Magnetic Needle Steering via External Field Actuation

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pushing and rotating system with an electromagnetic actuation system. Magnets embedded in the needle are actuated by external magnetic fields to achieve steering and curvature control without mechanical contact, eliminating buckling and torsion effects that cause tissue damage.

The patent changes the physical state and control parameters of the needle by embedding magnets that can be independently actuated. This allows dynamic adjustment of needle curvature and orientation through magnetic field control, enabling precise steering without the mechanical constraints that limit conventional needles.

The patent replaces mechanical pushing and rotating operations with electromagnetic actuation of embedded magnets. The magnetic fields apply forces and torques directly to the magnets within the needle, achieving orientation control without external mechanical contact that generates compression and torsion stresses.

The embedded magnets serve as intermediaries between the external magnetic field system and the needle structure. The magnetic fields act on the magnets to control needle orientation, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact that would transmit compressive and torsional stresses to the tissue.

The patent enables dynamic control of needle curvature by independently actuating multiple magnets along the needle length. This allows continuous adjustment of the radius of curvature to match the specific anatomical requirements, expanding the reachable workspace beyond fixed-curvature conventional designs.

The patent transforms the needle from a static, fixed-curvature instrument to a dynamic system where magnet actuation can continuously adjust the curvature profile. This dynamic control enables the needle to adapt to complex anatomical pathways and reach targets in previously inaccessible workspaces.