Impedance Position Tracking Using 1D Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impedance-based position tracking systems for medical probes, such as catheters, face challenges in achieving high resolution and efficiency due to the computational and memory-intensive nature of 3D voxel-based mapping, which results in latency and complexity issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bio-impedance measuring system with a calibration probe that acquires one-dimensional data points rather than 3D voxels, allowing for improved spatial resolution and reduced computational resources by adjusting existing data points and adding new ones only when necessary, thereby optimizing mapping construction and position tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D voxel-based mapping is used for impedance-based position tracking, then comprehensive spatial coverage is achieved, but computational complexity and memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous 3D space into discrete 1D data points along the probe's path rather than using a complete 3D voxel grid. This segmentation reduces the data structure from volumetric (3D) to linear (1D), significantly decreasing computational complexity and memory requirements while maintaining position tracking accuracy along the probe trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential data points needed for position tracking along the probe's path, removing unnecessary volumetric data. By taking out only the relevant 1D position information rather than storing complete 3D voxel mappings, the system achieves efficient position tracking with reduced computational burden.
2Loss of information
If 3D voxel-based mapping is used for impedance-based position tracking, then complete spatial information is captured, but memory requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial information into discrete 1D data points representing the probe's path through tissue, rather than storing complete 3D volumetric data. This segmentation maintains the essential spatial information needed for tracking while dramatically reducing memory consumption by eliminating redundant volumetric representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary position information along the probe trajectory, removing extraneous spatial data. By extracting 1D position data points from what would otherwise require 3D voxel storage, the system preserves critical spatial information while minimizing memory usage.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution position tracking is implemented using traditional methods, then accuracy is improved, but latency increases due to processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the position tracking problem into discrete 1D data point comparisons along the probe path, rather than performing computationally intensive 3D voxel matching. This segmentation enables faster processing of each position measurement, reducing latency while maintaining high tracking accuracy through efficient linear data structure operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified 1D data structure that copies only the essential positional information needed for tracking, rather than working with complete 3D voxel representations. This copying approach maintains accuracy by preserving key position data while enabling faster computational processing and reduced latency.
4Reliability
If 3D voxel-based mapping is used, then comprehensive tissue coverage is achieved, but system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tissue mapping into 1D data points along the probe's actual path through the tissue, rather than attempting to map the entire 3D volume. This segmentation maintains tracking reliability by capturing all necessary position information along the trajectory while significantly improving system efficiency through reduced computational operations and faster data processing.
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 enhances position tracking accuracy and reduces latency by minimizing computational and memory requirements, enabling faster and more precise navigation of medical tools within the body.
Implementation Method 1
impedance-based position tracking systems for medical probes... measuring impedances between the catheter and external body electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes, receiving from a calibration probe multiple data points acquired in an organ of a patient, each data point including (i) a respective position of the calibration probe, and (ii) a respective set of electrical values indicative of respective impedances between the position and multiple electrodes attached externally to the patient. A mapping between sets of the electrical values and respective positions in the organ is constructed, by performing for each received data point: if the mapping already contains one or more existing data points in a predefined vicinity of the data point, the one or more existing data points are adjusted responsively to the received data point, and if the predefined vicinity does not contain any existing data points, the received data point is added to the mapping. A position of a medical probe is subsequently tracked in the organ using the mapping.