Magnetic Medical Tool Tracking Using Deep Learning Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical tool tracking systems during surgical procedures suffer from limited accuracy due to sensor resolution and mathematical formula limitations, making it difficult to accurately detect and track medical tools within the body.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a magnetic element and an array of magnetic sensors, wirelessly associated with the medical tool, employs deep learning algorithms to determine the spatial location and orientation of the tool by correlating changes in the magnetic field, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling and mathematical formulas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mathematical formulas are used to calculate position from sensor signals, then the tracking system can determine spatial location, but the accuracy is limited by signal resolution and formula precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial location accuracyVSAvoidsignal resolution limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mathematical calculation methods with a deep learning-based neural network system. Instead of using mathematical formulas to calculate position from sensor signals, the system trains a neural network to directly map sensor readings to spatial coordinates, achieving higher precision by learning complex non-linear relationships that mathematical formulas cannot capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from direct mathematical computation to iterative learning-based parameter optimization. By training the neural network on large datasets of sensor readings and corresponding ground truth positions, the system optimizes its internal parameters to achieve superior measurement precision beyond what fixed mathematical formulas can provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical coupling is used between sensors and medical tool, then tracking is possible, but the physician's movement is physically limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidphysician mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling between sensors and the medical tool with a wireless magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of a magnetic element attached to the tool through magnetic field interactions, eliminating physical connections and allowing the physician to move freely while maintaining reliable tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If external magnetic field is applied in operation room, then magnetic tracking can be performed, but interference with other devices occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying an external magnetic field and measuring its distortion (which causes interference), the system inverts the approach by having the medical tool carry an active magnetic element that generates its own magnetic field. The sensors passively detect this self-generated field, eliminating the need for external field application and avoiding interference with other operating room devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The medical tool becomes self-sufficient by carrying its own magnetic element that generates the magnetic field used for tracking. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on external magnetic field generators, allowing the tool to be tracked autonomously without causing or requiring electromagnetic interference in the operating environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances tracking accuracy to within 0.5 mm precision, allowing for precise detection of medical tool positions without interfering with other devices and enabling operation of remote tools.

Implementation Method 1

an array of magnetic sensors, wherein the array is configured to detect a change in magnetic field generated by the movement of the magnetic element within the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12622753B2Method for tracking a medical tool during a medical procedure using deep learning

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 EPIDUTECH LTD

AI summary

Provided is a method for tracking a medical tool inside a subject's body during a medical procedure including receiving one or more signals from an array of magnetic sensors detecting a change in magnetic field generated by a magnetic element coupled to the medical tool, applying the received one or more signals to a deep learning algorithm, and determining, using the deep learning algorithm, the spatial location and/or orientation of the medical tool in relation to the array of sensors and/or within the body of the subject.