Weight-Based Calibration for Pressure Catheter Tips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing invasive probes with pressure sensors face challenges in accurately measuring contact pressure between the distal tip and body tissue due to varying relationships between actual pressure and sensor readings from one catheter to another, necessitating a reliable calibration method.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus comprising a fixture, weights with known masses and angles, and a calibration processor to compute calibration coefficients based on deformation measurements, ensuring accurate pressure readings by applying force vectors to the distal tip and storing these coefficients in a non-volatile memory for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are embedded in the catheter to measure contact pressure, then contact pressure measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying relationships between actual pressure and sensor readings from one catheter to another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary calibration before actual use by applying known forces to the catheter tip during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action establishes a calibration curve that maps sensor readings to actual forces, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements across different catheters. The calibration data is stored and used during operation to correct sensor readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the measurement system by introducing calibration coefficients that transform raw sensor readings into accurate force measurements. By adjusting these calibration parameters based on preliminary testing, the system achieves consistent measurement precision across different catheters despite manufacturing variations.
2Measurement precision
If calibration coefficients are computed and stored for different angles of incidence, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration solution that handles multiple angles of incidence using a single calibration framework. Instead of requiring separate calibration systems for each angle, the calibration curve or matrix approach provides a unified method that works for various angles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational models and stored calibration data to represent the complex relationship between angle, force, and sensor reading. Rather than physically implementing separate calibration mechanisms for each angle, the system creates a digital copy of the calibration characteristics that can be applied computationally, simplifying the physical device while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 high-accuracy pressure measurements by deriving actual pressure from deflection measurements using calibration coefficients, accounting for different angles of incidence and ensuring precise force control during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of weights, having respective masses and respective bottom surfaces that are oriented at respective angles with respect to the distal end of the probe, which are coupled to rest on a distal tip of the probe so as to apply to the distal tip respective force vectors
Implementation Method 2
apply to the distal tip respective force vectors that cause a deformation of the distal tip relative to the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration apparatus includes a fixture, which is coupled to hold a distal end of a medical probe. A plurality of weights, which have respective masses and respective bottom surfaces that are oriented at respective angles with respect to the distal end of the probe, are coupled to rest on a distal tip of the probe so as to apply to the distal tip respective force vectors that cause a deformation of the distal tip relative to the distal end. A calibration processor is configured to receive from the probe measurements indicative of the deformation of the distal tip in response to the force vectors, and to compute, based on the measurements, the masses and the angles, calibration coefficients for assessing the force vectors as a function of the measurements.