Cochlear Implant Localization via EM and EP Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems struggle to track instruments without associated tracking devices, particularly during surgical procedures, as they require direct inspection and may face challenges in associating tracking hardware due to various constraints.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system utilizing a combination of Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) tracking modalities to track instruments, including cochlear implants, which allows for registration of multiple navigation systems to determine precise positions within a navigational domain, enabling the use of electrodes for both tracking and stimulation purposes without altering the implant's standard construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a navigation system uses traditional tracking devices to track instruments, then the location can be determined, but instruments without associated tracking devices cannot be tracked and require direct inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling cochlear implant electrodes to serve dual functions: their original stimulation function and a new tracking function. The electrodes are equipped with tracking capabilities through electromagnetic or electropotential tracking, allowing them to be tracked without requiring separate tracking devices. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the tracking system adaptable to instruments that previously could not be tracked.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the cochlear implant electrodes to track themselves without external tracking devices. The electrodes generate or respond to electromagnetic/electropotential fields that enable their own localization. This eliminates the need for separate tracking hardware and allows instruments to track themselves, resolving the limitation of instruments without associated tracking devices.
2Measurement precision
If tracking hardware is associated with instruments to enable navigation, then location tracking is achieved, but various constraints make it difficult to associate tracking hardware with certain instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking function with the existing cochlear implant electrodes by integrating electromagnetic or electropotential tracking capabilities into the electrode structure. Rather than associating separate tracking hardware with the instrument, the tracking functionality is combined with the electrodes themselves, reducing device complexity while maintaining location determination precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking hardware association with electromagnetic or electropotential field-based tracking. Instead of physically attaching tracking devices to instruments, the system uses electromagnetic fields generated by or responded to by the electrodes to determine location. This substitution eliminates the constraints of mechanical hardware association while maintaining precise location determination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple navigation systems are used to track a single instrument, then comprehensive navigation is achieved, but registration of multiple systems is required to coordinate navigational domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic or electropotential fields as intermediaries to enable communication and coordination between multiple navigation systems. The cochlear implant electrodes interact with these fields, providing a common reference that allows different navigation modalities (electromagnetic and electropotential) to be registered and coordinated without complex direct system-to-system registration procedures.
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 precise tracking and positioning of instruments within a patient's anatomy, allowing for efficient navigation and minimally invasive procedures while maintaining the integrity and standard construction of the implant, and can be applied to both living subjects and non-living machines.
Implementation Method 1
an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) tracking systems can be used to navigate an instrument within a patient
Implementation Method 2
an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) tracking systems can be used to navigate an instrument within a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide one or more navigation modalities to track a position and navigate a single instrument in a volume. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within the volume. The two navigation systems may be used separately to selectively individually navigate the single instrument in the volume. Disclosed are also systems and processes to determine a shape of the single instrument either alone or in combination with the position of the instrument. The instrument may be navigated with the addition of tracking devices or with native or inherent portions of the instrument.