Electromagnetic Tracking for Accurate Intragastric Balloon Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying the location of intragastric balloons in the stomach are inaccurate and risky, often relying on radiographic techniques that expose patients to harmful radiation and can lead to severe injuries if the balloon is incorrectly inflated in the esophagus.

Innovation Solution

A system using electromagnetic tracking with a swallowable target sensor and a removably attachable reference sensor to determine the location and orientation of an intragastric device in real time, reducing the need for radiation and improving safety by ensuring accurate placement in the stomach before inflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radiographic techniques (x-ray or fluoroscopy) are used to verify balloon location, then real-time imaging capability is achieved, but patient exposure to harmful radiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation verification accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radiographic imaging systems with electromagnetic tracking sensors that detect the position of the intragastric device using electromagnetic fields instead of ionizing radiation. The system uses a transmitter embedded in the intragastric device and receivers positioned on the patient's body to track location without radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the intragastric device and the monitoring system. The transmitter generates electromagnetic signals that are detected by external receivers, providing location information without requiring direct line-of-sight imaging or radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If radiographic techniques are used to confirm stomach placement, then location verification is attempted, but measurement precision is insufficient leading to potential esophageal inflation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestomach placement verification accuracyVSAvoidsafe inflation assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise radiographic verification with electromagnetic tracking that provides continuous, real-time position data. The system can distinguish between esophageal and gastric locations by tracking the movement patterns and position coordinates of the intragastric device relative to anatomical landmarks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback through electromagnetic sensors that monitor the position of the intragastric device throughout the inflation process. The system provides real-time position information to operators, enabling them to confirm proper gastric placement before initiating inflation and to detect any unintended movement during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 electromagnetic tracking system provides safe and accurate real-time localization of intragastric devices, minimizing patient exposure to radiation and preventing potential esophageal injuries by ensuring proper placement before inflation.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic field generator to generate an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a removably attachable inductive reference sensor to generate a reference sensor signal when positioned within the electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12514464B2Systems and methods for locating and/or characterizing intragastric devices

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 RESHAPE LIFESCIENCES INC

AI summary

Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of tracking and locating the same are provided.