Magnetizing Tissue-Penetrating Medical Tools for Magnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for guiding and tracking tissue-penetrating tools, such as needles, face challenges with visibility and accuracy using x-ray and ultrasound imaging, particularly due to the limitations of needle visibility and interpretation, leading to potential risks and reliance on clinician skill and experience.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for magnetizing tissue-penetrating medical tools using a magnetic flux generator to create a magnetic field that saturates the tool, allowing for reliable and consistent magnetic tracking while preserving sterility and familiarity for clinicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If x-ray techniques are used for needle guidance, then continuous guidance is provided, but exposure to electromagnetic radiation risks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic radiation-based x-ray guidance with a magnetic field-based tracking system. A magnetometer detects the magnetic field generated by a magnetized needle, providing continuous guidance without ionizing radiation exposure. This substitution of physical principles eliminates the harmful radiation while maintaining reliable real-time needle position monitoring.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ultrasound imaging is used to guide needle procedures, then no electromagnetic radiation exposure occurs, but needle visibility in the image is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ultrasound imaging with magnetic field detection. The magnetometer attached to the ultrasound probe simultaneously detects the magnetic field from the magnetized needle and provides ultrasound images. This combination overcomes the poor visibility of needles in ultrasound by adding a separate magnetic detection modality that precisely tracks needle position regardless of orientation or depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the needle and the detection system. Instead of relying on ultrasound reflection from the needle (which is poor), a magnetic field is generated by the magnetized needle and detected by the magnetometer, providing accurate position information independent of the needle's orientation or the ultrasound imaging plane.
3Measurement precision
If echogenic needles are used to improve needle visibility in ultrasound, then needle visibility improves when well-aligned, but accuracy remains limited for angles greater than 45 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on ultrasound echogenicity (which is angle-dependent) with magnetic field detection. The magnetometer detects the magnetic field vector from the magnetized needle, providing accurate position and orientation information regardless of the needle's angle relative to the ultrasound probe. This eliminates the 45-degree angular limitation of echogenic needles.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic tracking is used with a magnetometer attached to the ultrasound probe, then continuous accurate tracking is achieved, but the tool requires magnetization which may affect sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary magnetization to the needle before the sterile procedure. The needle is magnetized in advance using a magnetizing device, allowing the magnetic tracking system to function without compromising sterility during the actual medical procedure. This preliminary action separates the magnetization step from the sterile field, ensuring both accurate tracking and sterility preservation.
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
The magnetic saturation of tissue-penetrating tools enhances tracking accuracy and safety by providing continuous guidance without altering the tool's physical characteristics or requiring new equipment, improving procedural precision and reducing risks associated with anatomical variations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetically-saturate the part of the tissue-penetrating medical tool which is in said tool-receiving space
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic flux in the magnetization region being oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue-penetrating medical tool
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetizer for a tissue-penetrating medical tool such as a needle, cannula, stylet, or catheter consist of a magnetic flux generator which generates a magnetic field in a tool-receiving space. The tool can be passed through or into and out of the space to magnetize it. Optionally the space can be defined by a disposable plastics tube, with a closed end, so that a defined length of the tool is magnetized. The magnetic flux generator can be a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Alternatively a conveyor belt can be used to transport a tissue-penetrating medical tool through a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet with the belt and the electromagnetic being controlled in response to an optical sensor for detecting the position of the tissue-penetrating medical tool. The device is suitable for magnetizing tools for use in surgical procedures where the tool is to be magnetically tracked.