Wireless IVUS Catheter Communication Without Sterile Cable Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of IVUS devices in catheter labs is hindered by the clutter and sterilization challenges posed by multiple cables, and detachable cables are impractical due to high contact counts and noise sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless intraluminal imaging system with a catheter equipped with a wireless transceiver and antenna, allowing for cable-free communication and operation, reducing clutter and simplifying sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple cables are used to connect IVUS devices to processing systems, then power and communication functions are provided, but cable clutter increases and sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the cable connection by implementing a wireless transceiver in the IVUS device. This allows the device to transmit imaging data and receive control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for detachable cables and connectors in the sterile field, thereby simplifying sterilization procedures while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The wireless transceiver uses radio frequency signals to transmit data between the IVUS device and the processing system, substituting the physical mechanical interface with an electromagnetic field-based interface that requires no physical connections in the sterile area.
2Reliability
If detachable cables are used to connect IVUS devices, then sterilization is improved, but high contact counts and noise sensitivity make them impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with a wireless transceiver that communicates via electromagnetic signals. This eliminates the physical contact points, connectors, and cables required in traditional wired systems, thereby removing the issues of high contact counts, connector complexity, and noise sensitivity associated with detachable cable connections.
3Productivity
If wired connections are used for IVUS devices, then stable communication is achieved, but cable clutter reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication functionality from the physical cable infrastructure by implementing a wireless transceiver in the IVUS device. This allows imaging data to be transmitted and control signals to be received through wireless electromagnetic communication, removing cables from the sterile field and reducing clutter that impedes operational efficiency.
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 wireless system reduces cable clutter in catheter labs and facilitates sterile storage, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers emit ultrasonic energy in order to create an image of the vessel of interest. Ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures (such as the various layers of the vessel wall), red blood cells, and other features of interest. Echoes from the reflected waves are received by the transducer
Implementation Method 2
A wireless intraluminal imaging system with a catheter equipped with a wireless transceiver and antenna, allowing for cable-free communication and operation
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless intraluminal imaging device and an associated system are provided. In one embodiment, the wireless intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion; an ultrasound imaging component coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; a cable coupled to the ultrasound imaging component and extending along the flexible elongate member; and a wireless communication component coupled to the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member, the wireless communication component in communication with the ultrasound imaging component via the cable. The wireless communication component wirelessly transmits ultrasound echo signals collected by the ultrasound imaging component to an image processing system via a wireless link for image generation at the image processing component.