Movable Electromagnetic Field Generator for Surgical Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic tracking systems for minimally invasive surgery face challenges such as complex setup requirements, limited patient access, sterility issues, and incompatibility with X-ray imaging techniques, which hinder their intraoperative use and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic tracking system with a patient support element and a movable electromagnetic field generator integrated into the table, allowing the field generator to be positioned beneath the patient, providing a larger field of view and improved sterility, and featuring a central opening for X-ray compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the electromagnetic field generator is placed on a mechanical arm over the operating table, then the tracking system can provide geometric accuracy, but the setup becomes complex and patient access is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic field generator is merged with the patient support table structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical arms and support structures. This integration simplifies the overall system setup while maintaining the generator's positioning capabilities relative to the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patient support table serves multiple functions: it supports the patient during surgery and simultaneously houses the electromagnetic field generator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the tracking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the electromagnetic field generator is placed on a mechanical arm over the operating table, then tracking can be provided, but sterility issues arise and patient access is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidpatient access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The generator is repositioned from an overhead location to an integrated position within the table structure, changing the spatial dimension of placement. This allows the patient to be accessed from above while the generator remains integrated in the table, maintaining sterility barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the electromagnetic field generator includes metallic coils, then electromagnetic tracking is enabled, but X-ray imaging compatibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidX-ray imaging compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The metallic coils are extracted from the traditional electromagnetic field generator design and replaced with non-metallic coil materials. This extraction of the problematic metallic component allows the system to maintain electromagnetic tracking functionality while becoming compatible with X-ray imaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the electromagnetic field generator is positioned outside the X-ray field of view, then X-ray imaging is compatible, but the tracking field of view is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray compatibilityVSAvoidfield of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the generator outside the X-ray field to achieve compatibility, the system inverts the approach by using non-metallic coils that allow the generator to be positioned within the X-ray field of view. This enables both X-ray compatibility and an expanded tracking field of view simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration simplifies the setup, enhances patient access, improves tracking accuracy, and allows for intraoperative use during X-ray imaging procedures while maintaining sterility, offering better compatibility with various imaging techniques.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic field generator selectively moveable along at least one of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the patient support table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11596367B2Electromagnetic tracking system and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

An electromagnetic tracking system including a patient support element and an electromagnetic field generator. The patient support element is superposed relative to the electromagnetic field generator, and the electromagnetic field generator is selectively moveable relative to the patient support element.