Dual Pad Magnetic Tracking System for Rapid Medical Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic navigation systems for tracking medical tools within a patient's body require cumbersome and time-consuming setup, often interfering with medical procedures and requiring disinfectant cleaning, whereas they lack efficient and rapid installation and removal capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Dual low-profile elongated field generation pads with magnetic coils, secured by clamping mechanisms, are placed on either side of a patient's torso, enabling rapid installation and removal, and a self-tracking algorithm defines a magnetic reference field for precise tracking of medical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional magnetic navigation systems are used, then magnetic field generation capability is achieved, but setup time is excessive and installation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic navigation system is divided into separate modular pads that can be independently positioned and secured. Each pad contains integrated magnetic coils and securing mechanisms, allowing rapid deployment without complex assembly. The pads can be selectively placed at different locations on the patient table and independently secured using quick-release clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanisms are pre-configured on each pad with adjustable arms and clamping components that are ready for immediate engagement with the patient table. The magnetic coils are pre-assembled within the pad structure, eliminating the need for on-site assembly or calibration procedures during setup.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field generation capability is provided, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the system interferes with medical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is localized to specific pad locations positioned at the sides of the patient table, creating a distributed magnetic field environment. This local placement allows the magnetic field to be generated close to the tracking area while maintaining clear access to the patient and minimizing interference with medical equipment and procedures.
3Productivity
If rapid installation and removal is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but securing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanisms feature adjustable arms that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different patient table configurations and pad placements. The clamping components provide progressive engagement, allowing quick initial attachment followed by secure locking. The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable system that maintains reliability while enabling rapid setup.
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
Facilitates quick and secure setup of magnetic navigation systems, reducing procedural disruptions and allowing for precise tracking of medical tools with improved accuracy and ease of use, while minimizing interference with medical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Each field generation pad includes a plurality of magnetic coils operable to generate magnetic fields
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
A magnetic field pad location system is provided with dual elongated field generation pads with self-tracking. Each pad comprises magnetic coils operable to generate magnetic fields. The pads include a mechanism for securing the two pads in place on a patient table to prevent movement of the pads. A processor executes a process for installation of the two pads, comprising correlation of the magnetic fields generated by the coils to define a reference magnetic field for sensing. In one embodiment, each pad includes a same number of magnetic coils in each spatial direction. In one embodiment, the magnetic coils are tri-axial coils placed at corners of the pads. In another embodiment, each pad includes an array of six single coils.