Wearable Force Sensor for Shear Detection in Lead Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for measuring forces applied during lead extraction in cardiac pacing systems are invasive and primarily capable of measuring normal forces, failing to effectively monitor shear forces, which complicates the removal process due to scar tissue formation and attachment to vascular structures.
Innovation Solution
Development of handwear articles equipped with force sensors, including carbon-nanotube-doped elastomers and elongated carbon nanotube members, that can sense both normal and shear forces, providing accurate force information to improve the extraction procedure by distinguishing between normal and shear components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive force measurement devices are used, then force measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and interference with workflow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical force measurement devices with a textile-based sensor system that uses piezoresistive materials embedded in fabric. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical couplings and invasive procedures while maintaining force measurement capability through electrical resistance changes in the piezoresistive textile elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces textile-based piezoresistive sensors as an intermediary between the practitioner's hand and the medical device. These sensors are integrated into wearable articles of handwear, allowing force measurement without direct mechanical contact or invasive procedures. The textile sensors transmit force information through electrical signals while maintaining a non-invasive interface.
2Measurement precision
If traditional force sensors are used, then normal forces can be measured, but shear force measurement capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force measurement capability by incorporating multiple independent piezoresistive sensor elements oriented in different directions within the textile structure. This segmentation allows each sensor element to detect specific force components, with the combination providing comprehensive measurement of both normal and shear forces through directional sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by orienting piezoresistive textile elements in specific directions at different locations within the fabric. Each localized sensor region is configured to detect particular force components (normal or shear) based on its orientation and placement, enabling the system to distinguish between different force types through spatial and directional variations in sensor response.
3Ease of operation
If lead extraction is performed without force monitoring, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but safety and success evaluation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring force measurements during lead extraction and providing real-time information to the practitioner. The system tracks force magnitudes and characteristics, enabling assessment of extraction progress and practitioner technique. This feedback loop enhances safety by allowing immediate detection of excessive forces or complications while maintaining procedural simplicity through intuitive monitoring.
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 monitoring and evaluation of forces applied during lead extraction, enhancing the safety and success of the procedure by providing detailed force data, including shear components, thereby improving practitioner skill assessment and workflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of force sensors including a substrate of carbon-nanotube-doped elastomer, such as PDMS, adapted to sense the force
Implementation Method 2
a grid of elongated carbon nanotube members carried by the substrate of carbon-nanotube-doped elastomer, the grid of elongated carbon nanotube members adapted to sense a total force of the force applied to the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
An article of handwear for grasping a medical device in a medical environment includes a base adapted to be worn by a hand of a wearer. A sensor assembly is carried by the base. The sensor assembly is adapted to sense a force applied by the hand of the wearer, via the article of handwear, to the medical device. The sensor assembly is adapted to provide information regarding at least one shear component of the forces sensed by the sensor assembly.