Electromagnetic Field Generator Isolation for Surgical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic field generators used in surgical imaging systems are ineffective when positioned on the side of a patient, particularly for procedures involving the torso, due to interference with the operating table and reduced accuracy, which limits their ability to provide high-quality images and accurate instrument positioning.

Innovation Solution

A horizontally mounted electromagnetic field generator is positioned under the patient, isolated from the metal operating room table using a non-conductive separation structure to prevent interference and support the patient's weight, allowing for more accurate and convenient imaging without obstructing the surgical area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electromagnetic field generator is positioned on the side of the patient, then it can be easily accessed and set up, but it interferes with the operating table and reduces imaging accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setupVSAvoidimaging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic field generator is inverted from its conventional side-positioning to a position underneath the patient's table, which eliminates interference with the operating table and improves imaging accuracy while maintaining ease of setup through the support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the electromagnetic field generator is positioned on the side of the patient, then it is easily accessible, but it obstructs the surgical area and reduces operating space

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsurgical area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the position of the electromagnetic field generator to underneath the patient's table, the device remains accessible through the support structure while clearing the surgical area and providing adequate operating space for the surgical team

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the electromagnetic field generator is placed directly on the metal operating table, then it is stable and supported, but it experiences interference and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidinterference and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A non-conductive support structure serves as an intermediary between the electromagnetic field generator and the metal operating table, providing mechanical stability and support while preventing electromagnetic interference and protecting the generator from damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enables high-quality imaging and accurate instrument guidance during torso surgeries by eliminating interference and providing a clear operating area, while protecting the field generator from damage and accommodating modern surgeon heights.

Implementation Method 1

isolated from the metal operating room table using a non-conductive separation structure to prevent interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference prevention: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

An electromagnetic field generator, which is located over the substantially non-conductive separation structure and isolated from the metal operating room table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an ultrasound transducer may be positioned against the surface of an organ to generate an image of the interior of the organ

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound imaging: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12048524B2Surgical guidance system with low interference metal support structure
Publication Date: 2024.07.30 HOLOGIC INC
  • US12048524B2 patent drawing
  • US12048524B2 patent drawing
  • US12048524B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with the invention, a reliable apparatus for guiding an ablation probe to a target location inside a human body is thus provided. The apparatus allows incorporation of a conventional metal operating room table, but further comprises a substantially non-conductive separation structure positioned over the metal operating room table and underneath a horizontally oriented electromagnetic field generator. The resultant structure is adapted to support a human body in the prone or supine position over the operating table. Further support padding mayalso be provided. The electromagnetic field generator creates an electromagnetic field that extends through the torso of said human body positioned over the electromagnetic field generator. An ultrasound probe and ablation probe interacts with the electromagnetic field to generate positional information that is processed by a computing device to generate a graphic representation of location information on a display device.