Patent Application
20230285719
The present invention relates to devices and methods for vascular navigation, assessment, treatment and/or diagnosis.
All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each such individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be so incorporated by reference.
A central vascular catheter (vascular catheter), also known as central line, central venous line or central venous access catheter, is a catheter placed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein or axillary vein), arm or groin (femoral vein). It is primarily used to administer medication or fluids, obtain blood tests (such as central venous oxygen saturation), and measure central venous pressure.
A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PIC line) is a form of vascular catheter that can be used for a prolonged period of time and/or for administration of substances. It is a catheter that enters the body through the skin (percutaneously) at a peripheral site, extends to the superior vena cava (a central venous trunk), and may remain in place for days or weeks.
Placing the catheter (PICC, central vascular catheter or related vascular catheter, referred to herein as “vascular catheter” or “catheter”) in the ideal location can be challenging. The catheter may be mistakenly inserted into an artery instead of a vein, or into the incorrect vein or incorrect venous branch or advanced too far or into/along a vessel wall. Ideally, the catheter tip is placed in the superior vena cava/cavo-atrial junction (SVC-CAJ or CAJ), or the lower one third of the superior vena cava.
Correct placement currently is determined by taking a physical measurement of the distance from the catheter entry point to the estimated location of the lower one third of the superior vena cava or CAJ. There are several challenges with current techniques. First, the catheter may enter into an artery instead of a vein. Second, a catheter may be advanced down the incorrect branch of the vein tree. The catheter may advance down an azygous vein, a thoracic vein, a jugular vein, or any number of additional veins on the branch. Third, a catheter may be advanced past the superior vena cava and into the heart or into the inferior vena cava. This can be a dangerous situation. Fourth, a catheter may advance up against, or embed in, a vessel wall which can prevent fluid delivery or fluid draw. Fifth, because the gold standard for catheter placement is essentially blind, placement verification needs to be confirmed with a chest x-ray which adds additional cost and time. Sixth, the estimated distance to the lower one third of the superior vena cava or CAJ may be inaccurate.
There is a need for a relatively easy and accurate way of navigating a vascular catheter by accurately identifying the location of the tip of the catheter as it is advanced to its targeted location.
The present invention includes vascular catheter location and navigation devices and methods which determine the location of the tip of a vascular catheter using the introduction of a medium (or injectate) with a measurable parameter (temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, conductance, impedance, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter as the catheter is advanced within a flowing fluid, such as blood flow in a blood vessel. 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, pulsatility, phase, standard deviation, slope, etc. may be used in the analysis of catheter location.
Flow direction, characteristics, profiles, and types, with respect to the catheter and catheter tip can provide a vast array of information on catheter positioning during placement, after initial or subsequent placement, after the catheter has been in place for a period of time, and/or during catheter withdrawal.
Devices and methods disclosed herein can be used to inform the user of one or more of the following conditions: insertion, placement or advancement of the catheter into an artery rather than a vein; insertion, placement or advancement of the catheter into an undesired vein branch; placement or advancement of the catheter too near, into, or past the heart; or placement of the catheter tip up against, or embedded in, a wall of a vessel, or insufficient advancement of the catheter. Each of these scenarios is described in detail herein.
Blood flow characteristics and direction can help determine if the catheter is in an artery or a vein. In the case of a vein, the blood will generally be flowing more slowly toward the heart, while with the artery the blood will generally be flowing more quickly away from the heart. At least the blood flow direction and speed with respect to the catheter will be different depending on whether the catheter is in an artery or vein. Other flow parameters may also be different (turbulence, pulsatility, etc.). In addition, the flow characteristics of blood within a smaller branch of the blood vessel will be different than the flow characteristics in a larger vessel. For example, blood flow within a vein branch may completely or substantially stop where a catheter tip is totally or partially occluding the vein branch. In the case where the catheter tip is seated against a vessel wall, flow patterns around the catheter are different than when the catheter tip is in free flowing blood.
In the situation where the catheter tip passes into the superior vena cava, and passes near or into the heart's right atrium or right ventricle, the flow characteristics of the blood will change. For example, the blood flow may become more or less turbulent. More or less turbulence results in different flow characteristics, profiles, and flow types and can be detected by a variety of types of sensors.
These flow profile changes can be measured using devices and methods disclosed herein.
Devices disclosed herein may include a catheter, a guidewire, a stylet, a controller, communications, an infusion mechanism, a medium source, medium sensor or sensors etc.
Devices and methods disclosed herein utilize the introduction of a medium or injectate (saline, fluid, light, sound, etc.) which has a measurable parameter (temperature, conductivity, impedance, opacity, light reflectivity, sound reflectivity, density, viscosity, ability to absorb light, ability to absorb sound, amplitude, etc.) where the measurable parameter can be detected using a sensor (sensor, thermocouple, electrode, light sensor, sound sensor, microphone, etc.). By introducing a medium at or near the tip of the catheter and/or stylet, and measuring one or more parameters of the medium over time, and possibly over distance, flow parameters, such as flow direction, rate, volume and type, turbulent or laminar, can be determined. Based on these determinations, the user can identify whether the catheter tip is progressing to the desired position in the vasculature via the desired path. Vessels may be identified by type (vein vs. artery, vs heart etc.), size, shape, flow parameters may be assessed, etc.
The measurable parameter of the injectate medium is different from that of blood, either higher or lower. In some embodiments, the measurable parameter of the injectate medium or of blood may be zero or essentially zero. For example, where the parameter is conductivity, the injectate medium may be a zero conductivity fluid, such as distilled water or D5 W (dextrose 5% in water) similar.
The medium may be injected or introduced intermittently during all or part of catheter placement, continuously during all or part of catheter placement, periodically during all or part of catheter placement, continually during all or part of catheter placement, and/or at regular intervals during all or part of catheter placement. The medium may be introduced manually, or automatically via a controller, or automatically via an intravenous (IV) bag with or without an IV pump, or passively with an IV.
In some embodiments, the location of the sensors relative to where the medium, or injectate, is introduced is controlled. A sensor distal to the introduction of the medium may detect antegrade flow whereas a sensor proximal to the introduction of medium may detect retrograde flow.
Measurements of one or more medium parameters may be taken before, during and/or after medium introduction. For example, room temperature or other non-body temperature saline (or other fluid) may be injected through the catheter or stylet during placement. One or more sensors at or near the distal tip of the catheter/stylet can measure the temperature of the fluid immediately surrounding the sensor(s) over time as the device is advanced/moved. Based on blood flow characteristics, including direction, pulsatility and turbulence, the temperature profile over time will be different at different locations, resulting in a temperature (or parameter) profile or signature for different flow types and therefore different catheter/stylet tip location scenarios.
In embodiments where the device is used in fluid flow, for example in a blood vessel, the medium may be a fluid (first fluid) which has a measurable parameter that is different than that of the fluid within the vessel (second fluid, which may be blood). The sensors in any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be measuring the parameter of the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid, over time and at different locations, to determine the location of the device. Note that in some embodiments, the medium parameter level may be negligible and may serve to dilute the parameter in the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid. For example, where the parameter is electrical conductivity, the medium, or injectate, may be distilled water, or another injectate, which has negligible conductivity, where blood has a higher conductivity. In these embodiments, the sensors may be measuring the conductivity of the injected medium/blood mixture to determine device location.
Temperature sensors may include thermocouples or other temperature sensors, such as, fiber optic, resistive, bimetallic, thermometer, state-change, silicon diode, thermistors, optical temperature measurement (infrared or otherwise), mercury thermometers, manometers, etc. The sensor or sensors is/are in communication with a controller which records and/or analyzes the signal from the sensor(s). The communication between the sensor and the controller may be wired or wireless.
By placing a thermocouple, thermistor, or other temperature sensing device, or an array of temperature sensing devices on or through the catheter, one can determine the direction of flow of a room temperature fluid bolus that is injected into the blood stream. Since blood temperature is around 37 degrees C., a saline (or other) fluid bolus or fluid infusion with a temperature around 20-25 degrees C. or between 15 and 30 degrees C. or between 0 and 35 degrees C., or generally cooler than 37 degrees C. is distinguishable from body temperature and can be used to detect blood flow direction and characteristics, and therefore, device location.
Alternatively the fluid may be greater than body temperature, optimally about 40 C but ranging from about 39 C to 42 C or about 37 C to about 45 C.
In some embodiments, optical sensing can be used. Optical sensors can be used to detect the direction of flow by measuring the amount of dilution of blood with another fluid with different optical characteristics, such as saline.
Sonar or sound can alternatively be used as the parameter to detect blood flow direction, velocity and other blood flow characteristics. Sound waves may be produced by the controller and conveyed to the tip, or near the tip, of the catheter. A sound detector, or microphone, records the sound waves reflected back by the red blood cells or other components of blood. Saline may also be introduced to create a change in the sound waves detected.
Various mediums and/or parameters may be used in combination in some embodiments. For example, light (visible and/or not visible) and temperature may both be used. In addition, other sensors may be used to aid in locating the catheter, including electro cardiogram (ECG), ultrasound, Doppler, x-ray, etc. Pressure may also be used instead of, or in combination with these embodiments.
