Spiral Catheter Sensor for ECG, Tissue Proximity, and Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems lack a single sensor that can accurately measure physiologic electrical signals and provide precise tissue proximity and location information, with Active Current Location (ACL) systems being less accurate than magnetic position sensors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional sensor unit integrated on a catheter with an inner and outer coil configuration, where the inner coil is insulated and the outer coil is partially uninsulated, allowing it to sense both physiologic signals and environmental impedance changes for tissue proximity and magnetic field location, replacing the need for separate sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated magnetic position sensor coil is used, then positional accuracy is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single coil to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a magnetic position sensor (detecting magnetic field gradients for localization) and a physiologic signal sensor (detecting ECG signals from cardiac tissue). This integration eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining positional accuracy through magnetic field sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the magnetic position sensing function and physiologic signal sensing function into a single integrated sensor unit. By combining these functions in one coil structure, the system reduces the number of components needed, simplifies the overall device architecture, and lowers system cost while preserving the accuracy benefits of magnetic position sensing
2Device complexity
If ACL systems are used for location tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical impedance-based ACL system with a magnetic field-based sensing approach. By using magnetic field gradients to determine position, the system achieves superior positional accuracy compared to ACL methods while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of a single multi-functional coil
3Measurement precision
If exposed coil windings are used for physiologic signal sensing, then tissue proximity detection is improved, but susceptibility to environmental interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones within the coil structure: certain portions of the coil windings are exposed to detect tissue proximity and physiologic signals, while other portions are insulated to detect magnetic field gradients for position sensing. This spatial differentiation allows each zone to perform its specific function while minimizing interference between functions and reducing susceptibility to environmental noise
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 integrated sensor unit provides accurate physiologic signal measurement, tissue proximity indication, and magnetic field sensing, reducing system complexity and enhancing positional accuracy without interfering with generated magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
The coil has an inductive impedance that is determined by the coil geometry and a secondary impedance determined by the environment to which the exposed windings are exposed... voltage (and/or current) signals output from the coil which are induced by a known magnetic flux from a generated magnetic field acting on the coil
Implementation Method 2
The secondary impedance may be resistive, capacitive, inductive, or any combination thereof. The overall impedance of the coil therefore changes with the environment, and the change in impedance can be detected
Implementation Method 3
measure physiologic electrical signals generated by tissues (e.g., ECG signals)... The exposed windings can measure physiologic signals (e.g., ECG signals) when in contact with biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit for a medical probe having coils that each have a respective central axis that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the medical probe such that the coils are disposed one or more substrates. A first coil can have conductive surfaces exposed to an external environment while a second coil has its conductive surfaces insulated or sealed from the external environment. The coils can be configured to output 1) physiologic electrical signals (e.g., ECG) received at the at least two exposed windings, and 2) signals indicative of environmental impedance/conductance in the vicinity of the at least two exposed windings. The coils can further be configured to determine a position of the sensor based on magnetic field, determine a curvature of the sensor, directionally measure environmental impedance/conductance, and/or measure temperature.