Magnetic Field Sensors for Medical Devices

Abstract

A magnetic field sensor for a medical device is disclosed. The magnetic field sensor assembly includes a substrate having a plurality of planar portions, adjacent planar portions joined by transition portions, the plurality of planar portions arranged in a substantially C-shape such that an inner surface of the magnetic field sensor is concave, the plurality of planar portions including a first planar portion oriented in a first plane and a second planar portion oriented in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. A first magnetoresistive (MR) sensor is attached to the first planar portion and defines a first sensing axis, and a second MR sensor is attached to the second planar portion and defines a second sensing axis orthogonal to the first sensing axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for tracking items, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and devices for electromagnetically tracking medical devices used in medical procedures. [Background technology]

[0002] Various systems, methods, and devices can be used to track medical devices. A tracking system can use a generated magnetic field sensed by at least one tracking sensor in the tracked medical device. The generated magnetic field provides a stationary coordinate system, and the tracking sensor senses the magnetic field to determine the position and orientation of the sensor relative to the stationary coordinate system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In embodiment 1, a magnetic field sensor for a medical device is disclosed, and the magnetic field sensor assembly includes a substrate having a plurality of planar portions, adjacent planar portions joined by transition portions, the planar portions arranged so that the inner surface of the magnetic field sensor is concave, the plurality of planar portions including a first planar portion oriented in a first plane and a second planar portion oriented in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane; a first magnetoresistive (MR) sensor attached to the first planar portion and defining a first sensing axis; and a second MR sensor attached to the second planar portion and defining a second sensing axis.

[0004] In embodiment 2, the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 1 further includes a third planar portion between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, and one of the multiple transition portions is interposed between the first planar portion and the third planar portion, and another of the multiple transition portions is interposed between the third planar portion and the second planar portion.

[0005] In embodiment 3, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 2, one of the multiple transition portions between the first planar portion and the third planar portion defines an angle between the first planar portion and the third planar portion.

[0006] In embodiment 4, the magnetic field sensor of any of embodiments 1 to 3 further includes a rigid first cap arranged on the first MR sensor and a rigid second cap arranged on the second MR sensor.

[0007] In a fifth embodiment, in the magnetic field sensor of any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the transition portion is relatively flexible. In embodiment 6, in the magnetic field sensor of either embodiment 4 or 5, the first and second caps are configured such that the first and second planar portions, respectively, are relatively rigid.

[0008] In embodiment 7, the magnetic field sensor of any of embodiments 4 to 6 further includes a rigid third cap overlying the first, second, and third caps. In embodiment 8, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 7, the first, second and third caps each have an inner surface that together form a concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor.

[0009] In embodiment 9, in the magnetic field sensor of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, the substrate has a convex outer surface. In embodiment 10, the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 9 further includes one or more sensor elements on the convex outer surface of the substrate.

[0010] In embodiment 11, a therapeutic / diagnostic assembly for a medical device includes a magnetic field sensor of any of embodiments 1-10, a frame, the magnetic field sensor, and a sealant. The frame has a generally convex outer surface, the concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor is disposed around the convex outer surface of the frame, and the sealant is disposed over the frame and the magnetic field sensor.

[0011] In embodiment 12, the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of embodiment 11 further comprises a lumen extending through the component opposite the magnetic field sensor. In embodiment 13, the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of embodiment 12 further comprises a therapeutic component or a diagnostic component attached to the frame.

[0012] In embodiment 14, in the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of embodiment 13, the therapeutic component or the diagnostic component is an imaging element. In embodiment 15, in the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of any of embodiments 12 to 14, the lumen is jointly formed by a surface of the frame and a surface of the sealant.

[0013] In a sixteenth embodiment, a magnetic field sensor for a medical device is disclosed, the magnetic field sensor comprising: a substrate; a first magnetoresistive (MR) sensor; and a second MR sensor. The substrate has a plurality of planar portions, adjacent planar portions joined by transition portions, the plurality of planar portions arranged substantially in a C-shape such that an inner surface of the magnetic field sensor is concave, the plurality of planar portions including a first planar portion oriented in a first plane and a second planar portion oriented in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The first MR sensor is attached to the first planar portion and defines a first sensing axis, and the second MR sensor is attached to the second planar portion and defines a second sensing axis.

