Catheter Navigation With Virtual Satellite Targets for Lesion Biopsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable medical devices lack accurate guidance for navigating to satellite targets within a lesion, limiting the ability to take multiple biopsy samples or perform procedures at specific points around the main target, especially when the imaging device is removed.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a catheter with a tracking system and processor to generate and display virtual satellite targets, providing real-time navigation guidance for aligning the catheter tip to satellite locations, allowing for multiple samples without removing the catheter from the lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the endoscope camera is removed to perform biopsy procedures, then the catheter can be used for sampling, but the physician loses the ability to visualize the lesion and previously sampled areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the anatomical space using pre-operative imaging data (CT, MRI, or ultrasound). This virtual representation includes the lesion and satellite targets, allowing the physician to navigate and sample without needing the physical endoscope camera present. The virtual model preserves visual information while enabling procedural flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system acts as an intermediary between the physician and the anatomical target. Instead of direct visual guidance through the endoscope, the system provides indirect guidance through virtual reality representation and positional tracking feedback, enabling the physician to locate and sample targets without the camera being attached to the catheter.
2Reliability
If multiple biopsy samples are taken from different locations, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple satellite targets around the main lesion before the procedure begins. These targets are calculated and displayed in advance based on the virtual anatomical model, allowing the physician to systematically sample multiple locations without spending time deciding where to sample during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positional tracking system provides continuous feedback to the navigation software, which updates the virtual representation in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the physician to see the catheter's position relative to multiple pre-defined satellite targets, enabling efficient navigation to each target location and systematic sampling without redundant movements or repeated imaging.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the catheter is kept in place for multiple samples, then patient trauma is reduced, but navigation accuracy to satellite targets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical visual alignment (using the endoscope camera) with an electromagnetic tracking system. Small electromagnetic sensors embedded in the catheter allow the navigation software to precisely calculate the catheter's position and orientation relative to satellite targets without needing mechanical visual references, maintaining navigation accuracy while keeping the catheter in place.
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
Enhances the ability to accurately navigate and sample from different locations within a lesion, reducing procedure time and increasing confidence in sampling by enabling virtual tracking of positions relative to a reference target.
Implementation Method 1
a positional tracking system, such as using an electromagnetic (EM) field sensor system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that provides navigation guidance for intraluminal procedures comprises: a catheter configured to be inserted into a lumen receive an actuating force from an actuator; and a tracking system configured to acquire position and orientation of the catheter with respect a lumen. A processor in communication with the actuator and the tracking system is configured to: register a position and/or orientation of the catheter tip with respect to a reference target, and generate one or more satellite targets in a region of interest surrounding the reference target. A display screen displays a virtual representation of the distal end of the catheter, and a virtual representation of the one or more satellite targets, as navigation guidance. A user is able to determine how to align the catheter tip with the one or more satellite targets to perform an intraluminal procedure.