Catheter Electromagnetic Sensor Design Considerations

Catheters equipped with sensory technology such as electromagnetic sensing are an emerging technology that is extremely useful in 3D imaging for interventional cardiology procedures. The medical sector has been trying to find alternatives to using prevalent forms of pre-surgical or pre-interventional diagnostic imaging, including 2D imaging by fluoroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The main reason is that these methods depend on the injection of fluoroscopy contrast agents and increased radiation exposure for patients and medical staff. Electromagnetic sensors on the other hand do not require the use of any external agents or radiation, resulting in highly accurate 3D images and diagnostic testing for arrhythmias, other cardiac irregularities, deformities, and blockages.

Electromagnetic Sensor Technology Design

When designing a navigation sensor for catheters there are many design considerations that are of paramount importance: Such as the use of optical fibers, the thickness of each fiber, the diameter of the catheter necessary (which depends on its intended use), number of electromagnetic sensors to be mounted on the catheter tip, materials used etc. 

It is necessary that each aspect of the electromagnetic sensor and catheter is biologically inspired. The Electromagnetic sensor’s main components, the degrees of freedom to be possessed by the catheter and other considerations can vary based on use, quality, and novelty. A common mistake in outsourcing production is to finalize the design before communicating with the contract manufacturer. When it comes to electromagnetic sensors, the risk is in missing practical design details that are meant to coincide with the catheter on which the sensor is to be mounted.

What can a contract manufacturer offer in producing your electromagnetic sensor?

At Quasar, we know our devices, end-users and the market for catheter technologies. Our holistic approach enables us to design the most advanced sensor while accounting for your high priority concerns:

End-User Requirements

Optimum Performance: End users (Physicians, medical technicians, clinics or hospitals) are concerned with safety, eliminating negative reactions post-use, ease of use and accuracy of results during real-time use. When an image shows a cross-sectional view with detected vessel diameter, presence of plaque, thickness of plaque, etc. the detected readings must be accurate to micrometer measurements. This will aid in the following interventional procedure (cardiac ablation etc.). This depends on the sensors’ positioning and functioning in vivo, along with the catheter.

Application & Size: The thickness of the catheter, guidewires, sheath, and sensors’ dimensions depends on the application. The diameter of heart blood vessels range from 2cm to 5micrometers. The diameter of intracranial capillaries can be as small as 4 micrometers. The design must naturally be adjusted to the right dimensions and complexity (flexibility).

Manufacturability

High Quality and Efficiency: Quasar maintains all regulatory standards rigorously. In addition, we pride ourselves in offering expert R&D advice with regard to biocompatible materials, production recommendations (via, DFM & Prototyping), the use of high-end automated technology, micro-assembly of electronic parts and sensory components and more. Our specialist production engineers create customized manufacturing processes that eliminate wastes, to give you the best version of your device.

Quasar offers clients customized testing equipment for individual sensors, ensuring that your quality is proven before release into the market.

Scalability: Our production facilities based in China, Thailand and America, are capable of both small and large scale orders, giving you plenty of flexibility with production scale.

Delivering cutting edge Electromagnetic sensory technology    

When a medical device is manufactured, there are not only regulatory compliances to be considered, you also have quality, novelty performance and manufacturability aspects that come into the picture. If you have a great design but the production process is not feasible, you stand to lose much investment and profit simply by going through a difficult manufacturing process.

By involving a contract design, and manufacturing partner, from the initial design stage, you minimize production cost, reduce time to market, and improved market acceptance.