Biopsy Needle Tip Tracking via Nested Electromagnetic Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems face difficulties in accurately tracking the position of biopsy needle tips due to their movement relative to the handle, making precise targeting challenging during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A trackable biopsy needle assembly is designed with an outer cannula, inner cannula, and conductive coils arranged between the tubes, integrated with an electromagnetic tracking system and navigation controller to provide accurate positioning within a magnetic field, enabling precise navigation and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical navigation systems track the biopsy needle handle or proximal region, then tracking is feasible, but tracking accuracy deteriorates when the tip moves relative to the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coils are nested within the biopsy needle structure, specifically positioned between the inner and outer cannula walls. This nesting allows the tracking capability to be integrated into the needle itself rather than requiring separate tracking systems, enabling direct tip tracking while maintaining a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking methods with an electromagnetic field-based tracking system. Conductive coils generate electromagnetic signals that can be detected by external sensors, eliminating the need for mechanical markers or visual tracking systems and enabling more accurate and robust tracking
2Measurement precision
If conductive coils are added to the biopsy needle for tracking, then tracking precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coils are positioned specifically in the distal portion of the needle between the inner and outer cannula walls, rather than distributing components throughout the entire needle. This localized placement provides tracking functionality where it is most needed (at the tip) while minimizing overall device complexity and maintaining a simple proximal handle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cannula structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the electromagnetic coils for tracking, and maintains the biopsy needle's mechanical integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 system effectively tracks the position of the biopsy needle tip, allowing for accurate navigation and improved precision during surgical procedures by determining six degrees of freedom, enhancing the ability to target specific areas within the patient space.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic tracking system including a localizer to generate an electromagnetic field for use in navigating the biopsy needle
Data Source
AI summary
A trackable biopsy needle assembly including an inner tube of an outer cannula, an inner dielectric layer, a first coil, a second coil, a third coil, an outer dielectric layer, and an outer tube of the outer cannula. The inner tube defines a bore. The inner dielectric layer is secured onto an outer surface of the inner tube. The first, second, and third coils are wound over the inner dielectric layer. The outer dielectric layer is secured onto the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil. The outer tube is fastened to the outer dielectric layer.