Model-Based Positioning System for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for tracking implantable devices within the body, particularly for cancer treatment, face limitations in accuracy and efficiency due to coarse adjustments and time-consuming verification processes, which reduce the number of patients that can be treated.
Innovation Solution
A model-based positioning system that uses a transmitter and receiver elements with a control unit to measure and compare signal amplitude and phase information, creating a model for each receiving element based on known positions within a phantom mimicking human tissue, allowing for accurate and fast position tracking and continuous performance verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coarse adjustment is used for performance verification, then the positioning system can be calibrated, but the accuracy of the positioning system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by measuring signal parameters at multiple known positions and storing them as reference data before actual positioning operations. This pre-established reference model enables accurate positioning without requiring repeated coarse adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment procedures with an automated signal processing system. Instead of manually adjusting receiver elements, the system uses electronic measurement of signal amplitude and phase at multiple positions, processes this data computationally to build a reference model, and automatically determines device position based on comparing current measurements with the stored model.
2Measurement precision
If performance verification is performed frequently, then the positioning accuracy can be maintained, but the process occupies radiotherapy equipment and reduces patient treatment capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive calibration measurements at multiple known positions in advance and stores this reference data. Once the reference model is established, actual positioning during patient treatment requires only comparing current signal measurements with the pre-stored model, which is computationally fast and does not occupy treatment equipment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the positioning device's signal characteristics at multiple known positions and stores this as a reference model. During operation, the system compares real-time measurements against this digital copy to determine position, eliminating the need for physical verification processes that would occupy treatment equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple receiving elements are used to determine position, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning task into separate measurements for each receiving element. Each element independently measures signal amplitude and phase, and the control unit processes these individual measurements separately to build the reference model and determine position, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple receiving elements perform the same universal function of measuring signal parameters. Each element is identical and performs the same measurement task, allowing the system to use simple, standardized components rather than complex specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving positioning accuracy through redundant measurements.
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 enables precise and rapid determination of the position and orientation of implantable devices, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and improving the efficiency of the positioning system, allowing for more effective treatment of patients.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter transmits an electromagnetic signal at a specified frequency which is received at a plurality of receiving elements in the receiver. The communication uses near field transmission, and magnetic coupling is used between the transmitter and receiving elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a model based positioning system that includes a positioning device having at least one transmitter configured to be in a tracking environment, e.g. inserted into a body, a receiver having a plurality of receiver elements arranged outside the tracking environment, a control unit configured to measure amplitude and/or phase information of a signal transmitted from the at least one transmitter and received at each receiving element, and a memory unit for storing a model for each receiving element. The control unit is also configured to estimate the position P of the positioning device by comparing the model for each receiving element with the measured received signal for each receiving element.