Endoluminal Tool Depth Assessment via Electromagnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems in minimally invasive procedures face challenges in determining depth of view without stereoscopic imaging, particularly in confined luminal spaces, where additional tools and space are limited, making it difficult to accurately place tools like biopsy devices and ablation tools.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using sensors on a catheter and tools within a luminal network to determine the position and depth of the tool relative to the luminal wall, displaying indicators of distance and position through a single optical sensor, allowing for real-time depth of view determination without requiring a second camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second camera is added to create stereoscopic imaging for depth perception, then depth of view determination is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical stereoscopic camera system with an electromagnetic sensing system. Electromagnetic sensors detect the position and orientation of surgical tools within the luminal network, and a computing device calculates depth information from these electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for complex stereoscopic imaging hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing device that processes electromagnetic sensor data to derive depth of view information. This intermediary system translates raw electromagnetic position data into meaningful depth measurements, serving as a mediator between the simple single camera and the complex stereoscopic system
2Measurement precision
If a second camera is added for stereoscopic imaging, then depth perception is improved, but the available space in confined luminal spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depth measurement function from the optical imaging system and relocates it to electromagnetic sensing. By removing the second camera requirement, the system frees up valuable space within confined luminal structures while maintaining depth perception capability through alternative electromagnetic field-based measurement
3Measurement precision
If pre-surgical and intraprocedural images are analyzed to determine tool location, then location accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time tracking of tool location using electromagnetic sensors. Instead of periodic image analysis, the system continuously monitors tool position and orientation through electromagnetic field interactions, providing ongoing location updates without interrupting the surgical procedure for repeated image review
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming visual image analysis with rapid electromagnetic sensing and automated computational processing. The computing device automatically calculates tool location from electromagnetic sensor data in real-time, eliminating the need for clinicians to manually analyze static pre-surgical and intraprocedural images
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 real-time depth of view assessment in minimally invasive procedures, improving tool placement accuracy without the need for stereoscopic views, even in confined spaces, by using data from sensors like electromagnetic, inertial measurement units, or shape sensors integrated into the catheter and tools.
Implementation Method 1
The method where the position of the catheter is determined from data received from a sensor located in the catheter. The method where the position of the tool is determined from data received from a sensor located in the tool. The method where the sensor located in the catheter and in the tool are electromagnetic sensors.
Implementation Method 2
The method where the sensor located in the catheter and in the tool are inertial measurement units.
Implementation Method 3
The method where the sensor located in the catheter and in the tool are shape sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of assessing a depth of view of an image by analyzing an image data set to determine a diameter of a luminal network proximate a determined position of a tool and displaying an image, the image including an indicator of a relative position of the catheter and the tool and an indicator of a position of a distal portion of the tool relative to a luminal wall of the luminal network.