Other types of sensing may be used to detect various properties of blood, or a mixture of blood and an added element, such as fluid. For example, any of the following properties may be sensed using any of the sensing techniques disclosed herein, including sensing techniques below:
Embodiments that incorporate more than one type of sensor may be used either in each situation (vein vs. artery, vessel branch, vessel wall, catheter in heart or past heart), or different sensors may be used in different situations. For example, pressure may be used to determine when the catheter tip is in the heart, where temperature may be used to determine whether the catheter is in an artery. Or, for example, ECG can be used to determine if the catheter is in the cavo-atrial junction but temperature or conductivity/impedance can be used to determine if the catheter has gone down an azygous or unintended vein branch.
In some embodiments, a camera may be used to optically determine the presence, and possibly the density, or number, of red blood cells. If a greater number of cells pass by, then the flow is stronger. If they are flowing in the opposite direction, then the flow has reversed direction, thus the catheter is proceeding in the incorrect direction.
These sensing modalities can also be combined with one or more (ECG) sensors to detect catheter placement. An ECG electrode or electrodes can be placed precisely either at the target location of the catheter tip (for example, in the superior ⅓ of the vena cava), or over the heart itself to detect an unnecessary over extension of the catheter. Alternatively, one or more ECG sensors may be incorporated into the device itself, for example, into a guidewire/stylet and/or catheter. Alternatively, ECG signals can be gathered with the same sensors or electrodes that are used to measure conductivity, temperature or other parameters. The received signal may alternate between ECG and conductivity for example, with or without breaks in between.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the sensors may be located at or near the distal tip of, or along the length of a guidewire or stylet that passes through a vascular catheter. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the sensors may be located at or near the distal tip of, or along the length of a catheter.
One objective of some of the embodiments disclosed herein is to locate the device within the vasculature without the use of x-ray and/or fluoroscopy, and/or ultrasound and/or magnetic fields, and/or other imaging modalities.
Some embodiments disclosed herein may be specifically designed to be used with a sitting patient, or a patient with a pacemaker, or patients with specific conditions, etc.
One variation of a location detection system may generally comprise an elongate body having a lumen, wherein the elongate body is sized for introduction and translation through a catheter lumen. One or more openings may be located at or in proximity to a distal end of the elongate body and a sensor may be positioned at or in proximity to the distal end of the elongate body, wherein the sensor is configured to measure at least one parameter of a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid after the first fluid is emitted from the one or more openings and into the second fluid when the distal end of the elongate body is advanced beyond a distal opening of the catheter lumen. A controller in communication with the sensor may also be included, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of the at least one parameter of the mixture and is further configured to obtain a position of the sensor within a body of a subject based upon the signal.
One variation of a method of determining a location within a body of a subject may generally comprise introducing a first fluid through a lumen defined within an elongate body and through one or more openings located at or in proximity to a distal end of the elongate body after the distal end of the elongate body has been advanced beyond a distal opening of a catheter lumen, measuring a signal via a sensor of at least one parameter of a mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid after the first fluid is emitted from the one or more openings and into the second fluid, and determining via a controller in communication with the sensor a position of the sensor within the body of the subject based upon the signal.
Similarly, the vascular catheter navigation device can sense when the distal end is in the incorrect branch of a vein, based on flow direction, and possibly flow profile and magnitude. When advancing the vascular catheter navigation device in the correct direction and in the correct vessel (toward the SVC-CAJ, in a vein), the blood flows over the vascular catheter navigation device from the more proximal end toward the distal end.
Depending on the location of the sensor(s), different temperature, or parameter, profiles may be measured over time/location. Variables in flow rate, direction, turbulence, etc. will affect the mixing of blood and medium and affect the profile of the parameter, in this example, temperature, over time. In this way, the system can determine blood flow direction and characteristics at or near the catheter tip.
It is apparent that numerous variations of these and other embodiments of the vascular catheter navigation device are envisioned. For example, sensors, openings, channels etc. may be on different sides of the catheter and/or guidewire/stylet. Sensors, openings and channels are shown here at or near the catheter tip, however, they may be located anywhere along the catheter and/or guidewire/stylet.
Different sensor configurations will result in different parameter curve signatures in different vascular locations. For example, a single sensor will give a different set of curves than will a system with 2 sensors. The distance of the sensor(s) from the infusion exit site will also provide different curves. Different infusion rates, infusion volumes, infusion types (bolus vs. stream), infusion pressures, infusion velocities etc., will also provide different curves and thus different anatomical signatures. Different aspects of the curves may be analyzed by the controller to determine vascular location. These may include, but are not limited to, slope, magnitude, value, length, variability, pulsatility, phase, standard deviation, shape, area under the curve, Fourier transform, frequencies, harmonics, etc. In some embodiments, certain frequencies in the data may be filtered out, including those relating to the heartbeat, system noise, tissue conductance, etc.
In some embodiments there is one sensor and therefore one parameter vs. time/location curve. In some embodiments there are two or more sensors and therefore two or more parameter vs. time/location curves. In some embodiments, the infusion exit port is near the more proximal sensor or sensors. In some embodiments the infusion exit port is proximal or distal to the sensor or sensors. In some embodiments the infusion exit port is between the sensors. In some embodiments, one or more than two sensors may be used.
Note that parameter curves may appear different, in different anatomy, and based on the design of the vascular catheter navigation device. For example, the curve may be different for different sensor locations with respect to the fluid exit port. The curve may depend on the type of sensor or the fluid injection rate. The curve may depend on the initial parameter level of the injection fluid. Other design factors may also result in different parameter vs. time/location curve shapes.
In addition, calibration of the sensor vs. time/location curves may be performed by the controller. For example, a baseline measurement may be derived after insertion of the system, or at other points during use of the system. For example, a baseline measurement may be taken in the blood vessel before any injection fluid is injected, or at a particular injection rate. A baseline measurement (a measurement taken without any fluid injection into the system) may be used in the controller's analysis of the data to determine the location of the vascular catheter navigation device within the anatomy.
Various properties of the parameter vs. time curves may be analyzed to determine the location of the vascular catheter navigation device. For example, curve amplitude, noise, standard deviation, shape, slope, value, area under the curve, Fourier transform, frequencies, harmonics, etc. of one or more curves may be used to determine the vascular catheter navigation device location within the vasculature. These same parameters may be compared between and among multiple parameter vs. time/location curves to determine vascular catheter navigation device placement location. For example, the location, relative location, magnitude, and/or relative magnitude of peaks (positive or negative) of the curves may be used to determine vascular catheter navigation device location. In addition, the difference between amplitude, noise, standard deviation, shape, slope, value, area under the curve, and/or Fourier transform, harmonics, frequencies of the data from the multiple sensors may be used to determine vascular location. Depending on droplet size and/or infusion rate, an area under the curve, or Fourier transform may be used to analyze the parameter vs. time curve and thus vascular location. Additionally, a maximum, or a number of maxima, may be relevant.
The term “droplet” used herein may mean a drop, a bolus, a stream, an intermittent stream, etc. when referring to the injectate.
Note that several embodiments disclosed herein may mention a particular type of sensor and measured parameter, such as a sensor measuring temperature. However, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may use any type of sensor (or more than one type of sensor) which measures that sensor's parameter. For example, embodiments that disclose sensors measuring temperature, may alternatively, or additionally include conductivity sensors measuring conductivity. Embodiments which mention the controller using data from a particular type of sensor, may alternatively or additionally use data from another type of sensor.
For example, in some embodiments, the stylet/guidewire may include both the injection lumen (i.e. the stylet/guidewire may be hollow) and a sensor so that it may be positioned in the anatomy first and/or independently of the vascular catheter. For example when jugular access is being used for catheterization. Once the stylet/guidewire is placed, the vascular catheter may be advanced so that the distal tip of the catheter is at a known position relative to the distal tip of the stylet/guidewire. The stylet/guidewire may then be removed.
Distance aa may be about 0 mm. Alternatively, distance aa may be a range of about 0 mm to about 0.5 mm, or about 0 mm to about 1 mm. Alternatively, distance aa may be a range of about 0 mm to about 2 mm. Alternatively, distance aa may be a range of about 0 mm to about 3 mm. Alternatively, distance aa may about 3 mm to about 5 mm. Alternatively, distance aa may about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Alternatively, distance aa may be a range of about 0 mm to about 100 mm. These distances may alternatively be negative. For example, distance aa may be about 1 mm or may be about −1 mm. In the case of 1 mm, the distal sensor will be distal to the fluid exit port. In the case of −1 mm, the fluid exit port will be distal to the distal sensor. This is true for all dimensions provided in association with
Distance bb may be about 10 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may be a range of about 0 mm to about 10 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may be a range of about 8 mm to about 12 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may be a range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may be a range of about 1 mm to about 100 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may about 3 mm to about 5 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Alternatively, distance bb may be a range of about 0 mm to about 100 mm. These ranges may also be negative distances.
Distance cc may be about 10 mm. Alternatively, distance cc may be a range of about 0.0 mm to about 5 mm. Alternatively, distance cc may be a range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm. Alternatively, distance cc may be a range of about 15 mm to about 20 mm. Alternatively, distance cc may be a range of about 1 mm to about 100 mm.