[0014] In embodiment 17, the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 16 further includes a third planar portion between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, and one of the multiple transition portions is interposed between the first planar portion and the third planar portion, and another of the multiple transition portions is interposed between the third planar portion and the second planar portion.

[0015] In embodiment 18, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 17, one of the multiple transition portions between the first planar portion and the third planar portion defines an angle between the first planar portion and the third planar portion.

[0016] In embodiment 19, the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 17 further includes a rigid first cap disposed over the first MR sensor and a rigid second cap disposed over the second MR sensor.

[0017] In embodiment 20, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 19, the transition portion is relatively flexible. In embodiment 21, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 20, the first and second caps are caps in which the first and second planar portions are configured to be relatively rigid, respectively.

[0018] In embodiment 22, the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 21 further includes a rigid third cap on the third planar portion. In embodiment 23, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 22, the first, second, and third caps each have an inner surface that together form a concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor.

[0019] In embodiment 24, in the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 16, the substrate has a convex outer surface. In embodiment 25, the magnetic field sensor of embodiment 24 further includes one or more sensor elements on the convex outer surface of the substrate.

[0020] In a twenty-sixth embodiment, the medical device includes a handle usable by a user, a shaft having a proximal portion attached to the handle and an opposite distal end, and a therapeutic / diagnostic assembly at the distal end of the shaft. The therapeutic / diagnostic assembly includes a frame, a magnetic field sensor, and a sealant. The frame has a generally convex outer surface. The magnetic field sensor is attached to the convex surface of the frame and includes a substrate, a first magnetoresistive (MR) sensor, and a second MR sensor. The substrate has a plurality of planar portions, adjacent planar portions joined by transition portions, and the planar portions are arranged so that the magnetic field sensor has a concave inner surface, adjacent planar portions joined by transition portions, and the plurality of planar portions are arranged so that the first planar portion lies in a first plane and the second planar portion lies in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. A first (MR) sensor is mounted to the first planar portion and defines a first sensing axis, a second (MR) sensor is mounted to the second planar portion and defines a second sensing axis, and the concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor is disposed around the convex outer surface of the frame. An encapsulant is disposed over the frame and the magnetic field sensor.

[0021] In embodiment 27, the medical device of embodiment 26 further comprises a third planar portion between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, one of the multiple transition portions being interposed between the first planar portion and the third planar portion, and another of the multiple transition portions being interposed between the third planar portion and the second planar portion.

[0022] In embodiment 28, in the medical device of embodiment 27, one of the multiple transition portions between the first planar portion and the third planar portion defines an angle between the first planar portion and the third planar portion.

[0023] In embodiment 29, the medical device of embodiment 27 further comprises a rigid first cap disposed over the first MR sensor and a rigid second cap disposed over the second MR sensor.

[0024] In embodiment 30, in the medical device of embodiment 29, the first and second caps are caps in which the first and second planar portions are respectively configured to be relatively rigid.

[0025] In embodiment 31, the medical device of embodiment 30 further comprises a rigid third cap overlying the third planar portion. In embodiment 32, in the medical device of embodiment 31, the first, second, and third caps each have an inner surface that together form a concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor.

[0026] In a thirty-third embodiment, a method for manufacturing a functional assembly for a medical device is disclosed. The method includes forming a rigid frame having a generally convex outer surface, attaching a magnetic field sensor to the frame, and forming a rigid encapsulant over the frame and the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor includes a substrate and first and second MR sensors attached to the substrate, the first and second MR sensors being arranged such that the first MR sensor has a sensing axis orthogonal to a sensing axis of the second MR sensor, and the substrate is further configured such that the magnetic field sensors are generally C-shaped with a concave inner surface, and attaching the magnetic field sensor to the frame includes positioning the concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor over the concave outer surface of the frame.

[0027] In embodiment 34, in the method of embodiment 33, the magnetic field sensor has a plurality of planar portions including a first planar portion and a second planar portion, and the first MR sensor is attached to the first planar portion and the second MR sensor is attached to the second planar portion.

