Patent Description:
Electrical transmission devices, such as electrode catheters, typically consist of a central core of wires or cables terminating at a distal end with one or more electrodes and at the proximal end with connector pins. Prior to affixing the connector to the proximal ends of the cables, an operator must identify each distinct channel within the catheter by identifying the two ends of each cable. Proper identification is critical because the electrical transmission device may directly affect the health and safety of a person relying on the operation of the device.

Currently, the interconnected and opposed ends of a cable of such an electrical transmission device are identified using a multimeter. The identification process is continuously repeated (largely by trial and error) until the measured resistance indicates that the multimeter is connected to opposed ends of the same cable. Accordingly, existing methods of identification are time consuming.

Conventional methods and systems for identifying opposing ends of a cable within a cabling assembly having a plurality of cables are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. In addition, an apparatus for testing continuity and leakage current in electrode catheters is known from <CIT>.

According to the invention as set out in claim <NUM>, there is provided a method of identifying opposing ends of a cable within a cabling assembly having a plurality of cables. A corresponding system is provided as set out in claim <NUM>. The cable assembly has, at a distal end, a tip with electrodes; or it is an electrode catheter.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable includes directly contacting the first end of the cable with a connector.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the connector is a probe.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments receiving the signal at the second end of the cable further comprises receiving the signal at an electrode operably coupled to the cable, the electrode being positioned near the second end of the cable.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising transmitting the signal from the electrode to the connector.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising transmitting a signal to a first end of a second cable of the plurality of cables, receiving the signal at a second end of the second cable, transmitting an output signal from a second connector operably coupled to the second end of the second cable to the processor, and identifying on the indicator device the second connector that is operably coupled to the second end of the second cable.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable and transmitting the signal to the first end of the second cable occurs sequentially.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable includes directly contacting the first end of the cable with a probe and transmitting the signal to the first end of the second cable includes decoupling the probe from the cable and directly contacting the first end of the second cable with the probe.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments identifying on the indicator device the connector that is operably coupled to the second end of the cable and identifying on the indicator device the second connector that is operably coupled to the second end of the second cable occur simultaneously.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a system for identifying opposing ends of a cable within a cabling assembly having a plurality of cables includes a processor connectable to a first end of a cable of the plurality of cables. A plurality of connectors is operably coupled to the processor and the plurality of connectors is connectable to a second end of each of the plurality of cables, respectively. An input/output device is operably coupled to the processor. The input/output device includes an indicator device operable to display information identifying which connector of the plurality of connectors is associated with the first end of the cable.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the system further comprises a connector operably coupled to the processor, wherein the connector is positionable in direct contact with the first end of the cable.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the connector includes a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals being connectable to a first end of one of the plurality of cables.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least a portion of the system is positioned within a housing, and together the housing and the system form a portable identification device.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the input/output device is arranged at an exterior of the housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the input/output device includes at least one of a display and one or more light emitting devices.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the housing includes an opening for receiving the second end of each of the plurality of cables and the plurality of connectors are mounted directly adjacent the opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cabling assembly is an electrode catheter.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cabling assembly is a coaxial cable.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an example of a cabling assembly <NUM> is illustrated. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the cabling assembly <NUM> is an electrode catheter including an elongated body <NUM> and a tip section <NUM> arranged at a distal end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In an embodiment, best shown in <FIG>, a control handle <NUM> is located at the proximal end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The elongated body <NUM> has a tubular construction defining a single, central or axial lumen <NUM>. The body <NUM> is formed from a flexible, for example bendable, electrically insulating material that is substantially non-compressible along its length. The body <NUM> may have any suitable construction and may be made of any suitable material. In an embodiment, the body <NUM> includes an outer wall <NUM> formed from a polyurethane material and contains an imbedded braided stainless steel mesh (not shown) that increases the torsional stiffness of the body <NUM>. The interior of the body <NUM> includes a stiffening tube <NUM>, such as formed from a nylon material for example, the interior surface of which forms the central lumen <NUM>. An outer diameter of the stiffening tube <NUM> may be about equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer wall <NUM>. The stiffening tube <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the outer wall <NUM> in any suitable manner.

The tip section <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM> includes a short section of flexible tubing <NUM> having one or more lumens <NUM> defined therein. The tip section <NUM> may be attached to the distal end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, with a suitable adhesive material (not shown), such as glue for example. In an embodiment, the tip section <NUM> includes a plurality of electrodes, such as ring electrodes 40a-40d spaced apart from one another and/or a tip electrode <NUM> for example. An outer diameter of the ring electrodes 40a-40d may be about the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tubing <NUM> so that the electrodes 40a-40d form a smooth, continuous surface with the external surface of the flexible tubing <NUM>. Alternatively, the electrodes may have an outer diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the flexible tubing <NUM> so that the electrodes 40a-40d protrude slightly from the surface of the flexible tubing <NUM>.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the cabling assembly <NUM> additionally includes a plurality of lead cables or wires <NUM>. The lead cables, shown as 44a-44e, extend through both a lumen <NUM> of the tip section <NUM> and through the central lumen <NUM> of the body <NUM> such that a proximal end 46a-46e of each of the lead cables extends 44a-44e beyond the proximal end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In embodiments where the cabling assembly <NUM> includes a control handle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, a proximal end 46a-46e of each of the plurality of lead cables 44a-44e is received within and/or extends through the control handle <NUM> for coupling to a connector (not shown) suitable for use with a monitor, energy source, or other suitable device.

