METHODS FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF A FIRST MEDICAL DEVICE WITH RESPECT TO A SECOND MEDICAL DEVICE, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND MEDICAL DEVICES

摘要

A first medical device includes an elongate member having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end. A second medical device includes a needle advanceable through the lumen from the proximal end towards the distal end. A capacitor is configured so that the capacitance of the capacitor is a measure of a longitudinal position of the needle with respect to the elongate member. A capacitance sensor is configured to sense the capacitance of the capacitor as the needle is advanced through the lumen. A processor is in communication with the capacitance sensor. An output device is in communication with the processor and is configured to generate an output indicative of the longitudinal position of the needle with respect to the elongate member.