[0028] In embodiment 35, in the method of embodiment 34, the magnetic field sensor further comprises a third planar portion located between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tracking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a block representation of a computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A-1D are diagrams of portions of an exemplary medical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic field sensor for use in the medical device of FIG. 3, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a magnetic field sensor according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a magnetic field sensor according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of the medical device of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of the medical device of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] During a medical procedure, a medical device such as a probe (e.g., a catheter, a guidewire, a scope) is inserted into a patient. To track the position and orientation of the probe within the patient, the probe may be equipped with magnetic field sensors that detect various magnetic fields generated by transmitters near the patient.

[0032] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a tracking system 100 configured to determine location information corresponding to a medical device 104 based on information collected using a receiver (e.g., a sensor) 102 associated with the medical device 104. The information collected by the receiver 102 includes received magnetic field signals corresponding to an electromagnetic field formed by a set of electromagnetic signals transmitted by one or more magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106, 108, 110. According to an embodiment, the one or more magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106, 108, 110 are configured to transmit (e.g., emit) the electromagnetic signals, which generate a magnetic field within which a subject 112 is positioned. According to an embodiment, the system 100 includes a magnetic field controller 114 configured to manage the operation of the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106, 108, 110.

[0033] The receiver 102 (e.g., a magnetic field sensor) (which may include one or more receivers / sensors) may be configured to generate an electrical response to the magnetic field(s) generated by the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106, 108, 110. For example, the receiver 102 may include one or more magnetic field sensors, such as an inductive sensing coil and / or various sensing elements, such as magnetoresistive (MR) sensing elements (e.g., anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensing elements, giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensing elements, tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensing elements, Hall effect sensing elements, colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) sensing elements, extraordinary magnetoresistive (EMR) sensing elements, spin Hall sensing elements, etc.), giant magneto-impedance (GMI) sensing elements, and / or fluxgate sensing elements. The receiver 102 is configured to sense the generated magnetic fields and provide tracking signals indicative of the position and orientation of the receiver 102 in up to six degrees of freedom (i.e., x, y, z measurements, and pitch, yaw, and roll angles). Generally, the number of degrees of freedom that a tracking system can track depends on the number of magnetic field sensors and magnetic field generators. For example, a tracking system with a single magnetic field sensor cannot track roll angle and is therefore limited to tracking only five degrees of freedom (i.e., x, y, z coordinates, and pitch and yaw angles). This is because the magnetic field sensed by a single magnetic field sensor does not change as the single magnetic field sensor "rolls." The magnetic field sensor may be powered by a voltage or current to drive or excite its elements. The magnetic field sensor elements receive the voltage or current, and generate sense signals in response to one or more generated magnetic fields, which are then transmitted to the magnetic field controller 114.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnetic field controller 114 includes a signal generator 116 configured to provide a drive current to each of the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106, 108, 110, causing each magnetic field transmitter assembly to transmit an electromagnetic signal. In certain embodiments, the signal generator 116 is configured to provide a variable (e.g., sinusoidal) drive current to the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106, 108, 110. The magnetic field controller 114 may be implemented using firmware, integrated circuits, and / or software modules that interact with each other or are combined together. For example, the magnetic field controller 114 may include computer-readable instructions / code for execution by a processor (see FIG. 2 ). Such instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (see FIG. 2 ) and transferred to the processor for execution. In some embodiments, the magnetic field controller 114 may be implemented with one or more application-specific integrated circuits and / or other forms of circuitry suitable for controlling and processing magnetic tracking signals and information.

[0035] The detected magnetic field signals may include multiple magnetic field signals, each of which may be processed to extract magnetic field components corresponding to one or more magnetic field transmitter assemblies. The detected magnetic field signals are transmitted to a signal processor 118, which is configured to analyze the detected magnetic field signals to determine position information corresponding to the receiver 102 (and thus the medical device 104). The position information may include any type of information related to the position and / or location of the medical device 104, such as, for example, position, relative position (e.g., relative to another device and / or location), location, orientation, velocity, acceleration, and / or the like. As described above, rotating magnetic field-based tracking can utilize the phase (e.g., phase difference) of the detected magnetic field signals to determine the position and orientation of the probe.

[0036] The tracking system 100 may also include at least one sensor configured and arranged to sense the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106-110. The sensor may be a magnetic sensor (e.g., a two-axis magnetic sensor, a three-axis magnetic sensor) and may be positioned at a known reference point proximate the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106-110 to function as a reference sensor. For example, one or more sensors may be coupled to the subject's bed, the subject themselves, the arm of an X-ray machine, or other points at a known distance from the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106-110. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is mounted on one of the magnetic field transmitter assemblies 106-110.

