3D User Interface for Remote Medical Device Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physicians face difficulties in visualizing and selecting the desired orientation for the distal end of medical devices within a patient's body, particularly due to the inability to directly observe the procedure site and effectively communicate this orientation to the navigation system.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system that includes a processor, display, and input device, allowing physicians to visualize the current and desired orientations of medical devices in 3D, with various navigation panes and tools for selecting and communicating the desired orientation to the navigation system, enabling precise control of medical devices using magnetic or other navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic navigation systems are used to remotely orient the distal end of a medical device, then the ability to control the medical device orientation is improved, but the difficulty in visualizing the procedure site and selecting the desired direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual 3D representation of the procedure site as an intermediary between the physician and the actual anatomical structure. This virtual model allows the physician to visualize and interact with the procedure site remotely, eliminating the need to be physically present at the procedure site while maintaining full visualization capabilities. The virtual representation serves as a mediator that bridges the remote control function with the visualization requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or replica of the procedure site within a 3D display environment. This digital twin of the anatomical structure allows the physician to manipulate and examine the procedure site from multiple angles and perspectives without physical access. The copy maintains all necessary spatial and orientational information while being accessible through the user interface from a remote location.
2Measurement precision
If the physician is positioned away from the procedure site for remote control, then the control precision is improved, but the ability to intuitively select and communicate the desired direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D fluoroscopic images to a 3D virtual representation of the procedure site. This dimensional change allows the physician to intuitively grasp spatial relationships and select directions in three-dimensional space, making the selection process more natural and intuitive. The 3D environment preserves the spatial reasoning capabilities needed for intuitive direction selection while enabling remote positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by displaying the current orientation of the medical device and the desired orientation in the 3D virtual environment. This visual feedback loop allows the physician to adjust the desired direction based on the actual device position and orientation, creating an intuitive iterative selection process. The feedback mechanism bridges the gap between remote positioning and intuitive direction communication.
3Loss of information
If a 3D display interface is implemented, then the visualization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interface into distinct functional components: a 3D display pane for visualization, a navigation pane for directional control, and a control mechanism for orientation adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable despite the added complexity. The modular structure separates the visualization burden from the control logic.
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
Facilitates accurate and intuitive selection and orientation of medical devices within the body, enhancing the precision and efficiency of medical procedures by providing a comprehensive visualization and control interface.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic navigation system that applies a magnetic field in a selected direction to an operating region in a subject to magnetically orient a medical device in the operating region
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for remotely controlling a medical device in a patient's body provides a two dimensional display of a three dimensional rendering of the operating region, and allows the user to select the orientation or location of the distal end of the medical device on the display and then operate a navigation system to cause the distal end of the medical device to approximately assume the selected orientation or location.