Vascular Catheter Navigation With Sensor-Based Tip Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for vascular catheter placement are inaccurate and risky, often leading to incorrect insertion into arteries instead of veins, advancement into incorrect vein branches, or placement too close to or within the heart, with the gold standard requiring costly and time-consuming X-ray verification.
Innovation Solution
A vascular catheter location and navigation system using sensors to measure parameters such as temperature, light reflection, or sound reflection, analyzing flow characteristics to determine the catheter's position within the body, providing real-time feedback on correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical measurement from entry point to estimated SVC location is used, then catheter placement can be performed, but placement accuracy is poor and incorrect insertion into arteries or incorrect vein branches occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (physical tape measurement from entry point) with a sensor-based detection system. Sensors at the catheter tip detect flow characteristics, temperature, or pressure to automatically determine whether the tip is in a vein or artery and to locate the SVC-CAJ position, eliminating manual measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor parameters (flow direction, temperature changes, pressure gradients) at the catheter tip. This feedback allows the operator to adjust catheter position based on objective data, confirming correct placement in the SVC-CAJ before finalizing insertion.
2Productivity
If blind catheter advancement is used, then insertion speed is maintained, but verification requires costly and time-consuming chest X-ray
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system performs self-verification through integrated sensors that automatically detect and confirm correct placement. The sensor system provides real-time confirmation of SVC-CAJ positioning, eliminating the need for external X-ray verification and allowing immediate proceeding with catheter use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radiographic verification system (X-ray) with a sensor-based detection system embedded in the catheter. The sensors detect flow characteristics and anatomical landmarks to confirm placement, providing real-time feedback without requiring additional imaging equipment or procedures.
3Ease of operation
If catheter is advanced without real-time location feedback, then insertion process is simple, but catheter may advance past SVC into heart or IVC creating dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback sensors that monitor catheter tip position relative to the SVC-CAJ. When the sensor detects parameters indicating the catheter is approaching or has reached the target location, the system provides alerts or resistance feedback to prevent further advancement, avoiding entry into the heart or IVC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the catheter with sensors that detect the approach to the SVC-CAJ boundary before actual entry occurs. The system provides early warning signals or mechanical resistance to prevent the catheter from advancing into the heart, countering the potential harmful effect before it occurs.
4Loss of time
If estimated distance to SVC is used, then placement can be performed quickly, but the estimated distance may be inaccurate leading to incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the estimation-based measurement system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of estimating distance from anatomical landmarks, the sensors directly detect the catheter tip's position relative to the SVC-CAJ by measuring flow characteristics, temperature, or pressure changes, providing accurate real-time location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback from sensors that track the catheter tip's position as it advances. This real-time data allows the operator to see the actual distance traveled and confirm arrival at the SVC-CAJ, replacing inaccurate pre-procedure estimates with precise intra-procedure measurement.
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
Enables precise and safe catheter placement by identifying the catheter tip's location, reducing the risk of arterial insertion, incorrect vein branches, and avoiding vessel walls, eliminating the need for costly X-ray verification.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned at or in proximity to the distal end of the elongate body... configured to measure at least one parameter of a fluid after the fluid is emitted from the one or more flow passage distal ends
Implementation Method 2
introduction of a medium with a measurable parameter (e.g., temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter
Implementation Method 3
introduction of a medium with a measurable parameter (e.g., temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for vascular navigation, assessment and/or diagnosis are described which determine the location of the tip of a vascular catheter using the introduction of a medium with a measurable parameter (e.g., temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter as the catheter is advanced. Measurements of the parameter are tracked over time, recorded and analyzed. The value of the parameter and/or the shape of the parameter value vs. time curve may be used in the analysis. For example, curve amplitude, variability, standard deviation, slope, etc. may be used in the analysis of catheter location.