[0037] The medical device 104 may include, for example, an endoscope, an endoscopic probe or cannula, a catheter (e.g., a mapping catheter, an ablation catheter, a diagnostic catheter, an introducer), an implantable medical device (e.g., a control device, a monitoring device, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, a CRT-D), a guidewire, a biopsy needle, an ultrasound diagnostic device, a fiducial patch, a robot, etc. For example, in embodiments, the medical device 104 may be an imaging endoscopic probe. In other embodiments, the medical device 104 may include a mapping catheter associated with an anatomical mapping system. In yet other embodiments, the medical device 104 may be an ablation catheter. The medical device 104 may include any other type of device configured to be at least temporarily placed within the subject 112. The subject 112 may be a human, a dog, a pig, and / or any other animal having physiological parameters that can be recorded. For example, in embodiments, the subject 112 may be a human patient.

[0038] 1 , the medical device 104 may be configured to be disposed within the body of the subject 112 and may be configured to be communicatively coupled to the signal processor 118 via a communication link 120 (shown in phantom). In embodiments, the communication link 120 may be or include a wired communication link (e.g., serial communication), a wireless communication link such as a short-range wireless link such as Bluetooth®, IEEE 802.11, a proprietary wireless protocol, etc. The term “communication link” may refer to the ability to communicate any type of information in at least one direction between at least two devices and should not be understood to be limited to a direct, permanent, or otherwise limited communication channel. That is, in some embodiments, the communication link 120 may be a permanent communication link, an intermittent communication link, an ad hoc communication link, and / or the like. The communication link 120 may refer to direct communication between the medical device 104 and the signal processor 118 and / or indirect communication that travels between the medical device 104 and the signal processor 118 via at least one other device (e.g., a repeater, router, hub, etc.). The communication link 120 may enable unidirectional and / or bidirectional communication between the medical device 104 and the signal processor 118. Data and / or control signals may be transmitted between the medical device 104 and the signal processor 118 to coordinate the function of the medical device 104 and / or the signal processor 118.

[0039] The signal processor 118 further includes a localization unit 122 configured to determine location information corresponding to the medical device 104 based on the detected magnetic field signals (e.g., the phase, amplitude, phase difference, and / or amplitude difference of the detected magnetic field signals). The localization unit 122 may be configured to determine the location information according to any location technique using magnetic navigation. According to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, any number of the components shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., the magnetic field controller 114, the signal generator 116, the signal processor 118) may be implemented on one or more computing devices, either as a single unit or a combination of multiple devices. The system 100 may include a display for visualizing the position and / or orientation of the medical device 104 within the subject 112.

[0040] 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing device 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Computing device 200 may include any type of computing device suitable for implementing aspects of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Examples of computing devices include special-purpose computing devices or general-purpose computing devices, e.g., “workstations,” “servers,” “laptops,” “desktops,” “tablet computers,” “handheld devices,” “general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs),” etc., all of which are contemplated within the scope of FIGS. 1 and 2 with respect to various components of tracking system 100 and / or computing device 200.

[0041] In an embodiment, computing device 200 includes a bus 210 that directly and / or indirectly couples devices such as a processor 220, memory 230, input / output (I / O) ports 240, I / O components 250, and a power supply 260. Any number of additional, different, and / or combinations of components may also be included in computing device 200. I / O components 250 may include presentation components, such as, for example, a display device, a speaker, a printing device, and / or input components, such as, for example, a microphone, a joystick, a satellite dish, a scanner, a printer, a wireless device, a keyboard, a pen, a voice input device, a touch input device, a touchscreen device, an interactive display device, a mouse, and the like, configured to present information to a user.

[0042] Bus 210 represents what may be one or more buses (e.g., an address bus, a data bus, or a combination thereof, etc.). Similarly, in an embodiment, computing device 200 may include multiple processors 220, multiple memory components 230, multiple I / O ports 240, multiple I / O components 250, and / or multiple power supplies 260. Additionally, any number of these components or combinations thereof may be distributed and / or replicated across several computing devices. By way of example only, processor 220 may include signal processor 118, although other suitable configurations are contemplated to suit different applications.

