Magnetic Distortion Correction for Medical Localization Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic localization systems for medical devices within patients are prone to errors due to magnetic field distortions caused by metallic objects, leading to inaccurate positioning of catheters during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a magnetic field emitter, medical device sensor coils, and an array of magnetic distortion sensors, with processor circuitry to detect and correct for distortions by calculating a transform that compensates for perceived and actual sensor locations, ensuring accurate positioning of medical devices within the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic localization systems are used to position medical devices, then positioning capability is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to magnetic field distortions from metallic objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of magnetic field distortions using distortion sensors before conducting medical device localization. By detecting and characterizing distortions in advance, the system can compensate for their effects during subsequent positioning operations, thereby maintaining accuracy despite the presence of metallic objects
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors magnetic field distortions through distortion sensors and uses this feedback information to adjust and correct localization measurements in real-time. This closed-loop approach allows the system to compensate for distortions dynamically, preserving positioning accuracy even when metallic objects are present in the field
2Measurement precision
If distortion sensors are added to detect magnetic distortions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the magnetic field monitoring function into separate distortion detection sensors and medical device sensors. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each sensor type and enables modular processing of sensor data, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The distortion sensors act as intermediary elements that indirectly measure the effects of metallic objects without requiring direct interaction with them. This intermediary approach allows the system to detect and compensate for distortions without needing to physically remove or neutralize the harmful metallic objects, simplifying the overall system architecture
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 effectively corrects for magnetic field distortions, enhancing the accuracy of medical device localization and reducing procedural errors by providing precise positioning data, even in the presence of metallic objects.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the magnetic distortion sensors sense the magnetic field proximate thereto, and output a second electrical signal indicative of the sensed magnetic field at the magnetic distortion sensor
Implementation Method 2
The catheter, while within the magnetic field, senses the unique magnetic field at its location (e.g., by elements such as coils)
Implementation Method 3
The externally generated magnetic field includes precise magnetic gradients (field lines) that are unique at every location within the field
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure identify and correct for magnetic field distortions within a magnetic field for localization of a medical device within a patient. Such magnetic field distortions, often associated with the intrusion of a metallic object into the magnetic field, may cause an unacceptable level of localization error which aspects of the present disclosure correct for.