Each of the plurality of electrodes 40a-40d and <NUM> is electrically connected to a distal end 48a-48e of a separate lead cable 44a-44e of the plurality of lead cables 44a-44e by any suitable technique. Although five lead cables 44a-44e are shown in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, it should be understood that embodiments having any number of lead cables <NUM>, such as between two and twenty lead cables, or more than twenty lead cables are also contemplated herein. Further, because each lead cable is coupled to a distinct electrode, it should be understood that a cabling assembly <NUM> having any number and type of electrodes, such two or more ring electrodes for example, is within the scope of the disclosure.

The electrode catheter illustrated and described is intended as an example only. It should be understood that other configurations of an electrode catheter having multiple lead cables are contemplated herein within the scope of the term "cabling assembly. " In addition, other cabling assemblies, such as a coaxial cable, or a cable bundle having two or more partially sheathed cables are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Prior to affixing a connector or control handle <NUM> to the proximal ends 46a-46e of the lead cables 44a-44e, the association between the proximal end 46a-46e of each lead cable 44a-44e, respectively and a distal end 48a-48e of each lead cable 44a-44e. Because the distal ends 48a-48e of the lead cables 44a-44e are hidden within a lumen <NUM> of the tip section <NUM>, and because the plurality of lead cables 44a-44e are substantially identical (i.e. no distinguishing marks), the lead cable 44a-44e and electrode 40a-40d, <NUM> pairs require identification.

With reference now to <FIG>, a schematic diagram of an example of a computing system <NUM> operable to identifying an electrode <NUM> or <NUM> associated with an exposed proximal end <NUM> of a cable <NUM>, such as electrode 40a-40d, <NUM> of the lead cables 44a-44e of the cabling assembly <NUM> for example, is illustrated according to an embodiment. As shown, the computing system <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be any type of processor, including a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable grid array (FPGA), or the like. In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include one or more image processors for processing the associated data from the acquisition devices using one or more processing algorithms to produce one or more processed signals.

The computing system <NUM> additionally includes one or more input/output (I/O) devices <NUM> operably coupled to the processor <NUM>. In an embodiment, the at least one I/O device <NUM> is an indicator for providing identifying information to a user regarding the electrode <NUM>, <NUM>, and therefore the distal end <NUM>, associated with a proximal end <NUM> of a cable <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>. Examples of such indicators include, but are not limited to a display screen, light emitting diode, or speaker for example. Alternatively, or in addition, the I/O device <NUM> may be configured to provide an interface to allow a user to interact with the computing system <NUM>.

At least one connector <NUM> is electrically connectable to a distal end of cable <NUM> of the cabling assembly. In an embodiment, the at least one connector <NUM> is a spring loaded connector and is configured to electrically couple to an electrode <NUM>, <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>. In embodiments where the cabling assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of lead cables <NUM>, and therefore a plurality of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> includes a plurality of connectors <NUM>, and each connector <NUM> is configured to couple to a single electrode associated with one of the plurality of cables <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> includes at least one multiplexer having a programmable set of inputs and outputs, illustrated schematically at <NUM>. The at least one multiplexer <NUM> is operably coupled not only to the processor <NUM>, but also each of the plurality of connectors <NUM>. Each of the plurality of connectors <NUM> is operable to provide an input signal I to the multiplexer <NUM> and a selected one of the input signals I is provided to the processor <NUM> as an output signal O.

With reference now to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> is wholly contained by a housing <NUM> to provide a portable device <NUM> capable of identifying the cables within a cable bundle or cabling assembly <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic for example. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a connection mechanism <NUM> operably coupled to the processor <NUM> may be movable or fixed relative to the exterior of the housing <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the connection mechanism <NUM> includes a probe or a conductor that may selectively contact the proximal end <NUM> of each cable <NUM> of a cabling assembly <NUM> individually. In another embodiment, the connection mechanism <NUM> includes a plurality of terminals, and each terminal is configured to receive and electrically connect to the proximal end of a corresponding cable <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, in embodiments where the connection mechanism <NUM> includes a plurality of terminals, the processor <NUM> is arranged in communication with each of the plurality of cables <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>.

An opening <NUM> is formed in a portion of the housing <NUM> for receiving the tip section <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment, the plurality of connectors <NUM> configured to connect to the plurality of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM> are mounted directly adjacent the opening <NUM> such that when the tip section <NUM> is installed within the opening <NUM>, a connector <NUM> is electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the tip section <NUM>.