[0043] In embodiments, memory 230 includes computer-readable media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Examples of media include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical or holographic media, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, data transmission, and / or any other medium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed by a computing device, such as, for example, quantum state memory. In embodiments, memory 230 stores computer-executable instructions 290 that cause processor 220 to implement aspects of embodiments of the system components described herein and / or to execute aspects of embodiments of the methods and procedures described herein.

[0044] The computer-executable instructions 290 may include, for example, computer code, machine-usable instructions, etc., such as program components that may be executed by, for example, one or more processors 220 associated with the computing device 200. The program components may be programmed using any number of different programming environments, including various languages, development kits, frameworks, etc. Some or all of the functionality contemplated herein may additionally or alternatively be implemented in hardware and / or firmware.

[0045] The exemplary computing device 200 illustrated in Figure 2 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor should the exemplary computing device 200 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated. In addition, the various components illustrated in Figure 2 may be combined in embodiments with various of the other components illustrated (and / or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a portion of an exemplary medical device 300 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In the particular example shown, the medical device 300 is an endoscopic probe, although, as noted above, in other embodiments, the medical device 300 can be any number of devices in which a user can benefit from the ability to track and visualize the device within a patient's body. As shown in FIG. 3 , the medical device 300 includes a handle 305 and a shaft 310 having a proximal end portion 315 extending distally from the handle 305 and an opposing distal end portion 320. In the illustrated embodiment, as is typical for endoscopic probes / devices, the medical device 300 further includes a flushing port assembly 325, a deflection actuator 330, and an access port 335, all located in or on the handle 305 to facilitate functional operation of the medical device 300.

[0047] As further shown, the distal end portion 320 includes a therapeutic / diagnostic assembly 340 configured for use in performing certain therapeutic and / or diagnostic procedures within a patient's body. As described in more detail herein, the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly 340 includes a flexible-circuit-based magnetic field sensor for enabling magnetic tracking and localization of the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly 340 within the body, as described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, as shown and described in detail below, the magnetic field sensors of the present disclosure have novel form factors that minimize space requirements while still providing five or six degrees of freedom magnetic tracking. Small diameter medical devices, such as those described above, have minimal space available for components not directly related to their therapeutic and / or diagnostic functions. The novel magnetic field sensors of the present disclosure improve this problem by providing a form factor that allows them to be incorporated into the outermost diameter portion of the device shaft.

[0048] 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic field sensor 400 for use in the above-described therapeutic / diagnostic assembly 340. As shown, the overall shape of the magnetic field sensor 400 is generally C-shaped, having a concave inner surface 425 and a convex outer surface 430. The shape of the magnetic field sensor 400 thus corresponds to the generally cylindrical shape of the medical device shaft 305, allowing it to be integrated into the therapeutic / diagnostic assembly 340 while still maximizing space within the shaft 305 for other necessary components.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 400 includes a flexible circuit board 410 including a plurality of planar portions 415 a, 415 b, 415 c, 415 d, and 415 e. As further shown, the board 410 includes a transition portion 420 a between planar portions 415 a and 415 b, a transition portion 420 b between planar portions 415 b and 415 c, a transition portion 420 c between planar portions 415 c and 415 d, and a transition portion 420 d between planar portions 415 d and 415 e. As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the transition portions 420 a, 420 b, 420 c, and 420 d are positioned such that the planar portions between which the transition portions are located are oriented at an angle relative to one another, resulting in the overall shape of the board 410, and therefore the overall shape of the magnetic field sensor 400, being generally C-shaped.

[0050] As further shown, magnetic field sensor 400 includes a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements, which in the illustrated embodiment are represented by magnetoresistive (MR) sensors 440, 445, 450. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, additional electronic components 460, such as, for example, filters, may be included on substrate 410, along with connection pads for terminating conductive traces. It will be further understood that substrate 410 includes other elements typical of flex circuits, such as electrical traces that enable electrical connection between the individual MR sensors 440, 445, 450 and processing equipment. Such additional components and features of flex circuits are known in the art, are not critical to the present disclosure, and will not be further described herein.

[0051] As shown, MR sensors 440, 445 are disposed on planar portion 415c, and MR sensor 450 is disposed on planar portion 415e. Furthermore, the planar portions are disposed such that planar portion 415c is orthogonal to planar portion 415e, forming two mutually orthogonal primary sensing axes along which the individual MR sensors are disposed. It will be appreciated that, in the particular embodiment shown, MR sensors 440, 445 may be oriented such that their respective primary sensing axes are 90 degrees apart. In this manner, the overall MR sensor arrangement provides three mutually orthogonal primary sensing axes.