Distance dd in
This embodiment may include torque or locking device 1022 which may be used to lock the stylet to the proximal end of the catheter, for example using luer lock 1020 at the proximal end of catheter 1018. The torque/locking device may be locked to the stylet/guidewire so that the stylet/guidewire won't move with respect to the vascular catheter. Controller (not shown) may include and/or control an infusion mechanism via fluid port 1026 as well as read data from the sensor(s) via sensor port 1004. The controller may be located near the proximal end of the stylet, or may be located several inches or feet from the proximal end of the stylet. sensor leads 1024 are also shown. The infusion may be steady or intermittent or consist of boluses.
The stylets shown in 11A-11I and some other embodiments serve several functions, including: 1) Stiffening of the catheter to aid in insertion 2) providing a medium for fluid delivery and 3) providing a channel for the leads for the sensor or sensors.
In some embodiments, it may be important to either fix, or precisely control, the distance between the catheter tip and the guidewire/stylet, or be able to determine the distance between the catheter tip and the guidewire/stylet. It may also be important to able to fix the location of the injection with respect to a sensor or to know the distance between the location of the injection exit port and a sensor. The distance between the exit port and the sensors will have an effect on the parameter profile during fluid infusion. These distances may be fixed across patients and scenarios, or may be different for different patient types and different scenarios. For example, the distance may be different depending on the vasculature being accessed. The distance may be different for patients of different weight, size, body mass index, health, age, sex, heart condition, or other patient characteristics. The distance may be different for different catheter sizes, catheters with different numbers and shapes of catheter lumens etc.
In some embodiments, the stylet/guidewire is fixed, or locked, with respect to the catheter tip using a torque device near the proximal end of the catheter as shown in
In some embodiments, the user determines the relative alignment of the catheter and stylet/guidewire by sight and then measures the relative distance from two values.
In some embodiments, controlling the flow patterns of the injectate exit may be important. to achieve consistent results. It may also be important to contrast the flow of the injectate with that of the blood flow within the vasculature/heart. The flow of the injectate may be purposefully made either more laminar or more turbulent to achieve these goals. Some embodiments may include features that direct the flow and are a part of the catheter or stylet. These features may be surface features, like dimpling, or an orange peel finish, that change the surface finish of the catheter or stylet. These features may be part of the OD of stylet/temp sensors or ID of fluid lumen or both.
Note that several embodiments disclosed herein show 2 sensors. In any of these embodiments, one, two, or more sensors may be used.
In some embodiments the outer diameter (OD) of the stylet is around 1 mm or less. In some embodiments the OD of the stylet is around 0.5 mm or less. In some embodiments the OD of the stylet is around 1.5 mm or less. In some embodiments the stylet could range in OD from about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm.
In some embodiments, where the catheter is double or triple lumen, the stylet functionality may be broken into distinct parts (fluid, stiffener, sensing leads) etc. and multiple stylets may be used in multiple lumens of the catheter.
Many types of temperature sensors may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including thermocouples, fiber optic, resistive, bimetallic, thermometer, state-change, silicon diode, thermistors, optical temperature measurement (infrared or otherwise), mercury thermometers, manometers, etc.
In addition to infusing fluids, as disclosed elsewhere herein, other methods to create a thermal change at or near the tip of the catheter/stylet may be used. Fluids at a temperature higher than body temperature may be introduced, a resistive heating element, or a piezo electric cooling element, etc. may be included in the catheter, on the catheter, on the guidewire/stylet, or at the injector, outside of the body. Alternatively, the injected fluid may be at a different, although not strictly controlled, temperature than body temperature and this temperature difference (between body temperature and injectate temperature) is measured and tracked by the controller.
In embodiments with a resistive heating element, the resistive heating elements may be on the catheter or on a stylet. In embodiments where it is on the catheter it may be on the outside of the catheter or on the inside of one or more lumens of the catheter. Alternatively, it may be on the guidewire/stylet. In embodiments where it is on the guidewire/stylet, it may be within the catheter lumen, partially within the catheter lumen, or external to the catheter lumen, where it is exposed to blood. Embodiments that heat/cool blood may not require the injectate fluid.
As shown in
The graphical user interface (GUI) may display in real time the location of the tip of the catheter relative to the 3D space through which it is navigating. The graphical user interface shown in
Note that although some embodiments disclosed herein incorporate the sensor(s) into the vascular catheter, the vascular catheter navigation device may be a stand-alone device which fits inside a vascular catheter, and can be removed once vascular catheter placement has been completed. The vascular catheter navigation device, for example, may serve as a stylet or guidewire for a standard vascular catheter.
The cross sectional area and shape of the flow passages will, at least partially, determine flow velocity exiting the device. The number of flow passages will also affect the flow parameters of the fluid exiting the device. Preferably, the fluid infusion rate may be about 2-3 ml/min. Alternatively, the fluid infusion rate may be about 3-5 ml/min. Alternatively, the fluid infusion rate may be about 5-10 ml/min. Alternatively, the fluid infusion rate may be about 1-5 ml/min. Alternatively, the fluid infusion rate may be about 0.5-7 ml/min. Alternatively, the fluid infusion rate may be about 0.1-2.5 ml/min. Device exit flow velocity is preferably about 60-100 cm/sec. Alternatively, device exit flow velocity is about 1-300 cm/sec.
Although some embodiments of the vascular navigation device shown here in multi-lumen catheters show the vascular navigation device conforming to the shape of the lumen, the vascular navigation may have different cross sectional shapes, including round.
Note that although embodiments disclosed herein show the vascular catheter navigation device in an infusion lumen of a vascular catheter, it is also possible that the vascular catheter navigation device may be used in any lumen of a vascular catheter, for example a sampling lumen. It is also possible that more than one vascular catheter navigation devices may be used at once in more than one lumen.
The core, which includes the lead wire(s) and an additional stiffener, if present, may be encapsulated with enclosure 2206. Enclosure 2206 may be a tube made out of polymer, such as polyimide, polyethylene, PTFE etc., or metal or other suitable material. The enclosure may alternatively be a dip or spray coating. The enclosure may be a heat shrinkable tubing.
Any of the guidewires/styli disclosed herein may be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
Where “sensor” or “sensor” is used herein, other types of sensors may be used, including any measurable parameter including temperature, opacity, light reflectivity, sound reflectivity, density, viscosity, ability to absorb light, ability to absorb sound, pressure etc.
Controller
The controller may control delivery of the medium and receive signals from sensors which sense a medium parameter in the blood flow. In addition the controller will receive information from the one or more sensors and interpret the information to assess the location, relative location, and/or hazard zones within the vasculature, or assess other blood flow parameters. The sensor signals are communicated, via a wire, wirelessly, by fiber optic cable, or other means, back to the controller where the signal(s) are analyzed based on the measured parameter, parameter profile, parameter of more than one sensor, or change in parameter over time and/or distance. For example, the controller can determine whether the distal end of the vascular catheter navigation device is in an artery instead of a vein, based on magnitude and direction of blood flow, and/or other flow parameters, near the vascular catheter navigation device. For example, if the controller determines that the distal end of the vascular catheter navigation device is in an artery instead of a vein, a specific identifying signal may sound, including an audible, visual signal etc., instructing the user to remove the vascular catheter navigation device, and any other device, such as sheaths, catheters etc., and apply pressure to the blood vessel. For example, instructions for advancing, retreating, redirecting, stopping movement of, or removing, the vascular catheter navigation device may be displayed by the controller on a screen connected to the controller. The connection may be wired or wireless and the screen may be local or remote. The signal from the controller may be transmitted over Bluetooth, or other wireless protocol, to a computer such as a laptop, tablet, phone, watch, or other peripheral device.
The controller may control introduction of medium, including injection of a temperature controlled solution, such as saline, introduction of sound, introduction of light, introduction of a fluid containing a level of a parameter, etc. Temperature controlled may mean a temperature which is different than body temperature.
Injection Mechanism and Fluid Properties
The infusion drip, bolus, droplet, stream, etc., used to detect catheter location may have specific parameters. The infusion may be a drip or it may be a stream. The preferred intermittent volume size (drip, drop, bolus, intermittent stream) is between about 0.5 cc to about 3 cc, but can range between about 0.1 cc and about 10 cc. Alternatively, the volume may range from about 0.5 cc to about 1 cc. Alternatively the volume may range from about 0.1 cc to about 2.5 cc.
The preferred drip interval may be between about every 0.5 second to about every 4 seconds to a broader range of about every 0.25 seconds to about every 10 seconds. Where the infusion is a continuous stream, the preferred flow rate is about 4 cc/minute but may range from about 0.25 cc/minute to about 15 cc/minute or from about 0.1 cc/minute to about 30 cc/minute or from about 0.1 cc/minute to about 60 cc/minute.
The pressure applied to the injection mechanism (syringe, for example) for injection may be around 3 psi but may range from about 1 psi to about 20 psi, or the range may be from about 0.1 psi to around 200 psi.
