AI-Steered Microrobotic Catheter Navigation Without Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for endovascular procedures face limitations such as difficulty in treating acute aortic pathologies and ischemic stroke, high morbidity and mortality, and the need for advanced training and multiple devices, which increases procedure duration and cost, and exposes patients and medical personnel to high doses of radiation.
Innovation Solution
The development of robotic systems with a robotic surgical tool and a steering system controlled by artificial intelligence, utilizing fuzzy logic models and real-time imaging, to navigate and steer the tool within a tubular passageway, allowing for precise control and reduced reliance on fluoroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluoroscopic guidance is used to operate existing medical devices, then the devices can be controlled during endovascular procedures, but patients and medical personnel are exposed to high doses of radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic guidance (optical/mechanical system) with magnetic field-based navigation and imaging. The robotic catheter incorporates magnetic sensors and the system uses external magnetic fields for positioning and navigation, eliminating the need for continuous fluoroscopy while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the operator and the medical device. Instead of direct visual guidance via fluoroscopy, magnetic fields mediate the navigation and positioning of the robotic catheter, providing control without radiation exposure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices and equipment exchanges are used to perform endovascular procedures, then various medical tasks can be accomplished, but the procedure duration and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal robotic catheter system that can perform multiple medical tasks including navigation, imaging, drug delivery, and stent deployment. The single integrated robotic platform replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing procedure time while maintaining full medical task capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines navigation, imaging, and therapeutic functions into a single robotic catheter system. By merging these previously separate functions into one integrated platform, the system eliminates the need for multiple device exchanges during procedures.
3Reliability
If current medical devices are used for endovascular procedures, then treatments can be performed, but advanced training at specialized centers is required
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic catheter system incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities with AI-based decision support that guides the operator through procedures. The system performs self-positioning and self-navigation using magnetic field sensing and real-time imaging, reducing the skill barrier while maintaining treatment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops with imaging systems and navigation sensors that continuously monitor catheter position and provide guidance to operators. This feedback mechanism compensates for operator inexperience and standardizes procedure quality across different skill levels.
4Productivity
If robotic systems with AI control are implemented, then procedure speed and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with magnetic field-based actuation and sensing. The robotic catheter uses magnetic torques for steering and navigation, eliminating complex mechanical joints and actuators while improving response speed and procedural efficiency.
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
The robotic system enhances the speed, accuracy, safety, and reliability of endovascular procedures, reduces the need for radiation, and allows for more complex interventions with reduced operator skill requirements, while being MRI-compatible.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated, flexible, steerable cannula that includes multiple expansion-flexion microrobotic (EFMR) cannulation units (CUs) that are configured to be selectively stiffened or softened using non-Newtonian fluid compression
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide robotic systems, apparatuses, and methods. One such robotic system comprises a robotic surgical tool; and a steering system configured to steer the robotic surgical tool based on motion angle commands along X and Y axes as the robotic surgical tool moves in an Z axis direction within a tubular passageway. The system further comprises a computing device that executes an artificial intelligence program configured to control the steering system by computing the motion angle commands based on a current position of the robotic surgical tool along planar axes of the tubular passageway and center positions of the passageway along the planar axes. Other systems and methods are disclosed.