Electromagnetic Tracking for Vessel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for prosthesis deployment, particularly in the vicinity of branch vessels, face challenges in accurately locating and aligning branch vessels during endovascular procedures, often relying on fluoroscopy and contrast media, which can be invasive and expose patients to radiation, and may not account for individual anatomical variations.
Innovation Solution
The use of trackable markers, such as electromagnetic coils, to acquire multi-dimensional data sets and generate real-time virtual three-dimensional models of vessels, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of prostheses relative to branch vessels without ionizing radiation, using non-ionizing radiation energy to determine the position and orientation of markers and create accurate anatomical models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy and contrast media are used to locate branch vessels, then real-time imaging guidance is achieved, but patient exposure to ionizing radiation and invasive procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy-based mechanical imaging with an electromagnetic tracking system. Electromagnetic coils are positioned on the prosthesis and tracked using electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while providing real-time position data during deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic coils as intermediary tracking elements attached to the prosthesis. These coils serve as mediators between the deployment system and the navigation system, enabling precise location tracking without direct reliance on fluoroscopy or contrast media
2Ease of operation
If standard prosthesis deployment methods are used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but alignment accuracy with branch vessels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where electromagnetic tracking data provides real-time position information about the prosthesis relative to branch vessels. This feedback enables the operator to adjust deployment positioning to achieve accurate alignment while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial tracking dimension to the deployment process by using electromagnetic coils that provide three-dimensional position data. This additional dimensional information enables precise alignment assessment without complicating the basic deployment procedure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-acquired imaging data is used for prosthesis positioning, then radiation exposure is reduced, but real-time anatomical variations and vessel movement are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous real-time tracking of the prosthesis position using electromagnetic coils throughout the deployment process. This continuous monitoring ensures that anatomical variations and vessel movements are accounted for dynamically, maintaining positioning accuracy without requiring repeated fluoroscopic imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of electromagnetic coils on the prosthesis before deployment. This preliminary action establishes the tracking reference frame in advance, enabling real-time position correction during deployment to account for anatomical variations
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 approach enables precise and minimally invasive prosthesis deployment by providing real-time, radiation-free alignment of prostheses with branch vessels, reducing procedural risks and improving anatomical fit, thus enhancing the accuracy and safety of endovascular interventions.
Implementation Method 1
Each marker comprises at least one electromagnetic coil. The circuit is adapted to generate a plurality of electromagnetic fields sequentially about the markers and measure and process the electrical signals induced into the coils by the electromagnetic fields to determine a position and orientation of the markers
Data Source
AI summary
One or more markers or sensors are positioned in the vasculature of a patient to facilitate determining the location, configuration, and/or orientation of a vessel or certain aspects thereof (e.g., a branch vessel), determining the location, configuration and/or orientation of a endovascular devices prior to and during prosthesis deployment as well as the relative position of portions of the vasculature and devices, generating an image of a virtual model of a portion of one or more vessels (e.g., branch vessels) or devices, and/or formation of one or more openings in a tubular prosthesis in situ to allow branch vessel perfusion when the prosthesis is placed over one or more branch vessels in a patient (e.g., when an aortic abdominal artery stent-graft is fixed to the aorta superior to the renal artery ostia).