The controller may control an injection device, or volumetric displacing device, such as a syringe, so that the injection device introduces a controlled volume and/or rate of fluid into the catheter or stylet/guidewire. The fixed volume and/or rate of fluid may be at a controlled temperature, either above or below that of blood (approximately 37 degrees Celsius), or at a known temperature which is measured. The injection device may inject a controlled volume and/or rate of fluid at predetermined intervals, or other intervals, or continuously. The controlled volume and/or rate of fluid injection may remain the same throughout a procedure, or the volume and/or rate may change depending on the patient, the location of the catheter/system within the vasculature, etc. For example, the volume and/or rate of fluid injected may increase as the tip of the catheter gets closer to the heart. The volume and/or rate may be different for different sized vascular catheters or different sized lumens of vascular catheters, for example in catheters with multiple lumens.
The volume and/or rate of fluid injected may be controlled by a lead screw, cam, linear actuator motor, peristaltic pump, spring(s) etc. The force of the injection requirements may also be controlled and/or monitored. For example, if an unusually high force is required to inject the fluid, an alert may tell the user that a possible catheter blockage situation exists, including a catheter kink, a blood clot, the catheter tip up against a vessel wall, or within a small vessel, or other catheter patency situation. Higher or lower force injections may be used in different areas of the anatomy, or to confirm location within the anatomy. For example, a higher forced injection of a smaller volume and/or rate may provide different temperature curve information than a lower force, higher volume and/or rate injection. Small volume injections at a higher frequency may provide different information than larger volume injections at a lower frequency, etc.
The fluid injector may also be configured to withdraw fluid through the catheter/stylet/guidewire to determine injection lumen/tip patency. The controller may assess force to withdraw fluid to determine that fluid is flowing freely through the catheter/stylet/guidewire. If fluid is not flowing freely, a patency alert may alert the user. Alternatively the controller may have a sensor which senses the existence of blood in the system when the injector withdraws fluid through the catheter/stylet/guidewire. This may be done optically or otherwise.
An embodiment of the injection mechanism is shown in
The system may come packaged with a prefilled injection device, or a fillable injection device. Saline may be used as the fluid, or D5 W, or other suitable fluid. Contrast medium may be used (which is a higher viscosity than saline). Fluids of differing viscosity may be used, or fluids may be mixed (such as contrast medium and saline) to achieve a desired viscosity or other desired properties. Fluids of different surface tension, different specific heat capacity, different acidity or other different attributes may be used. Fluids with properties that differ from those of blood will provide different sensed parameter, curves and therefor provide different information regarding the location of the catheter/guidewire/stylet tip in the vasculature. Some fluids may be soluble in blood and others less soluble. Since the injection fluid is injected into the blood stream, the fluid used will preferably be biocompatible.
Additives may be added to the injection fluid for different results. For example, salts, such as NaCl may be added. Different salts or other additives may improve an ECG signal in embodiments that include an ECG electrode. A different fluid (liquid or gas) may be introduced with the primary fluid to modify the fluid properties. For example, a biocompatible liquid or gas may be “bubbled” into saline.
More than one injection fluid may be used, either mixed and injected through the same lumen and exit port(s), or injected separately, through different lumens and/or different exit ports. One or more of the injection fluids may include a drug or medication.
A user interface controlled by the controller may include a display, alerts (auditory, visible, lights, vibrations etc.) and other information. The user interface may include a display of the anatomy with a virtual reality indicator of the location of the catheter/guidewire/stylet tip within the anatomy. For example, the display may be an image of the human vascular system, and a moving indicator, such as a light, may show where within the anatomy the catheter/guidewire/stylet tip is located. The display may be actual size, and possibly even projected upon the patient, or it may be a smaller or larger size, for example, displayed on the controller, a tablet, or projected up on the wall. The controller and/or display may include a computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality/augmented reality glasses, etc.
The system may be fully disposable. A fully disposable system primary package includes: syringe, syringe pump, the syringe (or a sterile vial) filled with the fluid of choice, a controller, a user interface which can exist as any combination of display, alert, and lights, catheter, stylet/guidewire, and introduction mechanism. All, or some, of these elements may be fully disposable. For example, the controller and user interface/display may not be disposable, but the navigation device, syringe, syringe pump may be. By doing so, the chance of infection will be reduced.
In some embodiments, the syringe is loaded into the injection mechanism before the procedure. In other words, the fluid filled syringe is not packaged with the injection mechanism. In this case, the carriage may be pulled back and locked into the locking mechanism, the syringe may be loaded, and the injection mechanism connected to the sensing stylet/catheter. At this point, the locking mechanism may be released to allow fluid to flow through the sensing stylet/catheter.
In some embodiments, the fluid pump is designed in such a way that the syringe may be loaded into the pump using only one hand. For example, the pump may be locked in the “cocked” position first, using one hand, and then the syringe may be loaded into the pump with one hand, and the pump may be unlocked to allow the infusion fluid to flow through the navigation device, using only one hand. In some embodiments, the inserting of the syringe and the locking of the pump into the “cocked” position may be done in a single movement, and in some embodiments, with one hand.
In some embodiments, the fluid pump may incorporate catheter and/or stylet and/or cable management, to minimize clutter on and around the patient.
Another embodiment includes all of the items listed above where the display is non-disposable. The display may be within the non-sterile field and communicate via cable or a wireless communications protocol such as Bluetooth. Alternatively, the display may be within the sterile field using a wired or wireless connection. Additionally/alternatively, the display may be projected on glasses—either virtual reality or augmented reality glasses. The glasses may be within the sterile or non-sterile field. Additionally, a projector may project the display on a surface of choice and the projector may be in sterile or non-sterile field.
Another embodiment consists of two subsystems. The disposable elements may include catheter, stylet/guidewire, and a fluid filled volume displacing device, such as a syringe. The non-disposable elements may include a controller in a housing, mechanics/motors to depress the lead screw on the syringe/cartridge, display, audio, and visual elements, as well as user interaction buttons, etc.
Any of the catheter/stylet/guidewire placement and/or patency techniques disclosed herein may be used while placing the device in the vasculature, as well as after placement, to monitor the device during use, and to determine that the device has not significantly strayed from its placement location over time. This time frame may be hours, days, weeks or months.
Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be used with any type of central vascular catheter including central venous lines, clavicle lines, midline, etc. In addition, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be used with peripheral vascular catheters, dialysis catheters, and cardiac catheters including catheters used for: coronary arteries, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, etc. Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be used with any type of urinary catheters. Similar technology may be used in underwater navigation, mining, oil and gas exportation, utility fabrication or repair, transportation infrastructure fabrication and repair, etc.
Other technologies may also be used in conjunction with the sensor readings from the vascular catheter. For example ECG readings, ultrasound readings, Doppler readings, x-ray readings, inductive current technology, pressure readings, etc. Some, all or no readings may be augmented via a turbulence inducer. These, and other, other types of readings may be used in conjunction with the sensor readings by the controller to determine the location of the vascular catheter navigation device distal tip. Specific modalities may be better at identifying specific vascular landmarks or conditions.
For example, any of the conductive components of the vascular navigation device may be used as an ECG lead. Another ECG lead may be placed on the patient's skin or may be incorporated into the navigation device. For example, the guidewire stylet stiffener, coil, enclosure, thermocouple leads, sensor leads, thermocouple, endcap, conduit, etc. may be used as an ECG lead or leads. Alternatively, a separate ECG lead may be added to the system.
Example of Data Processing System
As shown in
Typically, the input/output devices 3610 are coupled to the system through input/output controllers 3609. The volatile RAM 3605 is typically implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continuously in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. The non-volatile memory 3606 is typically a magnetic hard drive, a magnetic optical drive, an optical drive, or a DVD RAM or other type of memory system which maintains data even after power is removed from the system. Typically, the non-volatile memory will also be a random access memory, although this is not required.
While
Some portions of the preceding detailed descriptions have been presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the ways used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities.
It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as those set forth in the claims below, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
The techniques shown in the Figs can be implemented using code and data stored and executed on one or more electronic devices. Such electronic devices store and communicate (internally and/or with other electronic devices over a network) code and data using computer-readable media, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., magnetic disks; optical disks; random access memory; read only memory; flash memory devices; phase-change memory) and transitory computer-readable transmission media (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals—such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals).
The processes or methods depicted in the preceding Figs may be performed by processing logic that comprises hardware (e.g. circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), firmware, software (e.g., embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium), or a combination of both. Although the processes or methods are described above in terms of some sequential operations, it should be appreciated that some of the operations described may be performed in a different order. Moreover, some operations may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially.
In embodiments which use conductivity or impedance to determine the location of the vascular navigation device, a current is applied to an electrode of a sensor and the conductivity or impedance of the blood/medium mixture between two electrodes is sensed by the second electrode of a sensor. The driving frequency of the signal may be around 10,000 Hz. Alternatively the driving frequency may be around 500 Hz to around 100,000 Hz. Alternatively the driving frequency may be higher than around 100,000 Hz. The sampling frequency may be around 50 Hz. Alternatively, the sampling frequency may be around 25 Hz to around 100 Hz. The sampling frequency may be fixed, or may be variable and may depend on the frequencies within the detected conductivity or impedance signal.
