Implantable Localizer Coil Array for Precise Needle Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refilling implanted medical devices is challenging due to difficulties in determining the precise orientation and location of the refilling system relative to the implanted device, especially when accessing the reservoir, which often requires open access and lacks accurate positioning and orientation guidance.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that includes a localizer with a coil array and a tracking device, using a processor to generate a navigation field and provide precise orientation and position information, allowing for the display of the support tool or delivery container's location relative to the implanted medical device, enabling accurate refilling procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If palpation or Hall Effect sensor is used to locate the port, then the port position can be detected, but the orientation and precise location of the refilling system relative to the implanted device cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the navigation system into separate functional components: a localizer implanted in the medical device that generates electromagnetic fields, and a tracking device on the refilling system that senses these fields. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function (field generation vs. field sensing), enabling complete determination of both position and orientation without requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the implanted device and the refilling system. The localizer generates this field, which then serves as the medium for communication and positioning information transfer. This intermediary enables non-contact transmission of spatial data, solving the problem of orientation information loss without requiring direct mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If open access is used to access the reservoir, then the reservoir can be accessed, but the procedure lacks accurate positioning and orientation guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tracking device continuously monitors the electromagnetic field signals from the localizer and provides real-time position and orientation information to the user. This feedback loop enables the operator to adjust the refilling system's position and orientation dynamically, achieving both ease of operation and high positioning precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The localizer is pre-positioned within the implanted medical device before the refilling procedure begins. This preliminary placement establishes a known reference frame that enables subsequent precise tracking of the refilling system's position and orientation relative to the device, providing accurate guidance before the actual refilling operation.
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
The system enables precise navigation and orientation of the refilling system relative to the implanted medical device, facilitating safe and efficient refilling by providing real-time location and orientation data, thus overcoming previous access challenges.
Implementation Method 1
A navigation system can determine precise orientation and position of a delivery system relative to an implanted or implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD can include a localizer formed of one or more transmitting coils that transmit a navigation region or field.
Implementation Method 2
The tracking devices can be sensors. According to various embodiments, the sensors can include one or more coils that can sense the field generated by the localizer in the navigation region.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to generate a navigation field relative to an implanted device is disclosed. The system can include a small and/or thin localizer array positioned in the implanted device. A power management scheme and circuits can be provided to conserve and resource power in the implanted device.