Bioimpedance Instrument for Real-Time 3D Positional Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external imaging-based guidance methods for surgical and percutaneous procedures, such as CT-guidance and ultrasound, face limitations in accurately guiding instruments like needles due to patient movement and the inability to provide real-time, 3D spatial awareness, leading to complications like bleeding and prolonged procedure times.
Innovation Solution
A bioimpedance system comprising multiple electrodes integrated into medical instruments, which use impedance spectrometry and processors to obtain bioimpedance measurements, providing real-time directional and positional feedback for precise instrument placement within the body, complementing external imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external imaging-based guidance (CT, ultrasound) is used to guide instruments, then positioning information can be obtained, but patient movement and inability to provide real-time 3D spatial awareness lead to reduced accuracy and increased procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external imaging-based guidance systems (CT, ultrasound) with an internal bioimpedance sensing system integrated directly into the instrument. This substitution eliminates the need for external imaging equipment and enables real-time feedback without patient movement constraints, thereby improving positioning accuracy while reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument becomes self-guiding by integrating bioimpedance sensors directly into its structure. The instrument measures local tissue impedance at its tip location in real-time, providing autonomous positioning feedback without requiring external imaging systems or patient breath-holding, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time.
2Reliability
If external imaging-based guidance is used, then positioning information can be obtained, but 3D spatial awareness is limited leading to off-target insertion and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D imaging planes (ultrasound slices, CT cross-sections) to 3D spatial awareness by integrating multiple bioimpedance sensors around the instrument tip. This enables measurement of impedance in multiple directions simultaneously, providing true 3D localization and spatial context that prevents off-target insertion and improves safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces external imaging systems that provide limited 2D spatial information with an internal multi-directional bioimpedance sensing system that provides comprehensive 3D spatial awareness, thereby improving reliability and reducing information loss about the instrument's precise location and orientation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are integrated into the instrument, then real-time 3D spatial awareness and positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the instrument multi-functional by integrating bioimpedance sensing capabilities directly into its structure. The same instrument that performs the medical procedure also provides real-time positioning feedback, eliminating the need for separate imaging equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite the added electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning sensing function with the treatment instrument by integrating electrodes directly into its structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate external imaging systems and reduces overall system complexity while improving positioning accuracy through real-time bioimpedance feedback.
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 bioimpedance system enhances the accuracy and safety of instrument placement by offering 360° spatial awareness, reducing the likelihood of off-target insertion and associated complications, and enabling real-time guidance during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The impedance spectrometer is configured to pass electrical current to the one or more electrical connections. The processor is configured to execute computer-readable instructions that cause the processor to perform operations comprising obtaining bioimpedance measurements from the one or more electrical connections
Data Source
AI summary
A bioimpedance system is used to obtain multi-bioimpedance measurements for guiding a clinical tool into a body. The system includes a medical instrument that is to be inserted into a body and a plurality of electrodes disposed on a surface of the medical instrument, embedded within the instrument, or both. Each electrode is configured to apply electrical current to the immediate surroundings in contact with the electrode in order to obtain multiple bioimpedance measurements. The bio-impedance measurements are used to guide the medical instrument during insertion and determine positioning and composition of the surrounding environment. The electrodes can also be used to direct application of electricity for cauterizing tissue.