Coronary Magnetic Field Mapping Using Dipole Angle Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting coronary artery disease lack sensitivity and specificity, particularly in cases where traditional diagnostic tools like electrocardiograms may not accurately reflect underlying cardiac myocyte ischemia.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optically pumped magnetometers and a movable arm with a shield to sense magnetic fields associated with the heart, generating electromagnetic field maps to identify changes in dipole angles and the presence of additional dipoles, which are indicative of coronary artery disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrocardiograms are used for detecting coronary artery disease, then the diagnostic process is simple and widely available, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient particularly in cases of cardiac myocyte ischemia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical measurement systems (electrocardiograms) with a magnetic field-based detection system using optically pumped magnetometers. This substitution enables detection of magnetic fields generated by cardiac myocyte ischemia, providing superior sensitivity and specificity while maintaining clinical applicability through a manageable system design
2Measurement precision
If optically pumped magnetometers are used to sense magnetic fields, then the detection sensitivity is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable arm as an intermediary mechanism to position the optically pumped magnetometer array close to the patient's chest. This intermediary enables high-sensitivity magnetic field detection without requiring the entire complex system to be permanently installed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable arm with degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust the position of the magnetometer array. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different patients and measurement requirements, optimizing detection sensitivity while keeping the system portable and manageable
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable arm with degrees of freedom is used to position the magnetometer array, then the system becomes portable and adaptable, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable arm with one or more degrees of freedom that can be manually or automatically positioned. This dynamic structure provides positioning flexibility for adapting to different patients and measurement needs while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design compared to fixed complex mounting systems
4Measurement precision
If magnetic field shielding is implemented, then environmental interference is reduced, but the system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a movable arm as an intermediary that can position the magnetometer array in locations that naturally reduce environmental interference, such as away from large metal structures or electrical equipment. This approach achieves good signal-to-noise ratios without requiring extensive magnetic shielding infrastructure, thereby reducing setup time
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 detection of coronary artery disease by accurately identifying abnormal dipole angle changes and additional dipoles, providing a more reliable diagnostic tool beyond traditional electrocardiograms.
Implementation Method 1
an array of one or more optically pumped magnetometers coupled to the distal end of the arm, the optically pumped magnetometer array configured to sense the magnetic field associated with the individual
Implementation Method 2
a shield configured to attenuate a magnetic field or fields associated with an environment
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising: (a) identifying a first negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles in a first electromagnetic field map associated with a heart of the individual at a first time; (b) identifying a second negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles in a second electromagnetic field map associated with the heart of the individual at a second time; (c) determining a first angle based on the first negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles; (d) determining a second angle based on the second negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles; and (e) determining a presence, an absence, or a likelihood of coronary artery disease in the individual, based at least in part on (i) whether the first angle differs from the second angle by at least 100 degrees, or (ii) whether there is a presence of a third electromagnetic dipole in the first or the second electromagnetic field map.