Distortion Reference Sensor for Electromagnetic Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic tracking systems for medical devices, such as endovascular devices during C-arm angiography, face inaccuracies due to electromagnetic field distortion caused by metals and other field-generating devices, leading to errors in position and orientation calculations.
Innovation Solution
A distortion reference sensor (DRS) system with at least two sensor coils arranged at a predetermined angle and spatial position is used to detect electromagnetic field distortion by determining the sensed angle and spatial position, alerting users through a computing device when differences exceed expected thresholds, thereby improving tracking accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electromagnetic tracking is used to track medical devices, then real-time position and orientation data can be obtained, but electromagnetic field distortion from metals and field-generating devices causes inaccuracies in position data
Solution Approach 1:
A distortion reference sensor (DRS) device is introduced as an intermediary element between the electromagnetic field source and the medical device being tracked. The DRS device includes sensor coils that detect field distortion caused by metals and field-generating devices, allowing the system to measure and compensate for inaccuracies without affecting the real-time tracking speed of the medical device
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field distortion is detected using sensor coils, then tracking accuracy can be improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and computing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion reference sensor device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a reference frame for tracking and a distortion detection device. The same sensor coils that would be used for normal tracking also detect field distortion when configured in a reference orientation, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses itself to detect distortion - the electromagnetic tracking system's own sensor coils are configured in a known reference orientation to detect field distortion. The system leverages its existing components and field generation capability to perform self-diagnosis of distortion conditions, reducing the need for external monitoring equipment
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
The DRS system effectively detects and mitigates electromagnetic field distortion, enhancing the accuracy of tracking medical devices within the patient's body by providing real-time alerts and guidance to reduce interference from sources like C-arms and metallic objects.
Implementation Method 1
The DRS device includes at least two sensor coils arranged at a predetermined angle and a predetermined spatial position in a three-dimensional space relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a distortion reference sensor (DRS) device attachable to a surface adjacent a region of interest within the patient. The DRS device includes at least two sensor coils arranged at a predetermined angle relative to each other and at a predetermined spatial position in a three-dimensional space relative to each other. The system also includes a computing device to determine a sensed angle and a sensed spatial position of the at least two sensor coils in the three-dimensional coordinate system in response to application of an electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic field distortion is indicated based on a difference between the predetermined angle and the sensed angle and/or the predetermined spatial position and the sensed spatial position exceeding an expected difference value.