Multiple Coil System for Medical Device Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device tracking systems lack effective methods for accurately positioning and locating medical devices within the body during and after insertion, particularly for devices like catheters, which can lead to malpositioning and complications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple radiating elements, such as electromagnetic coils, that can be detected by a sensor unit to determine the relative positions of medical devices and landmarks, enabling clinicians to visualize and accurately place medical devices in three-dimensional space within the patient's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single radiating element is used for tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of medical device position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into multiple independent radiating elements (at least two) that can be detected separately by the sensor unit. Each radiating element contributes independent positional information, allowing the system to achieve three-dimensional position tracking and orientation determination through combined data from multiple elements, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex tracking device
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing multiple radiating elements, the system transitions from tracking a single point in three-dimensional space to tracking multiple points simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the calculation of device orientation, angular position, and spatial relationships between different components of the medical device, significantly enhancing positional accuracy and providing comprehensive spatial awareness
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiating elements are used for tracking, then the measurement precision of medical device position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each radiating element is designed as a universal component that can function independently and be detected by the same sensor unit. The elements share common detection infrastructure and processing algorithms, allowing the system to handle multiple radiating elements without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The same sensor unit and processing framework accommodate any number of radiating elements, providing multi-functionality
3Ease of operation
If radiating elements are placed on patient skin as landmarks, then the ease of operation for positioning is improved, but the reliability of landmark positioning deteriorates due to potential movement or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Landmark radiating elements are placed on the patient's skin at predetermined anatomical locations before the medical device insertion procedure begins. These landmarks serve as reference points for establishing the coordinate system and determining device orientation. By establishing landmarks in advance, the system provides a stable reference framework that guides subsequent device positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit continuously detects the positions of both landmark radiating elements and device-associated radiating elements, providing real-time feedback to the operator. This feedback mechanism allows for verification of landmark stability and enables dynamic adjustment of positioning strategies. The system monitors the relative positions of all radiating elements and provides visual or numerical feedback to confirm accurate device placement relative to the landmarks
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 system allows for precise tracking and positioning of medical devices, reducing the risk of malpositioning and facilitating accurate placement, even after initial insertion, by providing real-time feedback and mapping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A first radiating element included with the medical device is capable of producing a first electromagnetic field. A second radiating element capable of producing a second electromagnetic field is also disclosed and is positioned with respect to the body of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking the position of one or more medical devices for insertion into the body of a patient is disclosed. The system may also be used to locate one or medical devices at a later time after placement thereof. The present system employs multiple radiating elements that can be simultaneously detected by a sensor unit of the system, wherein at least one of the radiating elements is included with the medical device. Another of the radiating elements may be placed at a predetermined point on the skin of the patient to serve as a landmark to help determine the location of the medical device with respect to the landmark. Detection of the radiating elements by the sensor unit enables the relative positions of the radiating elements to be ascertained and depicted on a display, to assist a clinician in accurately positioning the medical device, such as a catheter.