[0052] 4 is merely exemplary, and it is emphasized that other arrangements of the various components may be employed within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, magnetic field sensor 400 may include fewer or more than three MR sensors, or fewer or more than five planar sections. Furthermore, the particular planar section on which any particular MR sensor is disposed is not critical. Furthermore, the planar sections on which MR sensor 440 (or 445) and MR sensor 450 are disposed need not be orthogonal to one another, provided the relative angle between them is known.

[0053] 5A and 5B are end views of an exemplary magnetic field sensor 500 (which may correspond to a portion of magnetic field sensor 400) illustrating how the C-shaped profile may be formed, with FIG. 5A showing magnetic field sensor 500 prior to forming the C-shaped profile. As shown, magnetic field sensor 500 includes substrate 510, planar portions 515 a, 515 b, and 515 c ( FIG. 5B ), an inner surface 525, and an outer surface 530. As further shown, magnetic field sensor 500 includes, for example, MR sensors 540, 545, 548, and 550. In the illustrated embodiment, MR sensors 540 and 545 are disposed on planar portion 515 a, MR sensor 548 is disposed on planar portion 515 b, and MR sensor 550 is disposed on planar portion 515 c. As further shown, cap 560, having an inner surface 562 and opposing sides 563 a, 563 b, covers MR sensors 540, 545, cap 565, having an inner surface 567 and opposing sides 568 a, 568 b, covers MR sensor 548, and cap 570, having an inner surface 572 and opposing sides 573 a, 573 b, covers MR sensor 550. Caps 560, 565, and 570 may be formed from a relatively rigid dielectric material (e.g., molded epoxy as known in the art) to increase the rigidity of the individual planar portions while also providing protective covers over the individual MR sensors.

[0054] Additionally, as seen in FIG. 5A , side surfaces 563a, 563b are angled, as are side surfaces 568a, 568b and 573a, 573b. Furthermore, adjacent side surfaces 563b and 568a are oriented at divergent angles relative to one another, as are adjacent side surfaces 568b and 573a. In this manner, the junctions between individual adjacent side surfaces form corresponding transitions (see FIG. 4 ), thereby allowing flexible substrate 510 to bend and form corresponding planar portions. Additionally, side surfaces, such as side surfaces 568b and 573a as shown, define a bending angle α, thereby defining the angle between planar portions 515b and 515c and determining the degree of bending therebetween when they abut one another. Adjusting the specific arrangement of the side surface angles shapes the overall shape of magnetic field sensor 500. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 5B, the inner surfaces 562, 567, 572 collectively form the inner surface 525 of the magnetic field sensor 500.

[0055] In various embodiments, the magnetic field sensors 400 described herein can be formed from materials and manufactured according to known techniques for forming flexible circuits, modified as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the MR sensors are disposed on the inner surface of the substrate, but this is not critical; thus, in various embodiments, one or more MR sensors can be disposed on the outer surface of the substrate. Additionally, while the exemplary embodiments are described as utilizing MR sensors, other types of magnetic field sensors (such as those listed herein above) can be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Additionally, in embodiments, additional components not directly related to magnetic field sensing may be incorporated into the magnetic field sensors 400, 500. For example, in embodiments, the structure of the magnetic field sensors 400, 500 may allow for the inclusion of other types of sensors. In one particular example, one or more electrodes may be disposed or formed on the outer surface of the substrate and may be utilized to sense intrinsic cardiac signals, for example, for use in cardiac electrophysiology procedures. Additionally, other types of sensors, such as ultrasound transducers, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, etc., may be incorporated into the outer surface of the substrate.

[0057] 6A-6B illustrate an example of incorporating a magnetic field sensor 400 into a therapeutic / diagnostic assembly for medical device applications, in this case, an imaging endoscope cap. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of an endoscope cap at an intermediate stage of manufacture. As shown, a frame 600 can be formed, for example, using low-pressure epoxy potting or similar methods known in the art. The illustrated frame 600 has a partially cylindrical shape that forms a generally convex outer surface shape 610. In a specific example, a lower portion 615 of the frame 600 forms a semicircular recess that can correspond to the lumen of the completed scope cap (FIG. 6B). As further shown, illumination elements 620, 625 are disposed within the frame 600, and a recess 630 on the opposite side of the lower portion 615 is formed to accommodate an imaging element, as known in the art.

