Fluid Actuated Medical Device Guidance in MRI Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote guidance systems for medical devices are not suitable for environments with high electromagnetic interference, such as magnetic resonance imaging environments, due to their reliance on electromechanical drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote guidance system using a fluid control system with a fluid actuator and optic sensors, which allows for precise control of medical devices within the body by minimizing the use of electrical components and utilizing fluid-based controls and light-based sensing to navigate medical devices in environments with high electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromechanical drive systems are used to control movement of medical devices, then remote guidance and control capability is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for environments with high electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical drive systems with a purely fluid-based actuation system. The remote guidance system uses a fluid delivery system to transmit control signals through the catheter, eliminating electrical components that are susceptible to electromagnetic interference. This substitution maintains remote control capability while ensuring reliability in MRI and other high-EMF environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic/fluid-based actuation mechanism where a fluid delivery system controls the movement of the medical device. The fluid actuator uses fluid pressure to move a piston, which in turn actuates the catheter or other medical devices. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach provides reliable remote control without electrical components that would be affected by electromagnetic interference.
2Ease of operation
If conventional remote guidance systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but electromagnetic interference from MRI environments causes system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electrical drive systems with a fluid-based mechanical actuation system. The fluid delivery system transmits control information through fluid pressure changes, completely eliminating electrical signals that would be corrupted by MRI electromagnetic interference. This substitution preserves ease of operation while blocking harmful electromagnetic factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium as an intermediary to transmit control signals from the remote control location to the medical device. Instead of direct electrical signals being blocked by electromagnetic interference, the fluid acts as a mediator that carries control information through pressure changes, effectively isolating the system from harmful electromagnetic fields while maintaining operational ease.
3Reliability
If fluid-based control systems are used, then reliability in high electromagnetic interference environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation medium for controlling device movement and the transmission medium for control signals. The same fluid system that provides reliable operation in high-EMF environments also simplifies control signal transmission, reducing the need for separate electrical components and thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control signal transmission function with the fluid actuation function. Instead of having separate electrical wiring for control signals and fluid delivery, the system combines both functions into a single fluid-based system. This merging reduces the number of components and interconnections, managing device complexity while maintaining high reliability in electromagnetic interference-prone environments.
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 precise control of medical devices within the body in environments with high electromagnetic interference, such as MRI environments, while reducing the risk of interference and improving the reliability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid actuator including a fluid housing defining a fluid chamber and configured to receive fluid from the fluid conduit and a piston disposed within the fluid chamber and movable within the fluid chamber responsive to a change in fluid displacement within the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
The sensor includes an optic fiber configured to transmit a detected light wave indicative of said first characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A remote guidance system for a medical device is provided that is capable of use with magnetic resonance imaging and other environments with a relatively high level of electromagnetic interference. In one embodiment, a fluid control system controls delivery of fluid to a fluid conduit supplying a fluid chamber of a fluid housing. A piston disposed within the fluid chamber moves in response to a change in fluid displacement in the chamber and causes corresponding movement of the medical device within a body. In another embodiment, means are provided for controlling a connector coupled to the medical device at a location outside the body wherein movement of the connector causes a corresponding movement of the medical device. A sensor generates a signal indicative of a characteristic associated with movement of the medical device. The sensor includes an optic fiber that transmits a light wave indicative of the characteristic.