Acousto-optical MRI Markers for Catheter Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI-compatible catheter devices face challenges with RF-induced heating and limited visibility during intraoperative procedures, as they often rely on conductive structures that can cause heating and lack effective real-time tracking of the catheter's position.
Innovation Solution
The development of an acousto-optical marker system using an optical fiber with an electro-mechanical conversion assembly and antennae that receive MRI RF energy, producing electrical signals to modulate an acousto-optical sensor region, allowing for real-time position tracking without conductive transmission lines, utilizing a universal sleeve package adaptable to various catheters and enhancing sensitivity with acoustic resonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive transmission lines are used to carry RF signals from the distal end of the probe to the MR scanner, then active marker functionality is achieved, but RF-induced heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conductive electrical transmission lines with an optical fiber-based system. The optical fiber transmits light signals instead of electrical RF signals, eliminating the conductive path that causes RF-induced heating while maintaining the ability to transmit position information from the distal end to the scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary medium to transmit position information. Instead of directly transmitting RF electrical signals through conductive lines, the system converts RF signals to optical signals via acousto-optical modulation at the distal end, transmits through the optical fiber, and converts back at the proximal end, using light as the intermediary carrier.
2Measurement precision
If conventional passive markers are embedded in the device shaft, then position tracking is achieved, but real-time active tracking and temperature information are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the marker device at the distal end autonomously modulates the optical fiber using acousto-optical effects driven by local RF fields. The device self-generates the modulation signal from ambient MRI RF fields, eliminating the need for external active tracking systems while providing both position and temperature information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (wavelength, intensity, or phase of light) to encode position and temperature information. The acousto-optical sensor modulates these optical parameters in response to RF-induced acoustic waves, allowing multiple types of information to be transmitted through the optical fiber by detecting different optical parameter variations.
3Reliability
If a specialized catheter device is manufactured with acceptable visualization technology, then real-time MRI visualization is achieved, but the device cannot be adapted to different catheter shapes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal acousto-optical marker system that can be integrated into various catheter types. The optical fiber and acousto-optical sensor assembly are designed as a modular component that can be adapted to different catheter shapes and configurations, providing real-time MRI visualization functionality across multiple device types rather than requiring specialized catheters for each application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides safe and effective real-time tracking of catheter position and orientation under MRI, reducing RF-induced heating and enabling enhanced visualization during procedures, while being adaptable to different catheter shapes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The marker device can include an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
an acousto-optical sensor region that can be modulated by acoustic waves
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic transducer configured to elastically modulate the acousto-optical sensor region by acoustic waves generated responsive to the electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
The one or more antennae are configured to receive MRI radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy and produce a corresponding electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include active marker devices, retrofits, systems, and methods for determining the position of interventional devices under MRI. A marker device is provided that utilizes an optical fiber, an acousto-optical sensor region that includes an electro-mechanical conversion assembly, and one or more antenna(e) The one or more antennae are configured to receive MRI radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy and produce a corresponding electrical signal corresponding to the position. The acousto-optical sensor region may include a resonator and may be modulated by acoustic waves generated responsive to the electrical signal received from the one or more antennae The acousto-optical sensor region may be interrogated by light via the optical fiber to determine the position of the device for providing an active marker in the MRI image.