Medical device-to-target tracking system

The medical device-to-target tracking system addresses the need for accurate and cost-effective alignment feedback in magnetic stimulation treatments by using IR sensor modules and targets, enhancing treatment efficacy and reliability.

WO2025019683A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-01-23THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2024/038563
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-18
Filing Date
2024-07-18
Publication Date
2025-01-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current medical device tracking systems for transcranial or transcutaneous magnetic stimulations are costly and lack accuracy, often relying on unreliable methods such as measuring tape or marked swim caps due to the absence of a low-cost, versatile, and accurate tracking solution.

Method used

A medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system utilizing two sensor modules, such as infrared (IR) light sensors, that emit and detect IR light, along with an IR target affixed near the treatment area, to provide real-time alignment feedback through a controller and visual or audible indicators.

Benefits of technology

The MDT tracking system ensures accurate and consistent delivery of magnetic pulses by providing real-time alignment feedback, thereby improving treatment efficacy while being cost-effective and versatile for various medical interventions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This application describes a medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system for fixing and tracking medical device alignment with a treatment target area on a patient. The MDT tracking system comprises two sensor modules that track movement, which can optionally be recorded by an integrated computing device. The sensors comprise suitable sensor modules that emit and detect IR light. The controller can be connected to a visual or audible indicator that displays a green light when the IR light sensors detect IR light and displays a red light when the IR light sensors do not detect IR light.
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Description

MEDICAL DEVICE-TO-TARGET TRACKING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 514,167, filed July 18. 2023, the entirety’ of which is incorporated into this application by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant number GW180105 awarded by the Department of Defense. The government has certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND

[0001] Many medical interventions require positional tracking of a medical device in relation to the intended treatment target area on a patient. A tracking system may be necessary’ to provide feedback to the device or operator regarding misalignment between the medical device and target area as the treatment progresses. An example of such a medical device is a magnetic coil used for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (tMS) for brain or peripheral tissue treatment. Both TMS and tMS have been widely used for treating a variety of neurological or psychiatric conditions. Treatment with the magnetic flux beam is focused on an approximately 2.5-mm radius at the center of the figure-of-eight coil with attenuation at an increased vertical distance, so tracking the horizontal and vertical alignment between the coil and target area is vital for treatment efficacy.

[0002] Limited technology' is available for ensuring that the magnetic pulses are consistently and accurately delivered to the target areas. For brain treatment, while neuronavigation systems based on anatomical brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in fixing and tracking the target area, the high cost of such tracking devices and software forces many providers to use unreliable methods, such as measuring tape or marked swim caps. Similarly, many other medical treatment modalities, such as peripheral laser therapy for dermatological lesions, also do not have an adequate tracking systems. Consequently, there is a need in the field of medical device tracking for a low-cost, versatile, and accurate means to guide transcranial or transcutaneous magnetic stimulations or other medical interventions that require fixing and tracking of device-target alignment.SUMMARY

[0003] This application describes a medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system for fixing and tracking medical device alignment with a treatment target area on a patient.

[0004] In some embodiments, the MDT tracking system comprises two sensor modules that track movement, which can optionally be recorded by an integrated computing device. In one embodiment, the sensors comprise suitable sensor modules (e.g., an infrared (IR) light sensor or Time of Flight (ToF) sensor) that emit and detect IR light. The system can further comprise an IR target, which may be affixed near a treatment target area. The IR target can include an IR reflective portion and an IR absorbing portion. The IR sensor modules can be configured to send a signal to a controller based on the detection of IR light with an IR LED, or in the case of a ToF sensor, through the use of a laser. The controller can be connected to a visual or audible indicator that displays a green light when the IR light sensors detect IR light and displays a red light when the IR light sensors do not detect IR light. In some embodiments, the controller can incorporate a user-interface having customizable settings and actions, which can be a separate device or be included in the MDT tracking system when the system includes an existing screen or user interface. Optionally, the controller may be configured to send a signal to the medical device when the IR light sensors do not detect IR light.