[0058] As seen in FIG. 6A , the overall convex shape of the outer surface 610 of the frame 600 corresponds to the generally concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor 400. Thus, the magnetic field sensor 400 can be mounted on the frame 600. In embodiments, the frame 600 can also include a recess for receiving the magnetic field sensor to further minimize the overall diameter of the assembly. The magnetic field sensor 400 can be mounted in a pre-formed configuration (as shown), or alternatively, can be form-fit from a flat configuration (similar to that shown in FIG. 5A for the magnetic field sensor 500) once placed on the frame 600.

[0059] FIG. 6B shows a completed scope cap 640, which includes a second sealant 650 covering the frame 600 and the magnetic field sensor 400 (not visible in FIG. 6B). The sealant 650 can be formed from the same material as the frame 600 in a secondary potting process, or by using a different material or suitable manufacturing process. As further illustrated in FIG. 6B, in the completed scope cap 640, a main lumen 655 is formed by the combination of the frame 600 and the sealant for use in introducing secondary components, such as a resection instrument. Additionally, an imaging element 670 is positioned within the recess 630 (FIG. 6A) in the frame 600. Thus, the overall structure of the scope cap 640 as described herein maximizes the size of the lumen 655 while providing the ability to magnetically track the position of the scope cap 640 within the body in six degrees of freedom. As described elsewhere herein, the particular scope cap application described and illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B is merely one exemplary embodiment of an application of the novel magnetic field sensors of the present disclosure.

[0060] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments described without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of the present invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A magnetic field sensor for a medical device, the magnetic field sensor assembly comprising: a substrate having a plurality of planar portions, adjacent planar portions joined by transition portions, the planar portions arranged in a C-shape such that an inner surface of the magnetic field sensor is concave, the plurality of planar portions including a first planar portion oriented in a first plane and a second planar portion oriented in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the C-shape arrangement corresponding to a cylindrical shape of the medical device shaft such that the C-shape arrangement can be incorporated into an outermost diameter portion of the medical device shaft; a first magnetoresistive (MR) sensor mounted on the first planar portion and defining a first principal sensitive axis; a second MR sensor mounted on the second planar portion and defining a second principal sensitive axis.

2. 2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1, further comprising a third planar portion between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, wherein one of a plurality of transition portions is interposed between the first planar portion and the third planar portion, and another of the plurality of transition portions is interposed between the third planar portion and the second planar portion.

3. 3. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2, wherein the one of the plurality of transitions between the first planar portion and the third planar portion defines an angle between the first planar portion and the third planar portion.

4. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2 , further comprising a rigid first cap disposed over the first MR sensor and a rigid second cap disposed over the second MR sensor.

5. The magnetic field sensor of claim 4 , wherein the transition portion is flexible.

6. The magnetic field sensor of claim 5 , wherein the first and second caps are configured such that the first and second planar portions, respectively, are rigid.

7. The magnetic field sensor of claim 6 , further comprising a rigid third cap overlying the third planar portion.

8. The magnetic field sensor of claim 7 , wherein the first, second, and third caps each have an inner surface that together form the concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor.

9. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the substrate has a convex outer surface.

10. The magnetic field sensor of claim 9 further comprising one or more sensor elements on the convex outer surface of the substrate.

11. A therapeutic / diagnostic assembly for a medical device, comprising: A magnetic field sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a frame having a generally convex outer surface, the concave inner surface of the magnetic field sensor being disposed around the convex outer surface of the frame; and a sealant disposed over the frame and the magnetic field sensor.

12. A therapeutic / diagnostic assembly as described in claim 11, wherein the frame includes a lower portion forming a semicircular recess.

13. The therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of claim 12, further comprising a therapeutic or diagnostic component attached to the frame.

14. The therapeutic / diagnostic assembly of claim 13 , wherein the therapeutic component or the diagnostic component is an imaging device.

15. A therapeutic / diagnostic assembly as described in claim 14, wherein a lumen is jointly formed by the semicircular recess of the frame and the surface of the sealing material.

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