Magnetic Field Sensor for Instrument Rotational Orientation in Flexible Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive medical procedures, accurately determining the rotational orientation of instruments within flexible elongated devices is challenging, leading to unreliable image registration and navigation feedback, which can result in disorienting movements and incorrect instrument placement.
Innovation Solution
A medical system employing a magnetic field generator and sensor to detect the presence, position, and orientation of an instrument within a flexible elongated body, allowing for precise determination of the instrument's rotational orientation relative to the device's reference frame, using a processor to adjust visual presentations and facilitate intuitive navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensing is implemented to detect instrument rotational orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic field generator (such as a magnet or electromagnet) is attached to the instrument, and a magnetic field sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or magnetometer) in the elongated flexible body detects the magnetic field characteristics to determine rotational orientation. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical encoders, resolvers, or other complex mechanical sensing systems, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through the use of well-established magnetic sensing technology.
2Reliability
If magnetic field generator and sensor are added to determine instrument position and orientation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generator and sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects both the position and rotational orientation of the instrument within the elongated flexible body. The same magnetic field detection mechanism provides comprehensive spatial information (three-dimensional position and three-dimensional orientation) that is essential for reliable navigation feedback. This multi-functionality improves reliability by ensuring accurate and consistent navigation data without requiring separate sensing systems for different parameters, thereby managing device complexity through a unified sensing approach.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic field sensing components are integrated into the flexible body, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generator attached to the instrument serves as its own reference marker, eliminating the need for external tracking systems or separate reference frames. The instrument itself generates the magnetic field that the sensor detects, allowing the system to automatically determine the instrument's spatial configuration relative to the elongated flexible body. This self-service approach improves ease of operation by providing intuitive navigation feedback directly from the instrument's own magnetic signature, while the integration is managed through straightforward attachment of the magnetic field generator to the instrument and placement of the sensor in the flexible body.
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
This solution enables accurate alignment of instrument and device reference frames, improving navigation control, ensuring proper instrument placement, and enhancing the reliability of image registration, while being computationally inexpensive and compatible with various instruments without compromising the flexibility of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field within the channel, a magnetic field sensor configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system may include an elongated flexible body including a channel extending through the elongated flexible body. The elongated flexible body includes an articulable portion extending along at least a portion of a length of the elongated flexible body. The medical system may include an instrument configured to be received in the channel of the elongated flexible body, a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field within the channel, and a magnetic field sensor configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.