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of the vascular catheter navigation device which rely on injecting an injectate, or medium, into the blood stream, where the injectate has a parameter, the value of which differs from that of blood. For example, the injectate may have a different temperature or conductance or impedance than the temperature, conductance or impedance of blood. Because these embodiments are sensing and analyzing the injectate parameter to determine the flow characteristics of the blood within a vessel, it may be important that the flow characteristics of the injectate be repeatable and meaningful. Different injectate exit port designs result in different injectate flow characteristics, and impact the data collected by and analyzed by the controller.
It is also desirable that the injectate flow in proximity to the sensors on the device so that the sensors can measure the changes in the sensed parameter. It may be desirable for the injectate flow to surround the navigation device essentially 360 degrees or as close to 360 degrees as possible, particularly in laminar, or less turbulent blood flow.
To achieve this, some embodiments include an injectate exit or port which diffuses the exit flow of injectate, to control and/or minimize the injectate exit velocity. These types of injectate port exit designs are termed “diffuse” exit port designs. Such a diffusing exit port may incorporate multiple openings or a mesh, similar to those shown in
By showing the flattened diffuse exit port we can see that the exit port has a surface area, X times Y. It also has a percentage of opening area which is the surface area of the sheet minus the total surface area of the openings. If the openings are circular, the area of each opening is πR2. If the openings are circular, then the total surface area of the openings is n times πR2. The sheet shown here also has a thickness shown as z. in some embodiments, the resistance to exit port flow can also be increased to minimize and/or control the injectate exit port velocity. Flow resistance can be increased by increasing the number of openings (for a given open area) and/or increasing the perimeter of the openings (for a given open area), and/or increasing the thickness (z) of the openings (for a given open area). For example, a mesh with small openings will have a higher resistance to flow than a single opening of the same opening area.
A diffuse exit port design may include multiple holes in the device, holes in a secondary material that is attached the device, a mesh (polymer, metal, etc.) that is incorporated into the device, a break, or opening, in the device which is supported by other structures, such as a core wire, a sponge (Polymer, sintered or 3D printed metal or polymer), etc.
Exit port design and distance from port to sensors are variables in the design and are optimized such that the sensor functions well in a wide range of conditions, including a range of blood flow velocities (1 cm/sec-200 cm/sec in either direction), a wide range of vessel and organ diameters, both small and large (0.5 mm diameter to 100 mm in diameter), and a wide range of infusion flow rates of the injectate (0.001 cc/min to 100 cc/minute, or more optimally 0.5 cc/min-5 cc/min), etc.
It may be desirable in some embodiments to limit the velocity of the injectate as it exits the injectate exit port. This can be done by limiting the injectate rate on the proximal end of the device, and can also be done by increasing the area of the opening(s) of the injectate exit port. Increasing the area of the openings of the exit port can be done by increasing the percentage of area that is open within the injectate exit port, and/or increasing the surface area of the injectate exit port.
Some embodiments of a diffuse injectate exit port may include multiple openings circumferentially.
As an example, the exit port may have two or more openings within about a 0.5 cm length. As another example, the exit port may have two or more openings aligned circumferentially within the exit port. As an example, the exit port may have three or more openings within about a 0.5 cm length. As another example, the exit port may have three or more openings aligned circumferentially within the exit port.
In some embodiments, the length 4704 of the diffuse exit port is greater than about 0.10 cm. In some embodiments, the length 4704 of the diffuse exit port is greater than about 0.25 cm. In some embodiments, the length 4704 of the diffuse exit port is greater than about 0.5 cm. In some embodiments, the length 4704 of the diffuse exit port is greater than about 0.75 cm. In some embodiments, the length 4704 of the diffuse exit port is greater than about 1.0 cm.
For example, at an injectate infusion rate of 3 ml/min, the injectate inlet velocity may be around 6 cm/sec and the injectate exit velocity exiting the exit port may be around 1.5 cm/sec. This represents a ratio of inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio of around 4. Alternatively, at an injection infusion rate of 5 ml/min, the injectate inlet velocity may be around 10 cm/sec and the injectate exit velocity exiting the exit port may be around 2.5 cm/sec. This represents a ratio of inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio of around 4. Alternatively, the outlet velocity may be in the range of around 0 to 1 cm/sec. Alternatively, the outlet velocity may be in the range of around 1 to 3 cm/sec. Alternatively, the outlet velocity may be in the range of around 1 to 4 cm/sec. Alternatively, the outlet velocity may be in the range of around 1 to 6 cm/sec. Alternatively, the outlet velocity may be in the range of around 1 to 8 cm/sec. The inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be around 4. Alternatively, the inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be around 2-5. Alternatively, the inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be around 1-6. Alternatively, the inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be around 5-10. Alternatively, the inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be greater than around 2. Alternatively, the inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be greater than around 5. Alternatively, the inlet velocity:outlet velocity ratio may be greater than around 10.
In embodiments which include a diffuse exit port, the distance between the exit port and the sensor may be measured from the closest opening to the sensor. For example, in
In some embodiments of the vascular catheter navigation device, it is desirable to incorporate a sensor into or on the vascular catheter itself. This feature enables the user to detect whether the catheter has migrated over time, even after the guidewire/stylet has been removed. By including the sensor and infusion ports on the catheter itself, the need for a guidewire or stylet may also not be necessary. In some of these embodiments, the electrodes are designed such that the vascular catheter may be trimmed at the distal end without sacrificing the electrode and/or sensor function. For example, electrodes may be printed on the catheter with 3d printing technology, conductive ink may be used, metal bands may be attached, or flex circuits may be affixed to the catheter. Conductive plastics can also be co-extruded to create separate traces or electrode.
Any of the conductivity sensor/electrodes disclosed herein may be incorporated into a rolled printed circuit board which may be wrapped around and attached to the device. Different manufacturing techniques may be used alone or in combination, including plating, masking, lithography, stamping, soldered etc.
The conductivity sensor may also be used to measure the ECG signal of a patient. The two technologies together may be used to identify the device distal tip location within the anatomy. Alternatively, a separate electrode may be used for at least one ECG electrode.
Embodiments with different types of sensors are disclosed herein. It is understood that any type of sensor may be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may utilize sensors that sense electrical properties, such as conductance or resistance.
In these, and other embodiments, the space between OD 5704 of the stiffening core wire and ID 5706 of the outer tube of the device may be important. This defines, at least along a portion of the device, the injection area for fluid injection. The ratio of tube ID to stiffener OD may be around 0.4. Alternatively, the ratio of tube ID to stiffener OD may be around 0.3-0.5. Alternatively, the ratio of tube ID to stiffener OD may be around 0.2-0.6. Alternatively, the ratio of tube ID to stiffener OD may be around 0.1-0.7. In some embodiments, the OD of the stiffening core wire is zero or essentially zero which would cause this ratio to be or approach infinity.
In these, and other embodiments, the ratio of exit port openings total area (for example, port length 4704*% port open area*tube ID 5706*π) to the cross sectional area defining the space between the stiffener OD and the tube ID (π (tube ID 5706/2)2−π (stiffener OD 5704/2)2) may be important. This ratio may be around 4.5. Alternatively, this ratio may be around 1.8-14. Alternatively, this ratio may be around 1.4-20. Alternatively, this ratio may be around 1.2-30. In embodiments where the stiffener OD is zero, this ratio may be around 4. Alternatively, in embodiments where the stiffener OD is zero, this ratio may be around 1.6-13. Alternatively, in embodiments where the stiffener OD is zero, this ratio may be around 1.2-30.
Although the distal tip of the device is shown here, the same process of exposing the electrode leads (i.e. skiving) may be used at the proximal end of the navigation device. Electrical connections may also be made at the proximal end of the device via the same leads so that the electrodes are in electrical connection with the controller, via the leads.
In the embodiments shown in
Some embodiments may include a distal tip which includes an electrode, for example for ECG detection, where the ECG electrode only extends part way through the distal tip length. For example, the ECG electrode may include a metal portion, where the distal more length of the distal tip length is made primarily or partially from polymer. Alternatively, both sections may be made from metal, with an insulated portion between them, which limits the length of the electrode portion. In this way, the ECG electrode may be closer to the sensor electrodes on the device, or the ECG electrode may be further from the sensor electrodes on the device. In some embodiments the distal tip electrode may be around 5 mm from the distal most sensor electrode. In some embodiments the distal tip electrode may be around 5-10 mm from the distal most sensor electrode. In some embodiments the distal tip electrode may be around 1-10 mm from the distal most sensor electrode. In some embodiments the distal tip electrode may be around 5-20 mm from the distal most sensor electrode. In some embodiments the distal tip electrode may be around 10-20 mm from the distal most sensor electrode. In some embodiments the distal tip electrode may be around 20-30 mm from the distal most sensor electrode.
In some embodiments, where the sensors are on a guidewire or stylet, the guidewire or stylet extends beyond the distal end of the vascular catheter during placement of the catheter. This allows the sensors on the guidewire/stylet to contact the blood, the infused fluid and the blood/fluid mixture.
