Distributed Sensing Device for Anatomical Landmark Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current localization technologies in minimally invasive therapies face challenges in accurately determining the location of medical devices within the body relative to true anatomy, particularly due to external referencing methods that are limited in accuracy and susceptible to tissue heterogeneity and movement, such as in the heart.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensing device employing Fiber Optic Shape Sensing and Localization (FOSSL) technology, which uses optical fibers sensitive to strain and temperature to measure physiological parameters like oxygen saturation, pressure, and flow, allowing for the detection of anatomical landmarks by identifying transition regions and assigning a dynamic reference point for precise internal tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external tracking mechanisms are used to monitor device location, then device localization capability is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to tissue heterogeneity and anatomical movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tracking the device relative to external references, the patent inverts the approach by having the device track internal anatomical landmarks directly. The distributed sensors on the device measure physiological parameters (temperature, pressure, flow) to identify and lock onto internal landmarks, creating a reference system that moves with the anatomy rather than remaining external and static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physiological parameters (temperature, pressure, flow) as intermediary measurements that bridge the device and anatomical landmarks. These physiological signals serve as mediators that allow the device to indirectly detect and track landmark positions without direct mechanical contact or external line-of-sight requirements.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic tracking systems are used, then device tip localization is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates in the presence of metal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic tracking fields with a physiological parameter-based sensing system. Instead of using electromagnetic fields that are distorted by metal, the device uses distributed sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and flow - physiological parameters that are not affected by metallic implants or instruments in the treatment field.
3Loss of information
If conventional tracking systems track only tip points, then device position is monitored, but anatomical context information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function along the entire length of the device rather than concentrating it at the tip. Distributed sensors are placed at multiple positions along the device shaft, allowing each segment to independently measure physiological parameters and contribute to landmark identification, thereby preserving anatomical context along the entire device trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a physiological parameter dimension to traditional spatial tracking. Instead of only monitoring x-y-z coordinates, the system incorporates physiological measurements (temperature, pressure, flow) as additional dimensions that provide anatomical context and enable landmark identification beyond simple geometric positioning.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of device positioning within the body, providing a true anatomical reference that can align with pre-recorded anatomy data, improving localization and mapping, especially in moving structures like the heart, with potential applications across various internal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A distributed sensing device employing Fiber Optic Shape Sensing and Localization (FOSSL) technology, which uses optical fibers sensitive to strain and temperature
Implementation Method 2
optical fibers sensitive to strain and temperature to measure physiological parameters like oxygen saturation, pressure, and flow
Implementation Method 3
A sensing and interpretation module stored in the memory and is configured to measure distributed sensing data collected from the sensors over a length of the distributed sensing device such that when the distributed sensing device is deployed in the body a gradient in the distributed sensing data is determined
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed sensor and a method for identifying an internal anatomical landmark (R) includes inserting (502) a distributed sensing device (212) into a volume of a body and extending (504) a portion of a length of the distributed sensing device beyond an area of interest. Parameters are measured (506) using sensors (202) located along the length of the distributed sensing device (212), and a transition region is determined (510) based upon a parameter value difference between adjacent sensors. A location of an anatomical landmark is assigned (512) using the transition region.