[0005] In some embodiments, the IR sensor modules can be mounted to a support assembly connected to any applicable medical device. The support assembly can be configured to include a selectively adjustable arm for each IR sensor module to facilitate positioning of the IR sensor in relation to the IR target affixed near the target area. In some embodiments, positioning of the IR sensor can be aided by use of a laser or for example an LED that provides additional precision during a treatment method.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The foregoing summary, as well as the following description of the disclosure, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, the drawings illustrate some, but not all, alternative embodiments. This disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The following figures, which are incorporated into and constitute part of the specification, assist in explaining the principles of the disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an IR sensor module having a built-in potentiometer suitable for use with a disclosed medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary circuit board and controller for use in a disclosed medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an exemplary infrared (IR) target which can be used with a disclosed medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system.

[0008] FIG. 5A shows a diagram of an exemplary support assembly for use with a disclosed medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system, where the support assembly is in an open or expanded position.

[0009] FIG. 5B shows a diagram of an exemplary support assembly for use with a disclosed medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system, where the support assembly is in a collapsed position, illustrating the rotational capability of the support assembly relative to the open position shown in FIG. 5A.

[0010] FIG. 6 shows a portion of a medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system which includes flexible opposing arms to ensure the medical device remains properly aligned on a target treatment area.

[0011] FIG. 7A show s a flexible arm with ball-and-j oint sockets which can be used to position sensor modules of a disclosed medical device-to-target (MDT) tracking system.

[0012] FIG. 7B shows a portion of the arm of FIG. 7A, depicting two disconnecting segments of a ball-and-j oint socket.

[0013] FIG. 8 show s an example of an embodiment of the disclosed medical device-to- target (MDT) tracking system and its method of use on a patient.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and / or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0007] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end. those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.1. Medical Device-to-T arget T racking System

[0008] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MDT tracking system 10 may comprise two sensor assemblies 80 that include sensor modules that track movement, which can optionally be recorded by a computing device. In one embodiment, the sensor assemblies 80 comprise infrared (IR) sensors which can both emit and detect IR light. The system can further comprise an IR target, which may be affixed (or otherwise positioned) near a treatment target area 15. The IR target can include an IR reflective portion and an IR absorbing portion. The IR sensor assemblies 80 can be configured to send a signal to a controller 90 (e.g., a tracking feedback module) based on the detection of IR light reflected from the IR target. The controller 90 can indicate using an indicator (92, 94) (e.g., a visual indicator such a green / red light or an auditory indicator such as a sound or sound pattern) whether the medical device is on (92) or off (94) target.

[0009] The visual indicator light of the controller 90 can be configured to turn green if IR light is detected from the IR target (e.g., at position 92 on the controller 90). As shown in FIG. 4B, the visual indicator light can be configured to remain red (e.g., at position 94 on the controller 90) if no light is being reflected to receiver. Furthermore, the behavior of the LED light could be changed based on code in circuit software (e.g., using MATLAB or other suitable softw are platform). In other embodiments, if a misalignment of the treatment device to the target is detected and a red light signal occurs, the device can be configured to prompt the care provider to adjust the treatment device or reposition the patient. The prompt can be a visual indicator or audible signal (e g., a flashing light, beep, or buzzer). In otherembodiments, the system could also be configured to control the medical device (e.g., turn off the medical device automatically until the misalignment has been corrected).

[0010] The system 10 can also include a light source 20 (e.g., an infrared light source) which can be aligned with a target center light source 30 through a target center light source extension elbow 40. The target center light source 30 can be positioned near two opposing and in some embodiments, rotating side arms 50. These side arms 50 can be coupled to target light sources 70 having adjustable angles. When the MDT tracking system is integrated with a transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (tMS) device for brain or peripheral tissue treatment, the device can include two treatment coils 60 positioned on opposing sides of the light source 20, extension elbow 30, and target light source 40.

[0011] In one embodiment, the IR target positioned on or near target treatment area 15 can be an IR reflective pad which includes an IR reflective portion and an IR absorbing portion, which can be affixed directly to the patient (i. e.. on or near target treatment area 15). Alternatively, the IR target can be affixed to a wearable such as a headband, arm band, and the like, as a suitable location near the target treatment area 15.

