Electromagnetic Navigation for Deep Lung Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for medical tools, such as bronchoscopes, face limitations in reaching deep lung targets due to size constraints and the difficulty in distinguishing three-dimensional airway structures from two-dimensional fluoroscopic images, necessitating the development of improved navigation and tracking technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a luminal device with a sensor and electromagnetic indicators that allow for precise tracking of a surgical instrument's location within a patient's luminal network, using an electromagnetic field generator and computing device to create a three-dimensional model of the region of interest and determine the distance to a target site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluoroscopy is used for navigation, then real-time imaging is provided, but it is difficult to distinguish luminal passageways from solid tissue and the images are two-dimensional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional copy of the luminal network from pre-acquired imaging data (CT, MRI, or ultrasound). This virtual model replicates the anatomical structure in 3D space, allowing clinicians to navigate and plan procedures within an accurate digital representation of the patient's anatomy, thereby recovering the three-dimensional spatial information lost in traditional 2D fluoroscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging to a three-dimensional virtual model of the luminal network. By reconstructing the anatomy in three dimensions from multiple imaging planes or volumetric data, the system provides spatial depth and structural context that is impossible to obtain from single-plane 2D fluoroscopy alone.
2Ease of operation
If a large bronchoscope is used, then imaging and working capabilities are improved, but the device cannot reach deep lung targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where a smaller, more flexible luminal device (such as a catheter or thin bronchoscope) is inserted through a larger access device. This allows the smaller device to reach deep into the luminal network while the larger outer device provides initial access and support, enabling both deep reachability and adequate imaging/working capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is divided into separate functional components: a larger access device for initial entry, a smaller flexible luminal device for deep navigation, and an external sensor system for tracking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic indicators and sensors are added to track instrument position, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electromagnetic field-based sensing. Instead of using mechanical encoders, gears, or physical reference markers, the system uses electromagnetic indicators (such as ferromagnetic markers or RFID tags) on the instrument and corresponding sensors to detect position through electromagnetic field interactions, simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.
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
Enables accurate and precise navigation of medical instruments to target sites within the lungs by generating a three-dimensional model and tracking the instrument's position, overcoming the limitations of existing two-dimensional imaging and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is an electromagnetic sensor capable of detecting a change in the electromagnetic field caused by the one or more indicators
Implementation Method 2
The detectable property is ferromagnetism
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring an approach to a target includes a luminal device including a distal portion, a sensor coupled to the distal portion of the luminal device, and a surgical instrument including one or more indicators having a detectable property located along at least a portion of the surgical instrument. The luminal device is configured to be inserted into a patient, and the distal portion of the luminal device is configured to be guided proximate a target. The sensor is configured to sense the detectable property of the one or more indicators. The surgical instrument is configured to be guided through the luminal device.