Magnetic Tag Localization Guidance for Motion-Affected Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for tissue localization, such as wire localization in breast tumor surgery and pulmonary nodule resection, are cumbersome, time-consuming, and inconvenient for patients, often requiring multiple imaging steps and prolonged waiting periods, and lack precise guidance, especially in procedures involving bodily motion.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a tag with an antenna, a remote activating device generating a magnetic field, and witness stations detecting the tag's emissions, integrated with a medical device and display component to provide real-time location information, allowing for precise positioning and guidance during surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wire localization is used to mark breast abnormality location, then localization accuracy is improved, but procedural time and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the localization function from complex imaging procedures and separates it into a simple magnetic tag placement that can be done during surgery, eliminating the need for preoperative wire localization and multiple imaging steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical wire localization with a magnetic field-based detection system using magnetic tags and sensors, allowing real-time localization without physical wires or repeated imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple imaging steps are performed for localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the localization function from complex imaging systems and implements it through simple magnetic tags that can be detected by straightforward magnetic sensors, eliminating the need for multiple imaging modalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic tags as simplified copies or representations of the target tissue location, allowing localization through magnetic field detection rather than complex imaging procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If traditional localization methods are used, then localization is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to patient positioning and waiting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidpatient convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places magnetic tags in the tissue during the initial surgical procedure, so that localization is already prepared and available when needed, eliminating the need for separate preoperative localization visits and patient waiting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the localization function with the surgical procedure itself by placing magnetic tags during tissue manipulation, merging two separate steps (localization and surgery) into one continuous process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If precise guidance is not used in procedures involving bodily motion, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance system complexityVSAvoidtarget localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical imaging guidance systems with a magnetic field-based detection system that can track magnetic tags in real-time, providing continuous localization that accounts for tissue movement and bodily motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time feedback through magnetic sensors that continuously monitor tag position and provide immediate localization data, allowing dynamic adjustment for tissue movement and maintaining accuracy throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enables accurate and efficient localization of tags within tissues, reducing procedural time and patient discomfort by providing real-time, precise guidance during surgeries, even in the presence of bodily motion, thereby minimizing tissue damage and improving surgical precision.

Implementation Method 1

an attachment component comprising at least one location emitter... a display component... wherein the display screen displays: i) a tag indicator (e.g., tag schematic) which corresponds to the physical location of a tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a remote activating device that generates a magnetic field within a region of the tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3496623B1Surgical device guidance and monitoring systems

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 ELUCENT MEDICAL INC

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AI summary

Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for localization of one or more tags in a patient.