[0012] In addition, since the reflected IR light will disperse with increasing distance, the modulation of resistance as a function of detecting the vertical distance between the IR reflector and the IR sensor module can be calibrated via a built-in potentiometer, as shown in FIG. 2. The IR sensor module 100 can include an IR emitter 110, an IR receiver 120, and a built-in potentiometer 130. The built-in potentiometer 130 permits detection of any vertical movement because the IR light intensity will decrease as the distance of the IR target from the IR sensors increases. The two sensor assemblies allows the detection of rotational and axial movement which can be missed by a single senor system.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the IR sensor modules 100 can be connected to a circuit board controller 300 with two low voltage resistors and two high voltage resistors 330 (e.g., one 150 ohms resistor and two 10 kilo-ohms resistors), one IR red light and one green LED light, and one photodiode, which can include an IR emitter 110 and an IR receiver 120. In addition, in some optional aspects, one integrated circuit (e.g., a LM358M integrated circuit (TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, INC.) can also be used in this circuit. In another embodiment, a power source 320 (e.g., a 9V battery or AC power source with an AC-DC transformer) can be used as the power source for a circuit board 310 (e.g., an Arduino UNO R3 circuit board) whichcan be used to configure the interaction between the IR sensor and LED light indicators which can be positioned at a suitable location near the target treatment area 340. In a further embodiment power source 320 can optionally include one 5V battery or 3A AC power with an AC-DC transformer which can be used as the power source with a suitable circuit board 310 which can configure the interaction between the sensor and indicators.

[0014] In some embodiments, the power source 320 can include an external power switch, for example a mechanical power switch. Response signals can be changed by editing codes through UNO or MATLAB software. Although specific circuit configurations are disclosed herein, it is contemplated that other configurations can be provided without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, a single board computer (e.g., a Raspberry Pi single board computer such as Model Raspberry Pi 4B having 2 GB RAM) can be used to host an onboard user interface and interpret logic from the IR sensor modules. Such a single board computer can support expandable memory7(e.g., an SD card, USB A drive, or the like) and when connected to the internet can be used to leverage data logging to a memory storage device such as a cloud computing device.

[0015] Any suitable computing device can be used in conjunction with the MDT tracking system. In general, the computing device can be coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled, such as through wired or wireless communication, including, for example, through Bluetooth®, WiFi, or other suitable connection) to the MDT tracking system and / or the medical device.

[0016] Examples of suitable computing devices include mobile or stationary computing devices that can include a variety of hardware and software components (e.g., handheld computers, desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, and the like). The computing device can be in wireless or wired communication with other computing devices, a wireless network, or a cellular or satellite network. In general, the computing device can include a controller or processor (e.g., a signal processor, an image processing unit, a microprocessor, or other control and processing logic circuitry or software). The controller or processor can perform tasks such as signal encoding, image processing, data processing, input / output processing, power control, and other functions, including integration with and control of the magnetic stimulation device. The computing device can include an operating system for the support of one or more applications, e.g., medical software applications among others. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the computing device can include a Raspberry Pi single board computer.

[0017] The mobile computing device can include memory. The memory can include a nonremovable memory, removable memory, or both. Non-removable memory (or embedded memory) may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drives, or other known memory storage. Removable memory can include a flash memory card (for example SD (Secure Digital) cards, memory sticks, Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) cards, or other memory storage technologies such as smart cards. The memory can be used to store data and computer executable instructions for executing the operating system and the application(s) on the device. Exemplary data can include text, images, sound files, video material, or other data. Other data can include movement data recorded from the first, second, or both the first and second sensor modules.

[0018] The computing device can support one or more input devices, such as a touch screen, a microphone, a camera, an integrated or external keyboard, a trackball, and one or more output devices, such as a speaker or display. Other possible output devices can include piezoelectric or other tactile output devices. Any of the input devices and output devices can be internal, external, or removably attached to the computing device. External input and output devices can communicate with the computing device via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, a touch screen and display can be combined into a single input / output device.

