Patent Application
20220346881
The embodiments generally relate to the field of umbilical catheters.
An umbilical catheter, such as an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) or an umbilical arterial catheter (UAC), may be used in a newborn or premature child's umbilical cord for monitoring blood pressure, obtaining blood samples, or for emergency vascular access for infusions of fluid or medications. A UAC may be used to assist in breathing, monitoring blood pressure and blood gases, and delivery of medicine. A UVC may be utilized in instances where a newborn is born prematurely, has difficulty feeding, or requires infusion of medicine or an exchange transfusion. The use of an umbilical catheter may allow for repeatedly performing the tasks previously mentioned without repeatedly using a needle on a newborn or prenatal child.
This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may provide for a continuous catheter navigation and tracking system constructed and arranged to confirm the location of an umbilical catheter tip after insertion into an umbilical vessel. The system may include a UVC or UAC.
A sensor may be disposed within the tip of the umbilical catheter and may be in operable communication with a sensor interfacing unit via a cable. The system may provide for non-contact magnetic field generation via an electromagnetic field generator positioned above or below a patient. A sensor control unit may be in operable communication with the sensor, the sensor interfacing unit, and a computing device. An ultrasound probe may be used to collect and send images of the patient to a computer to facilitate the tracking of the catheter.
The electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may be constructed and arranged to facilitate the navigation of the tip of the catheter to a target location within a patient without the use of x-rays. The tip of the catheter may be steered by manipulating catheter tip position to facilitate the placement of the catheter in a desired position. The sensor disposed within the tip of the catheter may be a sensor having 5 degrees of freedom (5 DoF) and wherein manipulation may be based on an electromagnetic field signal from the electromagnetic field generator.
An electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may include an umbilical catheter including at least one sensor. The system may further include an ultrasound imaging system, a non-contact electromagnetic field generator, a sensor interface unit in operable communication with the at least one sensor, a sensor control unit in operable communication with the sensor interface unit and the non-contact field generator, and a computing device in operable communication with the sensor control unit and the ultrasound imaging system.
An electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may include an umbilical catheter including a first electromagnetic sensor having five degrees of freedom disposed in the tip of the umbilical catheter. The system may further include an ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasound probe including a second sensor, a non-contact electromagnetic field generator, a sensor interface unit in operable communication with the first electromagnetic sensor, a sensor control unit in operable communication with the sensor interface unit and the non-contact field generator, and a computing device in operable communication with the sensor control unit and the ultrasound imaging system.
A method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter tip after insertion into an umbilical vessel may include inserting an umbilical catheter into a patient, the umbilical catheter including a first sensor in operable communication with a sensor interface unit in operable communication with a sensor control unit in operable communication with a computing device. The method may further include generating an electromagnetic field near the patient via a non-contact electromagnetic field generator in operable communication with the sensor control unit and monitoring the position of the umbilical catheter within the patient via the sensor control unit and an ultrasound probe in operable communication with an ultrasound unit in operable communication with the computing device.
Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described system and methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood from there.
It is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the system. Accordingly, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
An electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may include a plurality of components including an ultrasound imaging system, at least one sensor disposed within an umbilical catheter, a non-contact field generator, a sensor interface unit, and at least one sensor control unit in operable communication with the sensor interface unit and the non-contact field generator.
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The electromagnetic catheter and the navigation system may provide for a continuous catheter navigation and tracking system constructed and arranged to monitor and control the location and position of an umbilical catheter tip after insertion into an umbilical vessel. A first sensor having 5 DoF may be disposed within the tip of the umbilical catheter and may be in operable communication with a sensor interfacing unit via a cable. The system may provide for non-contact magnetic field generation via an electromagnetic field generator positioned above, below, or adjacent a patient. A sensor control unit may be in operable communication with the first sensor, the sensor interfacing unit, and a computing device. The tip of the catheter may be steered and positioned within the body via an electromagnetic signal from a non-contact electromagnetic field generator by manipulating the catheter tip position to facilitate the placement of the catheter in a desired position. An ultrasound probe may be used to collect and send images of the patient and catheter to the computer to facilitate the tracking of the catheter. The sensor control unit and ultrasound unit may be constructed and arranged to provide two-dimensional imagery or three-dimensional imagery of the position of the catheter and display such on a display of a computing device. The ultrasound probe may include a second sensor having 5 DoF to further facilitate the tracking of the first sensor.
The ultrasound imaging system may be based on the reflection of ultrasound waves within the body to produce internal imagery of the body. The ultrasound imaging system may include an ultrasound unit in operable communication with an ultrasounds probe and may be in operable communication with a computing device such as a computer or smart device. An ultrasound probe head may emit ultrasound waves into a patient's body and reflections of the ultrasound waves from specific types of tissue having different acoustic impedance levels may return to the ultrasound probe head to provide internal imagery of the body. The ultrasound imaging system in combination with the ultrasound probe head may be used to track the location of the umbilical catheter within the body.
