Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Tool Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical navigation systems face inaccuracies due to patient deformation during procedures, particularly in lung treatments, leading to challenges in accurately guiding medical tools to targets while minimizing exposure to harmful radiation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an extended working channel with an electromagnetic sensor for real-time tracking and navigation, using preprocedural CT images to generate a 3D model, and updating the tool's position based on intraprocedural images to minimize radiation exposure and ensure accurate tool placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time intraoperative imaging is used to guide medical tools to targets, then navigation accuracy is improved, but patient exposure to X-ray radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic tracking field as an intermediary between the medical tool and the imaging system. Instead of using X-ray imaging to track tool position, the system uses electromagnetic sensors that detect the tool's position through the body without radiation, serving as a mediator that provides tracking information without the harmful effects of repeated X-ray exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiographic imaging system with an electromagnetic sensing system. The electromagnetic sensors detect the position of the medical tool through electromagnetic field interactions rather than requiring X-ray penetration, substituting a non-ionizing physical principle for the ionizing radiation-based imaging method
2Illumination intensity
If preoperative CT scans are used to create navigation models, then 3D visualization is improved, but anatomical deformation during procedure reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electromagnetic tracking system continuously monitors the actual position of the medical tool and compares it with the planned trajectory from the preoperative CT model. This real-time feedback allows the system to detect and compensate for anatomical deformations by providing updated position information that reflects the current anatomical state during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static preoperative CT-based navigation model to a dynamic tracking system. The electromagnetic tracking enables the navigation system to adapt to real-time anatomical changes and tool movements, making the navigation model dynamic rather than fixed, thereby maintaining accuracy despite physiological deformations during the procedure
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 reduces radiation exposure and enhances the accuracy of medical tool navigation within the lungs by providing real-time, 3D control of medical tools, improving the precision of biopsies and treatments while minimizing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
tracking the distal portion the tool based on electromagnetic (EM) signals from at least one EM sensor disposed on a distal portion of the EWC
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems and methods for accurately navigating tools through a luminal network to a target use fixed length tools to minimize use of radiographic imaging and thus exposure to radiation. The systems and methods involve receiving computed tomography (CT) image data, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model based on the CT image data, causing display of the 3D model, and receiving a location of the target in the 3D model. The systems and methods also involve receiving information of a tool to be guided through an extended working channel (EWC) including a location sensor, determining a location of the tool after the tool is guided through and fixed in place with respect to the EWC, causing display of a virtual tool in the 3D model based on location information from the location sensor and the tool information, and causing display of advancement of the tool to the target in the 3D model based on the location information and the tool information.