In some embodiments, distance 6902 may be around 5 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6902 may be around 0-5 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6902 may be around 5-10 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6902 may be around 10-20 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6902 may be around 20-30 mm.
In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 15 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 10-15 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 10-20 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 5-20 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 0-20 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 10-30 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 10-40 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 10-30 mm. In some embodiments, distance 6904 may be around 5-40 mm.
In some embodiments, distance 6912 and/or distance 6914 may be variable, so change at different points during the placement, be different for different patients or for different anatomy, or in response to different alerts, etc. In some embodiments, the distance is known, either by a marker or registration mechanism, for example at the proximal end of the catheter/guidewire/stylet, or by fixing the distance before placement, while the catheter/stylet/guidewire are outside of the body.
The leads may be made of any suitable conductive metal including stainless steel, copper, etc. The coil/leads may be made out of flat ribbon, round wire, or other cross-sectional shapes. The leads may be connected to electrode bands on the outside of the tubing by skiving the tubing to reveal one lead/coil which is to be electrically connected to the electrode band. The connection may be made with conductive adhesive, direct physical contact, solder, etc. The coils/leads may be insulated from each other by a portion of the tubing wall, or by an insulating coating on the coil/lead. This embodiment allows for several electrode leads running at least a portion of the length of the device while conserving space. The leads also serve to reinforce the tubing, allowing it to have more torque, kink resistance and crush resistance.
In some embodiments, an inner guidewire assembly is constructed first using a small diameter wire welded to a flexible coil with an atraumatic ball tip. A hypodermic tube is assembled over the small diameter wire creating stiffness in the proximal length of the stylet. In addition, one or more flexible tubing elements are assembled over the small diameter wire, distal to the hypodermic tubing to create a gradual stiffness transition for kink resistance. The flexible tubing(s) may be affixed to the hypodermic tubing and/or the small diameter wire using adhesive and/or a crimping process. The full guidewire assembly is then assembled inside the coil reinforced polyimide tubing with crimped electrodes.
Some example dimensions and materials:
Although several embodiments of the navigation device disclosed herein are shown with a sensing stylet, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be in the form of a sensor catheter or a sensing catheter/stylet combination.
The two electrodes may be placed within an elongate body, such as a stylet, guidewire and/or catheter. This elongate body may be fabricated of any suitable material including: polyurethane, polyimide, reinforced polyimide, Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or other thermoplastics or polymers. An injectate, or infusate, such as water, saline, D5 W or other fluid, may be infused between the electrodes and the inner surface of a lumen of the elongate body. An electrical signal is relayed to a controller which is in communication with the electrodes and may be located remotely. The signal is used by the controller to determine the location of the system within the body based on the response of the sensor to the injected infusate, within a blood vessel (or other cavity) within the flow of blood. The blood is diluted by the infusate and the signal detected by the electrodes depends on the flow characteristics of the blood.
The infusion lumen may be created by the space between the electrodes and the inner wall of a lumen of either the stylet or alternatively, the inner wall of a lumen of the catheter.
These embodiments may include one pair of electrodes, two, three (as shown in
In embodiments where the electrodes (sensors) are incorporated into the catheter vs. the stylet, the sensors (as part of the catheter) may remain in place in the body for a longer period of time, for example days or weeks, or for as long as the vascular catheter is required for the patient. In these embodiments, the system may detect position in the body during insertion as well as the location of the catheter in the body after the catheter has been inserted and is dwelling in the vascular for the long term. This is useful to detect migration of the catheter from its desired location. The sensors may also be able to detect an increase in thrombus formation on the tip or elsewhere on the catheter, and as a result, indicate when it is time to replace the catheter.
This signal has been dampened/filtered to show more clearly the magnitude of the signal as the navigation device is navigated through the vasculature. The distal tip of the device is navigated through the SVC, into the CM, into the heart, and then retracted back through the CAJ and the SVC. The conductivity signal at baseline, with no infusion of injectate medium, is represented by the dotted line. This is generally what the conductivity signal would be if the device were advanced through the vasculature without the injection of any injectate. However, when injectate is continuously infused through the device, so that it exits the device openings near the distal tip, the sensors (in this case electrodes) detect a different conductivity signal depending on the location of the device within the anatomy.
While the device is in the upper part of the SVC, the conductivity is generally lower than baseline, because of the infusion of the injectate which has a lower conductivity than blood. Since there is less turbulence and less mixing in this area of the vasculature, the magnitude of the signal, or the difference between the signal and baseline, is relatively high in this area. The magnitude of this signal may vary with vessel size and/or anatomy. There is also a fairly large magnitude signal as the device enters the CAJ, as is shown here. As the device crosses the superior vena cava/cavo-atrial junction (SVC-CAJ), and enters the right atrium of the heart, the signal magnitude is reduced. In other words, the signal approaches baseline. This is due to the increased flow rate, turbulence and mixing of the blood in the atrium of the heart, which quickly dilutes and eliminates the lower conductivity injectate, so that the sensors do not sense the presence of the injectate. Since the ideal location for the catheter tip is within the CAJ, the user then withdraws the catheter until the magnitude of the conductivity signal again increases, to a point generally represented by the “X” on the curve. In this way, the magnitude of the conductivity signal may be used to locate the navigation device in the CM.
In the situation where the device is in the wrong location, where blood is flowing against the device, the signal from the proximal sensor is a larger magnitude from baseline (lower conductivity) than the signal from the distal signal. This is shown in
A steady injection of the injectate was used to obtain these data in a pig. Steady, varying or intermittent injection of the injectate may be used.
The pulsatility of the sensor signal depends on the location of the device within the vasculature. For example, smaller vessels may produce a more pulsatile signal than very large vessels, or the heart. Therefore, the pulsatility of the sensor signal may also be used to locate the vascular navigation device. Signal pulsatility, signal magnitude and/or relative signal magnitude may be used to locate the device within the anatomy.
Some examples are provided herein, but it is understood that the signal signature may be different than the examples, and may incorporate fewer or more or different signal types. The controller may incorporate the one or more signal types as absolute values, or relative values. The relative values may be relative to another point in time, or relative to another signal type, or relative to the same signal type from a different sensor. For example, the controller of the vascular navigation device may determine that the distal tip of the device is in an artery based on a high proximal sensor signal magnitude. Alternatively or additionally, the determination may be based on an increase in the proximal sensor signal magnitude from a previous time/location of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the determination may be based on the proximal sensor signal magnitude relative to the distal sensor signal magnitude, where the proximal sensor signal magnitude may be higher in an artery. Any of the signal types disclosed herein may be analyzed similarly, either absolutely or relatively or both.
The anatomical diagram shows the location of an entry vein (A), the SVC (B), a vein with contralateral blood flow (C), an artery (D), the CAJ (E), and the right atrium (F). As the device is advanced through the vasculature, ideally, it passes through the entry vein, into the SVC, to the CAJ. The vascular navigating system may detect where the device tip is based on one or more signal signatures. The vascular navigation system may also be able to detect the transition of the location of the device from one anatomical area to another. For example, the vascular navigation system may detect when the device has traveled past the CAJ and has entered the right atrium as it is advanced from the CAJ and instruct the user to retract the catheter/device slightly so that it is again in or near the CAJ. The navigation system may detect when the device has passed back into or near the CAJ and indicates to the user that the device is now in its desired location.
It is also possible that during navigation the catheter/device may enter either an artery or a vein with contralateral blood flow, such as locations (C) or (D). If this occurs, the system may detect, based on one or more signal signatures, that the device is in the wrong location and indicate to the user that he/she should retract the device until the system signals that the device is no longer in the wrong location.
A representation of the vascular navigation device is shown with catheter 7702, proximal sensor 7704, distal sensor 7706 and infusion port area 7708.
The chart in
1. Signal Magnitude
The signal magnitude is the magnitude of the sensor signal relative to baseline. The signal magnitude used by the controller may be the absolute signal magnitude, or may be the relative signal magnitude. A relative signal magnitude may be relative to the signal magnitude at another time/location within the vasculature or relative to the magnitude signal of another sensor or relative to another point in time, for example, before injectate is injected. For example the controller may use the absolute signal, or the increase or decrease of a signal as the device is advanced through the vasculature. The controller may alternatively or additionally use the relative magnitude of the signal between the distal and proximal sensors—in other words, whether one is a higher magnitude signal than the other and by how much.
2. Signal Pulsatility
The signal pulsatility used by the controller may be the absolute signal pulsatility, or may be the relative signal pulsatility. A relative signal pulsatility may be relative to the signal pulsatility at another time/location within the vasculature or relative to the pulsatility signal of another sensor.
3. Signal Due to Heart Electrical Activity
The signal due to heart electrical activity may be sensed by the sensors. Either one or more than one sensor may pick up the heart electrical activity. The relative signal due to heart electrical activity may be relative in time/location, or the relative signal between two sensors. In general, the signal due to heart electrical activity will be stronger nearer to sinoatrial node at the entryway to the heart.
Other signal types may alternatively or also be used. For example, signal phase (for example, the relative phase of the signal between two sensors) may be used. In another example, pressure, such as vascular pressure, may be used.
