Medical Device Navigation System Path Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for medical devices in body lumens, such as blood vessels, lack efficient control methods for quick and intuitive steering along desired paths, particularly in magnetic navigation technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for remote navigation systems that involve identifying a path through the vasculature, determining the current location and direction of the medical device, and orienting the distal end to align with the path, allowing for automated advancement along the path, using image processing and localization systems to facilitate navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic navigation systems are used to orient the distal end of a medical device, then the device can be remotely controlled in body lumens, but the control process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the device location and calculates the desired orientation based on the identified path, eliminating the need for manual control calculations. The navigation system self-adjusts by continuously monitoring device position and autonomously computing the magnetic field orientation needed to align the device with the path, thereby simplifying operator interaction while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the current location of the distal end and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the magnetic field orientation. This closed-loop control ensures the device remains aligned with the desired path despite movements or anatomical variations, improving ease of operation while the automated feedback processing manages the computational complexity.
2Productivity
If manual control methods are used to navigate the medical device, then the system remains simple, but navigation along desired paths becomes slow and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The desired path is identified in advance through image processing and localization systems before device navigation begins. By pre-planning the navigation route and calculating the sequence of orientations needed, the system enables rapid automated device movement along the predetermined path, significantly increasing navigation speed while the automated path execution manages the complexity of real-time control.
3Measurement precision
If the distal end orientation is frequently adjusted to follow a complex path, then the device can navigate accurately, but the navigation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors device position and continuously adjusts magnetic field orientation without interruption or manual intervention. This uninterrupted automated control maintains precise device alignment with the desired path throughout the navigation process, achieving high orientation accuracy while reducing total navigation time by eliminating manual adjustment delays and maintaining constant forward progress.
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
Enables intuitive and quick navigation of medical devices along planned paths through body lumens with high system automation, improving control and navigation efficiency in complex vascular structures.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic navigation, in which external magnets apply a magnetic field of a selected direction to an operating region in a subject to orient the distal end of a magnetically responsive medical device in the operating region
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a navigation system that can orient the distal end of a medical device in a selected direction to navigate the medical device through a network of body lumens in an operating region in a subject that includes identifying a path through the network of body lumens in the operating region; displaying a two-dimensional image of the operating region including the path through the body lumens; determining at least one location on the path; and operating the navigation system to orient the distal end of the medical device in a direction substantially aligned with the path at the at least one location and advancing the distal end of the medical device.