Magnetic Instrument Tracking for Real-Time Head and Neck IGS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgery for head and neck procedures relies on preoperative data, which can become inaccurate due to brain movements or stereotactic positioning system manipulation, leading to unsatisfactory results and side effects.
Innovation Solution
A position tracking apparatus using a magnetic field generates an alternating magnetic field around the patient, detecting induced currents to register surgical instrument positions and output surgical area structures visibly, integrating with a display for precise guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preoperative data is used for surgery guidance, then surgical planning can be performed in advance, but the position data becomes inaccurate due to brain movements or positioning system manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based tracking system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The field generator creates an AC magnetic field, and the EM tracker detects induced currents in the surgical instruments, providing real-time position data without mechanical contact or line-of-sight requirements, thus maintaining accuracy despite patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static preoperative data to dynamic real-time tracking. The magnetic field continuously updates the position of surgical instruments and patient anatomy throughout the procedure, allowing the system to adapt to movements and maintain accurate guidance throughout the surgery.
2Ease of operation
If a camera-based tracking system is used, then surgical instrument positions can be visualized, but the system becomes complex and requires precise mechanical positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical positioning systems and camera setups by using a magnetic field-based detection method. The field generator and EM tracker provide straightforward electromagnetic coupling between the tracker and surgical instruments, simplifying the system architecture and reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field-based tracking is implemented, then real-time position detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic field as an intermediary between the tracker and surgical instruments. The field generator creates an AC magnetic field that penetrates tissue, and the EM tracker detects induced currents in the instruments, providing accurate position information without requiring direct physical contact or complex mechanical linkages.
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
Accurately maps surgical instrument positions within the affected area, enhancing surgical precision and reducing postoperative complications by providing real-time, visually clear guidance.
Implementation Method 1
a field generator 120 that is connected to the main body part 110 and generates externally an alternating (AC) magnetic field around an affected area through an internal coil
Implementation Method 2
an EM pointer 140 that has one side inserted into the patient's head and neck in IGS while the other side is connected to the main body part 110 and generates an induced current in response to the AC magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic (EM) patient tracker 130 that has one side worn on a patient's head and neck in IGS while the other side is connected to the main body part 110 and detects the AC magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a position tracking apparatus for head and neck image guided surgery (IGS) using a magnetic field. The position tracking apparatus generates an alternating (AC) magnetic field around a patient while a doctor is performing surgery and then receives a detection result signal based on an induced current generated in response to the AC magnetic field to register a position of a surgical instrument in an affected area and output a structure and direction of a surgical area in a form that can be seen with the naked eye by a medical practitioner.