Sensor Catheter Guidewire Coupling for Low-Radiation Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interventional medical devices face challenges in effectively integrating sensors, managing power and data communication, and achieving precise positioning within the body, due to limited space and the need for harmful imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with integrated sensors and a power and data coupling device that uses a guidewire to transmit electrical signals, reducing the need for additional wires and enabling more efficient power and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate wires are used for power and data transmission to sensors, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data transmission functions into a single integrated wire system. The guidewire serves dual purposes as both a mechanical guide and an electrical conduit, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies wire management, and decreases device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections to the sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical guide for catheter insertion and as an electrical transmission medium for power and data. This universal component performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional imaging techniques (X-rays, dye injection) are used for catheter localization, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but harmful exposure to patient and staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and chemical imaging methods (X-rays and dye injection) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets embedded in the catheter interact with external magnetic sensors to provide real-time positional information without requiring ionizing radiation or contrast agents, thereby eliminating harmful exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary medium for catheter localization. Instead of directly visualizing the catheter through harmful X-rays or dye, the system uses magnetic fields generated by embedded magnets and detected by external sensors to indirectly determine catheter position, providing a safe non-contact measurement method.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated at the distal end of the catheter, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but space constraints and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are nested within the catheter structure at the distal end, with the sensing elements integrated into the existing catheter components. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements (sensors, magnets, conductive elements) to be compactly arranged within the limited space of the catheter tip without significantly increasing overall device complexity or dimensional constraints.
4Ease of operation
If multiple long wires and cables are managed during the procedure, then power and data transfer are enabled, but procedural complexity and staff requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power and data transmission into the single guidewire structure, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate cables during the procedure. This consolidation dramatically simplifies wire management, reduces the number of components that need to be tracked and managed by staff, and makes the procedure easier to perform while maintaining full power and data transfer capabilities.
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 system allows for effective sensor integration, efficient power and data transmission, and improved positioning of medical devices within the body, while minimizing the use of harmful imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A first power and data coupling device is configured to operably associate with the catheter and to conductively couple to the one or more wires to thereby send and receive electrical signals therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system includes an elongated tube structure configured for insertion into a luminal space, such as the vasculature, of a body. The catheter is conductive and configured to conduct electrical signals. The catheter includes one or more power and data coupling devices configured to send and receive power and/or data signals, such as from an underlying guidewire disposed within a lumen of the catheter. One or more sensors are coupled to a distal section of the catheter and are electrically connected to the one or more power and data coupling devices.