Further, the at least one indicator I/O device <NUM> of the computing system <NUM> is exposed at an exterior of the housing <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the at least one I/O device includes a display screen 54a mounted at an upper surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, a plurality of light emitting devices 54b, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) for example, may be mounted so as to be visible at a surface of the housing <NUM>. In such embodiments, each of the light emitting devices <NUM> may be associated with one of the connectors <NUM>. It should be understood that the configuration of the device <NUM> illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only.

During operation of the device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of cables <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment, this coupling is performed by directly contacting the proximal end <NUM> of a cable <NUM> with the connection mechanism <NUM>. Via this contact, an electrical signal generated by the processor <NUM> is transmitted or communicated to the cable <NUM>. The electrical signal is received by the electrode <NUM>, <NUM> associated with the cable <NUM>, and also by the connector <NUM> coupled to the electrode <NUM>, <NUM>. In response, the connector <NUM> will generate a signal, which is returned to the processor <NUM> to complete the transmission circuit. The processor <NUM> determines which connector <NUM> of the plurality of connectors <NUM> generated the signal, and sends a signal to the I/O device <NUM> to indicate identifying information of the connector <NUM> and/or electrode <NUM>, <NUM> associated with the cable <NUM> that was contacted. For example, if the electrode <NUM>, <NUM> coupled to connector "<NUM>" of the device <NUM> and computing system <NUM> communicates a signal to the processor <NUM> in response to the signal output therefrom, the I/O device may display a number "<NUM>" on the display screen 54a, and/or the LED 54b associated with the fourth connector, such as via reference numerals for example, may illuminate.

Alternatively, the proximal end <NUM> of multiple cables <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM> may be electrically connected to the processor <NUM> simultaneously via the connection mechanism <NUM>. An electrical signal output from the processor <NUM> is therefore automatically communicated to each of the plurality of cables <NUM> via the connection mechanism <NUM>. These electrical signals may be communicated sequentially, or alternatively, concurrently. The electrical signals are transmitted via each cable <NUM> to a corresponding electrode <NUM>, <NUM> located at the distal end <NUM> of the cables <NUM>. The electrical signal is received by the electrode <NUM>, <NUM> associated with a cable <NUM>, and also by the connector <NUM> coupled to the electrode <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

As previously described, the connector <NUM> will generate a signal, which is returned to the processor <NUM> to complete the transmission circuit. In embodiments where a connection mechanism <NUM> is coupled to multiple cables <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM> simultaneously, the computing system <NUM> likely includes one or more multiplexers for organizing the input signals received from each of the connectors. In such embodiments, the inputs signals from each of the connectors <NUM> are selectively provided to the processor <NUM> from the multiplexer <NUM> as an output signal when prompted. The processor <NUM> may coordinate the identification information for each of the plurality of cables <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM> and display such information to a user simultaneously, as shown in <FIG>. After identifying the ends of each cable <NUM>, the first end 46a-46e of each cable 44a-44e may be labeled, coded, or otherwise marked to indicate which cable 44a-44e corresponds to which electrode 40a-40d, <NUM> of the cabling assembly <NUM>. The proximal ends 46a-46e may then be affixed to a connector (not shown), such as via a soldering or welding operation for operation of the cabling assembly <NUM>.

A portable identification device <NUM> having a computing system <NUM> as described herein allows for efficient identification of opposed ends of one or more cables within a cabling assembly <NUM>. As previously described, the identification device may be suitable for use with any type of cabling assembly having a plurality of cables, where the cables are absent any identifying marks or indicia bundled together.

Claim 1:
A method of identifying opposing ends (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a cable (<NUM>) within a cabling assembly (<NUM>) having a plurality of cables, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of cables, each cable (<NUM>) having an exposed proximal end (<NUM>) and a hidden distal end (<NUM>), the hidden distal end (<NUM>) being connected to a respective electrode (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, <NUM>), the hidden distal end (<NUM>) and respective electrode (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, <NUM>) of each of the plurality of cables being arranged within a tip section (<NUM>) of the cabling assembly (<NUM>); and
installing the tip section (<NUM>) of the cabling assembly (<NUM>) within an opening (<NUM>) of a housing (<NUM>) to couple the electrode (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, <NUM>) associated with each cable (<NUM>) of the plurality of cables to a respective connector (<NUM>) of a plurality of connectors;
transmitting a signal to the exposed proximal end (<NUM>) of a cable (<NUM>) of the plurality of cables;
receiving the signal at the hidden distal end (<NUM>) of the cable (<NUM>) of the plurality of cables;
transmitting an output signal from the connector (<NUM>) operably coupled to the hidden distal end (<NUM>) of the cable (<NUM>) of the plurality of cables to a processor (<NUM>), wherein the connector (<NUM>) is one of a plurality of connectors; and
identifying using an indicator device (<NUM>) the connector (<NUM>) of the plurality of connectors that is operably coupled to hidden distal end (<NUM>) of the cable (<NUM>).