Abstract: A novel approach for indirect endovascular sensing that equips surgeons with two capabilities: estimating the distance between the catheter tip and a target and evaluating the quality of the engagement of the catheter tip with the target, wherein applying flow and pressure excitation to a proximal end of the catheter; measuring a pressure change, with a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the catheter, at the proximal end of the catheter, the pressure change based on a cycle of applied proximal pressure excitation and advancement of the catheter toward the target; applying a machine learning model to the measured pressure change to determine the distance between the tip of the catheter and the target; and providing the distance between the tip of the catheter and the target to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing air from a fluid comprises a vertically oriented chamber having top and bottom chamber portions separated by a chamber sidewall at least partially defining a chamber interior having a chamber centerline. A fluid inlet provided through the chamber sidewall selectively permits ingress of fluid to the chamber interior. Fluid entering the chamber interior through the fluid inlet is directed laterally between the chamber sidewall and the chamber centerline. A fluid outlet located proximate the bottom chamber portion selectively permits egress of fluid from the chamber interior. An air release structure located proximate the top chamber portion selectively releases accumulated air from the chamber interior. Fluid entering the chamber interior through the fluid inlet achieves a vortex motion during travel downward to the fluid outlet. The vortex motion prompts release of air from the fluid, the air collecting adjacent the air release structure for selective release.