Smart Catheter

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to further develop CathPrint´s technology, using flexible PCBs in the manufacture of complex medical catheters. The objective was to develop a new manufacturing process and verify it with the "smart catheter" concept, which means that measurement signals from sensors at the distal end of a catheter are AD-converted and multiplexed to a data bus through the catheter to the proximal end. The development of manufacturing technology for the catheter has been completed but verification of the system concept remains.

Expected results and effects

CathPrint has developed a new technique for manufacturing electrodes in catheters. The concept enables rationalization of catheter production, but also provides the opportunity to develop more advanced catheters. The Smart catheter system concept has been verified using existing technology and an ASIC has been developed. The project result is that CathPrint now is able to develop new interesting technologies that are especially applicable in the field of electrophysiology, a rapidly expanding field of cardiology, but also interesting in gastrology.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been managed by CathPrint, who also developed catheter technology. Existing PCB technology has been used so far, but new technologies will be used for the more complex PCBs required to outperform today´s performance. The cooperation with subcontractors / partners has worked well.