Sensor Carrier Non-Parallel Axis for Blood Pump Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical technologies face challenges in safely introducing elongated medical devices, such as intravascular blood pumps and guidewires, into a patient's body without the limitations of fluoroscopy, particularly in emergency situations where X-ray is not available.
Innovation Solution
A sensor carrier is designed to be attached to elongated medical devices, featuring a non-parallel embedded electromagnetic sensor that allows for six degrees of freedom tracking, enabling precise positioning without the need for fluoroscopy. The sensor carrier includes a base member with a magnetically permeable material, an axial through hole for easy installation, and an elastic extension with a pigtail for correct positioning within the vascular system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to guide the introduction of elongated medical devices, then correct positioning can be ensured, but the patient and medical staff are exposed to high radiation and X-ray is not available in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based fluoroscopy system with a mechanical sensor tracking system. An electromagnetic sensor embedded in the medical device detects position and orientation through a magnetic field generator and reference sensors, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while maintaining six degrees of freedom tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic sensor as an intermediary between the medical device and the positioning system. This sensor acts as a mediator that translates physical position and orientation into detectable signals without requiring direct line-of-sight imaging or radiation exposure
2Measurement precision
If X-ray fluoroscopy is used for positioning, then correct device placement can be verified, but the equipment is not available in emergency conditions such as Immediate Care Units or ambulances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky, infrastructure-dependent X-ray fluoroscopy system with a compact electromagnetic sensor system that can be integrated directly into the medical device. This substitution enables positioning capability in mobile and emergency settings where X-ray equipment cannot be deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic sensor system serves multiple functions: it provides six degrees of freedom tracking, works with various types of elongated medical devices (blood pumps, guidewires, catheters), and can be used across different clinical settings from operating rooms to ambulances, making the positioning capability universal and adaptable
3Device complexity
If a sensor with sensor longitudinal axis parallel to base member central longitudinal axis is used, then five degrees of freedom tracking is achieved, but rotation around the movement direction axis cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the sensor configuration by orienting the sensor longitudinal axis at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the base member central longitudinal axis. This asymmetric arrangement enables the sensor to detect rotational movements around the movement direction axis in addition to the standard five degrees of freedom, achieving complete six degrees of freedom tracking
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
The sensor carrier facilitates safe and precise introduction and positioning of elongated medical devices within the patient's body, reducing radiation exposure and enabling effective use in emergency situations without relying on fluoroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the sensor within the patient's body can be tracked by suitable means, e.g. by a field generator and at least one reference sensor
Implementation Method 2
the base member comprises a magnetically permeable material or is composed of a magnetically permeable material. Using magnetically permeable material hinders shadowing of an electromagnetic field inducing the current in the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor carrier (10) configured to be attached to an elongated medical device. The sensor carrier comprises a sensor (12) having a sensor longitudinal axis (SLA), a base member (14, 314) having a central longitudinal axis (CLA) and an attachment portion (16) for receiving the sensor (12), the sensor (12) being configured to be disposed in the attachment portion (16), wherein the sensor longitudinal axis (SLA) is non-parallel with respect to the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base member (14). The present invention further relates to a blood pump or a guidewire comprising a sensor carrier.