Introducer Sheath Localization via Impedance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for electrophysiology catheters within the human body lack precise visualization of introducer sheath position relative to the catheter, which can lead to inaccurate positioning and increased risk during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing controller circuitry that receives electrical signals from catheter electrodes to determine the position and orientation of the catheter and introducer sheath, generating visualizations on a graphical user interface to indicate the relative locations, including states where the sheath is proximal, partially covering, or fully covering the electrodes, based on impedance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If navigation systems are used to determine catheter position, then catheter positioning capability is improved, but visualization of introducer sheath position relative to catheter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect the position of the introducer sheath. By measuring impedance changes at catheter electrodes, the system infers sheath location without requiring direct sensors on the sheath, thus resolving the information loss while maintaining catheter positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or visual visualization methods with electrical impedance-based detection. Instead of using mechanical markers or visual cues to track sheath position, the system uses electrical signals from catheter electrodes to determine sheath location, improving measurement precision while providing the missing sheath position information
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If impedance monitoring is implemented to detect sheath contact, then sheath position detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing catheter electrodes multi-functional by using them both for their primary electrophysiology function and for impedance-based sheath detection. This universal use of components improves detection capability without adding separate dedicated sensors or significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the catheter's own electrodes to detect sheath position through impedance measurements. The catheter serves itself by utilizing its existing electrical components for dual purposes, eliminating the need for additional complex detection hardware and keeping the system relatively simple while improving detection capability
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 precision of catheter and sheath positioning, facilitating safer and more effective diagnostic and therapeutic intravascular procedures by providing real-time visualization of their relative locations to clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
determining a baseline impedance of the one or more electrodes outside of an introducer sheath, monitoring the impedance of the electrodes during an operation, determining whether the impedance of the one or more electrodes exceeds the baseline impedance
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to the localization of an introducer sheath relative to an intravascular catheter. Further embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the visualization of the introducer sheath on a graphical user interface of a navigation system.