Distal Tip Sensor Assembly for EM-Tracked Bronchoscope Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as bronchoscopes, face challenges in navigating tortuous anatomical passages due to the lack of effective position-tracking systems, particularly for flexible tools, as traditional position encoders and imagers provide insufficient information for precise navigation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic field sensor, such as a TMR sensor, at the distal tip of the medical device, along with a position sensing system and lighting elements on a single circuit board, enables EM tracking for precise position and orientation, facilitating real-time navigation and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional position encoders and imagers are used, then the device structure remains simple, but position-tracking precision is insufficient for flexible tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position encoders with a magnetic field sensor system that uses magnetic fields to track the position and orientation of flexible medical devices. This substitution enables accurate tracking of flexible tools without the mechanical constraints of traditional encoders, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device structure simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external tracking system and the flexible medical device. The magnetic field sensor detects magnetic field variations caused by moving magnets along the flexible device, providing position information without direct mechanical coupling. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement while maintaining device flexibility and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only an imager is used at the distal tip, then the device structure remains simple, but navigation capability is limited to areas visible through the imager
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the distal tip assembly: the magnetic field sensor provides position and orientation data for navigation, the imager provides visual feedback, and the lighting element illuminates the area of interest. This multi-functional integration enables the device to navigate and interact with anatomy beyond the imager's direct field of view, enhancing adaptability while managing device complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where the magnetic field sensor continuously monitors position and orientation, providing real-time information to the operator or robotic control system. This feedback enables precise navigation and control, allowing the operator to reach target anatomy that is not directly visible through the imager by compensating for the imager's limited field of view with magnetic positioning data.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are assembled at the distal tip, then each component can be optimized independently, but assembly complexity and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic field sensor, imager, and lighting element into a single integrated distal tip assembly mounted on a substrate. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly errors while maintaining the ability to optimize each component's performance. The integrated design improves reliability by ensuring proper alignment and reducing interfaces that could fail.
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 navigation efficiency by providing accurate position and orientation data, reducing the time, skill, and effort required to reach target anatomy, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor mounted to the substrate. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to provide a signal that indicates a position or orientation of the distal tip of the medical device
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field sensor may include a magneto-resistive ('MR') sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A medical assembly may comprise: a substrate configured to be disposed in a body at a distal tip of a medical device; and a position sensing system, including a magnetic field sensor mounted to the substrate. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to provide a signal that indicates a position or orientation of the distal tip of the medical device. The medical assembly may further comprise at least one camera mounted to the substrate; and at least one lighting element mounted to the substrate.