Spiral Sensor for Catheter Positioning and Tissue Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems that do not use magnetic position sensors rely on Active Current Location (ACL) components, which are less accurate compared to magnetic position sensors for tracking catheter location due to their reliance on impedance calculations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional sensor unit integrated on a catheter with an outer coil that senses physiologic signals, tissue proximity, and magnetic fields, allowing for accurate location tracking without the need for current injection, thereby replacing individual sensors and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ACL components are used for location tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (ECG sensing, tissue proximity detection, and magnetic field sensing for position tracking) into a single integrated sensor unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate ACL components while maintaining accurate location tracking through magnetic field sensing, thereby reducing system complexity without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: sensing physiologic electrical signals, detecting tissue proximity through impedance changes, and tracking catheter position via magnetic field sensing. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision across all functions.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated magnetic position sensors are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates magnetic field sensing capability directly into the multi-functional sensor unit that also performs ECG sensing and tissue proximity detection. This merging means that accurate location tracking is achieved without adding separate dedicated magnetic position sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed as a universal sensing platform that simultaneously handles multiple measurement tasks including position tracking via magnetic fields. This multi-functionality means that the same hardware infrastructure supports both accurate location tracking and other diagnostic functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used for different functions, then measurement precision for each function is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ECG sensing electrodes, tissue proximity sensors, and magnetic field sensors into a single integrated sensor unit. This consolidation maintains the measurement precision of each individual function while reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple sensing functions simultaneously with equal precision. By making the sensor unit multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the measurement accuracy required for each specific function.
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 multi-functional sensor unit enhances accuracy and reduces complexity by simultaneously measuring physiologic signals, tissue proximity, and magnetic fields, providing a more precise location tracking without interfering with magnetic fields or requiring additional hardware.
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. The overall impedance of the coil therefore changes with the environment, and the change in impedance can be detected based on 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 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. The secondary impedance may be resistive, capacitive, inductive, or any combination thereof. The change in coil impedance can provide an indication of proximity to tissue because tissue has an impedance that is different than blood
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
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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.