Magnetic-Field Implant Finder for Subcutaneous Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implants, such as sensors, are difficult to locate and retrieve due to their small size, making it challenging to identify and remove them from subcutaneous tissue in living animals.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a magnetic or electromagnetic field generator, a sensor, and a computer is used to detect changes in the magnetic or electromagnetic field caused by the implant's magnetic material or charge storage device, allowing for the determination of the implant's location, orientation, and depth through bimodal peaks and derivatives of the field changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the implant size is reduced to minimize invasiveness, then the implantability and patient comfort are improved, but the detectability and ease of retrieval deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic material as an intermediary substance within the implant that mediates between the implant's small size and its detectability. This magnetic material interacts with the magnetic field generator to produce detectable signals, enabling localization of the tiny implant without increasing its overall size. The magnetic material acts as a signal amplifier that bridges the gap between miniaturization and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (strength, gradient, frequency) to optimize detection of the small implant. By adjusting these parameters, the system can detect the implant's magnetic signature even at very small sizes. The magnetic field parameters are tuned to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio for detecting the implant's magnetic material, enabling precise localization despite the implant's minimal dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the implant is made smaller for less invasive procedures, then the surgical trauma is reduced, but the precision of location and orientation determination worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical localization methods (physical exploration, visual inspection) with magnetic field-based detection. The magnetic field generator and sensor system substitutes for manual surgical exploration, providing precise electronic measurement of implant position and orientation. This substitution enables accurate localization of smaller implants without requiring larger surgical incisions or more invasive mechanical search methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic material within the implant serves as an intermediary that enables precise non-contact measurement. This intermediary allows the external magnetic field generator to interact with the implant and produce detectable signals that reveal the implant's precise location and orientation, achieving high measurement precision without mechanical contact or invasive procedures.
3Loss of time
If the implant size is minimized, then the recovery time is shortened, but the ability to locate and retrieve the implant deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the magnetic detection system that provides real-time information about the implant's location and orientation during retrieval. The sensor detects changes in the magnetic field as the magnetic field generator is moved, providing continuous feedback that guides the operator to the implant's precise position. This feedback mechanism makes retrieval of small implants as easy as locating larger ones, eliminating the difficulty that would normally arise from miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical search and retrieval methods with magnetic field-based detection and guidance. Instead of manually searching for a small implant through tissue, the system uses magnetic field interactions to electronically locate and guide retrieval. This substitution maintains ease of operation despite the implant's minimal size, allowing quick and simple retrieval comparable to removing larger implants.
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 apparatus effectively locates and identifies the edges, orientation, and depth of the implant, facilitating precise incision marking for removal, even in subcutaneous tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field generator may be configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the changes in the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for locating an implant comprising magnetic material and/or a charge storage device in a living animal. The apparatus may include a magnetic field generator (e.g., an electromagnetic field generator) configured to generate a magnetic field (e.g., an electromagnetic field). The apparatus may include a sensor configured to detect changes in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the changes in the magnetic field. The magnetic material and/or the charge storage device of the implant may cause changes to the magnetic field as the sensor is moved over the implant. The apparatus may include a computer configured to use the sensor signal to detect a location of the implant.