Magnetic Seed Localization for Precise Non-Radioactive Tumor Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for guiding breast conserving surgery, such as wire localized breast biopsy (WLBB) and radioactive seed localization (RSL), are invasive, costly, and inefficient, with wire dislodgement and radiation exposure issues, respectively, necessitating a less invasive and non-radioactive localization method.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic detector system using non-radioactive magnetic seeds and a detector probe with magnetic sensors to accurately locate and guide surgical excisions, incorporating anisotropic geometry compensation algorithms for precise localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wire localized breast biopsy (WLBB) is used to guide accurate excision of non-palpable lesions, then localization precision is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and wire dislodgement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire localization system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic seeds are implanted under ultrasound guidance and detected by a handheld magnetic sensor, eliminating the need for protruding wires that cause patient discomfort and dislodgement while maintaining accurate localization through magnetic field detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic seeds as an intermediary between the lesion and the detection system. These small magnetic particles are implanted at the lesion site and serve as mediators that can be detected by the handheld magnetic sensor, providing accurate localization without requiring external wires or radioactive materials.
2Reliability
If radioactive seed localization (RSL) is used to prevent wire dislodgement, then localization stability is improved, but radiation exposure and regulatory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the radioactive seed system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic seeds generate detectable magnetic fields without emitting radiation, eliminating the harmful radiation exposure associated with RSL while maintaining reliable and stable localization through magnetic field detection by handheld sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple magnetic seeds that are non-radioactive and do not require special handling, storage, or regulatory approvals. These magnetic markers can be easily disposed of after use, eliminating the complex regulatory framework and expensive infrastructure required for radioactive seed management while maintaining localization reliability.
3Measurement precision
If wire is implanted under mammographic compression, then lesion localization is achieved, but surgical incision placement becomes suboptimal for cosmesis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the detection approach. The handheld magnetic sensor can be moved and positioned from different angles to locate the magnetic seeds, allowing the surgeon to plan the optimal incision approach for cosmesis while still accurately locating the lesion through magnetic field detection, unlike fixed wire placement under compression.
4Manufacturing precision
If wire localization is used to mark tumor borders, then excision accuracy is improved, but tissue excision volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wire localization with magnetic seed detection, enabling more precise three-dimensional localization of the lesion. The handheld magnetic sensor can detect the position of magnetic seeds with high precision, allowing surgeons to accurately define excision margins and minimize unnecessary tissue removal while maintaining complete tumor excision.
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
Provides accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective localization of tumors with reduced patient discomfort and radiation exposure, enabling optimal cosmetic and oncologic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor detect a magnetic field generated by a magnetic seed and in response thereto generate signal data representative of the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for marking the location and extent of an anatomical region-of-interest, such as a tumor, using magnetic seeds whose position and orientation are measured or otherwise detected using a detection device that includes two or more magnetic sensors are described. One or more magnetic seeds are implanted to mark and define the center and extent of an anatomical region-of-interest and a magnetic sensor-based detector system is used to accurately identify the location of the magnetic seeds.