operators to be physically present in the radiation field and wear protective gear.
3Extent of automation
If specialized catheters are used for remote control, then remote positioning capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal robotic manipulation system that can handle standard, commercially available catheters through multiple interfaces. The robotic arm is equipped with adaptable grippers and control mechanisms that work with various catheter types without requiring specialized catheter designs, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the catheter to achieve remote control capability, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the catheter as a standard component and placing the automation intelligence in the robotic manipulation system. This reversal allows the use of off-the-shelf catheters while achieving advanced remote positioning capabilities.
4Manufacturing precision
If non-intuitive controls are used in remote systems, then automation control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about catheter position and movement status to the operator. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high control precision through automated sequences while presenting intuitive controls to the operator, as the system automatically adjusts based on sensed conditions and confirms actions through visual or tactile feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for remotely controlling the positioning within the body of a patient of an elongated medical device optionally having a control handle, comprises a robotic system and a remote controller configured to control the robotic device. The robotic system comprises a handle controller; a sled member coupled to the handle controller, the sled member being configured to position the medical device within the body of the patient; and a sled base configured to advance the sled member towards the body of a patient, the sled bed being coupled to a sterile barrier effective to maintain sterility inside the sled base. A medical device introducer is effective to guide the elongated medical device into a patient's body.