Dual-Modality Surgical Navigation System for Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for surgical instruments within a patient often face challenges in accurately tracking instruments due to interference from electromagnetic fields and limitations in tracking flexibility and precision, especially during procedures like ablation where RF energy is used, and in areas with varying tissue impedances.
Innovation Solution
A dual-modality navigation system combining Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) tracking systems, where a surgical instrument is equipped with both EM and EP tracking sensors, allowing registration between the two systems to enable accurate tracking within the patient's body, even in complex anatomical environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Electromagnetic (EM) tracking system is used to navigate surgical instruments, then tracking capability is provided, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to interference from electromagnetic fields and RF energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines EM tracking system and EP tracking system into a single navigation system. The EM system provides continuous tracking capability while the EP system provides accurate position verification, especially in regions where EM tracking may be inaccurate due to interference from RF energy or electromagnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system uses feedback from both EM and EP tracking systems to continuously monitor and correct instrument position. The EP system provides feedback on actual electrode position within tissue, allowing the system to compensate for EM tracking errors and maintain accurate navigation.
2Device complexity
If single modality navigation system is used, then system complexity is reduced, but tracking reliability deteriorates in complex anatomical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both EM and EP tracking capabilities. The system can automatically select or combine tracking methods based on the surgical environment, providing universal reliability across different anatomical regions and procedural conditions.
3Measurement precision
If EP tracking system is used alone, then tracking precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limitations in certain anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system dynamically adapts its tracking method based on the surgical environment. In regions where EP tracking is effective, the system uses EP signals for precise positioning. In regions where EP tracking is limited, the system transitions to using EM tracking signals, providing continuous and adaptable navigation throughout the procedure.
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 dual-modality approach enhances tracking accuracy and flexibility by allowing continuous navigation during procedures, overcoming limitations of individual systems, such as EM system interference and EP system impedance variations, thereby improving surgical precision and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
navigation systems can use fields, such as electromagnetic fields, to track and navigate a distal portion of an instrument that is within a patient
Implementation Method 2
both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) tracking systems can be used to navigate an instrument within a patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide two or more navigation modalities to 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. Image data can also be illustrated relative to a tracked position of the instrument in the volume for navigation.