[0019] The computing device can provide one or more natural user interfaces. For example, an operating system or application can include language recognition software as part of the voice user interface, while allowing the user to operate the device via voice commands. Moreover, the computing device can include input devices and software that allow a user to interact with the device via a user’s spatial gesture. For example, a user’s spatial gesture can be detected and interpreted to provide input in response to an applied magnetic stimulation intensity. In addition, the device can recognize gestures made by the device itself, such as detecting a tap gesture.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the IR target 400 may comprise an IR light reflecting material 415 (e.g., PTFE, or a dielectric material) and an IR light absorbing material 410 (e.g., darker or black / matte colored materials including spray on substance such as PLASTIDIP®)atached to a double-sided adhesive foam pad 410 which can include an adhesive surface 425 which can be affixed to the portion of the IR target 400 that includes the absorbing material 410 and the reflecting material 415. The IR target 400 can be shaped to fit the treatment area and atached to a patient’s body near the treatment location. For sanitary purposes, the IR target 400 can be discarded after each usage in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the IR target can be affixed to a wearable, or can be integrated into a portion of a wearable, such as a headband or armband, which can be applied to the patient at the target treatment area, as shown and discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 8. The wearable in some embodiments can absorb IR and the IR target can be affixed at a suitable location on the wearable.

[0021] As shown in FIG 5A, the IR sensor modules can be mounted onto a support assembly 500 comprising two separate arms (515, 520). The support assembly 500 can be connected by a clamping assembly (e.g., such as 630 shown in FIG. 6A) to any applicable medical device 510 (e.g.. a transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (tMS) device for brain or peripheral tissue treatment). The two separate arms (515, 520) can be configured to be selectively adjustable in relation to the position of the medical device 510 and treatment target area.

[0022] For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, a support assembly 600 (shown in a collapsed position) can comprise two separate rotatable arms (610, 620) which can be connected to light sensors via atachment segments 640. To connect to a suitable medical device, the two arms (610, 620) can include a third atachment segment 630, which for example can received a medical device such as a transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (tMS) device for brain or peripheral tissue treatment, as shown in FIG. 5 A.

[0023] The support arms can in some embodiments be flexible. For instance, a partial medical device-to-target treatment system is shown in FIG. 6. The system 700 includes suitable medical device 710, such as a transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (tMS) device for brain or peripheral tissue treatment, positioned appropriately over a target treatment area of a patient’s body 750. To keep the medical device 710 at the desired location, treatment arms with interlocking such as j oint-and-ball j oints 725, aligned with IR receiver pads and sensor modules (which can include built-in potentiometers as described above) can be mechanically or other automatically moved in response to feedback from the controller which can indicate whether the medical device 710 remains properly aligned.

[0024] In some embodiments, a flexible hose material with ball-and-joint sockets can be used to form the two separate arms, as shown in FIGs. 7A-B. A ball and socket or other similar joint 725 can be used to connect portions of the flexible arm material, and can be useful for example when elongating or shortening one or both arms if desired, depending on the treatment method being used. A terminal joint or portion of the flexible arm materials can be connecting to a sensor having the receiver 110, transmitter 120, and built-in potentiometer, as described in more detail above. The joint 725 can for example be a ball 726 and socket 728 type joint, as shown in FIG. 7B. Otherjoints or configurations are also contemplated.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flexible arms (e.g., a flexible hose material) can include a suitable joint or connector, such as an aviation-type connector, which provides quick interchange dovetail joints for swapping sensor modules attached to the device. In other embodiments, a third arm connected to the support assembly may comprise a target alignment module. The target alignment module may comprise a light source (e.g., a laser beam) useful for aligning the medical device with the target area. Alternatively, the target alignment module may comprise an LED having a condenser which can focus light in a manner similar to a laser. Optionally, the third arm is selectively adjustable to position the laser or other light source in relation to the target area on the patient.2. Method of Tracking Medical Device- to-Target Alignment

[0026] At the beginning of a treatment session, the emitted IR light from both IR sensor modules can be shined onto the exposed IR reflective surface of each IR target placed near the intended treatment location. The IR target can be affixed to a patient or in some embodiments the wearable which absorbs IR, using an adhesive, or the IR target itself can have a suitable adhesive covered by a backing layer that can be removed prior to use. If the emitted IR is reflected by the IR target and detected the IR sensor, then the green light can be configured to stay on. As the treatment progresses, if the IR light moves away from the exposed reflective portion of the IR target and is absorbed by the IR absorbing portion (or the exposed tissue or portion of a wearable surrounding the IR target), then the green light can be configured to turn off and the red light will turn on.