At least one sensor may be disposed within an umbilical catheter. The at least one sensor may be an electromagnetic sensor having 5 DoF. The at least one sensor may be a coil-type sensor. A 5 DoF sensor may be constructed and arranged to measure translation in three degrees of freedom and two rotational directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the sensor. That is, the least one sensor may provide orientation and position data with respect to x, y, and z position in addition to pitch and yaw data. The at least one sensor may include electrical leads encapsulated in heat shrink tubing. A mono filament may be attached to the sensor's tip to facilitate integration with the catheter and may function as a pull wire and cut off after the at least one sensor has been positioned within the body. Additionally, at least one second sensor may be disposed within the ultrasound probe and may be constructed and arranged to provide relative positional data to a user with respect to the depth of the catheter within the human body relative to the ultrasound probe.
A non-contact electromagnetic field generator may be constructed and arranged for spatial measurement of the at least one sensor to provide accurate tracking of 5 DoF. The non-contact magnetic field generator may produce varying magnetic fields to create a defined volume of varying magnetic flux in which sensors can be tracked with a high degree of accuracy. The non-contact electromagnetic field generator may be positioned above, below, or generally nearby a patient's body to assist in the tracking of the at least one sensor. The non-contact electromagnetic field generator may be in operable communication with the sensor control unit.
A sensor control unit may facilitate the operation the electromagnetic catheter and navigation system. The at least one sensor control unit may be in operable communication with at least one computing device constructed and arranged to receive information from the sensor control unit. The sensor control unit may provide power to the sensor interface unit and the non-contact field generator, may receive sensor data via the sensor interface unit and may determine sensor position and orientation. The sensor control unit may report positional and orientation data of the at least one sensor to a computer. The sensor control unit may be in operable communication with the sensor interface unit, the non-contact field generator, and at least one computing device.
A sensor interface unit may be constructed and arranged to interface between the at least one sensor, the second sensor, and the system control unit. The sensor interface unit may be constructed and arranged to convert analog signals produced by the at least one sensor and second sensor to digital signals which may be received by the sensor control unit.
It is contemplated that the arrangement of the ultrasound imaging system, at least one sensor disposed within an umbilical catheter, a non-contact field generator, a sensor interface unit, and at least one sensor control unit may include a variety of different combinations and the examples listed herein shall not be considered limiting.
The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.
According to variation 1, an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may include an umbilical catheter including at least one sensor; an ultrasound imaging system; a non-contact electromagnetic field generator; a sensor interface unit in operable communication with the at least one sensor; a sensor control unit in operable communication with the sensor interface unit and the non-contact field generator; and a computing device in operable communication with the sensor control unit and the ultrasound imaging system.
Variation 2 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in variation 1, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed within a tip of the umbilical catheter.
Variation 3 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 2, wherein the at least one sensor is an electromagnetic sensor having five degrees of freedom.
Variation 4 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 3, wherein the at least one sensor is a coil-type sensor.
Variation 5 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 4, wherein the ultrasound imaging system further includes an ultrasound probe.
Variation 6 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 5, wherein the ultrasound probe includes a second sensor.
Variation 7 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 6, wherein the electromagnetic catheter and navigation system is constructed and arranged to monitor the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel.
Variation 8 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 7, wherein the electromagnetic catheter and navigation system is constructed and arranged to monitor the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel via displaying on the computing device two-dimensional imagery indicating the position of the umbilical catheter.
Variation 9 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 1 through 8, wherein the electromagnetic catheter and navigation system is constructed and arranged to monitor the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel via displaying on the computing device three-dimensional imagery indicating the position of the umbilical catheter.
According to variation 10, an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system may include an umbilical catheter including a first electromagnetic sensor having five degrees of freedom disposed in an umbilical catheter; an ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasound probe including a second sensor; a non-contact electromagnetic field generator; a sensor interface unit in operable communication with the first electromagnetic sensor; a sensor control unit in operable communication with the sensor interface unit and the non-contact field generator; and a computing device in operable communication with the sensor control unit and the ultrasound imaging system.
Variation 11 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in variation 10, wherein the electromagnetic catheter and navigation system is constructed and arranged to monitor the location and position of the umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel via displaying on the computing device at least one of two-dimensional or three-dimensional imagery indicating the position of the umbilical catheter.
Variation 12 may include an electromagnetic catheter and navigation system as in any of variations 10 through 11, wherein the first electromagnetic sensor is a coil-type sensor.
According to variation 13, a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel, including inserting an umbilical catheter into a patient, the umbilical catheter including a first sensor in operable communication with a sensor interface unit in operable communication with a sensor control unit in operable communication with a computing device; generating an electromagnetic field near the patient via a non-contact electromagnetic field generator in operable communication with the sensor control unit; and monitoring the position of the umbilical catheter within the patient via the sensor control unit and an ultrasound probe in operable communication with an ultrasound unit in operable communication with the computing device.
Variation 14 may include a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel as in variation 13, further including displaying on the computing device two-dimensional imagery indicating the position of the umbilical catheter.
Variation 15 may include a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel as in any of variations 13 through 14, further including displaying on the computing device three-dimensional imagery indicating the position of the umbilical catheter.
Variation 16 may include a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel as in any of variations 13 through 15, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed within a tip of the umbilical catheter.
Variation 17 may include a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel as in any of variations 13 through 16, wherein the at least one sensor is an electromagnetic sensor having five degrees of freedom.
Variation 18 may include a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel as in any of variations 13 through 17, wherein the at least one sensor is a coil-type sensor.
Variation 19 may include a method of monitoring the location and position of an umbilical catheter after insertion into an umbilical vessel as in any of variations 13 through 18, wherein the ultrasound probe includes a second sensor.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for anyone of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