The following is an example of how the vascular access device may use signal signatures to locate the device within the anatomy. As the device/catheter is being advanced properly through a vein and the SVC, the blood flow is inline, the proximal sensor signal magnitude may be small or negligible, and the distal sensor signal magnitude may be relatively large (although this may vary depending on the size of the vein). In other words, the ratio between the distal and proximal signal magnitudes shifts to a ratio of generally greater than 1. The pulsatility of the sensor signals may also be relatively large. The signal due to heart electrical activity may be relatively low. The controller may determine from one, or a combination of more than one, of these signal types that the device is in a proper vein and indicate to the user to continue advancing the device.
As the device enters an incorrect vessel, such as an artery or a vein with contralateral blood flow, the proximal sensor signal magnitude may become relatively large, while the distal sensor signal magnitude may become relatively small, in other words, the ratio between the distal and proximal signal magnitudes shifts to a ratio of generally less than 1. The pulsatility of the signals may be large if the device is in an artery, or small if the device is in a contralateral flow vein. The signal due to heart electrical activity may remain relatively low. Based on one or more of these signals, the controller of the vascular navigation system may determine that the device is in an incorrect location, and may be able to determine whether the device is in an artery or vein. The controller indicates to the user that the device should not be advanced further and should be retracted until the sensor signals again indicate that the device is in a vein with inline blood flow.
As the user continues to advance the device through the SVC and into the CAJ, the system will instruct the user to continue advancing until the CAJ or the right atrium is detected. In the CAJ, the magnitude of the distal sensor signal may be relatively high, while the magnitude of the proximal sensor signal may vary. The pulsatility of the signals may be relatively high and the signal due to heart electrical activity may be relatively high. The controller may be able to identify that the device is in the CAJ at this point and instruct the user to stop advancing. Alternatively, the user may be instructed to continue advancing the device as it enters the right atrium of the heart.
The blood flow in the right atrium of the heart is highly turbulent and multi-directional, causing much mixing and quick dilution of the injectate. In this area, the magnitudes of both the distal and proximal sensors signals may be reduced, and the pulsatility of the signals may be reduced. The signal due to heart electrical activity may be relatively low. One or more of these signals may be used by the controller to determine that the device has entered the heart. At this point, the controller will signal the user to stop advancing the device, retract the device until the controller detects that the device is again approximately in, or near the CAJ. The vascular navigation system may automatically control the distance that the device/catheter is retracted to ensure proper location of the distal catheter tip in or near the CAJ. In some embodiments, the vascular navigation device extends a known distance beyond the tip of the catheter, and in this case, the device/catheter may not need to be retracted, as the distal tip of the catheter may be in the CAJ when the distal tip of the vascular navigation device is in the heart.
After the navigation device/catheter have been properly placed, the navigation device may be disengaged from, and removed from the lumen of the catheter.
The controller may determine device location within the vasculature based on signal signatures. One or more than one of the signal types may be used to locate the device. The signal type or combination of signal types used in one location may be different than that used in another location in the anatomy. The controller may also or additionally analyze the signals for particular frequencies representing heart rate, respiratory rate or other factors. This information may also be factored into the controller logic used to locate the device or for other purposes.
The proximal and distal injectate fluid openings may be fed by separate lumens within the device, or the same lumen. By having 2 pairs of sensors and injectate openings, the device is able to sense blood flow characteristics both proximal to, and distal to, the plaque, both before, and after balloon dilatation of the plaque.
Since the ionic dilution signal is not affected by arrhythmia, some embodiments of the vascular access device may be used in arrhythmia patients to accurately locate the device.
Embodiments of the vascular navigation device may use a constant infusion rate of the injectate, an intermittent injection, a varying infusion rate, or various infusion rates, depending on anatomy, patient, location within the anatomy etc. For example, a steady injection rate may be used for navigation, until the device detects turbulent flow. The device may then either signal the user to, or automatically, increase or otherwise change the injectate infusion rate. The resulting sensor data may be used to confirm the location of the device in the heart, vs. the thoracic junction or other bifurcation or elsewhere in the anatomy.
In some embodiments, the infusion rate of the injectate may be constantly varied so that more data at different injection rates may be constantly collected and analyzed. For example, the injection rate may vary in a sine wave, a constant increase or a constant decrease or other function.
In some embodiments, the infusion rate of the injectate may be automatically tuned so that the sensor signals are maximized. This “tuned” infusion rate may be determined by patient, by anatomy, by location in anatomy or any combination of these.
In some embodiments, the infusion rate of the injectate may be varied and tracked so that the signal from the sensors is constant. In this way, the infusion rate may be used to determine vessel parameters including diameter, location of the device, etc.
In some embodiments, the signal signature, and/or the signal magnitude may be used to determine vessel diameter, where a larger signal magnitude generally indicates a vessel of a smaller diameter.
In some embodiments, the health of the vessel may be determined based on sensor signals, infusion rate, or both.
In some embodiments, the controller of the vascular navigation system may use sensor data to collect health data on the patient. For example, the system may be able to assess the hydration level of the patient based on the salinity of the patient's blood. The device can also determine respiratory rate, heart rate, blood flow rate based on the sensor data.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system may use data collected to assess the health of the patient, for example the presence or absence or status of heart arrhythmias, valve issues, pulmonary hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, bradycardia or heat block, congenital heart disease of various sorts, ventricular arrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, tachycardia, tre-entrant tachycardia, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions, junctional arrhythmias, tricuspid regurgitation, tricuspid stenosis, pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis, mitral or aortic stenosis, mitral or aortic regurgitation, atrial septal defect, patient ductus arteriosus, systolic heart failure (or HFrEF), diastolic heart failure (HFpEF), right heart failure, cardiogenic shock, distributive shock, hypovolemic shock, obstructive shock, pulmonary embolism, cardiac effusion, cardiac tamponade, perivalvular leak, subclavian stenosis, jugular vein stenosis, pulmonary vascular shunts, hepatorenal syndrome, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, digitalis toxicity, superior vena cava syndrome, inferior vena cava syndrome, pneumothorax, lung or mediastinal masses, pleural disease or effusion, diaphragmatic paralysis, compartment syndrome, cirrhosis, angioplasty, aortic aneurysm, arterial bypass, cardiac catheterization, cardiac device monitoring, cardiomyopathy, carotid artery stenting, carotid endarterectomy, computed tomography, congestive heart failure (CHF), constrictive pericarditis, coronary artery bypass surgery, dilated cardiomyopathy, echocardiography, heart transplant, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), varicose vein treatment, mitral prolapse, pericardial effusion, restrictive cardiomyopathy, stroke, thrombectomy, ventricular assist devices (VAD) etc. machine learning and or neural networks may be used within one patient or using data from more than one patient to correlate signature signals received and analyzed by the controller with particular disease states or risks.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system may help identify positioning or malpositioning of devices such as pacemakers, ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) circuits, intraaortic balloon pumps, impellor based heart pumps, IVC filter placement, umbilical vessel catheters, etc.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system are designed to automatically calibrate the system. For example, when first inserted, the device may be able to assess the relative salinity of the patient's blood, the relative vasculature size, blood flow rate, blood viscosity of the patient, etc. The system may automatically run through a range of injectate infusion rates to maximize the sensor signal in a given patient. The system may collect sensor data with zero injectate infusion, and at set or varying rates of injectate infusion. The calibration process may be performed at the beginning of the procedure, or at any time during the procedure. The calibration process may also be performed manually, with or without prompts from the controller.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system use device vibration data to help determine device location. Some embodiments control for device vibration.
Some embodiments disclosed herein may be used to determine fluid levels, or hydration level, of a patient. Fluid levels are particularly important when a patient has congestive heart challenges. A lower fluid level may result in lower amplitude pulses in the blood flow, where a higher fluid level may result in greater amplitude blood flow pulses. Other flow patterns may be different between a hydrated patient and a less hydrated patient. These flow patterns can be detected using embodiments disclosed herein. Hydration level can be monitored in a patient over time or compared among patients.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system use controller logic to identify signal signatures specific to certain conditions, including the condition where the sensor area of the device is up against a wall of a vessel or in a curve of a vessel. In this condition, it is possible that the sensors are not adequately or circumferentially being exposed to the injectate fluid. It is also possible that the sensors may sense the tissue of the wall of the vessel itself instead of the fluid within the vessel. The controller may identify these situations based on changes of any of the sensor signals disclosed herein and may perform one or more of several functions to change the condition, such as: indicating to the user to move the device forward, backward or rotationally, moving the device automatically, moving the device with respect to the catheter, increasing or decreasing the injectate infusion flow rate, changing the injectate infusion flow rate from pulsatile to continuous or from continuous to pulsatile, changing the sampling and/or driving frequency, etc.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system measure a direct physical property, such as blood flow rate, blood pressure, blood flow turbulence, blood flow direction etc. one or more of these direct physical properties may be used to guide device placement. In some embodiments, the measurement of a direct physical property may be combines with the measurement of an indirect physical property, or a surrogate physical property, such as ECG. One advantage of measuring a direct physical property is it is unaffected by heart arrhythmias or other electrical signal issues, and may be used as a “ground truth” measurement, either to be used alone, or in conjunction with other measurements.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system include sensors to sense other patient parameters, such as chemical sensors (02, glucose, electrolytes, etc.), temperature sensors, viscosity sensors, blood thickness sensors, pressure sensors, ECG, etc. For example, blood clotting time may be able to be determined after the introduction of blood thinning drugs. These sensors may sense these parameters in real time.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system may include algorithms that use different types of signals and/or determinations. For example, by measuring vessel diameter and blood flow rates, as well as determining device position, some embodiments may perform real time estimates of how well drugs are mixing in, or infusing into, the blood stream. In some embodiments, the drug(s), may be the injectate fluid. Midline catheter placement, which may be more affordable and easier to place than PICCS and Central catheter lines, but are different than PICC lines in that they are not placed at the CAJ. By determining the mixing rate, or mixing result of two infusion mediums, the vascular navigation system may determine the device location based on this mixing outside of the CAJ.