[0027] An example of an embodiment of the MDT tracking system and method of use is depicted in FIG. 8. The MDT tracking system 800 can include two IR sensor modules 820, which are attached to the medical device 810 via two flexible arms 815, which in this case isa magnetic stimulation device. The system 800 can also include a wearable 830 such as a headband, which can be worn by a patient 840. The wearable 830 can include one or more IR targets and / or an IR absorbing material affixed to or integrated within wearable. In addition, the system 800 includes a third arm 825, including a sliding alignment LED, which further aids in tracking and properly positioning the medical device 810. The system 800 further includes a hub 850, which includes a touchscreen user interface (e.g., a controller or similar device as described above). The hub 850 can in some embodiments record movement data from one or both of the IR sensor modules 820, and can for instance be connected (wired or wirelessly) to an external computing device such as a cloud computing device or other memory' or data storage device.3. Exemplary Aspects

[0028] In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

[0029] (1) An apparatus comprising: a medical device; a controller module; a first sensor module comprising: a first infrared light emitter configured to emit infrared light; and a first infrared light detector configured to detect infrared light, wherein the first infrared light detector sends a signal to the controller module based on the detection of infrared light; a second sensor module comprising: a second infrared light emitter configured to emit infrared light; and a second infrared light detector configured to detect infrared light, wherein the second infrared light detector sends a signal to the controller module based on the detection of infrared light; a first infrared light reflector; and a second infrared light reflector.

[0030] (2) The apparatus of Aspect (1), further comprising a support assembly comprising: a clamp assembly configured for attachment to a portion of the medical device; and a first arm comprising the first sensor module, wherein the first arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the first arm is selectively adjustable to position the first sensor module in relation to the first infrared light reflector; and a second arm comprising the second sensor module, wherein the second arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the secondarm is selectively adjustable to position the second sensor module in relation to the second infrared light reflector.

[0031] (3) The apparatus of Aspect (1) or (2), wherein the first sensor module further comprises a potentiometer configured to adjust the sensitivity of the first infrared light detector to infrared light.

[0032] (4) The apparatus of any one of the preceding Aspects, wherein the first infrared light reflector comprises an inner portion that reflects infrared light and an outer portion that absorbs infrared light.

[0033] (5) The apparatus of any one of the preceding Aspects, wherein the controller module, based on the signal from the first infrared light detector and the signal from the second infrared light detector, sends a signal to an indicator device.

[0034] (6) The apparatus of any one of the preceding Aspects, wherein the indicator device comprises a visual indicator, wherein the visual indicator is a red or green light.

[0035] (7) The apparatus of Aspect (5), wherein the indicator device comprises an audio output device.

[0036] (8) The apparatus of any one of Aspects (5)-(7), wherein the indicator device is configured to send a signal to the medical device, and wherein, based on the signal, the medical device ceases operation.

[0037] (9) The apparatus of Aspect (2), further comprises a third arm coupled to the clamp assembly, wherein the third arm comprises a target alignment module comprising a laser or an LED with a light condenser, and wherein the third arm is selectively adjustable to position the laser in relation to a target area on the patient.

[0038] (10) The apparatus of any one of the preceding Aspects, wherein the medical device is a magnetic coil.

[0039] (11) An apparatus comprising: a medical device; a controller module; a first sensor module configured to track movement; a second sensor module configured to track movement; and optionally, a computing device configured to record movement tracked by the first, second, or both the first and second sensor modules.

[0040] (12) The apparatus of Aspect (11), further comprising a support assembly comprising: a clamp assembly configured for attachment to a portion of the medical device: and a first arm comprising the first sensor module, wherein the first arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the first arm is selectively adjustable to position the first sensor module in relation to the medical device; and a second arm comprising the second sensor module, wherein the second arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the second arm is selectively adjustable to position the second sensor module in relation to the medical device.

[0041] (13) The apparatus of Aspect (11) or (12), wherein the controller module, based on a signal from the first sensor module and a signal from the second sensor module, sends a signal to an indicator device.

