Catheter SQUID Sensor for In Vivo Magnetic Field Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magneto sensor systems are inadequate for effectively detecting magnetic field distributions and changes within the human body, particularly for identifying vulnerable plaque and other conditions, as they lack the necessary precision and diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-mounted magneto sensor system equipped with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) and additional components like an ultrasonic transmitter and coil, which introduces mechanical vibrations and modulations, along with a magnetically active agent, to measure and analyze magnetic field changes within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a SQUID magnetometer is used to detect magnetic changes in vivo, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the ability to identify specific loci and provide spatial distribution information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments, each equipped with its own SQUID magnetometer and flux concentrator. This segmentation allows the system to detect magnetic field changes at multiple discrete locations along the catheter, providing spatial distribution information while maintaining the high sensitivity of SQUID magnetometers at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-point spatial distribution approach by positioning multiple SQUID magnetometers along the catheter. This adds the spatial dimension to the magnetic field detection, enabling identification of specific loci where magnetically active agents accumulate.
2Measurement precision
If external magnetic fields are applied to modulate magnetically active agents, then detection contrast is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into the catheter assembly: the SQUID magnetometer for detection, the flux concentrator for field concentration, the ultrasonic transmitter for mechanical vibration, and the coil for magnetic field generation. By merging these components into a single intravascular device, the system achieves enhanced detection contrast through coordinated operation of multiple functions without requiring separate external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects magnetic field changes, generates modulating magnetic fields, applies ultrasonic vibrations, and delivers magnetically active agents. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve detection contrast through various mechanisms while maintaining a compact, single-device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic vibrations are applied to enhance agent distribution, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transmitter applies periodic vibrations at specific frequencies to enhance the distribution and detection of magnetically active agents. By using periodic rather than continuous ultrasonic energy, the system achieves improved measurement accuracy through enhanced agent mobility while reducing the cumulative risk of tissue damage compared to continuous exposure.
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
Enables accurate detection of magnetically active agents' accumulation sites, aiding in the identification of conditions such as vulnerable plaque by measuring magnetic field distributions before and after agent administration, and applying controlled external fields for enhanced detection.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto sensor mounted on a distal end of the catheter, where the magneto sensor can be a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic transmitter, which can be a dual beam ultrasonic transmitter, is adapted to introduce a mechanical vibration to locations with in the area of interest
Implementation Method 3
The coil is adapted to introduce a modulation to the locations with in the area of interest
Implementation Method 4
to identify loci in a target body that accumulate magnetic particles
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) including a catheter mounted magneto sensor (114), such as a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and methods using the system are disclosed, where the system and method are designed to detect changes in a magnetic field in a body of interest, such as a patient, to detect changes in a magnetic field in a patient, to identify loci in a target body that accumulate magnetic particles or to identify vulnerable plague in a patient.