Some embodiments of the vascular navigation system may include the ability to determine intravascular pressure. This may be accomplished by introducing the injectate at known pressures, and determining when the inject either is flowing or not flowing, By identifying the injectate pressure at which the injectate starts to overcome the blood pressure to flow into the blood vessel, the intravascular pressure may be determined.
In some embodiments, the vascular navigation system may be used in conjunction with pressure measurements, for example, in conjunction with a pressure wire. The readings from the vascular navigation system may inform the calibration of the pressure wire to avoid drift in the pressure measurements due to bubbles or other factors. For example if the voltage readings from the sensors on the device (also referred to as dilution sensors, or ionic dilution sensors) is constant, but the pressure reading is drifting, the controller may determine that the drift is not real but an artifact. Conversely if the pressure reading is stable and ionic dilution reading is drifting, the pressure signal data may be used to calibrate the ionic dilution sensors.
The infusion fluid in embodiments which use conductance/resistance sensors/electrodes may be of a higher or lower salinity (i.e. higher or lower conductivity) than blood. For example, the infusion fluid may be distilled water, Dextrose 5% in Water (D5 W), etc.
The controller may also integrate with other systems, such as electronic medical systems, electronic health systems etc. The integration may be wired or wireless and may be local or remote. The integration may be via “EMR sniffers”.
As mentioned herein, vascular location using fluid injection can also be determined through conductivity sensing, for example, where the sensor(s) include one or more electrodes. In these embodiments, the sensor(s), or electrode(s), measure the conductivity (or impedance) of the blood/medium mix, where the medium has a conductivity which is different than that of blood. For example the medium infused into the vessel may have a higher or lower conductivity than that of blood.
Salts are conductive, thus the salinity of the blood/medium mixture may be determined by the voltage drop across a pair of electrodes. For example, if a fluid that is less conductive than blood (such as a lower salinity saline solution (for example, 0.45% NaCl saline) or a solution without salt, such as H2O or a dextrose solution) is the medium which is introduced into the blood stream, a conductivity sensor can measure the presence of that fluid in the blood stream by measuring the conductivity of the blood/medium mixture within the blood flow. The measurement of conductivity over time/device position within the vessel can be used to determine laminar flow, turbulent flow, flow direction, etc. at the device tip or at the sensor(s) location. As a reference, the salinity of blood is around 0.9%.
Alternatively, a medium with a higher conductivity than that of blood may be used. For example, a 3% NaCl solution may be used to detect the fluid flow characteristics. In addition, a hypertonic solutions may increase the signal strength of measured ECG signals. All of the configurations described herein using temperature sensors or other sensors may alternatively use conductivity or impedance sensors. In some embodiments, the electrodes that serve as sensors may detect an ECG signal without an exterior (i.e. skin) ground electrode.
Embodiments of the vascular navigation device may include the ability to measure cardiac output or cardiac flow rate. The parameter vs. time/location curve may be analyzed by the controller to determine cardiac output in addition to vascular location, either simultaneously, or at separate times. Cardiac output may also be used to help establish the location of the vascular navigation device within the vasculature.
Embodiments of the vascular navigation device may include the ability to measure blood flow rate in other areas of the body/vasculature.
Several embodiments have been disclosed herein. It will be understood that any of the features of any of the embodiments may be combined with any embodiment.
Some embodiments of the vascular access or vascular navigation device may be used in other applications. For example, the controller of the device may be equipped with logic to navigate, identify, and assess the health of various vascular or other anatomies. For example, some embodiments may be configured to identify the location of valves within the peripheral vascular (for example, venous) system. Valve location may be identified based on the flow characteristics near and within a valve. Valve health may be assessed based on flow characteristics near and within a valve. Valve function may be assessed based on flow characteristics near and within a valve. Valve closure may be assessed based on flow characteristics near and within a valve. Vascular flow characteristics may be used by the system to navigate near to, within, and/or past valves. Some embodiments of the vascular navigation device may be used in conjunction with treatment procedures. For example, the system may be used to aid in placement of valve prosthetics, valve repair etc. The system may be used to assess the success of such procedures, based on flow characteristics, placement location etc. The system may also be used to navigate to vessel stenting locations, and to assess the function of a vessel before and after a procedure. The system may be used to assess the function and/or location and/or health of a prosthetic (stent, valve etc.) before and after its placement.
In some embodiments, the system may be used to diagnose a stenosis, blockage, narrowings or disease of a blood vessel based on flow characteristics. The system may be used to classify a stenosis, blockage, narrowings or disease of a blood vessel based on flow characteristics. The system may be used to identify the location and quantity of spinal fluid leak.
In some embodiments of the system, the vascular system is accessed peripherally, via a leg, arm, groin, etc.
Some embodiments of the system may be used to diagnose other diseases or health based on flow characteristics of vessels or other organs (such as the bladder, lungs, etc.)
Some embodiments of the system may be used to assess health of, and navigate through, other vessels such as those in the brain. For example, the system may be used to identify, navigate to and assess the health of, aneurysms, blockages, narrowings, stenosis with the brain and elsewhere in the body.
Embodiments of the system may be used for any interventional radiology procedure including Angiography, Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM), Balloon Angioplasty, Biliary Drainage and Stenting, Bleeding Internally, Central Venous Access, Chemoembolization, Embolization, Gastrostomy Tube, Hemodialysis Access Maintenance, High Blood Pressure, Infection and Abscess Drainage, Needle Biopsy, Radiofrequency Ablation, Stent, Stent Graft, Thrombolysis, TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt), Urinary Tract Obstruction, Uterine Artery Embolization, Uterine Fibroid Embolization, Varicocele Embolization, Varicose Vein Treatment, Vena Cava Filter, Vertebroplasty, Deep Vein Thrombosis, etc.
Some embodiments of the system may be used to identify blood flow direction, speed, flow characteristics, etc. This may be useful not only for navigation of the venous system, but also in assessing venous or arterial flow conditions that are useful for identifying heart disease, chronic venous disorder, venous outflow obstructions, etc.
Some embodiments of the system may be used to identify the change in flow characteristics of the blood as it responds to drugs such blood thinners (heparin, etc.) acutely or over time. For example, blood thinness, viscosity, or other properties may be assessed based on the flow characteristics.
Some embodiments of the multi sensor technology may also be included in a permanent implant within the body rather than used as a temporary device. It may be used to measure the performance or health of the cardiovascular system over time, measure post intervention performance over time, etc. This type of intervention may be surgical only, such as when used in a bypass procedure, and may also include monitoring the results and/or performance, and/or success of interventions such as mechanical valves, stents, balloons, etc. It may also be used for the assessment of the need for interventions.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, in addition to or instead of measuring temperature of a fluid bolus or stream that is injected, the system may measure the electrical conductivity of a bolus or stream of fluid. As a stream or bolus of fluid fluctuates with various flow conditions and directions, variation in electrical conductivity can be detected. Additionally, fluid may be injected to optimize the electrical conductivity. For example, fluid containing one or more salts may be used to make the fluid more electrically conductive, or, for example, fluid which is less conductive than blood may be used, such as distilled water, or dextrose water.
This technology may also be used outside of the body on the surface of the skin in proximity to one or more veins. This may be done on the skin or just under the skin, across the skin or within the skin. For example, temperature sensors may be placed in several locations on top of the skin or vein. A heating or cooling event may be administered intravascularly to detect blockages, flow, or navigation requirements. Conversely, the heating and or cooling event may happen externally to the skin while the system senses the temperature intravascularly. Alternatively, pressure, or electrical conductivity may be used. Some embodiments may also detect flow characteristics, diagnose venous or arterial disease, challenges, and obstructions, in either acute or chronic events. Embodiments of the device on the surface of the body or vein may be a temporary assessment tool, or may be a more permanently worn biosensor such as a watch, ring, wristband, necklace, earing, contact lens, etc.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. For example, several embodiments may include various suitable combinations of components, devices and/or systems from any of the embodiments described herein. Further, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of International Patent Application Number PCT/US2021/049050 filed Sep. 3, 2021, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/075,392 filed Sep. 8, 2020 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2021/049050 | Sep 2021 | US |
| Child | 18177617 | US |