[0042] (14) The apparatus of Aspect (13), wherein the indicator device comprises a visual indicator, wherein the visual indicator is a red or green light.

[0043] (15) The apparatus of Aspect (13), wherein the indicator device comprises an audio output device.

[0044] (16) The apparatus of any one of Aspects ( 12)-(l 5), wherein the indicator device is configured to send a signal to the medical device, and wherein, based on the signal, the medical device ceases operation.

[0045] (17) The apparatus of any one of Aspects ( 12)-(16), further comprising a third arm coupled to the clamp assembly, wherein the third arm comprises a target alignment module comprising a light source (e.g., a laser or a LED light), and wherein the third arm is selectively adjustable to position the laser in relation to a target area.

[0046] (18) The apparatus of any one of Aspects (11)-(17), wherein the medical device comprises a magnetic coil.

[0047] (19) A method of tracking the alignment of a medical device in relation to a target area substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Features and advantages of this disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and the claims cover all such features and advantages. Numerous variations will occur to those skilled in the art, and any variations equivalent to those described in thisdisclosure fall within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may be used as a basis for designing other methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of this disclosure. As a result, the claims should not be considered as limited by the description, examples, or exemplary embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a medical device; a controller module; a first sensor module comprising: a first infrared light emitter configured to emit infrared light; and a first infrared light detector configured to detect infrared light, wherein the first infrared light detector sends a signal to the controller module based on the detection of infrared light; a second sensor module comprising: a second infrared light emitter configured to emit infrared light; and a second infrared light detector configured to detect infrared light, wherein the second infrared light detector sends a signal to the controller module based on the detection of infrared light; a first infrared light reflector; and a second infrared light reflector.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support assembly comprising: a clamp assembly configured for attachment to a portion of the medical device; and a first arm comprising the first sensor module, wherein the first arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the first arm is selectively adjustable to position the first sensor module in relation to the first infrared light reflector; and a second arm comprising the second sensor module, wherein the second arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the second arm is selectively adjustable to position the second sensor module in relation to the second infrared light reflector.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor module further comprises a potentiometer configured to adjust the sensitivity of the first infrared light detector to infrared light.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first infrared light reflector comprises an inner portion that reflects infrared light and an outer portion that absorbs infrared light.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller module, based on the signal from the first infrared light detector and the signal from the second infrared light detector, sends a signal to an indicator device.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the indicator device comprises a visual indicator, wherein the visual indicator is a red or green light.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the indicator device comprises an audio output device.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the indicator device is configured to send a signal to the medical device, and wherein, based on the signal, the medical device ceases operation.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprises a third arm coupled to the clamp assembly, wherein the third arm comprises a target alignment module comprising a laser or an LED with a light condenser, and wherein the third arm is selectively adjustable to position the laser in relation to a target area on the patient.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the medical device is a magnetic coil.

11. An apparatus comprising: a medical device; a controller module; a first sensor module configured to track movement: a second sensor module configured to track movement; and optionally, a computing device configured to record movement tracked by the first, second, or both the first and second sensor modules.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a support assembly comprising: a clamp assembly configured for attachment to a portion of the medical device; and a first arm comprising the first sensor module, wherein the first arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the first arm is selectively adjustable to position the first sensor module in relation to the medical device: anda second arm comprising the second sensor module, wherein the second arm is coupled to the clamp assembly, and wherein the second arm is selectively adjustable to position the second sensor module in relation to the medical device.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller module, based on a signal from the first sensor module and a signal from the second sensor module, sends a signal to an indicator device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13. wherein the indicator device comprises a visual indicator, wherein the visual indicator is a red or green light.

15. The apparatus of claim 13. wherein the indicator device comprises an audio output device.

16. The apparatus of claim 13. wherein the indicator device is configured to send a signal to the medical device, and wherein, based on the signal, the medical device ceases operation.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprises a third arm coupled to the clamp assembly, wherein the third arm comprises a target alignment module comprising a light source, and wherein the third arm is selectively adjustable to position the light source in relation to a target area.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the light source of the target alignment module comprises a laser.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the light source of the target alignment module comprises a LED light.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the medical device comprises a magnetic coil.

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