Robotic Catheter Positioning System with 3D Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for inserting catheters require radiation exposure for visualization, leading to health risks for operators and staff, and existing remote control systems are not intuitive or compatible with standard catheters, causing discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A remotely controlled robotic system that uses standard fluoroscopy and three-dimensional mapping to position catheters within the body, allowing operators to control the catheter from a safe distance and maintain sterility, compatible with commercially available catheters and featuring intuitive controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluoroscopy is used to visualize catheter location, then catheter positioning is enabled, but radiation exposure to operators and staff increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter positioning accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses three-dimensional non-fluoroscopic mapping systems to create a virtual copy or representation of catheter locations in space, eliminating the need for continuous fluoroscopy radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological fluoroscopy system with an electrical/electronic three-dimensional mapping system that uses electrical signals and computer processing to track and visualize catheter positions without ionizing radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lead shielding is worn to protect from radiation, then radiation protection is provided, but operator comfort and spinal health deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidoperator comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful radiation exposure problem into a benefit by eliminating the need for protective gear entirely through the use of non-fluoroscopic three-dimensional mapping technology, allowing operators to work without lead aprons and other shielding equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts or removes the radiation source (fluoroscopy) from the procedural environment, thereby eliminating the need for lead shielding and improving operator comfort and health

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Extent of automation

If specialized catheters are used for remote control, then remote manipulation capability is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcatheter specialization

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the remote control system universal by designing it to work with commercially available catheters that have standard control handles, rather than requiring specialized catheters, thereby reducing cost and complexity while maintaining remote manipulation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows standard catheter control handles to serve their original function while being integrated into the robotic system, making the system adaptable to existing catheter designs without requiring custom-modified catheters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Extent of automation

If non-intuitive controls are used in remote systems, then remote operation is enabled, but user learning curve and operational efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a control interface that copies or replicates the familiar appearance and operation of standard catheter handles, allowing users to operate the remote system with the same intuitive motions they use for manual catheter manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8986246B2Remotely controlled catheter insertion system

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 CATHETER PRECISION LLC

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.